|
GACCE December 2025 E-Newsletter
The mission of GACCE is engaging, educating, and empowering chamber professionals.
| | Thank You to Our 2025 GACCE Partners | | |
We would like to thank the companies below that invested in a GACCE Partner sponsorship with us this year. Your support played an essential role in advancing our mission and strengthening our chambers across Georgia. Thanks to your commitment, we were able to provide valuable programs, resources, and opportunities that made a meaningful impact for our members in 2025.
We are truly grateful for your partnership and continued investment in GACCE!
365 Degree Total Marketing
https://365degreetotalmarketing.com
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
https://www.anthem.com
BOLDBOX Digital
https://www.boldboxdigital.com/home
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
https://www.gachamber.com
Georgia Power Company
https://www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Transmission Corporation
https://www.gatransmission.com
Living For Monday, LLC
https://livingformonday.org
PSP Group
https://mypspgroup.com
YGM
https://yougetmore.com
| | GACCE - 2026 Conference Dates & Locations | | |
We are excited to announce the dates & locations for our 2026 conferences…please be sure to save these on your calendar for next year:
2026 GACCE Staff Development Conference
for all chamber staff members
Monday – Wednesday, March 9 – 11, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn and Dalton Convention Center
Dalton, GA
Hosted by the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce
2026 GACCE Executive Leadership Conference
for Chamber Executive Directors, Presidents, CEOs, and senior staff members
Tuesday – Friday, July 7 – 10, 2026
Jekyll Island Club Resort
Jekyll Island, GA
2026 GACCE Board Development Conference
for Chamber Executives and their incoming volunteer board leadership
Thursday & Friday, November 5 & 6, 2026
Fairfield Marriott/Hilton Garden Inn and Georgia National Fairgrounds
Perry, GA
Hosted by the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce
| | GACCE Announces 2025 Award Winners | | |
GACCE was proud to present the following awards at the
2025 Board Development Conference in Albany, GA in November:
2025 GACCE Chamber Executive of the Year
2025 Georgia Certified Chambers
- Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
- Gwinnett Chamber Commerce
- Habersham County Chamber of Commerce
- Newton Chamber of Commerce
2025 Executive Service Award Recipients
30 Years of Service
-
Teri Smiley – Walton County Chamber
20 Years of Service
-
Joe Henning – Henry County Chamber
15 Years of Service
-
Jason Mock – Greater Dalton Chamber
-
Sara Ray – Douglas County Chamber
10 Years of Service
-
Angie Cox – Augusta Metro Chamber
-
Adam Forrand – Greater Perimeter Chamber
-
Kara Lassiter – Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber
5 Years of Service
-
Melissa Dark – Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Chamber
-
Connie Hensler – LaGrange-Troup County Chamber
| | |
Eggs & Issues 2026
January 14 | 6:30am
Mercedes Benz Stadium
Atlanta, GA
Every January, Georgians from every corner of the state make their way to Atlanta for the Georgia Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast. This event serves as the kickoff to the Georgia General Assembly Regular Session. The annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast convenes over 2,500 Georgians, including many of the state’s top elected officials and business leaders, to set the economic agenda for the legislative year. Click here for more information and to register.
| | GACCE - December 2025 Webinar | | |
Join us for an introductory webinar with a new GACCE Associate Member:
Thursday, December 4 – 9:00am
Introduction to ecoX.travel
Stebin Horne, Owner
Join us to learn about a unique travel opportunity with a new GACCE Associate Member, ecoX.travel. Based in Macon, GA, they have been working with Jessica Walden and the Greater Macon Chamber. They craft eco-conscious travel experiences that don't just explore the world; they awaken it. Their trips empower organizations to step beyond boardrooms, fostering innovation, resilience, and deep human connections through immersive wilderness adventures. In partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. Jean Henry Cooper, and TILT International Organizational Consulting, Stebin is thrilled to co-lead the TILT ecoAfrica Program: Leadership Through Nature's Wisdom. This isn't your standard travel experience —it's a 6-day odyssey designed for C-suite leaders and high-caliber teams ready to decode complexity and unlock performance in volatile times.
To register for this meeting, please CLICK HERE. Once you have completed the short registration form, the system will send you the information to connect to the meeting, and you can add it to your calendar. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the membership in case you aren’t able to join us on that day.
| | GACCE Associate Member Updates | | | | |
GACCE is pleased to announce a new Associate Member:
ecoX.travel
Stebin Horne, Owner
404-719-8063
stebin@eco-x.travel
eco-X.travel is based in Macon, GA. They craft eco-conscious travel experiences that don't just explore the world; they awaken it. Their trips empower organizations to step beyond boardrooms, fostering innovation, resilience, and deep human connections through immersive wilderness adventures. Find out more below:
https://eco-x.travel/
| | | | Georgia FLEX was honored to receive the inaugural "Community Innovation" Award at the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s Annual Awards Gala. This award recognizes forward-thinking solutions that address workforce challenges and strengthen economic development within communities. If you are interested in learning more about FLEX or becoming a 2026 FLEX Community, please reach out to Tara at tara@georgiaflex.org. | | | | |
Maximize 2025 Tax Benefits While Strengthening Georgia Communities - Sign Up Before Year-End!
