Albany Area Chamber of Commerce leads largest delegation to Georgia State Capitol for Albany-Dougherty Day

The two-day program on February 10-11, provided participants with direct access to state leadership and key decision-makers, offering opportunities to advocate for policies that impact business competitiveness, workforce development, healthcare access, infrastructure investment, and economic growth in the Albany Area and Southwest Georgia.

“Albany-Dougherty Day is about ensuring our community has a seat at the table on the issues that matter most to us,” said Adam Hutchins, Chair of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “When our business and community leaders show up together at the Capitol, we make sure Albany’s priorities are heard and understood.”

A key focus of this year’s Albany-Dougherty Day was advancing the Chamber’s funding priorities that support long-term regional growth, workforce strength, and community competitiveness. Among the Chamber’s top priorities is continued support for a regional Veterans Career Employment Transition Resource (VECTR) Center at Albany Technical College, designed to help veterans and their families successfully transition into Georgia’s colleges, universities, and workforce. The delegation also advocated for $3 million in state funding to modernize Albany Tech’s welding lab—an essential investment in one of the region’s most in-demand skilled trades pipelines.

Health care infrastructure was another major area of emphasis, including a request for $32 million in one-time funding for Phoebe Putney Health System and Morehouse School of Medicine to create the largest graduate medical education program for rural Georgia. Leaders also highlighted support for the Veterans Affairs proposed 136-bed assisted living facility, a $100 million project expected to bring 200 jobs to Dougherty County while strengthening care options for Georgia’s veteran population.

“Albany-Dougherty Day gives our business community the opportunity to speak with one voice about the policies and investments that will shape Southwest Georgia’s future,” said Bridges Sinyard, Chair of the Chamber’s Legislative Committee. “By securing targeted funding for workforce, healthcare, and infrastructure, this delegation is focused on building the foundation for sustainable growth in the Albany Area.”

The Chamber’s delegation also reinforced the importance of investing in community assets that fuel regional vibrancy and tourism, including $5 million toward the Albany Museum of Art’s expansion and relocation and $250,000 for the design phase of the Flint RiverQuarium and Riverfront Park master plan. These projects reflect a broader commitment to ensuring Albany remains a hub community where infrastructure, culture, and economic development work hand-in-hand.

Additionally, infrastructure and transportation priorities, including freight mobility, logistics competitiveness, and local road improvements, were also central to discussions with state leaders.

“Our legislative priorities reflect what it takes for Albany to thrive — a strong business climate, a prepared workforce, and strategic state investment in initiatives like VECTR and healthcare training that will drive our region forward,” said Matt Reed, President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “Supporting our military community, strengthening healthcare access, and investing in workforce development are not isolated efforts — they are essential components of long-term regional prosperity.”

Members of the Albany Area State Legislative Delegation — State Sen. Freddie Powell Sims and State Reps. Gerald Greene, Bill Yearta, and Mike Cheokas — participated throughout the program.

In addition to formal meetings, Albany-Dougherty Day included a legislative reception at the Nathan Deal Judicial Center, where local leaders networked with state decision-makers including Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes; Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper; Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr; and members and committee chairs of the Georgia General Assembly.

Albany-Dougherty Day is a cornerstone of the Chamber’s comprehensive government affairs portfolio and will be followed by the Chamber’s Washington, D.C., Fly-In in May. During that trip, local leaders will meet with federal legislators and U.S. Marine Corps officials to advocate for national policies impacting the Albany Area economy, workforce, and business environment.

The Albany Area Chamber’s 2026 government affairs efforts are supported by AB&T, Adams Exterminators, Albany Air Conditioning & Heating, Albany Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, Albany Museum of Art, Albany Area Primary Healthcare, Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Albany Westover Community Improvement District, Artesian Alliance, AT&T, City Of Albany, Colony Bank, Dougherty County School System, Dougherty County Government, Georgia CEO, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power, Horizons Community Solutions, Invision Technologies, LRA Constructors, Medical College of Georgia, Mclendon Acres, Molson Coors, Procter & Gamble, Phoebe Putney Health System, Southern Ag Carriers, Turner Job Corps, and Webstaurant Store. Representatives from these organizations participated in the two-day event.