Rep. Shaw Blackmon named 2024 Georgia Chamber Legislator of the Year

HOUSTON COUNTY — Every year, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce recognizes lawmakers who focus on economic development and creating jobs, and a local name has again joined the ranks of state lawmakers awarded for their efforts.

Rep. Shaw Blackmon was named 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Chamber. The honor is given annually to a senator, representative and freshman representative. Blackmon previously won the award in 2021.

Blackmon discovered his 2024 award win earlier at an awards banquet and was shocked to learn of his recognition.

“I had no idea; I never would have dreamed that would have been. I was standing in the room and just waiting on them to call somebody, and, gosh, I was basically speechless,” Blackmon said. “They asked me to say a few words and I stumbled over whatever it was I said. But I was totally surprised. They had kept it a secret from me.” 

Blackmon won alongside Sen. Matt Brass (Newnan) and Rep. Deborah Silcox (Sandy Springs). He spoke highly of both of their achievements and added it was an honor to be recognized alongside them and a group of past winners, including Sen. Larry Walker.

“Congratulations to them as well. I look forward to continuing our work together and keeping Georgia moving forward,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon believes his win may result from his efforts as chair of the Ways and Means Committee, a key committee responsible for tax legislation. In this speaker-appointed role, Blackmon credits Speaker of the House Jon Burns for his guidance.

“Speaker’s leadership has really positioned us well regarding legislation. Anything’s a balance, so we’re working with the business community, but we’re also trying to do what’s best for each and every citizen and taxpayer out there,” Blackmon said.

Ways and Means committee has dozens more members and is a cross-section of lawmakers in the capitol, all working for Georgia’s benefit, Blackmon said.

“Overall, in the House and the General Assembly, we’ve got a good team that wants to work with stakeholders, that wants to work with the private sector, then, of course, doing what’s best for our taxpayers to unleash the potential from the private sector and every Georgian that works and lives and raises their family here,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon said anytime organizations and stakeholders recognize effort is a humbling experience and indicative of the greater effort among legislators.

“I certainly [am] humbled and gratified by it. But at the same time, there was a lot of people that contributed to some of the successes that they wanted to acknowledge there,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon mentioned at the end of the day, the award is a reflection of dedication to the job and the responsibility he feels towards the community.

“The pat on the back is is nice, but I hope it also reinforces and is indicative of the fact that I’m trying to do what the community and the district, and Georgians want us to do,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon is grateful to work with the Georgia Chamber and will continue to do so.

“We’re going to continue to try to move the needle and push forward and do what’s best for Georgians, for hardworking Georgians. I look forward to working with them to accomplish that,” Blackmon said.

More information on the Georgia Chamber can be found here.