Georgia Trend magazine released its list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians, and several local area people made the cut.
The annual process of selecting the most influential people is a year-round effort for the editorial staff at Georgia Trend, as the list begins with well over 100 names and is not whittled down and finalized until the end of the year, according to the magazine.
Local Influential Georgians:
Brian Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce Vance Bell, chairman and CEO of Shaw Industries Group Inc., Dalton Charlie Bethel, state senator for District 54, Dalton John Meadows, state representative for District 5, Calhoun Jeff Mullis, state senator for District 53, Chickamauga David Ralston, speaker of the state House of Representatives, Blue Ridge Source: Georgia Trend
The 100 people chosen range in occupation and fame across the Southeast.
"Some of the 100 wield their influence in the limelight; others work behind the scenes. But all of them impact the daily lives of Georgians everywhere," the magazine wrote.
Georgia state Sen. Jeff Mullis, of Chickamauga, appears on this year's list.
He said this is his seventh time to be named to the list and he is honored every time.
"I am always surprised, and humbled, and flattered to make the list," he said. "I am just a small-town boy from Chickamauga."
Mullis said he believes it is his work in economic development that keeps his name in the lineup of leading Georgians.
"It is a flattering thing, and of course my gift is the ability to develop relationships," Mullis said. "Out of 10 million people in Georgia, I am very humbled to make the list."
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.