The Greater Vidalia® Chamber welcomed community leaders, elected officials, business professionals, and stakeholders to the State of Rural Development event held Thursday, June 11th, at the Vidalia Community Center. The program featured members of the Georgia House Rural Development Committee, led by Chairwoman Leesa Hagan, who provided valuable insights into the opportunities, challenges, and legislative priorities impacting rural communities across Georgia.
Attendees heard updates on key issues affecting rural economic development, workforce growth, healthcare access, education, and community sustainability. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration between state leaders and local communities to ensure continued growth and prosperity throughout rural Georgia.
“We were honored to host Chairwoman Hagan and the Rural Development Committee,” said Mike Hagan, Chair of the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Council. “Their commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of rural communities is critical to the success of our region and the state as a whole.”
The event provided an opportunity for local leaders and residents to engage directly with committee members, share perspectives, and discuss strategies for strengthening rural economies and improving quality of life for Georgia’s rural citizens around the state. The Greater Vidalia® Chamber remains committed to fostering meaningful conversations that support economic development, advocacy, and regional collaboration throughout the area. The State of Community series remains a valuable event series for our community and is made possible through the Chamber’s REACH program.






