|
GACCE April 2026 E-Newsletter
The mission of GACCE is engaging, educating, and empowering chamber professionals.
| | |
GACCE Regional Roundtables are designed to bring chamber professionals together in smaller, regional settings for meaningful connection, candid conversation, and practical learning.
Hosted in Tifton (April 23) and Canton (April 29), these one-day gatherings are designed for real conversations, real solutions, and real connection.
Each event will feature a timely educational session tailored to today’s chamber challenges — from membership strategy & revenue growth to leadership & time management — followed by roundtable discussions where participants rotate through focused topic areas. Roundtable topics will include advocacy, marketing, non-dues revenue, events, membership, board development, communications, sponsorships, and leadership programs — ensuring every attendee leaves with actionable ideas and fresh perspective.
CLICK HERE to register - you can attend the location closest to you or both -
it's up to you and your team!
| | |
We’ve partnered with 365 Degree Total Marketing to launch an online store featuring GACCE-logo apparel and merchandise. Whether you’re looking for something polished for conference days or casual GACCE pride for everyday wear, there’s something for everyone. Shop the GACCE Store here:
https://brandourassociation.com/pages/gacce
This is a new program for GACCE, and we’re thrilled to offer members a fun way to show your GACCE pride and represent our profession in style.
Your purchase helps support CACCE with $5 per order.
| | |
Live Conversation Series - Dan Cathy
Wednesday, April 1 - 6:00pm
Online Event
Join us for a live, virtual conversation with Dan T. Cathy, Chief Visionary of Trilith as we explore what it means to lead with purpose, build organizations that flourish, and create businesses that serve people well. In this 45-minute conversation, Dan will share what it actually takes to build a flourishing organization — not just the business strategy, but the character, culture, and conviction behind one of America's most beloved brands. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
| | GACCE Associate Member Updates | | | | |
We announced last month that GACCE branded merchandise is now available. Several of you have asked if your chamber may order something similarly branded? Yes, you can!
365° Total Marketing can establish an affinity program for GACCE member chambers. Think not only for your chamber brand – also about your annual campaigns – such as golf fundraisers, clay shoots, Leadership classes and additional identity campaigns. Shop the GACCE Store here. See what you may adapt, or ask for examples of additional merchandise options, like this one.
For any questions about GACCE merchandise or your own chamber’s branded merch, please contact Rachel Lewis: rachell@365degreetotalmarketing.com or 912-638-0780 x100.
Remember, first impressions are important, but a lasting impression is better!
| | | | |
After months of hard work, creative thinking and competition, the top student entrepreneurs from across the state are gearing up for the biggest competition of the year. They’ve built real businesses, made real sales, and now, they’re ready to compete for the title of 2026 Georgia FLEX State Champion – and a $10,000 prize!
Mark your calendars and plan to join us in Tifton, GA on April 15th! Follow us on Facebook for up-to-date event details!
| | | | |
Free Resource for Your Chamber: A Storytelling Framework That Drives Momentum
Your chamber is doing real work, but if the story isn't landing, your momentum might stall.
Here Local Media has put together a free guide specifically for chambers ready to change that.
"When Your Chamber Tells Stories, Momentum Compounds" walks you through:
- The 3 stories every chamber needs to drive forward movement
- A 4-step process to define your chamber's narrative
- A simple, repeatable system you can put to work right away
Less noise, more clarity, and a stronger position as your community's credible voice.
👉 Download the free framework here
| | | | |
Are your members struggling with costs and constraints of traditional group insurance? Rising premiums. Limited plan options. Unpredictable renewals. These are real pressures your members face every year, and they look to you for helpful resources.
HRASimple is a Georgia ICHRA administrator who has guided hundreds of Georgia businesses to a smarter path for benefits through a model called ICHRA, where employers reimburse employees for health insurance.
We recently published a plain-language guide comparing ICHRA vs. traditional group insurance. Click here to read it! Share it with your members and know that HRASimple is here as a resource for your Chamber, too. Want to hear more about educating members on strategic benefits? Email Jake at JAllstun@HRASimple.com.
| | | | |
Director of the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development Search
We have begun the search for the next Director of the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development here at UGA. For more information, please see the GACCE Careers page.
| | | | |
Hello everyone,
Great seeing you in Dalton and I hope you enjoyed the testimonial delivered by one of our clients, Christie Gribble from Fannin County. Christie, thank you again.
As a quick follow up I wanted to provide some flyers to share with your members. You’ll find a great general overview of the Chamber SMART Plan, FAQ’s, and the services/products McGriff offers as an agency where we can provide value - Employee Benefit Solutions and Business Insurance Solutions.
Have a great week and please don’t hesitate to call/email where I can be of help.
David W. Righter
VP Employee Health and Benefits
717-418-0240
David.Righter@MarshMMA.com
| | | | |
Compliance Tracker Newsletter - April 2026
This month’s Compliance Tracker Newsletter summarizes compliance deadlines for March 2026 and highlights additional upcoming deadlines. Click here for the newsletter.
