Category Archives: Uncategorized

Chamber’s Laura Russ Graduates from Talent Pipeline Management Academy®   

June 23, 2023 

 

Albany Area Chamber Foundation’s Laura Russ Graduates from Elite U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation TPM Academy®   

72 participants join a network of more than 850 professionals committed to building high-performing talent pipelines  

 

Albany, Ga. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that Laura Russ, strategic initiatives coordinator at the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, graduated from Cohort XXIII of the national organizations’ premie

r workforce development program, the TPM Academy®. This program is facilitated by the U.S. Chamber Foundation based on its Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) framework and was funded by the Lumina Foundation.  

Russ was selected to participate in this cohort along with 71 other leaders from across the United States representing the business community, economic development agencies, community colleges and community-based org-

Laura Russ, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at the Albany Area Chamber Foundation

anizations. Individuals were selected by a panel of their peers based on their understanding of the skills gap challenges in the community they serve, a demonstrated understanding of the TPM approach and a track record of putting plans into action.   

“TPM is a nationally-recognized framework that seeks to unlock employer leadership and orchestrate talent supply chains aligned to industry demand,” says Cheryl Oldham, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “We congratulate the graduates of the TPM Academy and look forward to seeing how these leaders will apply what they have learned to improve career pathways for opportunity populations in their communities.” 

The Albany Area Chamber Foundation, the 501©3 affiliate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, leads talent, economic, entrepreneurial and innovation initiatives that provide impact beyond the business community’s normal reach. Programming includes the Albany-Dougherty County Works! Talent Development Strategy 2.0; FLEX ABY, Albany’s first youth entrepreneurship competition; and Propel+, a youth talent development initiative that through connection nurtures, provides for and empowers Albany’s female youth to design their paths.  

 “A talented work force with the knowledge and skills to meet evolving employer needs is driving business success, economic development and community success,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber and the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. “We are proud that Laura has completed the TPM Academy and that, working with our employers and partners, will apply the experience to advance the Albany Area Chamber Foundation’s efforts to build a modern and adaptive work force.” 

 Upon completion of the training, TPM Academy graduates join the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s dedicated network of more than 850 workforce and economic development professionals from 44 U.S. states, Washington D.C. and Canada to build dynamic, sustainable talent pipelines and close the skills gap for their industry.  

“I am passionate about helping build Albany’s talent pipeline,” said Russ, who holds a PhD from the University of South Carolina. “The TPM approach is data driven, employer led and will catapult Albany’s efforts to align talent pipeline to local business needs.” 

To learn more about Talent Pipeline Management and the TPM Academy, visit the U.S. Chamber Foundation website.  

The Albany Area Chamber Foundation, founded in 1991, leads talent, economic, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives that provide impact beyond the business community’s normal reach. The Albany Area Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at www.albanyga.com. 

 The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1910, is leading a multi-year strategic effort to advance economic opportunities and a thriving community. With a diverse business community in our corner, the Albany Area Chamber works diligently to serve area businesses, develop strategies that help our community prosper and design the path of Albany’s future. Learn more at www.albanyga.com.  

 

Grant Writing Class – Workforce Development Series

Don’t wait! Use this link to register while seats are available
https://bit.ly/OCTSWorkforcePD
Are you or your organization seeking grants to provide much needed resources to operate?
Do you want to partner with Grant Writing experts that have over 30 years of combined experience with successfully writing, monitoring and accounting for millions of dollars in multi-year grants?
O’Neal’s Consulting & Training Services is partnering with expert trainers to help small businesses and organizations write award winning grants, budget and monitor those funds in accordance with accounting principles.
This class will also feature leadership development and provide lunch to each in-person participant.

Morning Mix & Mingle

Join the Albany Area Chamber June 13 for its quarterly Morning Mix & Mingle, presented by Doublegate Country Club, for Chamber 101, coffee and breakfast and networking. The event is an opportunity to meet others and learn more about how your business can benefit from membership in the Albany Area Chamber. The event is free to members and prospective members of the Albany Area Chamber.

Doublegate Country Club
3800 Old Dawson Road | Albany, Georgia

Tuesday, June 13, 2023
8 a.m. — Check In & Networking
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. — Program

Work Source Georgia is hosting a Community Empowerment Summit

Wednesday, June14, 2023 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Phone: 229-336-2378

Jimmie C Harpe Community Center 31 MLK Drive
Arlington, Georgia 39813

Employers and Laid-Off Workers: come out and learn more about the various Rapid Response services ranging from avoiding future layoffs, accessing a range of direct services, benefits, training opportunities and employment rights and regulations such as the WARN ACT.

Who Is Invited: Adults, Dislocated Workers, Long-term unemployed, Veterans, Returning Citizens, Seniors (55 & older), Youth (In-school and Out­
of-school), and Employers

Speak with Subject Matter Experts about:

• Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Services • Business Services for Employers • Rapid Response Services • Training Opportunities • Employment Opportunities • Sign up for GED training• Trending Healthcare Careers • Mental Health (Adults & Youth) • Healthy Life and Wellness • Disability Services (Adults & Youth) • Community Resources • Veteran Services • Homeownership • Other Opportunities

Refreshments will be provided!

