ATLANTA (July 24, 2009) –Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) this week received the Georgia Forestry Association’s 2009 Legislative Achievement Award during the group’s annual convention in Savannah.
“I am honored to receive recognition of such high distinction from the Georgia Forestry Association. They play an integral part in the health and welfare of our state’s forests and in keeping Georgia beautiful,” said Sen. Pearson. “Georgia citizens are the greatest stakeholder in our forests, and I look forward to a continuing partnership with the Association to ensure the vitality of Georgia’s forests for our citizens.”
In presenting the award, Association Executive Vice President Steve McWilliams praised Pearson’s commitment to smaller and more efficient government, reasonable environmental regulation, and especially his commitment to protecting private property rights, a principal focus of the organization.
When accepting the award, Sen. Pearson noted, “The right to own property and to manage it without unreasonable interference from the government is paramount to this nation’s founding on the principle of individual liberty and it is fundamental to a vibrant economy.”
“Chip is an ‘upfront leader’ when it comes to issues that will protect and sustain Georgia’s forests,” noted McWilliams. “He understands how our state’s economy and its environment both benefit from Georgia’s abundant timberlands.”
The Georgia Forestry Association, headquartered in Forsyth, was founded in 1907 and is the chief advocate for Georgia’s forests and the people and communities throughout the state that depend on them.
Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9921 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028