Category Archives: Chamber News

Albany Area Chamber Foundation shares strategy to boost work force

Business and education leaders discuss trends, opportunities and challenges during the Albany Area Chamber and Albany Area Chamber Foundation’s April 12 Talent Summit Rise N Shine at which the comprehensive Albany-Dougherty County Works! Talent Strategy 2.0 was shared.

 

April 17, 2023

Albany Area Chamber Foundation presents talent development strategy to boost work force

 

Albany — The Albany Area Chamber Foundation recently presented the Albany-Dougherty County Works! Talent Strategy 2.0, developed through a steering committee collaborative of private- and public-sector partners to boost the local work force pipeline and create more opportunities for youth, adult citizens and employers. The strategy presents an update to the work plan designed in 2019 and released in 2020 in partnership with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.

“The Albany Area Chamber and Albany Area Chamber Foundation, educational institutions, strategic partners, employers and the Albany community have placed priority emphasis, advocacy and action on creating, developing and expanding talent through innovative education, business partnerships and experiential learning,” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and its 501©3 affiliate, the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. “These efforts have produced significant results for our community. The Albany-Dougherty County Works! Talent Strategy 2.0 is a continued and coordinated focus on programs and initiatives that build Albany’s work force.”

The strategy was shared at the April 12 Talent Summit Rise N Shine hosted by the Albany Area Chamber at Albany State University’s West Campus.

The 18-month work plan focuses on three priorities: Community Coordination & Communication; Youth Pipeline Development; and Continued Adult Preparation. Priorities in these categories include development a campaign focused on career path stories and an informative and interactive jobs and work force development platform; expansion of career exposure and awareness for Dougherty County students; assessment of job market needs to build a business-aligned work force; and coordination with area employers to codevelop industry pipeline training programs and certifications.

“Talent is the new infrastructure. A talented, qualified and available work force drives decisions – and success – for our existing businesses and new businesses,” said Holmes said.

Initiatives implemented as a result of the first talent strategy include learning tours that allow educators to tour local employers and learn first-hand more about the skills students need to be successful in the work place; helping students connection and mentorships with the business community; upskilling programs for parents and adults in the work force; youth entrepreneurial development, initiated through FLEX ABY, Albany’s first youth entrepreneurship competition; and development of a network of partners communicating on work force development initiatives

The Albany-Dougherty County Works! Talent Strategy 2.0 was facilitated by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. The road map can be viewed at bit.ly/AlbanyDoughertyWorks2023. Community partners interested in serving on the implementation teams for the strategy may do so at bit.ly/TeamADCWorks2023 or by calling the Albany Area Chamber at (229) 434-8700.

The Albany Area Chamber’s Rise N Shine series is presented by Webb Properties. The Talent Summit Rise N Shine was sponsored by ReEnergy – Albany Green Energy, Albany Technical College, Albany State University and the Albany Area Chamber Foundation.

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1910 and is leading a multi-year strategic effort to advance the business and economic success, and economic opportunities in Albany and the Albany Area. Through membership and its ambassador program, the Albany Area Chamber reaches citizens and businesses throughout Southwest Georgia. Learn more at www.albanyga.com.

The Albany Area Chamber Foundation, founded in 1991, is the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and advances the Albany Area through leadership, research and action, and leads work force, economic and entrepreneurial initiatives that provide impact beyond the business community’s normal reach. The Albany Area Chamber Foundation provides research and insight that educates and empowers business and community leaders.

Lunch & Learn – Grow Your Small Business with SBA Loans

The April 19 Lunch & Learn sponsored by Synovus will feature information on how to obtain a Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan through your local lender.  SBA loans can be used for business purposes from business startup to expansion, including the purchase of long-term fixed assets, operating capital and business acquisitions.  Benefits of SBA guaranteed loans include lower down payments and longer amortizations with no renewals.

The program will be facilitated by Lisa Morgan, vice president, SBA lender, Synovus.

Chelise Ethridge, owner/operator of animation art business Lovelise named FLEX ABY Champion

FLEX ABY Champion Chelise Ethridge (right) poses with second place winner Andrew Dawson (center) and third place winner Zaria Davenport (left) alongside round three judges and event organizers.

FLEX ABY Champion Chelise Ethridge (right) poses with second place winner Andrew Dawson (center) and third place winner Zaria Davenport (left) alongside round three judges and event organizers.