Georgia businesses and individuals can make a powerful impact and receive a 100% state income tax credit by contributing to rural hospitals through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program. Your participation helps sustain quality healthcare and support the economic vitality of rural communities across our state. Apply today at georgiaheart.org to reserve your 2025 tax credit before year-end.
| | | | |
Power Grid Update
As Georgia continues to experience rapid economic growth, a resilient electric grid has never been more important to the state’s communities and businesses. Georgia Transmission is investing in innovation and preparation through our Gridovation® initiative, using data, technology and research to strengthen the grid for whatever the future may bring. Our latest newsletter highlights new tools that help prevent outages before storms arrive, enhanced communication systems that support faster restoration and upcoming research into how microgrids can keep essential services running during emergencies. These advancements are part of our commitment to provide reliable, cost-effective power to our 38 partner EMCs that provide electricity to more than 4.7 million Georgians. Click here for the full Power Grid Update.
| | | | |
Portugal FAM Trip Now Underway – And the Adventure Has Begun!
We’re thrilled to share that our Indus Travels FAM Trip to Portugal is officially in motion! A fantastic group of chamber executives from across the region has kicked off an unforgettable journey—exploring Portugal’s charm while discovering how curated travel experiences can become a powerful (and “Easiest Source”) non-dues revenue opportunity for their chambers. From walking the colorful streets of Lisbon to soaking in the coastal beauty of Nazaré and the culture of Porto, this trip promises an authentic taste of the tours, service, and seamless experience that Indus Travels delivers to their travelers. And of course, there’s no shortage of great conversations, shared laughs, and meaningful networking along the way. We’re excited to share one of the first group photos from the adventure, with more stories and highlights coming in the next newsletter. Curious how a travel program could elevate your chamber’s member engagement and revenue? Connect with Dhruv once he’s back from Portugal at dhruv@indus.travel or 866-978-2997 ext. 844.
| | | | |
Final Track in the Connected Leadership Series: Digital and Hybrid Leadership
On December 1–3, the Fanning Institute will host its final three no-cost webinars, offering high-value, accessible learning for leaders, teams, and organizations navigating today’s complex challenges. This last thematic track, Digital and Hybrid Leadership, features three one-hour sessions packed with practical tools and fresh insights to strengthen leadership capacity, foster collaboration, and build resilience in both in-person and virtual environments. Register TODAY!
| | | | |
Strengthen Your Chamber’s Advocacy in 2026
As chambers plan for the year ahead, many are looking to elevate their public policy work, engage members more strategically, and build a clearer voice in Atlanta and Washington. Lumin Strategies partners with chambers across the country to design advocacy programs, launch public policy task forces, and support government affairs initiatives that align with your chamber’s goals and capacity. If your chamber is exploring ways to deepen its advocacy impact in 2026, email us at info@luminstrat.com to set up a conversation.
| | | | |
Compliance Tracker Newsletter - December 2025
This month’s Compliance Tracker Newsletter summarizes compliance deadlines for December 2025 and highlights additional upcoming deadlines. Click here for the newsletter.
| | | | |
Ready for 2026? Let’s Talk!
This year is flying by and planning for 2026 starts now. If you are interested in telling your Chamber's story with bigger impact AND growing your non-dues revenue, now is the perfect time to connect and explore how partnering with PSP Group can take you to the next level! Schedule a discovery call today with Eli (eli@mypspgroup.com) or Kenny (kenny@mypspgroup.com).
| | | | |
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
As the year comes to a close, I am grateful for the trust and connections built with many chambers across Georgia. Thank you the opportunity to support you and your organization. I look forward to continuing – and beginning – new collaborations in 2026.
Happy Holidays from Tammy Shepherd, IOM, GCCE
| | | | |
Chamber CEO Performance Evaluation
We have developed a guide that a CEO can give an incoming Board Chair that walks them through how to conduct a Chamber CEO performance evaluation. It comes with template forms, a timeline, check list, etc. Everything that makes it turnkey for a Board Chair - the CEO can customize it to their needs and for their Chamber. We also offer a no cost 30-minute virtual meeting to walk through the guide with the CEO and their Board Chair if they would like to use that. We have just heard so many ugly stories about annual reviews that we decided to offer up a potential solution! Please reach out to James McCoy at 770-842-4774 or jmccoy@thechasongroup.com for more information.
| | | | |
Making your 2026 budget? Considering your board retreat but wanting something a little different?
