ATLANTA – Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, recently named state Rep. Sam Watson, R-Moultrie, as the chairman of the House Small Business Development Committee.

Watson also serves as the chairman of the Rural Caucus and as the secretary of the Retirement Committee, as well as a member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Natural Resources & Environment, Special Rules, Transportation and Ways and Means committees.

He is also vice chairman of the House Rural Development Council.

“I am honored that Speaker Ralston has entrusted me with the leadership of this committee,” Watson said. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of so many communities in our state. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we identify challenges that exist and establish policies that will make it easier for small businesses to grow in Georgia.”

Watson represents the citizens of District 172, which includes portions of Colquitt, Thomas and Tift counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012.