Albany, GA – Chelise Ethridge, owner and operator of animation art business Lovelise, was named the 2023 FLEX ABY champion at the third and final round of local competition held on March 16 at Albany State University West Student Center. The inaugural local competition is produced in partnership by the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and 4C Academy.

As the first-place winner, Ethridge is the recipient of $5,000 in prize money, which she will use to scale her animation business. She will go on to represent Albany-Dougherty County in the state FLEX competition in Fitzgerald on April 13.

Ethridge is a senior at the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy), who through animation, uses art as a storytelling medium, primarily positioned on social media.

“My goal is to use my life experience and my status as a young entrepreneur as an inspiration to others, encouraging all people, but particularly young women, to pursue their passions and celebrate their individuality. Animation art allows me to share my stories with the world and encourage others to find the confidence to share theirs as well,” said Ethridge.

Ethridge says she plans to use the $5,000 in seed money to invest in design equipment and software for her business.

FLEX ABY is a preliminary competition in a statewide program, designed to encourage innovation, create prosperity and revitalize rural entrepreneurial ecosystems by exposing students to the rewards, challenges and processes associated with starting a business.

Originally founded in Fitzgerald, FLEX – which stands for “Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneur X-perience” – benefits students by not only providing them with real-world business experience, but also by enhancing employability skills such as accountability, collaboration and creative thinking.

“FLEX ABY is an effective and fun tool for inspiring innovation among our young people and showing them that their ideas can come to life and can be profitable while helping them develop the employability skills needed in the marketplace,” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of the Albany area Chamber and Albany Area Chamber Foundation. “Through the generous support of our business community, we have been able to provide these student businesses with the financial support and direction they need to start and grow their businesses. The vision is that one day, these students come back to Albany as fully developed business owners and become the business leaders of tomorrow.”

Over the 2023 season, the FLEX ABY field gradually narrowed from 20 students in round one, to 10 students in round two, to ultimately three finalists who competed in the March 16 finals.

Other finalists included 9th grader Andrew Dawson of Plug’s Kitchen, a specialty catering business which received second place; and 12th grader Zaria Davenport who operates Zari D Artistry, a custom, hand-painted shoe design company.

FLEX ABY kicked off its inaugural year in September 2022 with students from 4C Academy, which encompasses students from throughout the Dougherty County School System, as well as districts from surrounding counties. Organizers plan to scale FLEX ABY to include more area schools in future years.

Albany Area Chamber leads local delegation in “Albany-Dougherty Day” at state capitol

Albany, Ga. – The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce this week led a robust delegation of local leaders from the public and private sectors to Atlanta for “Albany-Dougherty Day” at the state capitol, an Albany Area Chamber legislative advocacy program that emphasizes the community’s priorities and opportunities and showcases the impact of its leadership and collaboration.

The advocacy event included Thursday meetings at the capitol with the Office of Gov. Brian Kemp; Lt. Gov. Burt Jones; Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper; Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia Greg Dozier; Speaker Jon Burns; Minority Leader James Beverly; representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia Transportation Alliance; and a variety of committee chairs from the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives, along with members of the Albany Area Legislative Delegation.

“Albany-Dougherty County is well-recognized as the hub of Southwest Georgia and a statewide leader in exemplifying the power of partnership, which was demonstrated this week through the diverse delegation of local leaders engaged in discussions,,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber. “The Albany Area Chamber is the region’s largest business advocacy organization, connecting and convening more than 700 area businesses and community partners, and facilitating the representation of their legislative priorities on the local, state and federal levels. The Albany-Dougherty Day legislative event is our annual opportunity to present a collective front to state lawmakers and key influencers, demonstrating shared vision and community support on priorities most vital to the long-term success of Albany and its surrounding counties.”

The delegation kicked off the visit with a Wednesday night reception which was attended by featured guests such as University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue; Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr; Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King; State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods; and Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges; among other prominent state officials and department figures. Reception fare highlighted Albany-made products by Sunnyland Farms, Molson Coors and Pretoria Fields as well as locally-sourced peanuts.

State leaders provided updates on priority initiatives for Albany-Dougherty County and Southwest Georgia and noted the region’s role in keeping Georgia the No. 1 state for business, commending Albany-Dougherty County’s spirit of collaboration and innovation, particularly in the areas of work force, health care and industry.

