Thank you, Annual Meeting Yellow Brick Road Sponsors!

The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted the Annual Meeting for over 100 years as an opportunity to honor businesses and community members, enjoy networking and fellowship, and share progress and goals with our membership. Thank you to our Yellow Brick Road Sponsors for making this event possible. We hope to see you there! 

Congratulations to Peach State Federal Credit Union! Peach State was recognized as the January 2025 Small Business of the Month. Develon Davis is the past chair of the Chamber Membership Committee. Develon and his team regularly volunteer their time and resources and we are thankful for their community support!

The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee selects the Small Business of the Month, is instrumental in welcoming new Chamber members, and provides support to staff and board to enhance our Chamber member experience. 

If you would be interested in serving as a volunteer committee member, please complete this brief form. 

Athens Chamber staff and board members attended Clarke County Mentor Program's Annual Breakfast Celebration. CCMP began in 1991 as a joint initiative of the Chamber and the School District. Today, the organization is thriving as a non-profit serving hundreds of Children in Athens-Clarke County.

Examples of students at work:

Houseman Services

Cofer's

Town Square Olive Oil

For a quick response, you can email jdbosby@gmail.com.

Every Friday during legislative session, we will have a Zoom call with a member of our elected delegation to the Georgia General Assembly. 



This is a wonderful opportunity to hear about the issues of importance and the expected outcome of the General Assembly. Expect the first 15-20 minutes to be a conversation with the facilitator followed by audience questions. 

For more information, click here.

Representative Houston Gaines

District 120

121st Annual Meeting

The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted the Annual Meeting for over 100 years as an opportunity to honor businesses and community members, enjoy networking and fellowship, and share progress and goals with our membership. Make plans to join us this year as we celebrate all that makes Athens special - there's no place like Athens!

Sponsorship opportunities available! Email kim@athensga.com for more information.

Date and Time

Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025

5:30 PM - 7:45 PM EST

Location

Akins Ford Arena

300 N Thomas St. Athens, GA 30601

Country music sensation Gavin Adcock is set to bring his electrifying performance to Akins Ford Arena in Athens, GA on October 17, 2025, as part of his Need To Tour.

Joining Gavin Adcock on this unforgettable night are rising country stars Conner Smith and Lanie Gardner. Conner Smith, known for his fresh take on modern country storytelling, has captivated audiences with hits that blend traditional country with a contemporary edge. Lanie Gardner, who rose to fame with her viral covers and soulful voice, has quickly become a name to watch in country music. Their performances will set the stage for an electrifying night of country music at Akins Ford Arena.

Tickets for Gavin Adcock at Akins Ford Arena in Athens on October 17, 2025, start at just $34.50 plus fees and go on sale Friday, February 7, at 10 AM local time. Fans can purchase tickets at AkinsFordArena.com. Given the high demand, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early before they sell out! 

Titan CEO is pleased to announce the 2025 Georgia Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes Georgia’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion.

Collectively, the 2025 Georgia Titan 100 and their companies employ over 136,000 individuals and generate over $61 billion in annual revenues. This year’s honorees will be published in a limited edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online.

They will be honored at the annual awards ceremony on May 8th, 2025, and will be given the opportunity to interact and connect multiple times throughout the year with their fellow Titans.

Global Escapes, a trailblazer in personalized travel consulting, is delighted to announce the acquisition of Travelfaire, marking an exciting expansion into Dunwoody, GA. This strategic merger unites over seven decades of unparalleled expertise in tailoring travel experiences that make unforgettable memories.

“We are thrilled to extend our unique ‘Travel With Friends’ philosophy to the vibrant community of Dunwoody and the wider Atlanta area,” shared Tiffany Hines, President and CEO of Global Escapes. "This merger not only brings together two agencies with a shared ethos of personal connection and trust but also aligns our rich history with a future of innovation in travel services."

Jake Shane Announces Biggest LIve Tour Date Following Sold-Out North American 21-City "Therapuss Live" Run Last Year

Today, Jake Shane, digital entertainer, comedian, and host of popular podcast Therapuss, announced his biggest tour to date, kicking off next month. Produced by Live Nation and National Shows 2, LIVE WITH JAKE SHANE will begin on Thursday, February 27 in Dallas, TX and will span more than 35 cities across North America before wrapping in Omaha, NE on Sunday, July 13.  

Artist Presale Tickets and VIP Packages will go on sale on Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00 AM local time. The general onsale will begin Friday, January 31 at 10:00 AM local time. 

100% of net tickets proceeds from the Los Angeles show at Peacock Theater on Saturday, May 17 will be donated to wildfire relief efforts. 

Purchase tickets here!

Project Safe Unveils Cast of 2025 Dancing with the Athens Stars

Project Safe unveils cast of 2025 Dancing with the Athens Stars, voting begins for Audience Favorite

Annual fundraiser featuring local celebrities will be held March 15, 2025, at The Classic Center

Athens, Georgia: Project Safe’s 2025 cast for its annual fundraising event, Dancing with the Athens Stars, in which local celebrities pair with dance instructors to compete for Judges’ Favorite, Community Favorite (most tickets sold), and Audience Favorite (most funds raised) awards. Supporters can cast their votes for the Audience Favorite or purchase tickets at https://www.project-safe.org/ways-to-donate/dancing-with-the-athens-stars/.

