DawsonTimes.com

CUMMING GA – At the invitation of 2009 Chamber Board of Directors Chair Jerry Bowman, Gena L. Evans, Ph.D., the first female Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, will be the keynote speaker at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s 54th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. The annual event, to be held this year on Monday, February 23, is a gathering that celebrates not only the accomplishments of the Chamber but also of businesses within the community.

Next to water, transportation is one of the most critical infrastructure issues facing the expansion of North Georgia’s economy. As Forsyth County’s leading organization dedicated to the expansion of existing industry and the recruitment of new business, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be able to present the head of our State’s transportation agency to hear the agency’s plans for 2009 and beyond at our 54th Annual Meeting.

“Dr. Evans was a natural choice to be our keynote speaker this year. Our focus on transportation as an infrastructure issue facing the future economic growth of Forsyth County and her leadership in taking GDOT to the next level dovetails perfectly,” explained Bowman. “It is a great opportunity to be in business in Forsyth County right now. We are excited to be able to offer our business leaders the opportunity to be inspired by the plans Dr. Evans has for the growth of our State through better transportation.”

Dr. Evans will speak to an estimated audience of more than 500 people, including Chamber members, elected officials and people from the community at large.

The Chamber’s Annual Awards, including the community’s most prestigious honor, the Charles F. Welch Citizenship Award, will also be presented at the meeting. Other awards to be presented are: Entrepreneur of the Year, Corporate Member of the Year, Minority Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the Chair’s Award.

The event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased by contacting the Chamber at 770.887.6461 or cfccoc@cummingforsythchamber.org.