Contact: John Heavener
              770-484-3449 ext. 21
              Johnh@georgiaretail.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2008

Georgia Retail Association Names Legislators of the Year

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Retail Association (GRA) has named its 2008 Legislators of the Year and presented a Lifetime Achievement award to a retiring veteran of the House of Representatives at its spring Annual Meeting and Legislative Conference held on St. Simons Island, GA.

For his work on several business-related retail issues, State Senator Chip Rogers, a republican from Woodstock, was named 2008 Senator of the year. Senator Rogers provided leadership in the Senate for the Sales Tax Holiday bills and private label credit card legislation.

Citing his work on the landmark “Organized Retail Theft” legislation; GRA named Larry O'Neal, a republican from Bonaire, the 2008 Representative of the Year.

In addition, Richard Royal, a republican from Camilla, was given the state retail association’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement award for career support of business under the Gold Dome. Representative Royal, who is not running for re-election, served in 2008 as the chairman of the House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee and formerly as the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He has been the legislator to whom all others turned for guidance and leadership on tax policy.

Representatives Jerry Keen, a republican from St. Simons Island, Donna Sheldon, a republican from Dacula, Ron Stephens, a republican from Savannah, and Senator Tim Golden, a democrat from Valdosta, were all honored with 2008 Legislative Achievement Awards for their work on issues ranging from taxation to transportation.

"These lawmakers have recognized the significant role that retail plays in Georgia’s economic well-being,” said Georgia Retail Association President John Heavener. ”They know that retail businesses employ one-in-five workers in the state and remit nearly 42% of all state revenue. Recognizing the role retail plays, the honored legislators have worked hard to reduce the regulatory burden on Georgia’s retail businesses and have advanced free-market policies that stimulate economic growth. Georgia’s retailers applaud them for their efforts."

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