The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of its 2025 Rural Champion awards, naming Locate South Georgia, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Madison, and Gina Webb, Director of OneGeorgia Authority, as this year’s honorees. The announcement was made during the Rural Awards Luncheon at the Rural Prosperity Summit in Tifton.
A statewide panel selected the awardees from nominations submitted across Georgia. The Rural Champion award is given to individuals, organizations, or programs that address challenges in rural communities through efforts in areas such as economic development, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Shelley Zorn, Board President of Locate South Georgia, described the organization as “a 22-county consortium of rural economic developers in Southwest Georgia who have been focused on rural issues and collaboration for two decades.” She added: “Rural prosperity is about more than economics and job growth, it is about opportunity and creating thriving places where future generations can build their lives. When rural communities thrive, the entire state of Georgia thrives. This group of economic developers work hard every day to make that happen and they are the hardest working economic development pros in the state. Their regional collaboration, resilience and commitment drive the growth of Southwest Georgia.”
Monica Callahan, Planning & Development Director for Madison and Executive Director for DDA said: “The City of Madison is fortunate to have citizen leaders willing to see and to leverage the potential of our revitalization and redevelopment areas. I’m so proud of their tempered decision-making, calculated risks, and incremental wins for our small town.”
Gina Webb commented on her recognition by saying: “As a lifelong resident of rural Georgia, I understand the opportunities and challenges that rural counties face every day. I am humbled to be recognized as a rural champion. It is an honor to work alongside great partners all across the state to strengthen rural Georgia.”
Tiffany Holmes, Deputy Director at the Georgia Chamber Foundation said: “Our 2025 Rural Champions are some of rural Georgia’s strongest servant-hearted leaders. Through the strong partnerships they forge, they are improving the lives of the people they serve. The Georgia Chamber congratulates our 2025 Rural Champions on their award and their unwavering commitment to advancing economic prosperity in rural Georgia.”
Locate South Georgia was launched in 2015 with a focus on marketing Southwest Georgia’s business advantages through partnerships among local agencies involved in sectors such as economic development and education.
OneGeorgia Authority works to boost economic vitality in rural areas by providing financial support—including grants and loans—for projects related to land acquisition, infrastructure improvements, business relocation assistance, and entrepreneurship support. More information about OneGeorgia Authority can be found at www.dca.georgia.gov/onegeorgia-authority.
Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce represents tens of thousands of members throughout the state from its offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 it launched its long-term strategic plan called Georgia|2050.