The Albany Area Chamber’s 2023 pro-business legislative priorities include expansion of the health care professional pipeline to ensure Georgia has the work force to provide the care and services citizens need, and supporting telemedicine to increase access to care for rural Georgians; investing in rural broadband and rural innovation, which is critical to supporting educational attainment, economic growth and utilization of telehealth services; supporting incentives and initiatives that remove barriers for small businesses and expand access to resources; fiscal policies and a regulatory environment that facilitates job creation and business investment; and increased investment in transportation infrastructure to support Georgia’s distribution and logistics industries.

Additionally, the Chamber is advocating for $15.6 million in state appropriations for the construction of the Criminal Justice Demonstration Center at Albany Technical College to support enrollment growth in criminal justice programs and support law enforcement training needs; $900,000 in design funding for the renovation of Albany State University’s Billy C. Black Building, which will improve operational efficiencies and support student success; and $892,000 to double the capacity of pre-K slots in the Dougherty County School System to enhance early learning and increase literacy rates.

The local leadership delegation included representatives from AB&T; Adams Exterminators; Albany Area Primary Health Care; Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau; Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission; Albany State University; Albany Technical College; AT&T; City of Albany; Dougherty County; Dougherty County School System; Georgia CEO; Horizons Community Solutions; Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany; McLendon Acres; Molson Coors and Phoebe Putney Health System.

Albany-Dougherty Day is a component of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Division, comprised of member business representatives and chaired by Bridges Sinyard, vice president of Adam’s Exterminators.

Sherwood Christian Academy’s Eric Bergrab named 2023 Dougherty County STAR Student

Albany, GA – The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce today announced Sherwood Christian Academy senior Eric Bergrab as the 2023 Dougherty County STAR Student, earning the recognition for academic achievement and performance on the SAT. Bergrab recognized Vicki Davis as his STAR teacher.

Bergrab will represent Dougherty County at the March 23 regional competition.

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is sponsored and managed by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation. Since its inception in 1958, the STAR program has honored nearly 27,000 students and the teachers selected as the most influential to their academic achievement. High school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average to qualify for STAR nomination.  The Albany Area Chamber serves as the local program sponsor and host of the luncheon recognition event.

“The Albany Area Chamber has identified talent development and retention as a top priority for the long-term success of Albany and Southwest Georgia, and leads this impactful work through its Talent, Education and Leadership Division,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of Albany Area Chamber, the local STAR program sponsor. “Today, we have recognized incredible talent right here in the Albany community and have celebrated them alongside many of our business partners. As corporate citizens, we should be encouraged to continue supporting and investing in all our students, each of whom holds promise today and in the future.”

PAGE and the PAGE Foundation honor outstanding students and educators and encourage academic excellence through competitive academic programs such as PAGE STAR, the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon.

Honored at today’s recognition luncheon were the school-specific STAR students from throughout Dougherty County, and from among which the countywide STAR student was selected. Each student selected his or her STAR teacher.

The school-specific STAR students and teachers are:

  • Anna Claire Kimsey, student, and Ashley Reynolds, teacher – Byne Christian School
  • Harshil Joshi, student, and Alee Miller, teacher – Deerfield-Windsor School
  • Jayden Keaton, student, and Jill Dervan, teacher – Dougherty Comprehensive High School
  • Jalen Wimberly, student, and Alethia Samuels, teacher – Monroe Comprehensive High School
  • Eric Bergrab, student, and Vicki Davis, teacher – Sherwood Christian Academy
  • Kelsey Woods, student, and Jacqueline Floyd, teacher – Westover Comprehensive High School

STAR begins each year in participating Georgia high schools when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 165 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system recognition as the top STAR Student, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners contend for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. STAR Teachers continue on with their STAR Students at every level of the program.

Georgia Chamber hosts business prospects for annual ‘Georgia Quail Hunt’ in Albany

Albany, Ga. – This week, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Georgia Quail Hunt in Albany, as business leaders representing state recruitment and expansion prospects joined local and state economic development officials, including Lt. Governor Burt Jones and University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue, to learn about the benefits of doing business in Georgia.

Now in its 34th year, the Georgia Quail Hunt is the state’s premier economic development recruitment event.

The Albany Area is recognized as one of the world’s premier destinations for quail hunting, with the industry producing an estimated annual economic impact of more than $145 million. This week’s recruitment event utilizes various hunting preserves throughout Southwest Georgia and is based out of Albany.

“The Georgia Quail Hunt allows us to host business prospects and statewide decision-makers over a three-day period, where they can experience first-hand the high quality of life and available business opportunities here in Albany and Southwest Georgia,” said Jana Dyke, president and CEO of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission. “The event provides unique opportunities for relationship building, which has proven to be a successful factor in project recruitment over the hunt’s 34-year history.”

