The Annual Meeting updates our membership and community with a highlight of the Chamber's previous year as well as an update on the programs and plans set for the upcoming year. 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. Our 121st Annual Meeting theme was "There's No Place Like Athens".
Congratulations to the 2025 Award Recipients:
- Upshaw Bentley Citizen of the Year: Rhodes McLanahan, First American Bank
- Spirit of Athens: Dr. Grace Bagwell Adams, Athens Wellbeing Project/The Studio Athens
- Athena Award: Jinx Patel, Athens Research & Technology
- Nonprofit of the Year: Project Safe
- Educator of the Year: Chris Batson, Clarke Middle School
- Small Business of the Year: Kaptiv8
- Ambassador of the Year: Alison Melvin, The Classic Center
- Visionary Leadership Award: Paul Cramer, The Classic Center/Akins Ford Arena
Testimonials
"Chamber membership has been the foundation of my business development over the past year. The relationships and opportunities that I’ve gained access to have been invaluable to my future."
-Zander Mason, Raymond James
"My business and I have been a proud member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce for 40 years. I have gotten some business that I would have probably never gotten if it was not for the Chamber. As a black female-owned business downtown and UGA alumni, I could not ask for a better place to be. I only wish that every small business owner could experience the care that my Chamber gives to me!
-Quittis Smith-Luna, President & CEO, Northeast Georgia Temporary Services
“The Chamber does a great job of connecting people so businesses like ours are more aware of opportunities within the city to connect and serve. I cannot think of another organization that represents our community as a whole and speaks closer to the Athens vernacular.”
-Terrapin Beer Co.
“The Athens Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable resource in creating a stronger community. With weekly networking opportunities and fantastic events, they offer fun ways for everyone to stay connected. They strive to understand common needs and continuously innovate until they can provide a solution.”
-Chad Brown, Brown & McCook
Not only is it FUN being a member, but we’ve also seen the impact in working with others in our area who share the same passion for our community and making it such a great place. The Chamber is the perfect connectivity between industry, education, non-profit, and so many other wonderful organizations that serve the Athens community.”
-Will Beasley, Primrose School of Athens
"Chamber membership has been the foundation of my business development over the past year. The relationships and opportunities that I’ve gained access to have been invaluable to my future."
-Zander Mason, Raymond James
"My business and I have been a proud member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce for 40 years. I have gotten some business that I would have probably never gotten if it was not for the Chamber. As a black female-owned business downtown and UGA alumni, I could not ask for a better place to be. I only wish that every small business owner could experience the care that my Chamber gives to me!
-Quittis Smith-Luna, President & CEO, Northeast Georgia Temporary Services
Serving Our Members & Community
Since 1904, we have served our members and the community by fostering relationships and strengthening the ties that have secured Athens’ position as the hub of northeast Georgia.
The Chamber has become the regional leader on issues vital to a thriving business community and works hard to support other organizations dedicated to making Athens, GA the best place to live.
Want to keep up with the latest news from the Chamber? Sign up for our newsletter!
Did You Know?
Athens is home to 4 different colleges, including the University of Georgia.
55% Increase in Business Licenses over the past five years
“Best Places to Retire 2018” (four consecutive years), Forbes, April 23, 2018
14% of Athens’ labor force is employed in Manufacturing
Premier Partners
Elite Partners
Piedmont
Fortson, Bentley
St Mary's
Caterpillar
GP
BBGA
Piedmont
Fortson, Bentley
St Mary's
Caterpillar
GP
BBGA
Piedmont
Classic Partners
Spectrum
Truist
Kaiser Permanente
Spectrum
Truist
Kaiser Permanente
Supporting Partners
Regions
Classic City Bank
Servpro
Peach State
heyward allen
Jackson Spalding
Regions
Classic City Bank
Servpro
Peach State
heyward allen
Jackson Spalding
Regions
Friends of the Chamber
coca cola
oconee construction services
Kevin Price
michele pearson tucker
Good Works
Grahl Construction
Pellicano Construction
Georgia Heart Institute
NEGA Physicians Group
joma
superior air management
Milestone Construction
Donegal Insurance
W&A
coca cola
oconee construction services
Kevin Price
michele pearson tucker
Good Works
Grahl Construction
Pellicano Construction