As the general manager of Wal-Mart, it is my job to get involved in the community that I serve. I was a member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce for years without understanding the full value of my membership. Three years ago I became more heavily involved in the Athens Area Chamber, and my experience has been invaluable. Since deciding to get involved in the Chamber I have met more contacts and have built more relationships than I have in my 25 years in Athens. I chair the Membership Committee and have seen firsthand the value of the Chamber to our members. 

We have incredible opportunities for all of our new and existing members. The mission of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce is to serve its members by developing an environment conducive to business. Since 1904 we have served our members and the community by fostering relationships and strengthening the ties that have secured Athens’ position as the hub of northeast Georgia. Our value proposition is a strong one in the community, and we continue to strive to make it better. First and foremost the Athens Area Chamber is the oldest and most respected private business organization in our community. It is a one stop shop for new and existing businesses in the community and economic development in our area. The Chamber building houses not only the Chamber of Commerce but also the Athens-Clarke County Department of Economic Development, the Athens Downtown Development Authority, the Athens Industrial Development Authority, the Clarke County Mentor Program, the Economic Development Authority of Athens-Clarke County, and the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission.

There are several ways a member can make connections through the Chamber. We pride ourselves on events such as Business After Hours, NetWORK Lunch, Women in Business Luncheons and Young Professions Network where our members can relate and bounce ideas off one another. This past year we have also added our Small Business Breakfast club where small businesses can learn and engage with each other. The attendance has been high and it shows that the community has needed this type of support. Leaders in our community have also benefited from our LEAD Athens program where we develop and strengthen them to exceed both their individual and collective potential.