Local business leaders will have the opportunity to listen to political candidates, and hear about the states of the city, state and schools on Thursday during Covington County Day.

Sponsored by the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Governmental Affairs committee, the event will be held at the Chamber of Commerce on River Falls Street, beginning at 11 a.m.

“The purpose of this event is to bring our business leaders and political leaders together to talk about future goals and past accomplishments,” said Chamber executive vice president Chrissie Duffy. “The Chamber recognizes that small businesses provide the majority of jobs for Alabamians, and protecting their efforts sustains job growth.”

Duffy said the goal is to establish productive relationships between business interests and public officials so that they can work together to improve the ability of a business to compete in the worldwide economy, and continue to generate income and jobs that will help move Andalusia forward.

The program will kick off with a state of the city address from Mayor Earl Johnson, followed by a state of the schools address by Andalusia City Schools superintendent Ted Watson, and Sen. Jimmy Holley and Rep. Mike Jones will give a legislative update.

Additionally, candidates in the upcoming election will each give a short platform speech.

“We will conclude our program with a meet and greet and picnic lunch provided by Hilltop Meat Co.,” Duffy said.