Apr. 1—The Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce has made several strides in the past year, and many of them were highlighted earlier this month during the chamber's annual meeting.
"We want to share in all that the chamber has accomplished in the last year," said Kara Lassiter, the chamber's new president and chief executive officer.
The meeting, held at Central Georgia Technical College's Milledgeville campus, also included a look at the chamber's new three-year strategic plan.
It's been two years since chamber officials have held an annual meeting due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
"The last time we held our annual meeting was actually January 2020," Lassiter said. "Now, it feels like a lifetime ago. So many changes and obstacles that we have all endured and navigate in our personal lives and professionally."
Lassiter said everyone has pivoted in the last couple of years and that the chamber was not immune to those changes.
"With changes come opportunities," she said. "And I could not be more excited about the direction the chamber is heading. We are thankful and blessed to have such amazing support from all of our chamber members, especially our keystone investors whose continued investment helps us to put on events like this."
Lassiter also thanked officials of CGTC for allowing the chamber to host its Eggs & Issues breakfast meetings on the campus and to The Yolkal Local Cafe for the breakfast provided at each session.
She said thanked chamber staff members Kirsten Schipper, the chamber's communications and marketing specialist, as well as Jennifer Greer, the chamber's new membership and events manager.
"Now fully staffed, once again, I'm excited about the opportunities we have this year with our new strategic plan initiatives, as well as planning to celebrate the chamber's 75th anniversary as being the premier voice of business in Milledgeville-Baldwin County," Lassiter said. "The annual meeting is an opportunity for us to show you, the members, how we have worked for you and maximized your investment in us."
Lassiter said she also thanked the volunteers who give of themselves to help lead the chamber organization to greatness.
She also praised the efforts and service of those who serve on the chamber board of directors.
"The board of directors, as the governing body, is the policy-making wave of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber," Lassiter said. "These directors represent locally small businesses up to several of the largest employers in the area. Each one is equally valuable. Their efforts are not gone unnoticed or unappreciated, particularly by myself."