Jason Rubenbauer Presents to GATX at 91st Annual Chamber Banquet

03/23/2026

Jason Rubenbauer Presents the Ralph and P.O. Herrin Business and Industry Award to Phillip Bryant (Center) alongside Gage Thrift (Left) Faye Johnson (Right) and Robin Ricker(Far Right)

Jason Rubenbauer Presents to GATX at 91st Annual Chamber Banquet

 

The 91st Annual Chamber Banquet, held at the C.C. McCray City Auditorium, served as a powerful showcase of community achievement. While the event celebrated various local milestones, a standout moment arrived when Jason Rubenbauer, President and CEO of the Waycross & Ware County Development Authority, presented the Ralph & P.O. Herrin Business & Industry Award to GATX.

Rubenbauer considered it an honor to present the award and described GATX as a "quiet but powerful presence that strengthens Ware County economically, culturally, and socially." He noted that true partners "don’t arrive with fanfare. They arrive with commitment," and a belief that a community is a place to "invest, teach, support, and grow." Since 2018, that commitment has manifested in over $66 million in capital improvements and the creation of approximately 300 jobs. Rubenbauer emphasized that the company is "not slowing down," with another $63 million in planned expenditures through 2028, signaling a future "not tentative—but firmly planted—in this community."

Beyond economics, Rubenbauer stated that "the true measure of impact is not found only in balance sheets or construction timelines." He highlighted GATX’s role in local education, where "internships turn curiosity into careers" and "graduates leave prepared, confident, and employable." Their dedication even extends to heritage preservation, notably the renovation of the Okefenokee Chief at the Okefenokee Heritage Center. Defining their efforts as the essence of the award, he concluded, "This is what legacy investment looks like. This is what partnership feels like."

 

91st Annual Chamber Banquet: 2025 Awards & Presenters

The 2025 program featured a distinguished lineup of community leaders who took the stage to recognize local excellence:

  • Ralph & P.O. Herrin Business & Industry Award
    • Honoree: GATX
      • Presented by: Jason Rubenbauer
  • Business of the Year
    • Honoree: Chick-fil-A
      • Presented by: Eddie Taylor
  • Entrepreneur of the Year
    • Honoree: Robert Wallace
      • Presented by: Kim Wallace
  • Jack Williams Community Service Award
    • Honoree: Stephens
      • Presented by: Jack Williams & Dr. Yolanda Rivers
  • Katherine Foss Education Award
    • Honoree: Edward “Buster” Tyre
      • Presented by: Dr. Lynn Barber
  • Paul Tang Heart of the Community Award
    • Honoree: Johnny Mitcham
      • Presented by: Hedi Tang & Ashley Elwell
  • Randy Sharpe Health Hero Award
    • Honoree: *Coming Soon*
      • Presented by: Jennifer Weaver
  • McGregor Mayor Agricultural Award
    • Honoree: *Coming Soon*
      • Presented by: Austin Bagby
  • Jack Lott Business Economic Development Award
    • Honoree: Angie Simmons
      • Presented by: Savannah Varnadore
  • Great Place to Work
    • Honoree: Southern Forest World
      • Presented by: David Jordan
  • Jake Fleming Award for Outstanding Customer Service
    • Honoree: Paige Taylor Brand
      • Presented by: Christy Fullard**From Left to right- Jason Rubenbauer-President and CEO, James Willis- Board Member, Waycross Mayor Michael-Angelo James-Board Member, Rusty Hall-Board Member, and Daniel Morris- Chairman**