Tres Herin, 2026 Greater Vidalia Chamber of Commerce Chair, accepts the official gavel from 2025 Chair Nissa Mitchell.

With the official passing of the gavel Thursday at noon, the volunteer leadership of the Greater Vidalia Chamber of Commerce was passed. But it’s not the first time the incoming chair has filled the role. Tres Herin served in 2020, and because COVID hit with a mighty punch the month after his installation, he called it the “year that wasn’t.” But 2026 is looking much better.

Herin isn’t a native Toombs Countian but has embraced it as his own and says he believes in taking care of what has been entrusted to him.

“We’ve raised our family here, and I believe in giving back,” he said.

The Chamber already has a lot of positivity and credibility in the community, and Herin added, “We’ve got a lot of momentum going into this new year. But what I would like to focus on is engaging more of the community not just in the Chamber, but also in other service organizations and programs. If anyone is wanting to get involved, all they have to do is call the Chamber or me.”

The Greater Vidalia Chamber of Commerce has always had a strong membership base, and incoming Chair tells why being a member is so important to business as well as the community.

“Why wouldn’t you want your business or profession as a member,” he said. “We represent businesses; we’re there for them; we help them grow; we’re a sounding board; and we are a referral for them at no cost for that. There is a nominal fee to join as a member based on the number of employees you have, but you get much more out of than you could even imagine.”

To see what the Greater Vidalia Chamber of Commerce has to offer, log onto their website at www.greatervidaliachamber.com, follow them on social media, or call 912-537-4466.