From left to right: Hannah Mullins, President & CEO, Candler County Industrial Authority; Tiffany Holmes, Deputy Director, Georgia Chamber Foundation; Brianna Dillon, Executive Director, Metter-Candler County Chamber of Commerce; and Heidi Jeffers, Director of Economic Development, City of Metter.

In recognition of the community’s commitment to quality growth and economic development, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce named Metter-Candler County as the inaugural Rural Community of the Year Award winner. The announcement was made in Metter at the November 21 State of the Community breakfast. Metter-Candler County was selected for the award by a statewide panel that reviewed applications from numerous communities in every corner of Georgia. The winners of the Rural Champion Awards will be announced shortly.

The Georgia Chamber Rural Awards are sponsored by Georgia Power

Brianna Dillon, Executive Director of the Metter-Candler Chamber of Commerce said:  

“We are deeply honored to be named Rural Community of the Year by the Georgia Chamber. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire community—businesses, educators, civic leaders, and residents—who come together to make Metter and Candler County a thriving and welcoming place. We’re grateful for everyone who plays a part in our success and inspires us to keep building a brighter future together.”

Tiffany Holmes, Deputy Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation said:  

“Everything is better in Metter, and as a result the Georgia Chamber is delighted to announce Metter-Candler County as the inaugural Rural Community of the Year. Companies want to operate in communities where people want to work, live, play, and pray—that is Metter-Candler County. The community’s success starts with the strong partnerships between the Metter-Candler Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations, which is a model for Georgia’s rural communities. The Georgia Chamber looks forward to more successful collaboration with Metter-Candler County and all our communities as we ensure Georgia’s long-term economic prosperity.” 

Walt Farrell, Vice President, Economic Development at Georgia Power and Chair of the Georgia Chamber Rural Prosperity Council said:  

“Metter-Candler County is an example of what is possible with strategic, forward-thinking planning from all local leaders. Congratulations to Metter-Candler County on winning the inaugural Rural Community of the Year Award! Georgia Power is honored to support the Georgia Chamber’s work to sustain Georgia’s robust economic development while honoring the exceptional winners of the inaugural Rural Awards.”