Sen. Golden to sponsor ‘Made in Georgia’ legislation
Campaign to promote locally manufactured products to Georgians

ATLANTA, January 7, 2008 – State Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) plans to introduce legislation that would create a “Made in Georgia” campaign, designed to promote the sale of products manufactured in Georgia.

“This initiative will increase awareness of the significant role of manufacturing in our state,” Golden said. “It is also intended to raise the profile of Georgia’s manufacturing impact on people, plants and products.”

Under the legislation, a “Made in Georgia” campaign logo would be created for use as a stamp of certification on products that are actually home-grown and manufactured in Georgia and by Georgians. Retailers would also be encouraged to use the logo in their marketing of “Made in Georgia” products.

“Our state’s economic future is tied directly to the success of our manufacturing industry,” Golden said. “We must do all we can to help boost the companies that are providing jobs and putting food on the tables of so many Georgia families. The ‘Made in Georgia’ campaign will serve as a reminder that we all benefit from the success of these local businesses.”

Golden’s legislation, which he plans to introduce when the 2008 General Assembly session gets under way Jan. 14, would authorize the state Department of Economic Affairs to create the “Made in Georgia” program. He said similar initiatives have been successful in several other states, including Alaska, Montana and South Carolina.

The “Made in Georgia” legislation is a continuation of Golden’s longstanding efforts on behalf of Georgia employers and employees. During the 2007 legislative session, Golden sponsored legislation to clarify and improve Georgia's “Drug-free Workplace” laws. He is also leading the effort to repeal Georgia’s harmful “energy tax” on manufacturers and authored the original legislation creating sales tax holidays for Georgia consumers and retailers. Last year, Golden was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and received the Industry Champion Award from the Georgia Industry Association.

Golden, serving his fifth term in the Senate, represents Georgia’s 8th District, including Brooks and Lowndes counties and parts of Cook and Thomas counties. He is secretary of the Senate Appropriations Committee and also serves on the Finance, Insurance & Labor, Higher Education, and Government Oversight committees. He is chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

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