G E O R G I A G R E E N I N D U S T RY A S S O C I AT I O N
I PHOTO ABOVE Georgia State Capitol Building
n a year as rife with political and legislative activity as 2020, it’s difficult to know how and where to begin to present the association’s legislative update. From the COVID-19 pandemic to water issues, new labor regulations, and transportation updates, to the election of new agricultural legislative leaders, many changes, many improvements, and many new opportunities on the political front await the green industry in 2021. COVID-19 RESPONSE: SAVING THE INDUSTRY At the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, there was (and still is) much talk in D.C. of closing nonessential businesses. Such closures threatened to permanently shutter numerous businesses across the country, from mom-and-pop small businesses to large corporations, and our state’s green industry businesses were no exception. Fortunately, early into this process, GGIA stepped in on behalf of the green industry as a whole and worked diligently with Commissioner Black and other officials at the state and local levels to ensure that all industry businesses receive an “essential” designation, thereby exempting them from the initial shutdowns as well as potential future shutdowns which allow essential businesses to remain open.
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