The economy and how to weather it will be among the topics as local government and school officials join the business community Thursday for the fourth annual State of the Community Address.

The luncheon, organized by the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, is among the group’s most popular events.

“Folks are really just interested in hearing what our government and school system leaders have to say about what they see and what they think the future holds,” said Jerry Bowman, chamber board chairman.

“Anybody who lives here who is interested in what’s going on around them certainly wants to pay attention to how the government views the budget situation, the economy and the impact on taxes.”

Officials have spoken to a packed house since the event began three years ago, Bowman said.

This year is no different, as only a few seats remain for the luncheon at the Polo Golf & Country Club. Bowman said interest is particularly keen this year, given the state of the economy.

“We’ve obviously got business folks who are concerned about the economy and the affect on their business, but also the affect government can have on their business with taxes and regulations,” he said.

“Being able to have a forum where we can get all those folks together to talk about that at one time is something that really only happens once a year.”

E-mail Jennifer Sami at jennifersami@forsythnews.com.