SHARE

ATLANTA, Ga. — Will lagging revenues eventually mean higher taxes? Are more layoffs looming amid the state’s budget crisis? Which businesses and industries are likely to turn around first when the economy recovers? Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, a successful small-businessman before entering politics, will face tough questions like these during today’s meeting of the Georgia Association of Business Brokers, Inc. (GABB), a statewide group with almost 200 members. Lt. Gov. Cagle is the second highest elected official in Georgia and serves as President of the Senate, where he presides over debate and oversees the committee that determines Senate committee membership. If the Governor is unable to fulfill his duties, the Lieutenant Governor serves the Governor’s unexpired term.

In early September, the Hall County Republican announced the formation of an exploratory committee for Governor in 2010.

Said GABB President James Welch, “We are extremely fortunate to have Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle speak to the membership of the GABB during this busy election season.” Noting Cagle’s entrepreneurial background and his leadership in the banking and real estate industries of northeast Georgia, Welch drew attention to the Cagle’s goal “to create a pro-jobs culture throughout state government and an education system which focuses on the needs of the individual child.”

Welch continued, “This year’s Presidential election will mobilize average citizens to exercise their Constitutional rights not only in voting for the nation’s highest elected office but also in determining the course of local government in ways that affect every business person every day.” He added, “No matter which candidate or party someone supports, the message this year is clear: America needs to do more to help entrepreneurs and small-business people who are willing to work hard to earn their own piece of the American dream.”

“Lt. Gov. Cagle’s unique perspective honed from his family’s deep roots in Hall County and his accumulated business acumen helps GABB members understand the dynamics that drive business in the real world,” noted Welch. “The owners and potential owners of small- and medium-sized businesses can benefit greatly from his vast experience.”

Welch continued, “Every day corporate downsizing leads many displaced executives to become entrepreneurs. That’s why Lt. Gov. Cagle’s address is so timely today and critically important for anyone considering venturing into a new business opportunity.”

By locating suitable businesses for purchase and assisting in arranging financing, the professional members of the GABB bring buyers and sellers together to get the deal done correctly and professionally the first time.

“The influx of new companies and jobs help stimulate our local economy and leads to many new business opportunities,” Welch stated. “That, in turn, can be the catalyst that helps us assist many former corporate executives finally realize their dream of entrepreneurship.”

A seventh generation resident of Hall County, Cagle attended Gainesville College and Georgia Southern University and bought his first business at age 20. In 1994 he was elected to the State Senate and served 12 years. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2006, the first Republican ever elected to that office. Cagle serves as Vice Chair of the One Georgia Authority and Vice Chair of the Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission. Georgia Trend Magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential Georgians of 2006. James Magazine named him one of its People of the Year for 2007.

The Georgia Association of Business Brokers, GABB, is a not-for-profit, statewide membership organization committed to establishing and maintaining an environment and support structure for success and professionalism in the business brokerage industry. GABB actively encourages each member to achieve his or her highest potential by promoting education, integrity, community responsibility, leadership, professionalism, and productivity.

The GABB meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the South Terraces Meeting Center, 115 Perimeter Center Place (near Perimeter Mall).

Media, please note: Joe Inman, Ga. State’s Men’s Golf Coach, will address the GABB on Oct. 28, followed by Lawrence M. Benveniste, Dean of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, on Nov. 25. For more information, go to http://www.GABB.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story, Copr. 2008.

NEWS SOURCE: Georgia Association of Business Brokers