Chamber Overview

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The Baxley-Appling County Chamber of Commerce "An Overview" The Baxley-Appling County Chamber of Commerce is a county association dedicated to the common goals of Georgia businesses. It serves as the primary catalyst within the private sector for achieving positive changes in key areas affecting the community's future. Made up of companies, corporations, firms, associations and individuals with interests in various areas, it has represented the interests of business over half a century. DEPARTMENTS: The Chamber is made up four departments which encompass every program and service offered to its members. 1. Governmental Affairs 2. Economic Affairs/Existing Industry Council 3. Internal Affairs/Members Services/Development 4. Public Affairs

I. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS The Governmental Affairs Department serves as "the voice of business" to affect legislation and regulator issues that affect business. This department represents employers of all trades and all sizes. The Chamber's Governmental Affairs Department is made up of business professionals who actively track as well as create legislation year round, in order to, enhance Appling County as a place to work, live and conduct business. This include II. ECONOMIC AFFAIRS The Economic Affairs Department works to nurture existing industry. Working in partnership with the Governor's Development Council and the Development Authority, the Chamber facilitates input from it's membership to help shape the economic policy and strategy of Appling County. The Economic Affairs Department also supports programs for education such as: 1. STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) for outstanding high school students and teachers. 2. GOAL (Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership) for outstanding technical school students 3. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Awarded to two future community leaders chosen from college bound ACCHS seniors. 4. EXISTING INDUSTRY COUNCIL A council formed to represent the interests of existing industries. Chamber staff liaison to the Existing Industry Council from all of its manufacturing members so that it can address the special needs of established industries. 5. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Through a networking of agencies, service programs and educational institutes, employees have access to jobs, training and referrals to potential jobs. Employers are provided access to an employee pool of trained, skilled employees and assistance with economic and workforce development to promote future growth and expansion. 6. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 7. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM 8. COMMUNITY WIDE PLANNING RETREAT 9. AGRIBUSINESS

III. INTERNAL AFFAIRS-MEMBER SERVICE/DEVELOPMENT The Member Services Department provides members with access to several information sources, publications and seminars, to keep them informed of Chamber events and key issues. PUBLICATIONS "Partners in Progress" newsletter mailed monthly Subscription to the South Georgia Business Journal (monthly) Membership Directory Business Resource Library including: U.S. Export Controls Compliance Guide for U.S. Exporters Workers' Compensation Safety Library Catalog Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 Federal Publication Prevention Pipeline-Alcohol and Other Drugs SEMINARS The Chamber offers discounted seminars, conducted throughout the year, to bring members issue-oriented meetings and workshops on important topics such as: Time Management Customer Service Creative Thinking Story Board Retirement Planning Workers' Compensation Environmental Regulations Investing MEETINGS Every member is invited to attend the Chamber's Annual Meeting and monthly meeting to network with other members, interact with key officials in government and discuss important issues concerning the Chamber and the community. In addition, the Membership Department works to find new businesses to join the Chamber and expand its reach, influence and resources throughout the state. The effort is year round, with special emphasis during an annual membership campaign involving volunteers from member firms in the community. IV. PUBLIC AFFAIRS The Public Affairs Department works to provide quality programs and events for the Community. This department encourages the public to participate in Chamber sponsored functions and initiate interest in Chamber membership as well as promote Appling County. 1. Chamber Ambassadors 2. Junior Chamber (High School Youth) The Public Affairs Department coordinates the "Business After Hours" program for the Chamber membership. This program provides the excellent opportunity for networking among the membership. ANNUAL EVENTS JANUARY Annual Meeting Citizen of the Year APRIL Baxley Tree Fest Secretary of the Year MAY Tourism Week JUNE June Director's Retreat SEPTEMBER Planning Retreat OCTOBER Boss of the Year Annual Farm Tour DECEMBER Christmas Parade Director's Christmas Luncheon