Chris Clark was in Gainesville as part of a regional Chamber of Commerce Power Lunch.
He said we're reaching the so-called fiscal cliff at the end of 2012, when the Bush-era spending cuts will end. That, he said, is a big concern for him and other executives with the Georgia Chamber.
"The economy right now is teetering on a double dip," he said. "This [end to tax cuts] is going to push it over."
He said businesses are uncertain of how to proceed right now.
"Businesses are holding back. They're not making decisions, they're not hiring, they're starting to retract, and if this happens on January 2, you can see a tailspin of our economy and we can't wait for that."
Clark said the Georgia Chamber does have a full-time lobbyist working in Washington to make sure lawmakers know what the needs are for small businesses in the state.
Georgia Chamber supports state charter school amendment
Among other issues, Clark also discussed education and the need for Georgia students to make improvements on every level.
He said the Georgia Chamber is backing the proposed state charter school amendment, which will go before voters on November 6.
Clark said some parts of the state may not need a state initiative, but there are areas where parents don't have a choice for their kids and they need state help.
"We have numerous communities in Georgia right now where the school boards are failing and the school system is failing and the parents have no recourse," said Clark.
Chris Clark visits with Dixie Truelove at the Gainesville Civic Center
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/9/253441