Since 2001, the billboard industry has invested close to $500,000 in campaign contributions to candidates seeking state wide offices in the State of Georgia. This does not include contributions from individudals such as business owners, familes and friends of the industry. In addition, the industry lobbyist spend thousands of dollars each year on meals, golf outings, recreation and special events. The vast majority of these funds have been spent since 2005 when the industry began in ernest to change the tree cutting provisions of legislation that they had previously agreed to.