New On the Horizon

Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce is promising new horizons as it moves into its next year of activities to help promote local small businesses.

On June 8 at the monthly membership luncheon held at the Hail Mary Pub, GECC will present the new executive board and, with a vote of confidence from the attending membership, move forward into its sixth year of service to Grayson, Snellville and Loganville.

The 2011-2012 Board consists of Jamie Dempsey as President, Kim Hames -  VP, Natalie Power - Treasurer, Michele Randall - Secretary, Michele Camp - Director of Netlinks, James Marciente - Director of Community Relations, Stephen Brust - Director of Communications and Michelle Couch, Past President and Founder.

The meeting will also introduce “New On The Horizon for GECC,” a concept to address the needs of the membership and the community. Dempsey said they hope to develop “new ways to help members gain exposure to promote themselves in our changing economy.”

The program is several fold. With a drive towards a growing organization, GECC introduces ways for new and existing members to stay active through membership and new ways to get involved in the chamber and the community. There’s a new look in the logos and marketing and new ways of communication.

Currently on an anniversary membership schedule, the chamber will move to annual billing of membership with prorated dues for the remainder of the year for both newcomers and those wishing to renew.

“There is some financial benefit to new and returning members to join at this time. With the prorated dues, members can enjoy the full benefit of the chamber for the balance of the year,” Dempsey said, adding bills for 2012 membership will be mailed in November and will include the new collateral in their kit. “This gives some of the new and start-up businesses – as well as returning members – an opportunity to begin growing with the chamber even now."

Dempsey said the biggest benefit comes to those members who take full advantage of the many networking and services offered by GECC.

“Getting involved and getting exposure is key to businesses of every size,” he said.

The chamber has involvement and/or sponsors many local events such as Grayson DDA’s Blues and Brews Festival, The Hot Tamale Chili Cook-Off, local charities and local city festivals and sponsorships and Dempsey said there will also be new avenues of communication.

“Starting July 1^st, there will be a member newsletter emailed on the first of each month which will include the many opportunities available to members for networking and exposure throughout that month. An update will be e-mailed on the 16^th each month as a reminder of upcoming events,” he said.

GECC, is looking for new ideas, new opportunities, and new members to supplement their previous success in “helping those within their membership connect with each other and the community.” Dempsey said they will continue with the stated vision: The Chamber will be the acknowledged leader in enhancing business, education and development through a cooperative link of community spirit. As we move into the 21st century, all area businesses and organizations will consider membership an investment in their success.

For more information on the many weekly and monthly opportunities available through the GECC, please check them out on Facebook or on their website at www.EastsideChamber.com.