Congressman Tom Graves discussed the formation of an Economic Advisory Council intended to both expand and empower the private sector during a town hall meeting at the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Thursday.

Grave, noting economic challenges at the federal level, said his creation of the Economic Advisory Council represents his effort to reverse current economic conditions.

Approximately 75 business and community leaders representing a variety of commercial interests will populate the council, which will include representatives from each of the 15 counties in Congressional District 9. The council will be charged with identifying solutions to current challenges and developing strategies for economic improvements. Each county will be limited to one elected official.

“We asked to hold this meeting at the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce because we know that the Chamber is where businesses go for answers and solutions,” explained Graves. “We all know that economic conditions have undermined the confidence of those in business, but we also know that the desire for leadership and vision is present.”

Sen. Chip Pearson has been named to chair the council and expects to schedule the first meeting in the coming weeks. The main objective of the initial meeting will be to clarify and fully define the council’s agenda.

“This is definitely a grass-roots effort,” Pearson explained. “To our knowledge, it’s never been done before.”

Responding to Graves’ invitation for questions, Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Chair Debra Guinter asked what measures were in place to assure diversity of business interests in the council.

“The Ninth Congressional District is naturally a very diverse district, and those volunteers who already have stepped forward themselves represent a variety of backgrounds and interests in North Georgia,” Graves responded.

Representative Johnny Meadows and Commissioner Becky Hood attended the town hall meeting, as did other leaders in the Republican Party.