PERRY -- Elected representatives of Middle Georgia -- local and state -- gathered at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry for the 11th annual Legislative Appreciation Reception, a special Perry Area Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” event.

The chamber hosts a monthly Business After Hours meeting, a networking event. Annually, the Business After Hours doubles as the appreciation reception.

“It’s the opportunity for the business community to publicly thank our legislators for the work they’ve done this past session,” said Rob Brooks, chairman of the chamber.

About 75 county, school board and city officials and business owners from throughout Middle Georgia attended this year’s event, where they had refreshments while chatting before a brief presentation. Small groups of officials also toured the Perry facility, which is aimed at teaching about the Georgia Department of Natural Resources responsibilities.

The honored legislators were: Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry; Sen. Cecil Staton, R-Macon; Rep. Larry O’Neal, R-Warner Robins; Rep. Willie Talton, R-Warner Robins; Rep. Buddy Harden, R-Cordele; and Rep. Robert Dickey, R-Musella.

Tolleson said he attends the event every year because it’s a chance to catch up with and meet people from one of the state’s most important sectors.

“It’s fun to come hang out with everybody,” Tolleson said, adding it’s held in his hometown.

Legislation passed this past session that will have positive impacts on Middle Georgia’s businesses included the elimination of an energy tax and an additional $7.5 million over the next three years to address encroachment of residential houses on Robins Air Force Base.

To contact writer Christina M. Wright, call 256-9685.