World Affairs Council President Attends Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon
Published: August 13, 2026
ATHENS, Ga. — World Affairs Council of Atlanta President Rickey Bevington joined business, government and civic leaders from across the state at the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon on Aug. 5 at The Classic Center in Athens.
The sold-out event, one of the Georgia Chamber's signature annual gatherings, focused on issues shaping Georgia's future, including economic growth, workforce development, housing, health care and business competitiveness.
The program featured fireside conversations with gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson, who outlined their visions for strengthening Georgia's economy and improving quality of life across the state. Emphasizing workforce development, Bottoms shared a favorite saying from a friend of her adult son: "Skills pay bills," highlighting the importance of preparing Georgians for well-paying jobs in a rapidly changing economy. Jackson focused on accountability in government, saying, "People don't do what you expect. They do what you inspect," as he discussed the importance of implementing public policy effectively, not simply passing new laws.
The Council was also pleased to see its newest board member, Riley Blount, president of AT&T Georgia, take part in the luncheon. Blount joined the World Affairs Council's Board of Directors in July and brings deep experience in public affairs, economic development and community engagement throughout Georgia.
One of the day's most memorable moments came when Blount introduced Bailey, an AT&T therapy dog that works with first responders across the Southeast. Bailey's appearance highlighted the important role community partnerships can play in supporting those who serve on the front lines.
For the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, events such as the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon provide valuable opportunities to engage with leaders shaping the state's future while exploring how local decisions connect to global trends. As a hub for international trade, logistics and foreign investment, Georgia's economy relies on strong relationships with businesses and partners around the world. Conversations about workforce development, economic competitiveness and business growth often carry international implications, making gatherings like this an important opportunity to better understand Georgia's role in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The luncheon also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with business, government and nonprofit leaders while staying informed about the issues affecting communities across Georgia.
Comments