Spotlight On: Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Key points:

• • Georgia’s innovation economy is accelerating through AI, advanced manufacturing, and energy investment.
• • The Georgia Chamber is focused on workforce, infrastructure, and policy stability.
• • Long-term growth will rely on housing, talent, and strong public-private partnerships.

July 2026 — Focus: spoke with Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, about Georgia’s economic outlook, the growth of the innovation economy, and the partnerships that continue to drive the state’s competitiveness. “It’s our job to look past the election cycles and to make sure that elected officials understand what the big issues are and what’s going to drive economic growth and prosperity for every community,” Clark said.

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Over the past year, the Georgia Chamber has advanced several major initiatives. What would you highlight as the organization’s most significant milestones?

Passing a significant lawsuit abuse reform bill during the last legislative session has really helped businesses across Georgia, including many in metro Atlanta. Gov. Kemp led that effort, and we have already seen benefits through lower insurance rates for Georgia businesses and consumers.

Georgia is also going through a very important election year, and we are spending time working with candidates from both parties to educate them on issues that are important to Georgia’s long-term economic growth, including infrastructure, workforce development, and energy expansion. That has been a major focus for us over the last year.

How has the chamber’s role evolved in supporting companies as they navigate a more complex economic and policy environment?

Over the last few years, Georgia companies have struggled with tariffs, visa challenges for foreign workers, particularly in healthcare and technology, and broader changes in global trade.

Our focus has been helping Georgia companies understand what is happening in real time, identify opportunities, and navigate those difficulties. We are working with members of Congress, the administration, and other leaders to emphasize the importance of consistency and stability. Businesses need to understand the rules in order to make long-term decisions. While we cannot control global events, we can help Georgia companies prepare for them.

What trends are having the greatest impact on the state’s economy today?

If you look at the companies recruited to Georgia over the last six years and combine that with investments in technology, robotics, and AI, we have entered a new economic sector. The innovation economy is the best term for it from our perspective. It is being driven by data. Whether it is manufacturing or agriculture, every industry is generating demand for more data. AI is being adopted across industries, creating productivity gains and driving conversations around data management, data centers, and enterprise applications.

At the same time, investment in e-mobility, aviation, and automotive manufacturing is increasing energy demand. Our projections show Georgia will need 40% more energy by 2050 than it produces today. Energy providers have stepped up to meet that challenge.

You are seeing a transition to an innovation economy where Georgia is not only producing goods, but also creating the next generation of ideas through its universities and innovators. Data centers are becoming critical infrastructure for businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions alike.

How are the needs of Georgia businesses changing, and what strategies are proving most effective in attracting, developing, and retaining talent?

We are going through a transition. Many companies are hiring fewer entry-level workers as AI and robotics take on some lower-skill functions. As a result, businesses and educators are discussing how workforce needs have changed. Employers are looking not only for technical credentials and broader skill sets, but also for character, work ethic, and values that align with their organizations.

The larger conversation is about preparing young people for AI-proof careers. That requires changes in both K-12 and higher education. It also means businesses need to continue creating opportunities for younger workers to gain experience and rethink how they approach entry-level positions. We are working with businesses and educators to ensure young workers develop the skills needed for careers that will remain valuable over the long term.

How should companies prepare for the opportunities and disruptions resulting from the impact of AI and emerging technologies?

This is a pretty black-and-white decision. You can either ignore it and be left behind, or you can figure out how to leverage it and manage the technology. Companies across industries, from banking and healthcare to trucking, are determining how to use AI and make the necessary investments. Organizations such as Georgia Tech are helping businesses understand and adopt these tools.

I believe AI provides tremendous opportunity, particularly for startups. It gives companies new ways to develop products, conduct research, and bring ideas to market. We are already seeing those benefits across Georgia’s innovation ecosystem.

Companies understand that this is the future. The challenge is ensuring Georgia has the infrastructure necessary to support it. That is why investments in data management and data centers across the state remain so important.

What challenges concern you most, and what solutions are needed?

Housing has become a challenge not only in Georgia but across the country. We have spent years working with public and nonprofit partners to address the issue, but there is no simple solution. Ultimately, workforce housing is a community-by-community decision.

Some communities, including Cartersville and Coweta County, have made significant progress. Others continue to struggle. The reality is that many young people cannot afford their first home, and the rental market has not provided much relief.

We have partnered with cities and counties throughout Georgia to share best practices and encourage long-term planning. We are also working with homebuilders and other stakeholders to help communities think about how they will attract and retain future generations. That will require political courage and leadership at the local level.

How important are partnerships among businesses, educational institutions, policymakers, and communities to Georgia’s future success?

Georgia has been recognized as the best place to do business for many years, and one of the key reasons is collaboration between the public and private sectors.

That approach is often referred to as the Georgia Way. Businesses are expected to be active in their communities, engage with elected leaders, and help address major challenges. Public officials expect that partnership, regardless of political affiliation.

Much of the Georgia Chamber’s work centers on bringing together business leaders and policymakers to address issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Economic development here is a team effort. Communities work together, and public and private partners align around common goals.

That culture of collaboration and corporate citizenship is one of the things that makes Georgia unique and has played a major role in the state’s success.

Looking ahead, what is your outlook for Georgia’s economy over the next three to five years?

We are entering a period where communities will have to balance economic growth with concerns about its impact. At the same time, an aging population will place additional pressure on social services and public resources. That makes transparency and long-term planning essential. Communities need to understand the importance of managed growth and the role economic development plays in supporting their future.

We also need to remain focused on infrastructure, healthcare, and small-business growth. It’s our job to look past the election cycles and to make sure that elected officials understand what the big issues are and what’s going to drive economic growth and prosperity for every community.

I am very bullish on Georgia’s future. The state continues to attract quality projects, and its diverse economy positions it well to withstand economic fluctuations. Energy, cleantech, and innovation-related industries are particularly well positioned for growth.

Georgia will also continue to benefit from strengths in tourism, sports, conventions, and logistics. Beyond that, partnerships between universities and the private sector are helping create intellectual capital, launch new businesses, and solve major challenges. I believe those relationships will become an even more important driver of Georgia’s economy in the years ahead.

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