Nearly 350 Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber members enjoyed a buffet style lunch on Tuesday at the 101st Annual Membership Meeting presented this year by Georgia Power Company and Prince Automotive Group. This year's meeting focused on the IMPACT 2012 campaign and the celebration of the Chamber's Centennial last year.

The first order of business was IMPACT 2012 and the resulting community growth. Walter Hobgood, IMPACT 2012 Oversight Committee Chair, and Steve Dorough, of First Community Development, shared with guests the successes and continuing progress being made thanks to IMPACT's initiatives. A documentary video presentation allowed members to hear results of IMPACT 2012 and testimonials from individuals who directly felt the campaign's positive impact.

IMPACT focused on developing the area's workforce and education, expanding targeted businesses, enhancing small businesses and entrepreneurs, reducing business regulations and enhancing the area's retiree recruitment. While not all of the goals were met, most were either met or exceeded. The full report can be read by clicking here.

Dorough wrapped things up, asking all those involved with the development and implementation of IMPACT to stand. Dorough then requested anyone who had been impacted positively within the community by the campaign to please stand as well. Because of the campaign's great success and progress, the entire room stood.

Carla Penny accepts the  A.L. Girardin award on behalf of the Centennial Planning Committee and major sponsors.

Aside from giving the good news of last year's progress, the meeting honored a number of people. Myrna Ballard, Chamber president, announced the winner of this year's A.L. Girardin Award, the Centennial Planning Committee and Major Sponsors. Carla Penny, chair of the committee, and all those who helped with the planning of Centennial events were honored with the award that is presented once a year by the Chamber staff. The Chamber chose to honor the committee for all the work they've done to help commemorate the Chamber's 100th year, especially the undertaking of the Centennial Tree Project, which serves to beautify the city.

In addition to honoring the work of the Centennial Planning Committee, the Chamber also honored Tim Jones, of Citizens Community Bank, thanking him for his work as Chairman of the Board in 2012. Jay Prince, of Prince Automotive Group, presented Jones with the traditional commemorative gavel as a token for his service.

Prince, the new 2013 Chairman of the Board, ended this year's meeting with his plans and goals for the upcoming year. Prince said his mission is consistent with that of the Chamber: to be the voice for business within the community by addressing economic, political and quality of life issues. Some of Prince's most important goals include maintaining the Chamber's 5-star accreditation rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and to be a catalyst for a South Georgia Military Affairs Council, which would work to keep Moody Air Force Base safe from threat.  

Guests intently watch a video documentary highlighting IMPACT 2012.