Small Business Series Recap
At the annual Eggs and Issues event held at the beginning of the year, the Georgia Chamber’s President and CEO Chris Clark introduced the new strategic plan – The New Georgia Economy Series. The series’ goal was to bring together industry leaders and business owners to provide exclusive insights into emerging trends, along with potential risks that Georgia’s economy could face in the future.
“The New Georgia Economy Regional Small Business Series was created to help businesses prepare for an evolving and dynamic economic future. Around the state we’ve focused on talent and leadership, big data and security, entrepreneurship and innovation, global commerce and competitiveness, and advanced corporate and university research and development,” said Georgia Chamber President and CEO, Chris Clark. The Chamber is committed to helping our business community thrive and the Small Business Series gives companies the tools to prepare them for a bright and prosperous future.”
There was a total of six stops across the state that included local entrepreneurs sharing their knowledge with their communities. The series included opportunities that were unique to Georgia business owners. Attendees heard from inspiring and established leaders while they received first-hand knowledge about how to keep up with Georgia’s growing and evolving business climate.
The successful six stops were located in Cartersville, Albany, Athens, Warner Robins, Newnan, and Augusta. Each stop was in partnership with local chambers and key stakeholders.
“There really is a thirst for knowledge to know more about all topics that apply to small business. The people that have come to speak have been passionate about sharing their knowledge with the audiences,” said Founder and CEO of Abshire Public Relations, Jennifer Abshire. “The collaborations have been great, and I’ve seen relationships start to form because of this series.”
The statewide series was shared with over 600 attendees that consisted of small business owners and local business leaders. Digital defense strategies, enhancing your online presence, and finding funding for your business were a few of the major themes shared with audiences across the state. The stops included speakers like the honorable Senator Bruce Thompson, Founder and CEO of Abshire Public Relations, Jennifer Abshire, Founder and CEO of NOW Account, Lara Hodgson and many more.
Although the New Georgia Economy has come to a close, the Georgia Chamber is interested in seeing how your businesses and local regions were impacted by the series. Stay tuned for next year’s statewide tour and visit our Facebook to check out photos from each stop.
The Georgia Chamber sincerely thanks all of our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor:
Wells Fargo
Official Car of the Georgia Chamber:
Kia
Regional Sponsors:
Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission
Albany Technical College
Houston Development Authority
Kabbage
Supporting Sponsors:
ADP
Albany State University
Albany State University Foundation
AT&T
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce
Draffin Tucker
EMO Coweta-Fayette
Gas South
Georgia CEO
MetroPower
Newnan Utilities
Southern Point Staffing
Turner
Community Sponsors:
AB&T
Adams Exterminations
Albany Area Primary Health Care
Albany Community Together, Inc.
Alternative Finance & Business Strategies, LLC.
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
Augusta Technical College
Bartow County
Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co.
Cadence Bank
Cannon Financial Strategists, Inc.
Cartersville Medical Center
Central Georgia Technical College
Colony Bank
Copelan Insurance Agency
Faulkner Law
Flint Holdings, Inc.
Fluid Floors, Inc.
Fort Valley State University
Georgia Highlands College
Georgialink Public Affairs
Gerdau
Golden Pantry Food Stores
Hire Dynamics
Infomart, Inc.
Jackson Spalding
LegalShield
MAU Workforce Solutions
Mitchell EMC
NEOS Technologies, Inc.
New Hire Solutions
North Georgia Staffing
Oconee Chamber of Commerce
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart
Parrish Construction Group
Peachtree Planning Corporation
Pinnacle Bank
Plain.Stated. LLC
Proctor & Gamble
RL Jennings & Associates
South State Bank
Southern Oak Advisory
Sumter County Chamber and Development Authority
Textron Specialized Vehicles
Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing
W&A Engineering