Members in the News
GACCE Announces New Georgia Certified Chamber Executives
The Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) announced their newest class of Georgia Certified Chamber Executives at the 2026 Executive Leadership Conference held at the Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, GA. In 1993, GACCE began looking at ways to enhance public awareness and credibility of the Chamber of Commerce profession. One of the items selected to accomplish this was the establishment of a designation which exemplifies excellence and professionalism of Georgia’s
GACCE Announces 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board Members
The Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) is pleased to announce its 2026- 2027 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The Executive Committee members are: Chair – David Bradley, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Chair-Elect – Sara Ray, Douglas County Chamber of Commerce First Vice Chair/Secretary – Pam Powers-Smith, Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce Second Vice Chair/Treasurer – Madison Ruttinger, Thomaston-Upson County Chamber of Commerce Immediate Past Chair – Christie
A Business Plan Is a Living Tool: What Athens Entrepreneurs Need to Know
A solid business plan is the foundation of a business that lasts — and the data backs that up. Business planning can help companies grow faster, and entrepreneurs who start the planning process early are typically better at establishing legitimacy with customers, partners, and funders. In Athens-Clarke County, that edge matters. Between the University of Georgia drawing a constant influx of talent and a competitive mix of healthcare, hospitality, and creative businesses, entering the market without a
A Beginner’s Field Guide to Basic Business Terms
TL;DR This article is your pocket translator for business language. You’ll learn the meaning behind terms like “cash flow,” “equity,” and “ROI” — not just their definitions, but how they work together to shape your day-to-day as a business owner or entrepreneur. You’ll also find a quick checklist, a sample table of key terms, and FAQs to help you go from confused to confident. Starting Out: Why Business Terms Matter When you first step into entrepreneurship, even simple meetings can sound like code.

Premier Partners
Elite Partners
Classic Partners

Kaiser Permanente

Spectrum

Truist

Carrier Transicold

Heyward Allen

ARCO

Supporting Partners
Friends of the Chamber

michele pearson tucker

Good Works

Grahl Construction

Pellicano Construction

Georgia Heart Institute

NEGA Physicians Group

joma

superior air management

Milestone Construction

W&A

coca cola

oconee construction services

Kevin Price

Athens Housing Authority

Athens Research and Technology

Athens Technical College

Porter Steel Inc.

Sam the Concrete Man

Trumps Catering

UGA School of Medicine

Yellowstone Landscape







































