Atlanta, GA, January 8, 2026
The Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) has welcomed a new president, Lloyd Avram, marking a transition in leadership that underscores a commitment to Georgia’s manufacturing sector. With Roy Bowen retiring after 38 years, Avram’s experience from the private sector is expected to bring innovative strategies to foster economic growth and support local businesses. The introduction of the ‘Manufacturing Georgia’ initiative aims to connect manufacturers with future workers and improve awareness of modern manufacturing.
Atlanta, GA
New Leadership at GAM: Boosting Georgia’s Manufacturing Future
The Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) welcomes a new president, signaling a fresh era for the state’s vital manufacturing sector and its contribution to economic growth.
In a move that underscores both continuity and a forward-looking vision, the Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) and The Manufacturers Education Foundation (MEF) have announced a significant leadership transition. This change at the helm of a pivotal organization for Georgia’s industrial landscape highlights the dynamic nature of economic development and the ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. The transition represents an opportunity to build upon established successes while embracing innovative strategies to support the state’s manufacturing backbone, a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Georgia entrepreneurs.
For years, organizations like GAM have been instrumental in shaping policies that support robust economic performance and advocating for conditions that allow businesses, from large corporations to Atlanta small business ventures, to flourish. The dedication of experienced leaders, coupled with the introduction of new perspectives, is vital for navigating the complexities of modern industry. This leadership change comes at a crucial time, as Georgia continues to solidify its position as a hub for manufacturing, contributing significantly to Atlanta GA business and the broader state economy.
A Legacy of Dedication: Roy Bowen’s Impact
After 38 years of dedicated service, Roy Bowen has retired from his position as President of both the Georgia Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturers Education Foundation. His extensive tenure provided a foundation of steady leadership and strategic direction for the state’s manufacturing sector. Bowen’s long-standing commitment helped to solidify GAM’s role as a key advocate and resource for manufacturers across Georgia, contributing to a stable and predictable environment for industrial growth and development.
Charting a New Course: Welcome Lloyd Avram
Succeeding Roy Bowen, Lloyd Avram has been elected as the new President of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturers Education Foundation, with his role becoming effective on July 1. Avram brings a wealth of experience from the private sector, joining GAM after 13 years with Chevron. At Chevron, his responsibilities included overseeing global media relations and serving as national manager for state government affairs. His background also includes senior management positions in corporate and executive communications with Atlanta-based power company Mirant and satellite communications manufacturer DataPath. This diverse experience in large-scale corporate environments and public affairs is expected to bring a fresh perspective to GAM’s initiatives, potentially focusing on streamlined processes and effective advocacy for the state’s manufacturing interests, thereby bolstering Georgia manufacturing.
Advocacy and Economic Pillars: GAM’s Role in Georgia
The Georgia Association of Manufacturers stands as the only non-profit association in the state exclusively dedicated to manufacturers. Its mission is to be visible, vocal, and vital, advocating for policies that support the industry. GAM represents over 150 companies, suppliers, and professional services firms, whose combined membership employs approximately 200,000 people, accounting for roughly half of Georgia’s manufacturing workforce. The association actively intervenes in energy rate cases to help keep power costs low for manufacturers, advocates in the state legislature for fair legislation, and innovates workforce development solutions. This proactive approach helps to ensure a favorable business climate, encouraging private investment and fostering economic growth across the state.
Innovating for Tomorrow: The “Manufacturing Georgia” Initiative
In a forward-thinking move, GAM recently announced the development of “Manufacturing Georgia,” a first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to help manufacturers in Georgia engage directly with the public. This initiative, developed through a multi-year strategic partnership with Unmudl, a leading Skills-to-Jobs® Marketplace, aims to connect manufacturers with future workers, particularly younger audiences. The platform will feature dynamic, social media-like capabilities, addressing the critical need to improve public awareness and understanding of modern manufacturing and increase the availability of skilled manufacturing workers within the next five years. This innovative approach demonstrates a commitment to entrepreneurial problem-solving in workforce development.
Building a Resilient Workforce: A Focus on Future Growth
The “Manufacturing Georgia” initiative is a direct response to the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector. By creating a direct line of communication between industry and prospective employees, GAM is working to redefine the image of modern manufacturing, showcasing it as a vibrant, clean, and innovative field with exciting career paths. This focus on cultivating a skilled workforce is crucial for sustaining the long-term economic growth of Georgia. By investing in talent development and leveraging technology, GAM is empowering individuals and businesses alike, ensuring that Georgia remains a competitive and attractive state for industrial operations and Atlanta GA business expansion.
The leadership transition at the Georgia Association of Manufacturers marks a significant moment for the state’s industrial future. With a strong foundation laid by previous leadership and a new president bringing diverse private sector experience, GAM is poised to continue its vital work of advocacy and innovation. The “Manufacturing Georgia” initiative exemplifies a proactive, entrepreneurial spirit in tackling workforce challenges, ensuring that Georgia manufacturing remains robust and dynamic. By supporting organizations like GAM and engaging with their initiatives, the community plays a crucial role in fostering sustained economic growth and opportunities for all Georgia entrepreneurs.
We encourage our readers to stay informed about developments in Georgia’s manufacturing sector and consider supporting local businesses that contribute to our shared prosperity. Your engagement is key to nurturing Atlanta’s vibrant economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the new President of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers?
Lloyd Avram has been elected as the new President of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturers Education Foundation, effective July 1. - Who did Lloyd Avram succeed at GAM?
Lloyd Avram succeeded Roy Bowen, who retired after 38 years as President of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturers Education Foundation. - What is the “Manufacturing Georgia” initiative?
“Manufacturing Georgia” is a new digital platform developed by the Georgia Association of Manufacturers to help manufacturers engage directly with the public and connect with future workers, especially younger audiences. - What are the goals of the “Manufacturing Georgia” platform?
The platform aims to improve public awareness and understanding of modern manufacturing and increase the availability of skilled manufacturing workers within the next five years. - How many companies does the Georgia Association of Manufacturers represent?
The Georgia Association of Manufacturers represents over 150 companies, suppliers, and professional services firms. - What percentage of Georgia’s manufacturing workforce is employed by GAM members?
The combined membership of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers employs approximately 200,000 people, which is roughly half of Georgia’s manufacturing workforce.
Key Features of Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) Leadership Transition and Initiatives
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Outgoing President | Roy Bowen, retired after 38 years of service. | State-level |
| Incoming President | Lloyd Avram, elected President of GAM and MEF. | State-level |
| Effective Date of New President | July 1 | State-level |
| Avram’s Previous Experience | 13 years at Chevron, overseeing global media relations and state government affairs; senior roles at Mirant and DataPath. | Nationwide / State-level |
| GAM’s Exclusive Focus | Only non-profit association in Georgia exclusively dedicated to manufacturers. | State-level |
| GAM Membership Reach | Over 150 companies, suppliers, and professional services firms. | State-level |
| Workforce Representation | Combined membership employs approximately 200,000 people, roughly half of Georgia’s manufacturing workforce. | State-level |
| New Initiative | “Manufacturing Georgia” digital platform. | State-level |
| “Manufacturing Georgia” Goal | Improve public awareness of modern manufacturing and increase skilled manufacturing workers within five years. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
