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GOV. SONNY PERDUE ADDRESSES GEORGIA EMC (NOVEMBER 13, 2003--TUCKER)—Georgia’s economic growth strategy should contain three vital components—retaining and growing existing industry, building on Georgia’s strengths and focusing on the future, according to Gov. Sonny Perdue. The remarks were made on Monday before approximately 350 attendees at the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC) Annual Meeting at the Gwinnett Marriott hotel in Duluth, Ga. The governor spoke at length on Georgia’s attributes
and the need to build on strengths such as the state’s geography, location and
ports. He noted the importance of rural economic development and its contributions
to Georgia’s economic growth. “Today, our best selling point is not being ‘cheaper’
than the competition,” Perdue said. “It’s being ‘better’.” According to the governor, the ability to offer land,
labor and energy at a reasonable cost is key to compete in an increasingly
global marketplace. He noted that an adequate infrastructure, plentiful jobs
and a pleasant quality of life will help Georgia attain the “better” designation. During his speech, Perdue discussed the important role
Georgia’s 42 EMCs play in building Georgia’s economy. “Thanks for what you do,” Perdue said. “Besides
delivering energy, leaders at EMCs participate in the same mission to shape our
quality of life in Georgia.” He praised electric cooperatives for building transmission
capacity to meet current and future growth. “I appreciate GEMC’s willingness to work in good faith
to create the right balance between serving our growing state and preserving
private property rights,” he said. Gov. Perdue has served Georgia as a state senator,
majority leader and president pro tempore of the Georgia State Senate, as well
as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Born in Perry, Ga., Gov. Perdue attended Warner Robins
High School and earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the
University of Georgia. Prior to his election as governor, he served 11 years
representing the people of Houston, Bibb, Bleckley and Pulaski counties in the
General Assembly. GEMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 42 EMCs, including Sawnee EMC, Oglethorpe Power Corporation and Georgia Transmission Corporation. Through this statewide network, the 42 EMCs provide electricity and related services to 3.7 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. Georgia’s 42 electric membership cooperatives now serve more customers than any other state network of EMCs in the nation. |
