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Highlights From Our Fall Leadership Conference

2025 FLC Photo Collage

At a time when local, federal and global dynamics are converging — with yet-to-be-seen impacts on Georgia’s manufacturing industry — a record number of GAM members turned up for our 2025 Fall Leadership Conference for clarity and conversation. 

 

Two days of business sessions focused on timely topics crucial to manufacturers’ operational stability — most notably energy reliability and costs; trade uncertainty; geopolitical supply chain risks; and workforce challenges. Attendees heard fresh perspectives — including specially curated data — from academic researchers and economists, state policymakers, and executive panelists from a diversity of Georgia companies.  

 

Make no mistake — we also made plenty of time for fun, fellowship and Facebook photos. There was GAM’s 125 Birthday Bash, featuring live entertainment from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins. An afternoon at Atlanta National Golf Club’s state-of-the-art Simulator Lounge (due to the golf tournament rainout). And impromptu lunches and dinners where industry friends caught up and talked shop.

 

Special thanks to the following guest presenters: 

 

“Geopolitics and Georgia: Trade, Interdependence and Risk” 

  • Dr. Ryan Powers, Gary K. Bertsch Director, Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security, School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia 

(Members Only) Read the highlights

“On the Economic, Business & Political Climate” 

  • Dr. Roger Tutterow, Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University

(Members Only) Download the slides

Panel on “The Future of Energy in Georgia”

  • Michael Chanin, Cherry Street Energy 
  • Kevin Greiner, Gas South  
  • Aaron Mitchell, Georgia Power Company 
  • Jason Shaw, Chairman, Georgia Public Service Commission

(Members Only) Read highlights from the panel

Panel on “Surfacing a New Workforce in the Manufacturing Moment”  

  • Carl Campbell, Dalton Chamber of Commerce 
  • Amber Gaddis, Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce 
  • Tammy Gomez, Toyo Tires 
  • Esther VanGundy, Curbs Plus 

(Members Only) Read highlights from the panel

State and Federal policy updates by: 

  • Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte 
  • House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration 
  • Georgia Commissioner of Labor Bárbara Rivera Holmes 
  • Charles Crain, Managing Vice President-Policy​, National Association of Manufacturers

Update on the Hyundai Metaplant 

  • Brent Stubbs, Chief Administrative Officer, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America​

Executive Roundtable: Perspectives on Leadership  

  • George Boyd, Jr., Goldens’ Foundry & Machine Company  
  • Jim Kelleher, Mitsubishi Power Americas
  • Jodi Keller, United Scrap Metal  
  • Kimberly Withka, SPG International

 

(Members Only) Click here for key highlights and presentations

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