Calvin Smyre, ONFA Board Member, has been elected to the 2023 Georgia Trend Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition for a remarkable career in public service. Smyre served for 48 years as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives and was the longest-tenured member of the legislature when he retired last year. Throughout his career, he was guided by the simple but powerful idea that politics is public service, and he made it his mission to improve the lives of his constituents and all Georgians.
Smyre was a force in advancing some of the most important legislation of his era, including establishing MLK Day as a state holiday, changing the state flag, funding transportation and transit initiatives, creating the HOPE Scholarship, passing a hate-crimes bill, and repealing the Civil War-era citizen’s arrest law. His mastery of the legislative process earned him the respect of Republicans as well as members of his own party, and he was a statesman who worked tirelessly to find common ground and build consensus.
Smyre’s legacy is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he will be remembered as one of the most esteemed and influential lawmakers in Georgia’s history. His contributions to the state will be felt for generations to come, and his commitment to public service serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a positive difference in their communities. Congratulations to Calvin Smyre on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your service to Georgia.
Georgia Trend, the magazine of Georgia business, politics and economic development since 1985, is the only statewide business publication in the market. Georgia Trend is published once a month with two extra issues: Business Georgia and Small Business Guide. It is delivered to more than 50,000 subscribers and has become indispensable to the leaders that shape our state.
Source: Georgia Trends | Link to Story
