First Class of Georgia Certified Chambers Announced

HEADLINE: The Georgia Association of Certified Chamber Executives Announces the First Class of Georgia Certified Chambers

It’s an exciting time to be in the chamber industry and to be a chamber in Georgia. The quality of leadership, programs and services that define the over 150 chambers statewide continues to increase. Many chambers have risen to the challenge during these tough economic times to provide unparalleled leadership and direction, helping their members and communities thrive. This type of performance is a reflection of the solid organizational infrastructure built through much hard work and diligence.

Earlier this year, the GACCE Board of Directors sought a way to recognize chambers in the state that have focused internally on their operations to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to create efficient, effective organizations positioned to deliver great value. Thus the Georgia Certified Chamber program was created.

The program is modeled after the U.S. Chamber’s accreditation program. The purpose of the program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across the State of Georgia. Chambers must meet standards in organization, service intent and capacity, professional administration, financial management, communications, and advocacy in order to achieve the Georgia Certified Chamber designation.

With over 150 chambers in the State of Georgia, the 25 chambers that were recognized during the 2011 GACCE Leadership Conference as Georgia Certified Chambers received a prestigious honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership displayed by accredited chambers.

The following chambers make up the first class of Georgia Certified Chambers:

1. Albany Area Chamber

2. Berrien County Chamber

3. Blairsville-Union County Chamber

4. Blakely-Early County Chamber

5. Camden County Chamber

6. Carroll County Chamber

7. Catoosa County Chamber

8. Cherokee County Chamber

9. Columbia County Chamber

10. Conyers-Rockdale Chamber

11. Darien-McIntosh County Chamber

12. Douglas County Chamber

13. Dublin-Laurens County Chamber

14. Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber

15. Gilmer County Chamber

16. Lee County Chamber

17. Newnan-Coweta Chamber

18. Paulding Chamber

19. Pickens County Chamber

20. Robins Regional Chamber

21. Tifton-Tift County Chamber

22. Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber

23. Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber

24. Walton County Chamber

25. Wilkinson County Chamber

GACCE congratulates these chambers for their accomplishment!

Stephens County School System Annual Report Forum Set for Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee is committed to partnering and supporting the Stephens County School System with improving education, student achievement and building a skilled workforce.

The Committee is Chaired by Greg Roach-North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) Currahee Campus Operations Director. Committee members include Sherrie Whiten-School Superintendent and representatives from Toccoa Falls College, Department of Labor, Stephens Education and Literacy Foundation (SELF), Partners for Success, Career Technical Agriculture Education (CTAE), Graduation Coach programs and the Chamber Board of Directors.

The Committee is inviting everyone to attend the upcoming Stephens County School System Annual Report Forum to hear from our School Superintendent on our Schools System’s academic achievements and future initiatives.

The Forum is scheduled for Thursday, November 17^th at the North Georgia Technical College Currahee Campus from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Doors open at 10:30am. Call the Chamber to register. Lunch will be served by Cabe Crest Catering and the cost is $10 for pre-registered guests and $12 for day-of registration.

Here are some of the presentation highlights: The Stephens County School System is one of only 25 school systems in Georgia in which all schools and the system met Adequate Yearly Progress goals. The graduation rate for Stephens County students increased to 86.3%, up from 83% the previous year. On the CRCT this year, scores increased in 25 of 30 areas. In every area, Stephens County students outperformed students throughout the state. All six schools were once again named Title I Distinguished Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. 100% of Stephens County’s teachers meet the highly qualified requirement of No Child Left Behind. All schools are accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. SCHS students will move into a new state of the art facility this fall, replacing a building previously occupied in 1970.

Let the Education Committee connect your business with our schools. For more information on how you can become a Partner- in-Education please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.

CONTACTS

Greg Roach - Education Committee Chair, North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) Currahee Campus Operations Director, 706-779-8113

Sherrie Whiten – Stephens County School Superintendent, 706-886-9415

Karen Caudell – Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Education Committee, Partner-In-Education, Pruitt Foundation, 706-827-2110