As always, if you have any additional questions or need additional information associated with these topics of other HR related topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
| | | | We love helping Chambers like yours turn big ideas into real momentum. At SOAR Nonprofit Solutions LLC, we partner with chambers to strengthen operations, energize membership, and build strategies that actually stick. Whether you’re looking to boost revenue, rethink your membership model, or simply get your board and staff aligned, we bring practical experience and a fresh perspective to the table. Your next level of growth might be closer than you think! Contact tammy@soarnonprofitsolutions.com | | | |
Introducing Josh Hilgers: A New Health Benefits Opportunity for Chambers
My name is Josh Hilgers, Head of Employer Alliances at Thatch. I’ve spent more than 20 years in the insurance and benefits space, focused on simplifying complex challenges and building scalable solutions—including helping develop the QuickBooks-integrated platform at Allstate Health Solutions.
Today, my work centers on partnering with chambers of commerce to bring a better way for employers to offer health benefits through ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement).
ICHRA allows businesses to move away from traditional group plans by providing tax-advantaged funds for employees to choose their own coverage—often lowering costs while improving flexibility and outcomes.
For chambers, this creates a unique opportunity to:
- Deliver meaningful cost savings and better options to members
- Provide valuable education and guidance on a complex topic
-
Generate non-dues revenue
At Thatch, we provide a fully turnkey program—handling education, enrollment, and ongoing support—so chambers can easily bring this solution to their members without added burden. I’m excited to work alongside chambers across Georgia to help their business communities navigate rising healthcare costs with smarter, more flexible solutions.
| | | | |
When most people think about a Total Resource Campaign, they picture the public phase: volunteers out selling, members engaged, and a defined campaign window driving sales results. But what often goes unseen, and is just as valuable, is the sponsorship development process that happens beforehand.
As Kellie Goodman Shaffer and the team at the Bedford County (PA) Chamber prepare to launch their inaugural campaign this April, they have already experienced the impact of the TRC sponsorship development work. Reflecting on the experience, Kellie shared:
“We have found significant value in the sponsorship development process, including a deep-dive into all of our programs, events, and initiatives. The opportunity to see our work through the lens of an industry leader and Chamber champion the caliber of Jason has been incredibly rewarding for our team. We have developed new opportunities for our members, including sponsorship benefits and marketing products we would have never thought of on our own.
But we have also been pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable and even inspiring this process has been. Jason appreciates the mission and values of our organization and is helping us become the best we can be utilizing the time and resources currently available to us. While we expect the campaign to be a success in terms of revenue, membership engagement, and future time management for our staff, the work our team is doing to prepare for the campaign has been far more valuable than we could have ever imagined. We are already better for the experience - Jason is giving us the tools and the confidence to dream even bigger!”
| | GACCE Chamber Member Updates | | The Chamber is excited to announce our 2026 Annual Dinner, taking place April 23rd on the streets of Downtown Albany at the historic St. Nicholas Hotel.This special evening will bring together business and community leaders to highlight the exciting momentum happening across Albany while looking ahead to the opportunities before us, and will celebrate the people and initiatives helping shape the future of our community. | | The Chamber is pleased to welcome Kimberly Barker as their new Events & Marketing Manager. Click here for the press release. | | The Chamber is pleased to welcome Michele Knight as their new President & CEO. | | Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber | The Chamber is proud to celebrate Julie Carroll, Business Operations Manager, on her incredible achievement of completing the ACCE Certificate in Chamber Management—a dynamic program that builds essential skills across chamber operations, governance, membership, revenue development, economic mobility, events, and more. | | |
The Chamber participated in Georgia FLEX for the first time this year, and we now have our winners. Congratulations Olivia McKinney, our Chattooga FLEX champ! She won $3,000 for her business Blessed Braids, and she’ll be heading Tifton to compete statewide for $10,000! In second was Isabella and Harrison Mason of QualiCare Pets and a $1,500 prize. Beydaly Gabriel-Diaz won $750 for her business BeyO as she came in third. We’re so proud of each of these young entrepreneurs, and we’re looking forward to what the future holds for them! Thanks goes to the Tillotson-Menlo Charitable Foundation for sponsoring the prize money. Thanks also to our trainers, mentors, leadership team, judges and sponsors…you made all this possible! We're looking forward to another great year, adjusting our scheduling and lessons learned this inaugural year.
| | Darien-McIntosh County Chamber | |
Blessing of the Fleet in Darien is coming up April 17th-19th! Join us for a weekend of fun and celebration of Coastal Georgia's Commercial Fishing heritage. For more details visit -https://darienmcintoshchamber.com/blessing-of-the-fleet/
| | The Chamber is accepting resumes for the position of Membership Development Specialist. See the GACCE Careers Page for more information. | | The Chamber is pleased to welcome Danielle Kiser as their new Senior Director of Operations & Strategy. | | Dublin-Laurens County Chamber | The Chamber has partnered with The Chason Group to conduct an executive service for their next President & CEO. Please see the GACCE Careers page for more information and to apply. | | The Chamber has launched a new strategic framework focused on alignment and responsiveness. A key outcome of this work has been increased alignment and responsiveness, allowing the Chamber to more effectively engage across sectors and adapt to evolving business needs. Click here for the Chamber’s mission card. The Chamber also relaunched its foundation to expand long-term community investment. The Chamber has a new signature event which aligns fundraising with strategic priorities. As part of its foundation relaunch, the Chamber is introducing Bridles & Bourbon, a new signature fundraising event designed to align experience-driven engagement with long-term strategic investment. Click here to read more about each program. | | |
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Chamber the prestigious 4-Star Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and significant positive impact on the community it serves. Click here for the press release.
