VALDOSTA – A former senator recently visited South Georgia.

Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Homebuilders Association of South Georgia, Valdosta and Valdosta North Rotary clubs and the Valdosta Board of Realtors hosted former Sen. Saxby Chambliss at the Rainwater Conference Center for the legislative luncheon.

“Sen. Chambliss brings a wealth of experience from his legislative career,” said John Page, chamber government affairs council chairman. “He served in the U.S. House and Senate, representing the great state of Georgia. Because of that mindset, combined with his record of service, he can give your average citizen a deep insight to understand politics and government in a balanced way. A true statesman, Sen. Chambliss is deeply respected by both political parties. He holds his ground when it comes to his deep principles and does not blink.”

Chambliss spoke on a wide range of issues including term limits, taxes on small businesses, cyber security and the impact it has on business owners. 

Chambliss jokingly mentioned the number one password is “password.” He talked about the rise of ransom-ware, where a hacker can control a computer and demand payment to unlock it, chamber officials said.

He reflected upon his friendship and bipartisan cooperation with late Sen. Ted Kennedy and how those values seem increasingly absent in the current political climate. 

Chambliss spoke about his work on immigration reform, specifically work visas for migrant farm workers and the impact on the country’s agriculture backbone.

In the past, the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce in association with the Homebuilders Association of South Georgia, Valdosta & Valdosta North Rotary clubs, and the Valdosta Board of Realtors, have hosted Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. David Perdue, Gov. Nathan Deal and the local delegation to the state capitol for legislative luncheons. 

“The Valdosta-Lowndes chamber strives to bring influential voices in politics to the business community on an annual basis,” said Myrna Ballard, chamber president. “We are honored to have a well-respected leader like Sen. Chambliss attend our legislative luncheon.”