Social Circle, Ga. - Five weeks into her new job in Washington, D.C., U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler joined Rep. Jody Hice in Stanton Springs Monday afternoon to address local business leaders, see the industrial park and tour the Takeda facility.

Loeffler talked about the importance of projects like Stanton Springs in elevating communities and raising the quality of life for  citizens, calling it a "model for regional economic development."

"This is what is driving America forward," she said, " it's creating jobs."

Appointed to the Senate last month by Gov. Brian Kemp to replace retired Sen. Johnny Isakson, Loeffler said she will always advocate for economic development.

"I am always going to be an advocate for economic development that lifts Americans up, that revitalizes communities," she said, "Particularly, it gives rural communities that ability to grow and evolve and provides for education and healthcare."

Loeffler said she was using the one-week recess from her Senate duties to travel the state, learn and to stay close to the needs of Georgians..

"That's the number one reason I went up there," she said," I want to make sure that I'm giving back to my state and that I make a difference in Washington."

Hice thanked the leaders for the work they've done .

"Y'all really have helped this park, and the State of Georgia  become the epicenter of what's happening- not only in this four county area, but across our state and the southeast. And really, you're making a mark in our nation."