AT HOME IN HOUSTON COUNTY 2018

Sen. Perdue went on to Georgia Institute of Technology
where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering.
Later on he earned his second degree from Georgia Institute of
Technology, a master’s in Operations Research. He served as
an executive for leading international companies. As Senior Vice
President of Asia Operations for Sara Lee, Perdue established
the company’s first Asia headquarters, was President and
CEO of the Reebok brand, was credited with revitalizing the
athletic brand, and as Chairman and CEO of Dollar General, he
oversaw the company’s expansion from 5,900 to 8,500 stores
nationwide, creating thousands of quality jobs. While at Dollar
General, he became heavily involved in literacy and served
as Chairman of the National Commission on Literacy and
Workforce Development.
thus far to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.”
As a two-term governor of Georgia, Sec. Perdue was credited
with transforming a budget deficit into a surplus, dramatically
increasing the student performance in public schools, and
fostering an economic environment that allowed employers
to flourish and manufacturers and agricultural producers to
achieve record levels of exports. He reformed state budget
priorities, helped Georgians create more than 200,000 new
jobs, and promoted his home state around the world to attract
new businesses.
Sen. Perdue never ran for any type of office until running for
the United States Senate, where he was first elected in 2014.
Both never really thought about getting involved in the
political world nor ever imagined serving on the national level
together. Sec. Perdue said his first office of public services was
on the Houston County Planning and Zoning Board.
“In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Houston County
was growing by leaps and bounds,” Sec. Perdue said. “I was
asked during that time if I would be interested in serving on
the planning and zoning board. At first I was hesitant, but
nonetheless, it was a great experience and the best example
of learning to listen to people and hear passion about their
homes. Then I decided to run for the state senate in 1990, to
which I served 11 years, and then ran for governor in 2001. I
served two terms as governor. It was a difficult time during the
economy, but we remained focused and came out strong. Last
year I was minding my business when President Trump called
(he said laughing). But it has truly been an amazing experience
10
At Home in Houston County
“I called Sonny and drove up to his operation in Bonaire, when
the seat in the Senate became open,” Sen. Perdue said. “I told
him he needed to consider running for senate, and that we
need someone with the experience you have. Well, he told me
he didn’t feel led to do so, but then he said I should consider
running. The next thing Sonny told me stuck with me, he said, “I
will tell you this, nobody knows what somebody else ought to
do but you should think about this and pray about it.” I had been
watching the budget since 2001. I had some major concerns
about the debt. Three weeks later my wife Bonnie came to me
and said running for the Senate was something she thought I
needed to do. We were very blessed to get through election.”
While Sec. Perdue and Sen. Perdue never thought about
serving in politics they both have enjoyed serving their state
and country.
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