Doc Eldridge, President and CEO of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce since 2007, notified board Chair Dean Mannheimer and Chair-elect Dr. Shannon Wilder of his plans to resign from the Chamber effective March 1st, 2018. Eldridge, a longtime member of the recovery community in the Athens area, has accepted a position in community relations and business development with Twin Lakes Recovery Center, which provides treatment services for drug and alcohol abuse and has locations in Athens, Gainesville, and Monroe. Twin Lakes is a part of Summit Behavioral Healthcare, which operates a network of leading behavioral health centers throughout the country.
 
"Doc loves Athens and he loves the Chamber," said Dean Mannheimer, current chair of the Chamber board. "He has been an energetic and enthusiastic leader both here and in his service to our community while in public office. We are indebted to him and wish him well in this next stage of his life."
Under Eldridge's leadership, the Chamber expanded and improved programming for members; gave its support to the creation of the Athens-Clarke County Office of Economic Development; stabilized its financial position, including the recent sale of the Chamber Building; increased membership; re-established a role as an important contributor to the community and as the leading advocate for business.

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve as President of the Chamber. This has not been an easy decision for me and my wife, Sheri," said Eldridge, "but all things being considered, it is the right time.  I am proud of the progress the Chamber has made and where we are today. The enthusiasm and overall support of the business community have been gratifying. The Chamber is in good shape for the next President.  The leadership at Twin Lakes offered me an opportunity to pursue something that I am passionate about, helping others in recovery, and I am looking forward to doing just that that."
 Wilder, who will chair the hiring committee that will recommend the next president of the Chamber, praised Eldridge's service to the Chamber and the community.
 
"Doc has supported so many people in our community who are struggling with addiction, so as his friend, I am thrilled that he now has the opportunity to follow his passion and help many more families in this new role," said Wilder. "As the Chamber begins a search for his successor, I am also appreciative that Doc has worked hard to build a strong organization with great potential that will be very attractive to new leadership. I also think it says a lot for Doc as a leader that he recognized that this was great timing for him personally and for the organization to make this decision."