IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

Government Affairs Rise N Shine, Salty Sandbagger Golf Tournament Registration, Albany Area Chamber Business Awards, Political Leadership Institute Application Information, Business After Hours, The Chamber's Transition to Digital Invoicing, The Ray Magazine, Candidate Interviews & Early Voting Information, Member Announcements & Chamber Fastpass.

On Thursday November 2, make plans us for the 2023 Government Affairs Rise N’ Shine Breakfast where we'll delve into the upcoming Georgia Legislative Session with guest speaker Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia Secretary of State.

Brad Raffensperger brings 40 years of experience to the table—a licensed Professional Engineer and successful entrepreneur. As the founder of Tendon Systems, he led the southeast's largest post-tensioning specialist contractor. His dedication to public service led him to the City Council in Johns Creek and two terms in the Georgia House of Representatives before being elected Secretary of State in 2018.

This event is sponsored by Albany Air Conditioning & Heating, Webb Properties, Albany Area Primary Healthcare, Albany Technical College & LRA Constructors. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of our state.

REGISTER HERE

JOIN US FOR THE SALTY SANDBAGGER GOLF TOURNAMENT!

The Albany Area Chamber's Military Affairs Committee invites you to join us for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie at the Salty Sandbagger Golf Tournament. Establishing in 1976, this longstanding event celebrates the sport of golf and the special relationship between Albany's Marines and Albany's vibrant business community.

After an impressive 5+ year streak of residing with the Marines, the coveted trophy currently resides with the business community since our Spring 2023 tournament.

Who will claim it this year? Join us to find out!

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Time: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM EDT

Location: River Pointe Golf Club | 801 River Pointe Drive, Albany

Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. and the tournament will tee off at 8:00 a.m. sharp. The tournament is $85 per player and includes breakfast, tournament gift, prizes, lunch and a fun morning of golf. Click HERE to register.

Contact Mary Bickerstaff for more information at mbickerstaff@albanyga.com or (229) 434-8700.

Get ready for an evening of recognition and inspiration as the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce gears up for its annual Business Awards ceremony on November 9, 2023.

All of our 2023 finalists, nominated by passionate community members, have truly made their mark in the Albany Area. Join us in championing these remarkable businesses in the categories of Women-Owned Business, Small Business of the Year, Uniquely Albany, Veteran-Owned Business, and Nonprofit of the Year. It's a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the collective effort to build a thriving business community in Albany.

Mark your calendars and be a part of this exciting evening, where we not only honor the winners but also applaud all the finalists for their exceptional contributions.

Stay tuned as we reveal the finalists in the coming days.

A special thanks to our generous sponsors: ComNet1, Albany Area Primary Healthcare, The Flint River Entertainment Complex, Englewood Healthcare, and Southern Point Staffing

Purchase tickets to support these outstanding businesses HERE.

Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 class of the Albany Area Political Leadership Institute, a nonpartisan initiative led by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. The program's primary objective is to cultivate local leadership talent with a focus on equipping them for roles on local boards and in elected offices. Through this program, the Chamber aims to engage individuals in public service, particularly those with a business-oriented mindset, by preparing them for leadership opportunities. The program, now in its second year, was established by Albany's business leaders and has proven itself successful as previous participants have joined local boards and various leadership roles in our community. The three-session program, running from November 2023 to January 2024, will provide education on government processes, campaigning, and community needs while fostering networking opportunities among participants. Although the program encourages civic engagement, there is no obligation for participants to run for office. Interested individuals are invited to apply by the application deadline of October 13, 2023. The cost for participation, which covers all three sessions, materials, and meals, is $150.

To Apply, Click HERE.

For more information, please visit our website.

Get ready to MIX IT UP at the Albany Area Chamber's November Business After Hours hosted by the Shoppes at Westover on November 14, 2023.

Event Details:

📍 Location: The Shoppes at Westover (In front of Bottoms Up!)

🕔 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Connect with fellow chamber members and potential new connections at this networking extravaganza. Whether you're a seasoned chamber member or considering joining, this event is open to everyone interested in fostering business relationships.

Bring your business card for a chance to win a $100 cash prize, sponsored by the UPS stores of Albany. This event is free, but registration is requested.

REGISTER HERE

COMING SOON

In our efforts to streamline processes and embrace eco-friendly practices, we will be transitioning from traditional paper invoices to digital invoices delivered straight to your email inbox. This shift not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability but also brings about several benefits for both you and the Chamber.

Why the Change?

1. Digital invoices mean faster delivery, eliminating postal delays and ensuring you receive important information promptly.
2. Going digital allows us to reduce printing and postage costs, enabling us to allocate resources more efficiently.
3. By reducing paper usage, we contribute to a healthier environment. Together, we can make a positive impact on our community.

What You Need to Know:

• Your invoices will now be conveniently delivered to your email, making it easier for you to access and manage your Chamber-related documents.
• Rest assured, our digital invoices are secure and accessible. If you ever need a copy, it's just a few clicks away.
• If you have any questions or need assistance adapting to the new system, our dedicated team is here to help. Feel free to reach out, and we'll be more than happy to guide you through the process.

To ensure a smooth transition, please make sure your contact information, especially your email address, is up to date in our records. You can verify and update your information by logging into your member account on our website or contacting our membership services team.

