As an Atlanta native, I have a good idea of the current state of affairs in Georgia. Therefore, let’s discuss the recent development of Kelly Loeffler, the CEO of Bakkt, being appointed for a senate seat in Georgia, Kelly Loeffler re-election, and talk about things going on in Georgia.
This article was inspired by CoinDesk.
Nothing should be considered investment or financial advice. Enjoy the ride.
Kelly Loeffler Gets The Appointment
First off, let’s take a minute to congratulate Kelly on the appointment and the success that Bakkt has had thus far in a very difficult market. Clearly, she is highly thought of to be chosen over president Trump’s recommended nomination, Rep. Doug Collin. The decision was made by the current governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp per the headlines.
While people are annoyed with the fact that she did not reference crypto, Blockchain, or the industry in her introductory remarks, let us remember that this is politics. No longer is Kelly dealing with the simplicity of one industry, but with an entire nation and Georgia’s needs. She needs to be calculated and direct with her approach, while preparing for a campaign in a year.
Kelly Loeffler Re-election
While the appointment will take effect on January 1, 2020 due to Johnny Isakson’s health issues, the tenure only lasts until the end of 2020. Afterward, Kelly will have to be re-elected through a proper election process which means she will need to campaign.
Therefore, we may see Kelly being more cautious with the things she says and does until then. Upon re-election, she will more than likely be inclined to promote the blockchain industry in entirety and push proper legislation in Georgia.
Re-election or not, the time in office will amount to price-less opportunities while giving her the respect and platform to make things like blockchain legislation progress.
Georgia Blockchain Status
While most people do not know, Georgia actually has a thriving blockchain community. There are many top crypto projects in Georgia like Horizen and Storj just to name two. In addition, Atlanta is home of Bitpay, one of the largest Bitcoin payment gateways and solutions on the market.
For community, there is a monthly meetup at the Atlanta Tech Village in Buckhead called The Atlanta Blockchain meetup (TAB). This meetup has been happening for years, and there is plenty of free pizza, beer, business owners, investors and entrepreneurs that come monthly to converse and have a good time. I myself have gone many times to this meetup, and I am never disappointed.
On the other hand, there are several annual conventions that happen in Atlanta. Notably, Atlanta Blockchain Week had it’s second successful year promoting the space and hosting events. This convention happens in early September and boasts an entire week of blockchain based events all around the city. This year even had two Hack-a-thons.
Similarly, there is even an Atlanta Blockchain coalition that promotes the industry and educates businesses around the city!
Altanta Blockchain Hub
While Atlanta may not be the prime spot for tourists and attractions besides the Mercedes Stadium, there is one thing Atlanta attracts, big businesses. Atlanta hosts the headquarters of some of the largest companies in America and even in the world, ranking third in the U.S. for fortune companies. To name a few of the largest companies headquartered in Atlanta:
- Delta Airlines
- The Home Depot
- United Parcel Service (UPS)
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Southern Company
- SunTrust Banks Inc
This makes Atlanta a prime location for the Blockchain industry to sprout. The largest companies that should and will have a need for the industry are right in the back yard of Atlanta.
Finally with Kelly taking a senate seat, she can help push Georgia in the right direction by potentially making it the blockchain hub of the south or the entire U.S. Welcome to Georgia.
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