ATLANTA (Jan. 27, 2010) – The Senate and House Economic Development committees gathered at the State Capitol for their first joint meeting of the session to hear from several economic experts on how to grow jobs in Georgia. Co-chaired by state Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) and Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), the committees were joined by the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation, a new standing House committee devoted to examining proposals to promote small business and job creation.