Programs & Events
Gilmer Chamber offers many unique programs and events.
Our Programs
Ambassadors
The Ambassador’s mission is to serve as the public relations arm of the Gilmer Chamber. As a representative of the Chamber, Ambassadors attend ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and other network functions. They welcome new businesses, professionals and prospective business people to our community.
Our Ambassadors:
- Attend Ribbon Cutting and Business Connections
- Attend Network Luncheons with new members
- Assist with special events
- Make personal visits to prospective and new members
- Participate in networking and retention activities
- Organize and execute Operation Thank You! day
How to become an Ambassador
- Must be an employee of a Chamber member or be an individual Chamber member
- To remain active, must attend a minimum of 50% of all scheduled ambassador programs
- To remain active, must attend a minimum of 75% of all monthly meetings
Drugs Don’t Work
This program can assist your business in establishing a drug free workplace. Businesses meeting the five step criteria are eligible for a 7.5% Worker’s Compensation reduction.
Gilmer Leads Group
The Gilmer Leads Group will meet monthly for the purpose of networking and exchanging referrals and leads. Meetings will take place on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 pm at the Piedmont Community Room. For more information, call Membership Director Ellen Grant at 706-635-7400.
Leadership Gilmer
The Leadership Gilmer program builds and strengthens a better community through training its leaders for the challenges of tomorrow. The goal of Leadership Gilmer is to develop informed leaders and channel their ideas and experiences toward community resources, issues and concerns to help direct the future of Gilmer County. This goal is achieved by programs, informal discussions and participatory experiences.
Our Annual Events
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting, held in January, is an opportunity for the Chamber to show its appreciation to all our members. This is a chance for members to network with other members, the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, and Chamber Staff. Awards are presented throughout the event to honor and recognize outstanding individuals in our community. The Annual Meeting is also an opportunity for Chamber members to learn the Chamber’s initiatives for the upcoming year and reflect on the highlights and successes of the previous year. Several awards are presented, including Chamber Business of the Year, Sally Daniels Member of the Year, and Gilmer County Citizen of the Year.
Business Connections
Quarterly, we invite all Gilmer County businesses (Chamber members and non-members alike) to a fun evening called business connections.
Business Workshops
Four times a year we will have a business workshop with subjects important to our membership. Topics may include social media, marketing, and workforce development. Each workshop is a hands-on training and deep dive into the subject. Email elleng@gilmerchamber.com to claim your spot.
“Chamber 101”
Held quarterly, this is an opportunity forALL members to get to know the chamber structure, staff, board, and most importantly to learn how to take advantage of the many benefits of chamber membership. This is a wonderful way to find our which chamber programs will most benefit your business. Come network, meet new businesses in the community, and walk away with the tools you need to make the most of chamber membership!
Education Celebration
The Chamber Board of Directors and staff want to make sure our educators are welcomed back to a new school year. For more business exposure, chamber members provide door prizes to be given away to the educators during their first staff meeting in appreciation of what they do for the youth of Gilmer County. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available during the days prior to school starting back.
Network Luncheons and Breakfasts
Offered to chamber member, on the 2nd Thursday of each month members gather for lunch or breakfast to network, build business contacts, and hear guest speakers on subjects relevant to the business community. Each luncheon is sponsored by a different company, which gives a short presentation about their business. Door prizes are given away at the end of the lunch.
Operation Thank You
Each year our board members, ambassadors, and staff spend one week making special visits to each of our members to thank them for their continued support. It is a small way of expressing our deep appreciation for their commitment to our community and their chamber. A small gift is delivered to each and represents a great deal of appreciation.