Important Note:

As with any email communication, it's possible that our digital invoices may land in your spam/junk folder. To ensure you receive them promptly, please check those inboxes frequently and mark our emails as "Not Spam" if they accidentally end up there. This proactive step will guarantee the correct delivery of your invoices and help you stay on top of your financial records.

We are excited about this positive change and know that it will enhance your experience with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO ADVERTISE IN ALBANY'S PREMIER MAGAZINE

Discover the allure of "The Ray," one of the areas most popular and distinctive publications. With a focus on life, leisure, and business in our region, "The Ray" reaches an unlimited audience with over 8,000 publications spanning hotel rooms, conference centers, economic development inquiries, newcomer and recruitment packages, legislation, tourism interests, and online accessibility.

Join us in shaping the narrative of Albany – a city brimming with possibilities for newcomers, visitors, and locals alike. Become a part of "The Ray" magazine, where your presence resonates across print and digital realms, showcasing what you love most about your business. Publication is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 and advertisers will enjoy the privilege of complimentary issues in addition to community exposure. Embrace the opportunity to captivate, inspire, and unite in this compelling showcase of Albany's essence. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this publication. The deadline for ads is has been extended!! Please make sure to have your ad space selected by November 15, 2023. "The Ray" is only produced once every two years. Together, let's illuminate the path to Albany's undeniable charm.

Contact Mary Bickerstaff at mbickerstaff@albanyga.com or (229) 434-8700 to secure your premium advertisement location today.

EARLY VOTING IS HAPPENING NOW!

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and WALB News 10 have joined forces to champion the power of your voice by bringing you up-to-date information regarding contested races for the Albany City Commission and the Mayoral election.

Curious about these candidates? Dive into the heart of the matter with these participating candidates by viewing their one-on-one interviews below with WALB News 10. We encourage you to listen to all candidates before heading to the polls.

Also on the ballot, we encourage all voters to vote YES for T-SPLOST. Your YES vote for T-SPLOST is key to keeping Albany and Dougherty County stronger, safer and more connected through critical transportation improvements. Let's invest in our community's growth and prosperity together. Vote YES for T-SPLOST and drive positive change!

Early voting is in full swing! Head to the polls NOW to make your mark and shape the future of our beloved community.

Election Day is November 7!

Early Voting Dates:

Monday, October 16 - Friday, October 20 from 9 am – 5 pm

Saturday, October 21 from 9 am – 5 pm

Sunday, October 22 from 1 pm – 5 pm

Monday, October 23 - Friday, October 27 from 9 am – 5 pm

Saturday, October 28 from 9 am – 5 pm

Monday, October 30 – Friday, November 3 from 9am – 5pm

Early Voting Location:

The Candy Room at the Riverfront Resource Center

125 Pine Avenue in downtown Albany

ELECTION DAY: November 7th

For more information about voting processes, including absentee voting and mail-in ballots, please visit www.dougherty.ga.us

YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE. Make it count!

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

WARD 1 COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES

WARD 4 COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES

Come GROW with us! You can help us expand the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce & earn $50 per new member! 

Here's how it works: 

To be eligible for your $50 reward, follow these easy steps: 

1. Have your referral fill out the form linked HERE or in the QR code above. 
2. Provide an introductory email connecting your prospective new member, yourself, and a member of our team. This helps us establish a warm welcome and personalized connection. 
3. Once your referred friend's membership is confirmed, you're all set! 

Pick up your $50 check as soon as your referral's membership is confirmed. It's that simple! 

Important Details: 

• Only current Chamber members are eligible for this incentive. 
• There's no limit to the number of referrals you can make, so share the Chamber love far and wide! 

By participating in this initiative, you not only earn a reward for your referrals but also contribute to the growth and vitality of they Albany Area. 

Thank you for being an integral part of our Chamber family. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming new members with your help. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Together, let's make our Chamber even stronger! 

Explore our Member Announcement section on our website HERE, where you'll find the latest updates, news, and highlights from our valued members. It's a fantastic resource to stay informed about the achievements and developments within our vibrant community. Additionally, don't forget to utilize our event calendar feature, allowing members to showcase their upcoming events and activities, further enhancing their visibility and engagement within the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce network. Stay connected and make the most of your membership by sharing your news and events with us!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting enhancement to your experience at our upcoming events – the Fast Pass!

What is the Fast Pass?

The Fast Pass is your golden ticket to skip the lines and make the most of your investment in our events. We understand that your time is precious, and we want to ensure you have maximum time to network, engage, and enjoy the event to its fullest.

Who is Eligible?

This special benefit is extended to the following categories of guests:

• President's Club Members
• Chairman's Circle Patrons
• Event Sponsors
• Individuals or Groups who have purchased complete tables

Why Should You Use the Fast Pass?

By utilizing the Fast Pass, you won't have to waste a single moment waiting in line. Instead, you can dive right into the heart of the event, seize networking opportunities, and make the most of your investment in the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. We want your experience to be as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

We are committed to creating memorable and valuable experiences for our members and event attendees. The Fast Pass is just one of the many ways we strive to elevate your engagement with us.

Thank you for being a part of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and ensuring your time with us is both productive and enjoyable.

Pencil us in! See all of our upcoming events at albanyga.com.

Pack more value into your Chamber investment and extend your marketing reach through sponsorship and spotlight branding. Our sponsors gain access and visibility that showcase their company to community leaders throughout the Albany Area. Contact Mary Bickerstaff at mbickerstaff@albanyga.com for upcoming opportunities.