The public is invited to hear from a Georgia Department of Economic Development official next week.

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will welcome Deputy Commissioner Gretchen Corbin as keynote speaker for its Spring 2011 Economic Development Luncheon on Wednesday.

Randall Toussaint, vice president of economic development, said he and other chamber officials “are honored” to have Corbin address the Forsyth audience.

“She’s a dynamic speaker,” Toussaint said. “She’ll be talking about the importance of economic development and boosting the state economic climate in Georgia.”

Toussaint said among the likely topics are state, national and global commerce programs that can be used to attract business to Georgia and Forsyth County.

“Our local economic development program works closely with the state programs and on an international level with our German firms,” Toussaint said. “We have strong ties to the [economic development] office in Munich.”

Toussaint said about 140 people are expected to attend the luncheon, which will be at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.

“We’ve had a tremendous showing of support from our real estate and construction businesses,” he said.

In years past, Toussaint said, the economic development gathering was a breakfast event. But leaders wanted to shift to a lunch in order “to make sure we got some great speakers.”

Cost to attend the luncheon, which will be catered by Tam’s Backstage Restaurant and sponsored by AT&T, is $12 for chamber members and $15 for non-members.

Toussaint said an R.S.V.P. is requested by Tuesday, but is not required. Payments will also be accepted at the door.