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FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Alabama Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter will be the featured speaker for the next Breakfast Biz & Bites.

This Chamber of Commerce event is set for Thursday, August 1, from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at The Rib Shak, Fort Payne’s newest downtown restaurant (110 Gault Ave North).

The recurring breakfast meeting brings together local leaders to discuss pressing topics that affect our city, county, and business community.

Among the key topics Speaker Ledbetter will address include the “Working for Alabama” legislative package. This package of bills, passed by the state legislature and signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Kay Ivey, is “aimed at transforming Alabama’s workforce and getting more Alabamians trained for skilled, high-paying jobs, streamlining Alabama’s economic development efforts and investing into Alabama communities, especially those in rural areas,” according to the governor’s office.

At an event where Gov. Ivey signed the legislation, Ledbetter said: “Alabama’s economy is growing at a historic pace, but that doesn’t mean we can hang our hats on yesterday’s success – we have to keep pushing forward. The Working for Alabama package is the result of state leaders being keenly aware of what’s standing between Alabama and its full potential. The House Labor Shortage Study Group identified the lack of affordable childcare and housing as two of the most prevalent barriers keeping

Alabamians sidelined from the workforce. I have no doubt that our action on these two issues, as well as the other key areas of this package, will help Alabama families and our economy thrive like never before.”

At the Chamber breakfast event, the Speaker will also discuss highway and transportation progress, as well as his thoughts on addressing crime across the state.

Make plans to join your fellow business and community leaders for this Dutch treat breakfast.

“We’re honored to welcome Speaker Ledbetter to this new event we’ve launched,” says Mike Shirey, FPIA general manager and president of the Chamber’s board of directors. “In addition to his role as our state representative, his position as Speaker of the House means he is a key voice on all state issues. We appreciate his leadership, and look forward to his visit at our Chamber breakfast. We encourage business owners and other leaders to join us.”