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GACCE January 2026 E-Newsletter
The mission of GACCE is engaging, educating, and empowering chamber professionals.
| | 2026 Staff Development Conference | | |
Be sure to save these dates:
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
We are in the process of finalizing the agenda now, so be on the lookout for more details soon!
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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 Associate Member Updates | | | | |
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 to read the full Power Grid Update.
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Portugal FAM Trip Recap - Memories, Moments, and Member Success!
Our Indus Travels Portugal FAM Trip was an unforgettable experience! Over eight remarkable days, chamber executives from across the region explored Portugal’s beauty, culture, and charm—while seeing firsthand how curated travel experiences can be the easiest source of non-dues revenue for their chambers. From the historic streets of Lisbon to the coastal beauty of Nazaré, the spiritual sites of Fátima, and the vibrant culture of Porto, the trip was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and strong networking among peers. Sharing a few moments from the journey. Participants shared glowing feedback about their experience—highlighting how our tours are seamless, enjoyable, and easy to offer to their chamber members. Check out more video testimonials and trip highlights on our Chamber Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.
The executives left Portugal inspired, confident, and ready to bring these opportunities to their communities. This trip is a perfect example of how travel programs can boost member engagement while generating meaningful non-dues revenue with minimal effort. Whether you’re curious about creating similar travel experiences for your chamber or exploring upcoming Indus Travels opportunities, we’re here to help:
📧 dhruv@indus.travel
📞 866-978-2997 ext. 844
Let us help your chamber turn travel into a powerful tool for both engagement and revenue—just like your peers did!
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Lumin Strategies Leadership Update
As we begin the new year, we wanted to share an important update with you. Bryan Fox is stepping into the role of President and CEO of Lumin Strategies. Bryan has been a longtime colleague and trusted leader within our team, with extensive experience working with Chambers, associations, and other organizations on advocacy and public policy initiatives. Brian Francis will continue working with Lumin Strategies as a strategic advisor during the transition, supporting the team and ongoing work to ensure continuity. We appreciate the opportunity to remain engaged with the association and look forward to continuing to connect with you in the year ahead. If you're ready to start advocacy work in 2026, reach out to us at bfox@luminstrat.com.
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Compliance Tracker Newsletter - January 2026
This month’s Compliance Tracker Newsletter summarizes compliance deadlines for January 2026 and highlights additional upcoming deadlines. Click here for the newsletter.
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Make the Most of 2026 with SOAR Nonprofit Solutions, LLC
Start 2026 with focus and momentum. SOAR Nonprofit Solutions, LLC has helped 21 chambers strengthen governance, grow membership, increase non-dues revenue, and launch impactful leadership and workforce development programs. Many begin with an organizational assessment and board retreat that leads to a customized plan for growth.
Learn more at soarnonprofitsolutions.com or contact Tammy Shepherd at tammy@soarnonprofitsolutions.com
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Considering what your 2026 has in store? Don't leave out these YGM products to help grow your Chamber!
Unloop: We created Unloop--our new sponsorship sales platform--with chamber execs just like you in mind-- leaders ready to step off the hamster wheel of sponsorship chaos and streamline your entire sponsorship sales process with ease and organization.
Visionary Leadership Retreat: If you’re looking to energize your board, set key priorities, and strengthen your Chamber’s impact, the Visionary Leadership Retreat is for you! This one-day retreat is more than planning... we’ll help you position your Chamber as a leader in strength and innovation, impacting 2026 and years to come!
Total Resource Campaign: It's time to permanently transform your organization’s non-dues revenue program through a YGM TRC that activates the total resource potential of your chamber without working overtime or trying to make it all happen on your own.
Make 2026 the year you partner with YGM. We’d love to help you grow your Chamber!
| | GACCE Chamber Member Updates | | |
We’re Hiring! The Chamber is seeking an enthusiastic and community-minded Executive Director to lead our mission of supporting local businesses and growing Elbert County’s economy. This leadership role oversees Chamber programs, events, member services, marketing, and partnerships; works closely with local leaders and businesses; and serves as the primary voice for the Elbert County business community. Ideal candidates: strong communicators, relationship builders, organized leaders with experience in nonprofits, chambers, economic development, community engagement, or similar fields.
📨 To apply: Send résumé, cover letter, and references to rebecca@elbertchamber.com
🗺️ Location: Elberton, GA
📅 Applications reviewed as received.
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The Chamber will host several events in January 2026:
| | Greater North Fulton Chamber | |
The North Fulton Focus Series: Mayors Appreciation Lunch brought in a sold-out crowd to hear successes, updates, and unique viewpoints from our six mayors across the region. Guests connected with their city officials and heard some good natured jokes and heartfelt sentiments about the leaders who are volunteering their service and expertise for the good of their residents.
| | 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. | | Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis Chamber | The Chamber is pleased to announce Jess Lawson as their new Chamber Director. She will handle the day-to-day operations of the Chamber, and Oakley Perry, President/CEO, will handle strategic priorities. | | |
The Chamber celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Central Educational Center (CEC), Georgia’s original career academy, with a fall event featuring former Governor Roy Barnes and the unveiling of a commemorative bust honoring Dr. Joe Harless, whose performance-based educational framework helped shape Georgia’s career academy founding model. Separately, the Chamber closed out 2025 with 8.4% membership growth and a record-breaking Total Resource Campaign, reflecting strong momentum and member confidence.
| | Did you know that one in every 17 adults in Georgia has been diagnosed with cancer? Which led our Chamber to proudly host its first-ever program in December bringing together healthcare and support service members dedicated to cancer treatment, prevention, family support, and survivorship. This meaningful initiative was designed to connect providers, share resources, and strengthen collaboration around one of the most critical health challenges facing our community. This two-hour program was an important and impactful conversation titled “The Cancer Reality in Paulding County,” presented by CARN Nation-the Cancer Awareness and Resource Network. Participants gained valuable insight into the current landscape of cancer in our community, learned about available local resources, and heard from a knowledgeable panel of speakers representing a range of perspectives and expertise. The discussion was eye-opening and deeply informative, underscoring the importance of education, early prevention, accessible support services, alternative treatment and a strong network of care for patients, families, and survivors. Most importantly, the program reinforced the power of community—demonstrating how collaboration among healthcare providers, nonprofits, and support organizations can make a meaningful difference for those affected by cancer (and their families) in Paulding County. This inaugural program marks the beginning of an ongoing effort for our Chamber to foster awareness, support, and connection, and we look forward to continuing this initiative by encouraging further community education and the establishment of an ongoing coalition for our members that will have regular meetings in 2026. | | The Chamber has announced Alex Maddox as their new Executive Director. | | 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. | | |
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.
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