Loan Servicing Specialist

The Loan Servicing Specialist plays a pivotal role in the booking and maintenance of all loans at BankSouth and ensures that all loan files are set up properly in our respective systems. The Loan Servicing Specialist routinely interacts with individuals across the organization including Lending Assistants, Relationship Managers, and Loan Processors. This position is also responsible for quality assurance and serves as a point-of-contact for internal customers. This position requires intermediate to advanced experience in loan servicing. The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more functional loan servicing areas including participations, escrows, and bookings.

Sales Manager

Do you have a passion for travel, events, and connecting people to unique experiences? Are you a natural networker who enjoys building relationships and showcasing all that a destination has to offer? If so, we want you to help bring major events to Athens Georgia!

This role is an opportunity to help shape Athens’ future as a must-visit destination. If you are excited about making an impact and bringing fresh ideas to our team, apply today! 

Screen Printer

Satisfactory is a boutique screen printing & design shop located in Athens, GA. We are looking to hire a screen printer with at least 1 year of experience on an automatic press. The ideal candidate will be experienced and focused, with a keen attention to detail. You will be part of a 6-person production team.

City Garden Company

Fisher Technology

At Fisher, we do more than install technology; we curate intimate and luxury experiences. From hidden audio experiences to state-of-the-art security systems, we believe technology isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and we work with you to create a plan that seamlessly fits your lifestyle or business model. Whether your project is residential or commercial, we're dedicated to helping you craft your dream space.

Vistage

Improving the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of CEOs, business owners, and key executives of small and medium sized businesses. The culture of my groups is one of trust, challenge and support. They call it like it is and have each other’s back. Critical thinking and reflective questioning provides unparalleled perspective and pushes each individual to reach greater potential than they imagined. Members gain clarity of purpose, deep confidence and a new sense of calmness in dealing with life’s ever changing path.

Want to create a truly memorable Holiday Party? Live Wire Athens is the answer! Let us help you create a festive atmosphere that your employees will love with a Silent Disco Dance Party or Karaoke.

Dates are open for December 2025 so BOOK NOW!

The highly anticipated Athens Wine Weekend is returning to The Classic Center in just one week, February 7-9.

Gather your friends, uncork the wine, and prepare for a weekend of unforgettable flavors at Athens Wine Weekend. Enjoy wine tastings, culinary delights, insightful seminars, a Grand Tasting event, and a sparkling brunch—an experience filled with exquisite tastes and memorable moments.



The festivities begin on Friday, February 7, with an Amuse-Bouche featuring a collection of talented chefs from Athens-area restaurants. Each chef will serve up a creative dish paired with a carefully selected wine that will allow you to savor every bite. Local Participating Restaurants include:

· Five and Ten

· Pretty Boy

· George’s Lowcountry Table

· Levy Restaurants

· Chops & Hops

· South Kitchen + Bar

· The Pine Bar

Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend in Downtown Athens! For tickets or more information on this exciting three-day event, visit ClassicCenter.com/AthensWineWeekend.

Visit Athens would like to pass along the call for judges for this year's Technology Students of America competitions, which meets annually in Athens and is returning this March 13-14. TSA students and advisors love coming to Athens, in part because of our active and supportive community who turn out in great numbers to volunteer as judges for a wide variety of topics. No technology expertise is required, so keep on reading and consider spending a few hours with these talented students!

From judges' coordinator Sylvia Phillips:

Here are some important conference logistics:

• Approximately 75 judges will be needed pre-conference to judge online entries.  Online judging will take place February 17-22
• Approximately 200 volunteers will be needed to serve as onsite judges on Thursday, March 13th and Friday, March 14th 
• Each competitive event session requires approximately 4 hours and volunteers can certainly serve in more than one session if your schedule permits. 
• Many events have two phases and it is very helpful to have the same team of volunteers serve in both the morning and afternoon sessions for these events.



Please review your 2025 calendar and complete the ONLINE FORM if you are able to volunteer to judge virtually and/or in-person on March 13/14.

For more information about the important work of Georgia TSA, please visit the website at www.gatsa.org.  If you have specific conference questions, please contact Sylvia Phillips at judges4education@yahoo.com.

The Power of Friendship & Breast Health: A Conversation You Won’t Want to Miss

Did you know 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? Recently, we’re seeing more and more younger women facing this diagnosis, and it’s time we come together to talk about it.

February is Cancer Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to raise awareness and have important conversations about breast health, cancer prevention, and how the power of friendship can make all the difference when supporting a loved one through treatment.



Whether you're seeking information on early detection or looking for ways to be a compassionate friend during a challenging journey, this event is for you.

Together, we can empower and uplift each other through knowledge, support, and community.

🎟️ Get your ticket today and be part of a movement celebrating the strength of friendship and the importance of breast health. For more information and to purchase tickets  here

Bulk Ticket Discounts for Workshops at The Lightroom

The Lightroom is excited to offer local businesses a special discount on bulk ticket purchases for upcoming workshops! Purchase 5 tickets and receive a 15% discount on each ticket. Purchase 10 tickets and receive a 30% discount on each ticket.

Get ready to be your very best in the boardroom: The Athens Area Community Foundation and the Jackson EMC Foundation are bringing back the Ready, Set, Go Board Leadership Workshops! Four workshop options, offered twice throughout the Spring: On Your Mark for nonprofit staff, Ready for brand new board members, Set for seasoned board members, and Go for Board Chairs and Executive Directors. Check out the dates and sign up at https://athensareacf.org/ready-set-go-2025.