The Chamber has several events planned for April:
-
April 1 - Fayette Young Professionals: Discover Your Spine: A Guided Bone Scavenger Hunt
-
April 2 - Fayette Investor Network - Information Session
-
April 15 - Safety Event with Next Gen Manufacturing
-
April 17 - NonProfit Network Coffee & Connect
-
April 21 - National Civics Bee Competition
-
April 30 - ENGAGE After Hours - Braelinn Golf Club
| |
 | | The Chamber proudly hosted its first North Georgia Ag Expo on March 14th, marking an exciting milestone in celebrating and supporting the region’s agricultural community. Held at the Gilmer County Agriculture Center, the event was a tremendous success, drawing strong attendance and highlighting the vital role agriculture plays in North Georgia’s economy and heritage. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to tour the Agriculture Center and engage directly with a variety of local vendors. Exhibitors showcased products, services, and innovations designed to support farmers and agricultural businesses, offering valuable insights and connections for both seasoned professionals and those new to the industry. The Chamber extends its appreciation to all vendors, participants, and community members who contributed to making the inaugural Ag Expo such a meaningful and successful event. Plans are already underway to build on this momentum and continue supporting the growth and visibility of agriculture in our region.
| | Greater North Fulton Chamber | |
March's North Fulton Focus Series brought the business community together for a singular purpose - to celebrate the achievements and impact of businesswomen in our region. Featured keynote, Kristie Gonzales (President of 11Alive), inspired the room with a call to lift others as you climb in your career. Five companies received the annual BOLD Company distinction and honorees for the individual BOLD Awards thanked their mentors, families, friends, and community for investing in them as they grew in North Fulton.
| | We have a new Membership Director, Carrie Ann Blasingame. Carrie Ann is local to the Griffin area and her husband and his business are a third-generation business in Griffin who are very supportive of the Chamber and all of the programs. We are so excited to have Carrie Ann join our team. | | |
The Chamber is focused on building a strong pipeline of leaders through new programs launched in 2026. Designed for real-world impact, the new programs include:
FLEX
Henry County proudly participated in the Georgia FLEX program, a statewide student entrepreneurship competition that equips students with hands-on business experience. This year, our 1st place winner, Dough Beauty by Lola Symone Stanley, will advance to the state competition.
Core Collective℠
Core Collective℠, part of the Chamber’s Henry Hub track for solopreneurs, is a structured peer group experience where business leaders commit to accountability, track key performance indicators, and exchange strategies. The first two cohorts launched in February, creating space for connection, collaboration, and measurable growth.
Thriving Henry Leaders℠
In partnership with Kaiser Permanente and facilitated by Dr. Heather Ross, Thriving Henry Leaders℠ is a cohort-based program designed to help professionals build resilience, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and lead well without sacrificing personal well-being.
The Chamber recognized Chandler Lewis and Sarah Grace Gilreath as the 2026 Scholarship for Young Women recipients during the Women’s EmPOWERment Summit on March 5. Each student received a $1,000 award, honoring their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities.
We are also excited to highlight that Leonard Robinson, Director of Membership for the Chamber, has been recognized by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) as a 2025 Top Sales Professional. Robinson earned first place in new-member sales among chambers of similar size nationwide, highlighting his outstanding performance and impact on membership growth.
| | The Chamber is pleased to welcome Tammy Hodges as their new President. | | |
The Chamber recently introduced One Coweta, a collaborative initiative aligning business, government, education, and nonprofit leaders around shared priorities for our community’s future. Evolving from Forward Coweta, the initiative focuses on workforce development, economic prosperity, leadership, and quality of life. One Coweta was unveiled at our 78th State of the Chamber Annual Meeting, reinforcing the Chamber’s role as a convener and catalyst for community alignment. By bringing partners together around a common vision and measurable action, One Coweta reflects a simple belief: our community is strongest when we move forward — together.
| | The Chamber is accepting resumes for the position of Partner Development Manager. Please see the GACCE Careers page for more information and to apply. | | Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber | |
After a thorough selection process, the Chamber's Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Tessa Reavis as the next President/CEO. Reavis will begin working closely with current President/CEO Julie Paysen starting April 6, 2026 throughout the transition period and will assume the role on July 1, 2026. Click here for the press release.
| | Other Updates of Interest | | Save the Date - #ACCE26 Annual Convention has been set for July 20-22, 2026 in New Orleans, LA. Click here for more information and to register. | | IOM - 2026 Summer Sites Now Open for Registration | |
We are looking forward to another amazing year at Madison, Athens, & Villanova. Click here to go to the general Institute registration page.
| | | | |
