BioFirst elected in 1994, Representative Ben Harbin has served the people of Columbia Countyin the 122nd District for almost 20 years. During his legislative tenure, he has served in key leadership positions. Currently, he is the Vice Chair of the Health Appropriations Committee, Chair of the Telecommunications subcommittee of Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, and Chair of the Sales Tax Subcommittee of Ways and Means. Additionally, Representative Harbin has had long-standing membership on the Intragovernmental Coordination and Insurance Committees. As former Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Harbin was instrumental in helping balance Georgia’s budget during the worst financial downturn since the Great Depression. House Speaker David Ralston recently appointed Rep. Harbin to serve as the Co-Chairman of the Georgia Technology Oversight Committee which is tasked with reviewing the operations and structure of the Georgia Technology Authority. His long-standing support for small businesses in Georgia was recognized by the National Coalition for Capital in 2011, who presented him with a Champion of Small Business Award. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce named Representative Harbin Legislator of the Year in 2009. He has also been a three time recipient of the Association of County Commissioners’ Legislative Award. Harbin’s involvement in the healthcare community has been recognized by the Georgia Council on Aging, the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, and the Georgia Public Health Nurses. The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals named him Legislator of the Year in 2008. Representative Harbin is the Director of Business Development for Select Benefit Consultants and a partner in Southern Land Surveyors, Inc. A graduate of Georgia Military College, he received the Graduate of Distinction Seal for his major in Business Administration. He serves on the Board of Child Enrichment and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. He currently resides in Evans, with his wife Hope and their two children. He and his family attend Warren Baptist Church.
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