The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce is led by a 13-member board of directors that formulate and govern the organization’s policies and procedures. Board members are engaged in leading initiatives outlined in the strategic plan and advance the Chamber’s pro-business agenda to advocate for, build, connect, and promote its members and the community as a vibrant and inviting place to live and work.

Advocate for Business Community

Michael Lee, Chamber board chairman and market president for Ameris Bank, explains that advocating for businesses at the local, state, and national level is a priority of the Chamber. Each year, the Government Affairs Council develops its legislative agenda based on issues and concerns facing local businesses.

An important aspect of the Chamber’s advocacy mission includes participation with the South Georgia Military Affairs Council (SGMAC), which is comprised of four area chambers of commerce including Adel-Cook, Lakeland-Lanier, Nashville-Berrien and Valdosta-Lowndes.

Moody Air Force Base is one of the largest economic engines in the region and the SGMAC advocates for the economic impact of Moody and the importance of protecting its continued sustainment.

“Advocating for Moody is an important part of the Chamber's mission," Lee said. “The Chamber is focused on keeping the lines of communication open with our federal delegation to keep them informed, as well as maintain a relationship where we can help influence decisions that are in the best interest of Moody and the region."

Members of SGMAC and the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council will travel to Washington, D.C., in April to visit with Georgia's federal delegation to discuss the economic significance of Moody, as well as other business development issues.

“The annual trip to Washington, D.C. will include meetings with Air Force personnel, and our message is always: Moody is part of us—what more can we do to enhance our relationship?" Lee said. "We have a great relationship with Moody—it is really unmatched anywhere."

Lee explains that active duty military and their families represent a significant economic impact on the community.

“Moody is one of the top three economic drivers not only through the money they spend in our local businesses, but they are active in the community,” Lee said. “Military families buy houses, their children are in our schools, and they are actively involved in local organizations. The economic impact is significant but so is the cultural impact that Moody families make, they help lift us up as a community. Moody’s presence helps to create the true fiber of our community.”

Build New Businesses

This year, the Chamber is focused on expanding programs and developing new initiatives to build more businesses and encourage entrepreneurship.

Dr. Lacie Guy, a Chamber board member, appreciates the resources provided to her when she established a medical practice in 2010.

“When I began my practice I was 25 years old," said Guy, who is a licensed chiropractor and owner of Valdosta Chiropractic & Rehab. “Before I even opened my office, I went to the Chamber, and they gave me business insight into the community. The second business check I wrote was my Chamber membership.”

Guy relied on the assistance of the SEEDS Business Resource Center to guide her through the process of starting a business.

“I learned as I went along,” she says. “I got involved in everything that I could. The Chamber gave me a way to network with other businesses and gain clients.”

Guy considers her Chamber membership as an important part of doing business.

“When you compare the cost to what you receive, I do not understand why any business would not want to be involved,” Guy said. “The Chamber is there to help businesses through networking opportunities and promoting services. There are so many resources, but at the end of the day, it is up to you to take advantage of these resources, and I believe you will get what you put into it.”

Assisting future entrepreneurs is the focus of the Chamber’s efforts in establishing a small business incubator that will provide resources and services to help bring dreams to reality.

While the SEEDS Business Resource Center has been referred to as a “virtual incubator,” the Chamber recognizes the need to develop a physical, functional incubator to help small businesses grow and succeed.

“The rationale behind a small business incubator is to provide the next step in the process we have been working on for the past ten years,” said Myrna Ballard, president of the Chamber. “This will allow us to continue building the kind of community that nurtures knowledge-based businesses.”

Connect Members-to-Members

Making personal contacts is often the key creating a successful business. Throughout the year, the Chamber offers a variety of events and programs that allow members to network within the business community. 

The monthly Business After Hours provides a relaxing environment for Chamber members to develop new contacts and stay in touch with the business community. The PrimeTime Business Expo, Economic Outlook Breakfast, Legislative Luncheons, and workshops are a few of the ways Chamber members can grow professionally and make valuable business connections.

Promote Businesses

The Chamber offers an abundance of opportunities for members to promote their products and services through print and electronic media.

The Progress Magazine is published semi-annually and the Moody Link and Connection magazines annually. These printed publications along with electronic marketing through E-blasts and the Chamber in Motion e-newsletter, allow members to reach more than 1,300 businesses and individuals.

Steven Heddon, a Chamber board member and CEO of Fusion Creative Marketing, is focused on helping the Chamber maintain consistency throughout its brand platform and in turn promote products and services provided by Chamber members. 

Heddon explained that through the Chamber’s printed publications and electronic messaging (website, email, etc.) members can advertise their business or services at an economical price to a targeted audience. 

“The Chamber is working to serve as the marketing arm for smaller businesses,” Heddon said. “The Chamber is also an organization where you can meet people, understand their business, and find out what they do.”

Participation in the marketing services provided by the Chamber—through sponsorships, advertising, and networking—increases the membership value.

“With the Chamber you have opportunities for promotion as well as relationship building,” said Heddon. “Chamber members can promote each other as well as share their professional talents to help other businesses succeed.”

Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber Board of Directors

•    Michael Lee, Chairman

•    Bruce Allred

•    Myrna Ballard, President

•    Ron Borders, Immediate Past Chairman

•    Jan Brice

•    Brad Folsom

•    Lacie Guy

•    Steven Heddon

•    Russ Henry, Chairman Elect 2017

•    Marty LeFiles, Treasurer

•    Lee McArthur

•    James McGahee, Chairman Elect 2018

•    Bill Nijem