Community
click here for a List of county contacts including officials and emergency numbers.
The Banks County Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer, member-based organization working as a team to preserve, enhance and expand the opportunities for orderly growth of business and industry while enriching the quality of life for the citizens of Banks County.
The Chamber is a vehicle through which it’s Members, Board of Commissioners, Development Authority, School Board, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Farm Bureau and other Agri-Business organizations work to promote and improve the entire county while expanding economic development.
Our objective is to promote free enterprise, and a healthy business environment thereby enhancing economic development activity.
If you would like to be a part of any programs you see listed please contact the Chamber.
BUSINESS to BUSINESS
PURPOSE
Identify structure and implement ways the Chamber can best fulfill its mission of promoting existing business.
ACTIONS
- Identify and implement seminars and business trainings made available to chamber members that will best suit their needs as well as community
- Small Business & Entrepreneur Development
- OSHA Training
- Farm Tours
- Business After Hours
- Health Care Coverage
- Legal / Compliance / Identity Theft
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PURPOSE
Work collaboratively with Development Authority and County Commissioners to promote economic development in Banks County. To identify and implement ways the Chamber can successfully further the positive development of Banks County by serving as a liaison for economic development assistance in order to promote new business openings as positive economic development.
ACTIONS
- Establish the Chamber of Commerce as the first point of contact for new and existing businesses in Banks County
- Implement and administer re-occurring educational summits
- Establish an Economic Development Fund
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
PURPOSE
- Identify and maintain listing of issues that effect Banks County business from a local, state and national level
- Identify and implement ways the Chamber can and will assist county leadership with strategic planning
- Strengthen relations with national and state representatives
- Continue to build positive and supportive community relations
- Host Meet the Candidate and Political Forum and schedule sponsorship
ACTIONS
- Form and structure new agenda at Chamber functions and/or events that will dedicate the Chambers role as well as highlight county issues at local, state and national levels
- Atlanta Drive-In
- Washington Fly-In
- Tour Banks
- Leadership Luncheon
- Mayors Roundtable
- Identify, contact and invite all local and state government officials to attend all functions and events hosted by the Chamber, specifically all Mayors in County
- Regularly contact General Membership for volunteers to assist in specific areas of concerns & issues
EDUCATION
PURPOSE
- Work with educational system and determine standards & means the Chamber can assist with meeting the educational needs of the community
- Promote STAR STUDENT of the MONTH program
- Promote STAR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP fund
- Promote TECHNICAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP fund
- Promote PARTNERS in EDUCATION program and participants
- Promote Mentoring program
- Partnership for Certified Work Ready Program
- Partnership with Entrepreneur Friendly Initiative
ACTIONS
- Structure the Chambers recognition of STAR STUDENT with school system
- Lead the STUDENT of the MONTH program
- Lead the Lisa McClure Technical Student
- Develop Chambers participation within the Partners in Education program
- Develop Chamber participation in Mentoring program to include FBLA & Youth Apprenticeship
MEMBER & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
PURPOSE
To provide public support for county service providers, civic organizations, special community-based projects as needed and continue to coordinate and administer the delivery of direct benefits to both individual and business members
- Promote Chamber sponsored opportunities and benefits to new members
- OSHA training
- Legal services
- Advertising discounts
- Discount health benefits
- Networking opportunities
- Monthly newsletter
- Website opportunities
- Membership Category mailing list
- Annual Banquet / Picnic on the Lawn
- Good Citizen and Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
ACTIONS
Identify historical & tourism needs within the community
- Develop Press and Welcome package
- Develop Chamber brochure
- Implement sub-committees for Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings
- Develop quarterly press insert
- Implement new membership campaign for the recruitment of new chamber members
- Promote membership retention and meeting attendance
LEADERSHIP BANKS
PURPOSE
- Professional development of both current and future leaders
- Recruit new participants within the county
- Inform community of the program on a monthly basis through media resources
ACTIONS
- Development standards for future class attendance
- Consistently update all media of participants and topics throughout the year
(706) 677-2108
bankscountychamber@windstream.net