YGM’s Visionary Leadership Retreat helps you energize your board, set key priorities, and strengthen your Chamber’s impact. This one-day retreat is more than planning; we’ll help you position your Chamber as a leader in strength and innovation providing significant business community impact in 2026. Additionally, the day includes sharing of key Chamber industry trends and a board orientation refresher. Click here to learn more!
| | GACCE Chamber Member Updates | | |
The Chamber's Winter Coat Drive is officially running through December 3rd. We are collecting new or gently worn coats in all sizes, from infant up to adult large, to benefit the neighbors served by the Latin American Association of Atlanta. For more information and where to drop off coats, click here.
| | Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber | |
The Chamber is pleased to welcome two new staff members:
| | GACCE is pleased to welcome Jackie Hunt, Executive Director, and the Clay County Chamber of Commerce as our newest GACCE member! | | Darien-McIntosh County Chamber | |
The Annual Chamber Auction will take place December 12th at Fish Dock Bar & Grill. "Bounty on the Bluff, a Pirate Take Over of the Auction" our themed social and networking evening fundraiser! We will have silent and live auction items, raffles, games and more! Your attendance and sponsorship help fund our initiatives which include; McIntosh GROWS – a youth engagement program partnering with the McIntosh County Schools, Commercial Fisherman Support– supporting the local fishing community and Business Development Programing – offering new services and programs to better support our businesses.
| | |
The Chamber welcomed Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper as the featured speaker for its November Network Lunch, held at the Gilmer County Agriculture Center. Commissioner Harper provided attendees with a wealth of insight into Georgia’s agriculture industry, highlighting current initiatives, opportunities, and challenges across the state. Following the luncheon, Commissioner Harper participated in a roundtable discussion with several local agriculture leaders, offering an opportunity for deeper conversation and community engagement.
| | Greater North Fulton Chamber | |
Our 2025 Strategic Leadership Visit to Scottsdale and Mesa offered North Fulton leaders an in-depth look at how two fast-growing Arizona communities are approaching innovation, mobility, and regional collaboration. Over three days, attendees explored topics ranging from public art and placemaking to entrepreneurship and workforce development. A behind-the-scenes tour of Sloan Park also highlighted the powerful role sports tourism can play in community identity and economic growth. The insights and ideas gathered in Arizona will help shape North Fulton’s ongoing conversations around talent, transportation, and future development as we plan for the years ahead.
| | The Chamber will host its 78th Annual Dinner on February 6, 2026 at Gas South District. The event brings together Gwinnett County's executives, community leaders, and elected officials for an elegant evening to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, and recognize outgoing board members. It is also a special time to honor champions of the Public Service Award, James J. Maran International Award, D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award, R. Wayne Shackelford Legacy Award, and the Gwinnett County Citizen of the Year Award. | | |
The Chamber is pleased to introduce Alli Foran, our new Manager of Communications, Programs, and Events. Alli brings hands-on experience in event coordination, digital content management, and community engagement, skills sharpened through her work with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and her leadership roles in multimedia production at Auburn University. In her role, Alli oversees planning and execution of the Chamber’s full event portfolio — from networking programs to signature experiences — ensuring seamless logistics, strong attendance, and elevated member engagement. She also supports program development and communications strategy to keep our members informed, connected, and involved. We’re excited to have Alli’s energy, organization, and event-focused expertise supporting our work across the community. Looking forward to Alli meeting our GACCE peers.
| | |
The Chamber is thrilled to announce the transformation of our former tourism office into a valuable new member resource — the Georgia Power Training Center! This complimentary meeting space is available exclusively to Chamber members and can be reserved up to twice per month for trainings, interviews, team meetings, workshops, or other professional gatherings. The Georgia Power Training Center comfortably accommodates up to 18 guests with tables or up to 28 in a seating-only setup, providing a convenient, professional, and collaborative environment to support the needs of our 600+ members.
| | |
The Chamber hosted the "State of Workforce," presented by Shottenkirk Automotive Group, on October 28th. Attendees heard from Ethan Branch, Director of Workforce at the Rome Floyd Chamber, Spencer Hogg, President of Rome Floyd Development Authority, and Bárbara Rivera Holmes, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. Gold Sponsor: Georgia Power Community Sponsor: Atrium Health Floyd & 2Work Staffing.
| | Other Updates of Interest | | Save the Date - #ACCE26 Annual Convention has been set for July 20-23, 2026 in New Orleans, LA. | | |
The U.S. Chamber Foundation's Institute for Organization Management has announced their 2026 program dates. CLICK HERE to see the sites and dates for 2026.
| | | | |