WorkSource Southwest Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer/program/ service. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals
with disabilities.” Where telephone numbers are listed, TDD/TTY or relay service number should be provided. Information regarding the Georgia Relay Center is available from the Consumer Hot Line at 1 (800) 682-8706. The number for the Georgia Relay Service is 1(800) 255-0056 (TDD/TTY) or 1(800) 255-0135 (Voice).

ASU Symposium – Health Literacy Project 6.3.2023

Greetings,

On behalf of the Health Literacy Albany, GA Project we would like to invite the community to our Symposium, scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10:00AM – 2:00PM.

There is going to be a wealth of knowledge provided concerning, the future of COVID-19, mental health specialist, COVID survivors as well as giveaways, lunch, and more for the 1st 100 attendees that pre-register.

Please, pre-register for this event using the QR Code listed at the bottom left side of the flyer and share with others.

Deadline is Friday, May 26, 2023, at 3:00PM

Respectfully,

Kernice Battle-Jones, B.S.S.W., M.S. Psy
Program Assistant
Health Literacy Program
Albany State University
kernice.battlejones@asurams.edu
229.500.3494 (office)

Albany State University
504 College Drive
Albany, GA 31705
https://www.asurams.edu

Propel+ program builds business connections for female students

The room was electric May 15 as students and adults made connections during the Albany Area Chamber Foundation’s Propel+ program, which aims to build a web that through connection nurtures, provides and empowers Albany’s female youth to design their paths. More than 50 female students at the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy participated in professional development exercises, built relationships with adult women in the work force, and were inspired by stories of entrepreneurship shared by panelists Quinetta Hall of Q’s Cakes, Sherrer Hester of Indusa Investments and peer students that participated in the FLEX ABY youth entrepreneurial competition.

The Propel+ Career Closet, unveiled at the event, is a resource that provides students with access to professional wardrobe items.

One hundred percent of participating students reported feeling better equipped to communicate with adults in a business setting. All adult participants said they were more likely to hire someone who has participated in Propel+ compared to someone who has not.

Building community looks like a lot of things and it requires a lot of hands. Through Propel+, the business community is helping build Albany’s talent and by doing so, building a stronger Albany.

Propel+ is the youth development component of the Albany Area Chamber’s women at work program, Propel.

Grand Opening of Whistle Express Car Wash

Magnolia Wash Holdings Debuts New Whistle Express Car Wash in Albany

– Express Car Wash Operator Celebrates the Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting Event, Free Washes and $10 Monthly Membership Promos for the First Three Months –

Albany, GA (May 17, 2023) – Magnolia Wash Holdings, a premium express car wash operator, announced today the opening of a new car wash in Albany. Located at 105 South Westover Boulevard, the new Whistle Express Car Wash is kicking off the celebration on Thursday, June 8th, as it hosts a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. with the Albany Chamber of Commerce. During its grand opening weekend (Friday – Sunday), the team will be offering free washes and discounted membership promotions for only $10 a month for the first three months.

Whistle Express Car Wash offers exceptional express car washing services that are both fast and economical. By utilizing innovative technology and cutting-edge equipment, Whistle Express Car Wash enables customers to treat their cars to a premium on-site experience in under 10 minutes, ensuring a clean, polished, and well-protected exterior. In addition, customers can benefit from the higher-powered vacuums and air nozzle available for a spotless interior. Whistle Express Car Wash is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including the use of biodegradable detergents and water reclamation technology, to make each car wash as environmentally friendly as possible.

“Albany is a beautiful town with a rich history and friendly community, offering a low cost of living that makes it an ideal place for businesses to thrive. The new Whistle Express Car Wash underscores our commitment to bringing top-of-the-line and sustainable express washes to local communities and we’re looking forward to becoming the go-to car wash for everyone in Albany,” said Bob Benjamin, chief operations officer at Magnolia Wash Holdings. “With summer travel season fast approaching, our aim is to make car washing easy and convenient for all road trippers as well. Our facility guarantees a fast and hassle-free experience, allowing you and your loved ones to hit the road for vacation in no time.”

The new Whistle Express Car Wash in Albany is operated by Magnolia Wash Holdings and is one of 23 active car washes owned by Magnolia in Georgia. In recent years, Magnolia has achieved tremendous development in the Southeast and is in the midst of aggressive expansion. The express car wash operator is actively seeking acquisitions and development opportunities, including in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. For more information about development opportunities with Magnolia Wash Holdings, please visit magnoliawashholdings.com.