Since 1994 alone, business guests of the Georgia Quail Hunt have invested upwards of $2.5 billion and created more than 10,000 jobs in the state as a result of corporate locations or expansions.

Industry locations in Albany-Dougherty County facilitated through the hunt include Outdoor Network, PowerSports Plus and WebstaurantStore.

“Georgia has established itself as the nation’s top state for business, and this event allows us the opportunity to showcase Georgia’s people and business friendly environment,” said 2023 Georgia Quail Hunt Chairman Daryl Ingram, chief external officer and senior vice president of Electric Cities of Georgia. “Economic success, to a large part, is due to collaboration between public and private entities coming together to create opportunities for businesses to thrive, and therefore creating thriving communities along with them. This event is a perfect example of the collaborative atmosphere businesses can expect when they choose to locate or expand in Georgia.”

Georgia’s competitive advantages in site location include tax environment, availability of talent and access to training, and quality transportation infrastructure. Area Development magazine has recognized these assets – along with many others – and for an unprecedented nine years running, has named Georgia the nation’s “Top state for doing business.”

Event organizers say the hunt has been successful in promoting these assets and recruiting businesses to the state.

“For more than 30 years, the Georgia Quail Hunt has helped facilitate the creation of thousands of jobs and tens of billions in investment in Georgia’s economy,” said Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “Hosting the event in Albany provides an incredible opportunity to showcase Southwest Georgia as a premier destination for business, giving guests a first-hand look at the region’s high quality of life and exposing them to local and state leaders who are eager to help them take their business to the next level.”

Clark attributed the event’s long-standing success largely to the partnership and hospitality of local groups Locate South Georgia, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and the many local volunteers that support the hunt.

The hunt is sponsored by the Georgia Allies, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Locate South Georgia, along with corporate sponsors Bergara, BPI Outdoors, Glock, Kia Georgia, Inc., Molson Coors, PowerSports Plus, Remington Firearms, Taurus Holdings and Trulock Choke Tubes.

Albany Area Chamber graduates inaugural class of Political Leadership Institute

Albany, GA – The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce this month celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of the Albany Area Political Leadership Institute (PLI), a nonpartisan political leadership program aimed at equipping participants for leadership on local boards and in elected office.

The cohort included 14 participants from Albany and the surrounding area, who through the program received basic knowledge on governmental leadership and foundational skills needed to serve in elected or appointed capacities.

“The Political Leadership Institute was designed as an innovative approach to developing local talent, specifically for the purpose of governmental leadership, which often comes with nuanced challenges that can be difficult to navigate without prior experience,” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber. “PLI helps bridge that gap for political newcomers, providing them with a primer on issues and on what to expect prior to engaging as a political candidate or accepting a position on a governmental board.”

Through PLI, the Albany Area Chamber hopes to engage more people in public service, and to connect with and develop business-minded leaders who have an interest in exploring leadership opportunities.

The program consisted of three half or full-day sessions covering information on local governmental structure, division of responsibilities and services, candidate requirements and the priorities of various governmental and agency boards. Each class day featured unique networking opportunities for class members to build relationships with each other and with business and community leaders.

The Political Leadership Institute is an initiative of the Albany Area Chamber’s #ImpactABY2023 strategy and implemented through its Government Affairs Division, chaired by Bridges Sinyard, vice president of Adams Exterminators. Applications for the 2023-24 class of the Political Leadership Institute will open early summer.

Albany ‘lives the dream’ through MLK Dinner, hosted in partnership by the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, Albany State university and the King Day Celebration Committee

Partner organizations celebrate legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 2023 MLK Dinner at Albany State University.

Albany, GA  – Albany lived the dream on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as the community came together for the annual MLK Dinner, newly re-imagined and hosted in partnership for the first time by the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, Albany State University and the King Day Celebration Committee.

A much-loved and widely attended event in the Albany community for more than 25 years, this year’s program featured a diverse collaboration of partners with modern and fresh formatting.

The 2023 event featured keynote speaker Venessa Harrison, president of AT&T Southeast Coastal States, recently named as one of GeorgiaTrend magazine’s “100 Most Influential Georgians.”

Harrison participated in a fireside chat-style discussion with Albany State University President Dr. Marion Fedrick and recapped her personal experience working her way up the corporate ladder in the telecommunications industry, a sector that she said didn’t always reflect favorable chances of success for those of her demographic as a woman of color.

