When LaGrange-Troup Chamber of Commerce honors its retiring president at a reception tonight, it will be saluting a woman known far and wide as the “queen of economic development.”

Jane Fryer is not just a familiar name in Troup County, she’s recognized as a pioneer in economic development across the Southeast and – since the Kia Motors announcement – around the world, said her longtime friend Willie Paulk, president of the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.

“Jane is well respected and well thought of,” Paulk said. “She’s a leader and a team player, too. She’s always been willing to learn and willing to share her expertise.”

Peggy Chapman, another close friend and president of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber, agrees.

“Jane Fryer is the ultimate economic development person. She’s very respected, and she’s got friends all over the Southeast. … I have always been so impressed with Jane and with LaGrange. You all have done it right,” she said.

Paulk started her career in Cairo, Ga. in 1976 and met Fryer soon after. Chamber leaders tend to come and go, she said, with the average tenure being about seven years in one place.

“It’s truly remarkable that Jane started out in her hometown and continued to work in her hometown for the duration of her career. That says a lot for her integrity and character,” Paulk said.

Fryer was the first woman to earn the prestigious Rip Wiley Award from the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

The award was named for a former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. There’s a road named for him in the LaGrange Industrial Park.

Fryer also won the Professional of the Year Award from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Executives Association and served as president of the association.

“I give credit for my career to the many mentors I’ve had, both local mentors and chamber professionals,” she said.