News Summary
The White County Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting, gathering over 220 leaders to celebrate past accomplishments and discuss a new five-year strategic plan. Key highlights included a successful Business Block Party and advocacy wins in Tort Reform. The event also honored local businesses and individuals for their contributions to the community while outlining strategies for future growth and development.
White County, Georgia – Chamber Meeting Showcases Achievements and Future Directions
More than 220 business and community leaders gathered on August 28 for the annual meeting of the White County Chamber of Commerce, where significant accomplishments from the past year were celebrated alongside a presentation of future plans. The event highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to local business development and community growth.
Kelly Wilkins, vice president of finance and accounting at Habersham EMC and the Chamber’s past chair, welcomed attendees and reviewed key achievements from the previous year. A standout event was the Business Block Party, which featured over 60 businesses and attracted thousands of residents to Freedom Park. This initiative not only promoted local enterprises but also fostered community engagement, making it a highlight of the year. The 2023 Business Block Party introduced a new feature, The Brew Lot, aimed at showcasing local brewers and enhancing the festival experience.
In addition to successful community events, the Chamber achieved notable advocacy wins, particularly in Tort Reform, which has positively impacted local businesses. Furthermore, the Chamber’s business podcasts have gained popularity, currently featuring over 30 episodes that provide valuable insights and discussions relevant to the local commerce environment.
Tourism also played a crucial role in the Chamber’s efforts, with campaigns such as “Eat Near Home” and “Explore Near Home”, which significantly boosted the local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to engage with local businesses.
Incoming chair Jessica Barton, owner of The Refined Table, presented an ambitious new five-year strategic plan that aims to support professional development for business leaders, advocate for smart policies, and cater to companies of various sizes. The plan includes developing educational partnerships to expand internship and career pathways, ultimately fostering a skilled workforce that can cater to the needs of the local economy.
In line with these goals, the Chamber intends to collaborate with local governments on various infrastructure projects. This includes developments in downtown areas such as Helen and Cleveland, as well as initiatives focused on healthcare solutions to create jobs and improve access to care.
Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, delivered a keynote address at the meeting, focusing on statewide business opportunities and challenges. His insights emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving business landscape in Georgia and the need for collective efforts to ensure long-term growth.
The meeting also celebrated numerous local businesses and individuals through various awards recognizing their contributions to the community. The Citizen Of The Year Award was presented to Grace Fricks, founding President and CEO of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE). The Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Elizabeth Goad, owner of Livi Lou’s Sweets and Treats in Helen, Georgia. Additionally, the Volunteer Of The Year Award was awarded to Anne-Michelle Holcombe for her unwavering support of the Chamber’s programs.
A posthumous commendation, the Civic Merit Award, was presented to Tom Slick for his enduring contributions to community development and vision. Habersham EMC’s Trailwave Fiber Internet Service was recognized as the Business Of The Year, while Kielea Loggins of United Community Bank received the Stellar Service Award for outstanding customer service.
The White County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting not only served as a celebration of past endeavors but also painted a forward-looking picture as the organization outlines strategies to foster growth and opportunities for local businesses and the community as a whole.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Now Habersham: White County Chamber Meeting
- Google Search: White County Chamber of Commerce
- WFIW Radio: Carmi Chamber Celebration
- Wikipedia: Chamber of Commerce
- Main Street Media: Dickson County Chamber
- Google News: Chamber meeting White County
- Access WDUN: White County Chamber Leadership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chamber of Commerce
- Now Habersham: Chamber 40th Birthday
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