“Growing up as one of 10 in low-income housing headed by a single mother, we had no idea it was a negative thing to be considered ‘at-risk’,” explained Harrison in her discussion with Fedrick, co-chair of the King Day Celebration Committee. “We always knew we were going to do something great when we grew up, because my mother would always tell us we were ‘at-risk’ of doing great things.”

Harrison began her telecommunications career three decades ago as a telephone operator. She subsequently pursued a career-development opportunity in the network organization, quickly rising through the ranks of management within AT&T with increasing responsibility in the network, business, regulatory and external affairs departments. Prior to her current position, Harrison served for three years as president of AT&T Georgia and six years as president of AT&T North Carolina.

Dr. Fedrick noted Harrison’s story as an inspiration to ASU students, some of which were in attendance at the celebration.

The event, back for the first time since a COVID-induced hiatus, was presented by Colony Bank and further supported by corporate table sponsors Albany Community Together, AT&T, City of Albany, Dougherty County Board of Education, Dougherty County Commission, Food Lion, Georgia CEO and The UPS Store, Horizons Community Solutions, Leadership Albany, Phoebe Putney Health System, Piggly Wiggly – Food for Less and The Church of Christ, among many other attendants from businesses and organizations throughout the community.

In addition to a postponement of the event, the pandemic also disrupted the King Day Celebration Committee with the loss of committee member Femi Anderson, who was the driving force behind the “Children of the Dream” art competition, typically on display at the MLK Dinner in years past.

King Day Celebration Committee Chair Matt Reed announced the 2023 continuation of the art competition, newly titled in honor of Anderson’s memory as the “Femi Anderson Children of the Dream Art Competition”.

Reed also serves as co-chair of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation and delivered remarks on behalf of the organization.

“In the true spirit of unity and brotherhood, the planning and development of this program has been a team effort, and one that has made me proud to call Albany home,” said Reed. “As chair of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, the 501c3 affiliate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, we are here to support Albany in any way we can, with the MLK Dinner as a perfect example of our mission to move Albany forward through strategic partnerships and initiatives.”

In 2022, the Albany Area Chamber stood up the community’s first business-lead focus group on diversity, equity and inclusion through its new DE&I division which increases economic opportunities for businesses and people and engages more members of the citizenry into the work force.

Leading the Chamber’s initiative to expand access to opportunity and inclusivity across the community is Jeretha Peters, branch manager and first vice president of investments at WellsFargo Advisors, who serves as chair of the organization’s DE&I committee.

 “The Albany Area Chamber and its foundation, through the DE&I committee, is leading the effort to manifest Dr. King’s dream of a truly inclusive and unified Albany. We believe communities and businesses are more effective, innovative and successful when all people feel welcome to contribute, and believe in their ability to effect change,” said Peters.

The partners plan to bring the MLK Dinner back in January 2024.

Albany Area Chamber Foundation to host 2023 MLK Dinner in partnership with Albany State university and the King Day Celebration Committee

Albany, GA  – The Albany Area Chamber Foundation will host the 2023 MLK Dinner on Monday, January 16, in partnership with Albany State University and the King Day Celebration Committee. Presented by Colony Bank, the MLK Dinner is a celebration of the ideals of unity inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The Albany Area Chamber and Albany Area Chamber Foundation champion the business case for diversity, equity and inclusion in our community, reiterating the benefits of being intentional in attracting a diverse and dynamic work force where all are welcome and encouraged to contribute,” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, President & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber and its 501©3 affiliate, the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. “This initiative is in line with and inspired by the beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King and we are honored to celebrate his legacy through the MLK Dinner.”

The event features honored guest and speaker Venessa Harrison, president of AT&T Southeast Coastal States, recently named as one of GeorgiaTrend magazine’s 100 Most Influential Georgians.

“Albany State University is proud to partner in hosting this event which commemorates the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as we, as an institution and a community, continue striving to manifest Dr. King’s dream of unity,” said ASU President Dr. Marion Fedrick. “This event and the opportunity to host it on our campus is particularly special in that it demonstrates Dr. King’s lasting impact on our community, even more than 60 years after his time in Albany.”

The event will take place at ASU’s West Campus Student Center at 2400 Gillionville Road. Dinner and networking begin at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. To register for the January 16 event, click here or visit bit.ly/MLKDinner2023.