Above: Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce accepts 2026 Rural Community of the Year Award.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 State of Rural Prosperity on Wednesday at the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus Conference Center, bringing together business and community leaders, economic developers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges facing rural Georgia. Hosted by the Georgia Chamber Foundation, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration, strategic investment, and responsible economic development in building stronger and more prosperous rural communities.

Featured speakers included Misti Martin, Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Will Bentley, President, Georgia Agribusiness Council; Amy Jacobs, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL); and Chris Clark, President and CEO, Georgia Chamber. A full list of speakers, panelists, and moderators can be found below.

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

“There is so much to be excited about in rural Georgia, and yesterday was a wonderful reminder that our greatest strength continues to be our people. We brought together leaders from across the state to talk about important issues, share ideas, and make connections, but we also had the opportunity to simply celebrate rural Georgia and the people who make these communities so special. The energy in the room was incredible, and recognizing our 2026 Rural Award recipients made the day even more meaningful. We are proud of what is happening across rural Georgia and incredibly excited about what comes next.”

During the event, the Georgia Chamber announced the recipients of its 2026 Rural Awards, recognizing communities, individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across rural Georgia. Moultrie-Colquitt County was named Rural Community of the Year. Golden Triangle RC&D Council, Upson Regional Medical Center, and MANA Nutrition were announced as the winners of the 2026 Rural Champion Awards.

Caitlyn Hatcher, President and CEO, Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce, and 2026 Rural Community of the Year, said:

“Being named the Georgia Chamber’s 2026 Rural Community of the Year is an incredible honor for Moultrie-Colquitt County. This recognition belongs to the people, businesses, and community partners who show up every day, work together, and turn local challenges into opportunities. For us, this work is personal. These are our neighbors, our families, and the businesses that make our community home. This honor affirms that our collaboration is making a meaningful difference and inspires us to keep building a stronger, more prosperous future for the community we love.”

The State of Rural Prosperity is part of the Georgia Chamber’s ongoing work to support rural communities and advance economic opportunity throughout the state. Through the Center for Rural Prosperity, the Georgia Chamber Foundation works with local chambers, economic development organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to identify and advance strategies that strengthen rural Georgia.

Photo previews can be found here. Recordings of the 2026 State of Rural Prosperity will be available shortly on the Georgia Chamber’s YouTube channel.

For more information about the Georgia Chamber’s rural initiatives, visit gachamber.com.