The Whistle Express Car Wash Albany location is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about the new car wash and its membership packages, visit WhistleExpressCarWash.com

 About Magnolia Wash Holdings

Magnolia Wash Holdings operates 91 Express Wash locations throughout Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee. Magnolia prides itself on delivering consumers and teammates a premium on-premise experience, including its Unlimited Fast Pass Membership Program, free towels, free vacuums, and free mat washing stations. The Company was founded by Frank Bennett and Brooks Moye in 2014 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, visit magnoliawashholdings.com.

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Albany Area Chamber-led delegation advocates in DC on funding, policy, defense

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2023

 

Contact:

Barbara Rivera Holmes

(229) 434-8700

bholmes@albanyga.com

 

Albany Area Chamber-led delegation advocates in DC on funding, policy, defense

Albany – The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce last week led a delegation of local leaders to Washington, D.C., for its annual “DC Fly In,” the organization’s long-standing annual federal advocacy event. The delegation, representing the public and private sectors, met with defense officials and federal lawmakers on the issues most vital to Albany and Southwest Georgia.

The two-day, policy-intensive event included meetings with the Albany Area Congressional Delegation — U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock — and the Pentagon-based leadership of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (MCLB Albany) and Marine Corps Logistics Command, including Meredith Berger, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment, and Lt. Gen. Edward Banta, deputy commandant of Marine Corps Installations & Logistics. Col. Michael Fitzgerald, commanding officer of MCLB Albany, participated in the Pentagon discussions.

During meetings the delegation provided updates on a variety of fronts including Albany as a military community of excellence and MCLB Albany as a defense leader in energy security and logistics innovation; economic development and Albany as a premier industry location; health care delivery and expansion of services to meet regional needs; education and employer-led initiatives aimed at developing the talent pipeline in high-demand fields; and infrastructure investment as a component of community and economic development.

“Albany-Dougherty County has, through vision, action and results positioned itself as a leader in innovative partnerships that have local, state and national impact, and this distinction is well recognized among federal leadership,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber, the region’s leading business organization, and its 501c3 affiliate, the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. “Through the Albany Area Chamber’s DC Fly In our community demonstrates a united front in our nation’s capital, shares views on federal issues that impact businesses and the community, builds allies with national leaders and advocates for funding and policies that advance and bolster our talent, development and defense initiatives.”

The advocacy event is aimed at informing leaders on local priorities and initiatives, and requesting support for critical components of the community’s overall framework for development. Calls for Congressional support include:

  • DEFENSE: $46 million for mission-critical consolidated communications center at MCLBA that enables full utilization of the base’s 5G capabilities and strengthens communications resiliency and readiness; and $56 million for operational readiness facility at Albany-based Headquarters Marine Corps Logistics Command as a required component of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 strategy.
  • TALENT & HEALTH CARE: Investments in talent initiatives and projects that amplify the employer-led work force pipeline and in health care projects that address critical-need areas; and smart immigration policy reforms to support work force demands, boost economic growth, create jobs, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship,
  • INFRASTRUCTURE: Investments in federally-mandated infrastructure improvements including the city of Albany’s combined sewer separation project.

“The Albany Area Chamber spearheads our community’s advocacy initiatives with audiences including the Albany Area Congressional Delegation and U.S. Marine Corps leadership, and is the conduit through which the business community connects, convenes and collaborates,” said Chandu Kuntawala, 2023 chairman of the Albany Area Chamber and a program manager at Booz Allen Hamilton “The Chamber’s Government Affairs Division – along with its four other member-led committees that help drive organization’s overall objectives – embodies the mission of the Chamber as a center point through which the business community is empowered to take action and design the path.”

The local delegation also met with senior leadership of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, discussing work force and talent; federal policies and regulations that impact businesses; and national economic forecast.

“A strong, united voice is central to the Chamber’s mission and to its role as the region’s leading business organization,” said Bridges Sinyard, chairman of the Chamber’s Government Affairs division and vice president of Adam’s Exterminators. “We further advance business and community success by building strong relationships between business leaders, elected officials and decision makers, and, with Albany’s role as a leading military community, build the community-Corps relationships that advance the nation’s defense efforts.”

The DC Fly In is a component of the Albany Area Chamber’s Government Affairs division. The program is program is supported by AB&T; Adams Exterminators; Albany Area Primary Health Care; the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau; the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission; Albany State University; Albany Technical College; AT&T; the City of Albany; Dougherty County; the Dougherty County School System; Georgia CEO; Georgia Power; Horizons Community Solutions; McLendon Acres; Molson Coors; and Phoebe Putney Health System.

Visit bit.ly/AACCLegislativeAgenda2023 to view the Albany Area Chamber’s 2023 legislative agenda.

 

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1910, is leading a multi-year strategic effort to advance the business success and economic opportunities in Albany and the Albany Area. Learn more at www.albanyga.com. 

 

A delegation of business and community leaders traveled to the nation’s capital this week as part of the Albany Area Chamber’s policy-intensive DC Fly In to meet with defense officials and federal lawmakers on the issues most vital to Albany and Southwest Georgia. The delegation is pictured here with U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D, GA).