Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Chamber Economic Development Council Chairman Richard Hagler (Barron & Bros.) joined other State hosts and nearly 40 corporate decision makers from around the world as part of the 44th Annual Red Carpet Tour in April. The Red Carpet Tour is sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism. Richard got a feel for the event that will visit Northeast Georgia and Gainesville-Hall County in April 2004.
The group gathered in Atlanta to participate in the event which took guests to several Georgia regions to learn about the state’s economic vitality. The 2003 Tour visited metro Atlanta, southwest Georgia and metro Augusta for the The Masters®.
Georgia Chamber President & CEO George Israel praised the event noting that the Tour is made by the people as much as anything else. “No matter what region we go to on the Red Carpet Tour, our guests find out that Georgia is home to some amazing people,” Israel said. “And when the Tour is over, we have made some new friends.”
The Tour is a soft-sell event. And, while guests are told about the advantages of doing business in Georgia, hosts let the state and its people do the talking. The Red Carpet Tour is one of the most successful economic development initiatives in the country.
Since 1988, Red Carpet Tour guests have announced more than $3 billion in new or expanded business investments in the state while creating more than 24,500 jobs statewide.
“Hall County has been successful in attracting new industry from the Red Carpet Tour,” said Hagler. “Several industries located here as a direct result of the Tour, including ATEX, StitchTech, Mugele of America and Elan Pharmaceutical.”
The 2004 Tour will begin in Atlanta, travel to Northeast Georgia and Gainesville-Hall County and conclude, as always, with The Masters® at the Augusta National Golf Club.
Richard Hagler will chair the committee planning the activities of the tour in our area. We’ll need the entire community’s support and assistance. Contact William Bagwell at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce if you are interested in participating, 770-532-6206.