"We were forced to diversify and this, in the long run, will not have been a bad thing," he explained recently in a conversation at the state capitol.

"We are interested in healthy, steady growth, not just a flash-in-the-pan. We don't want to ever be too dependent on one particular employer again."

When the textile industry began to falter in the area, more than 6,000 jobs were lost, an economic shock to the system from which the community happily has been able to recuperate over the past decade. Porter attributes this recovery to a dedicated sense of purpose on the part of many civic leaders, the established industries themselves, Heart of Georgia Technical College, and programs like Quick Start that have been able to harness the energy of the area's workforce.

The state also needed to "step up to the plate" and it did, in Porter's opinion. He cites Gov. Barnes' decision to locate the One Georgia Authority in Laurens County.

"Our people are willing and able to work and learn new skills. If they could run a sewing machine for the textile industry, they can learn how to operate a keyboard or any other piece of equipment necessary to do the job-even high-tech jobs. Retraining has been absolutely essential to this turnaround, and Quick Start is a model program. It's the state's best tool for economic development."

When Best Buy made its decision to come to Dublin, Porter was thrilled: "We think it's the best decision Best Buy ever made!"

"It's the beginning of a long relationship because Best Buy has confidence that, together, we can handle any of the challenges that arise."

Porter is in his ninth term and serves on the Appropriations and Education Committees. He also is chairman of the Higher Education Committee. In addition to experience in his own law practice, Porter serves as editor of the Dublin Courier-Herald. A champion of the state of Georgia, Porter also has worked in the areas of historic preservation and land conservation.