Back Row: Michele Johnson, Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce; Michael Johnson, Vidalia City Schools; Greg Hudgins, Georgia Power Company; Tres Herin, Altamaha Bank and Trust; Britt McDade, Chick-fil-a Vidalia; and Mike Hagan, Meadows Health Front Row: Mary Edmonds, Mary’s/ M Squared Design Firm; Sara Brown, Brown Realty Company; Terry Thompson, The Temples Company; John Koon, Vidalia City Schools; Steven McComas, Responsive Technology Partners; Jensie Smith, Sev-Rend; Ivette Torres, Chicken of The Sea; and Pat Dixon, Dixon Management Company
The Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce conducted their Annual Strategic Planning meeting on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia, from 9 am to 5 pm. Mr. Steven McComas MPA, MBA, CGMA, CPA, and 2021 Board Chair lead the day-long strategic planning meeting presenting a variety of data representing membership make-up and location, the local economy's current state, and future issues and opportunities facing our members in the upcoming years. With this analysis in hand, the Chamber discussed various strategies to help member businesses during these challenging times. According to McComas, "The Chamber has developed data-driven strategic priorities to ensure the best possible outcomes for our members and the community. We have a dedicated and talented team of staff members and directors working diligently to serve our members. I am honored and humbled to be a member of this diverse and accomplished team of business and education leaders. In 2021, the Chamber is laser-focused to help our area small businesses prosper and assist in new small business launches. Survey responses from a sample of our members spread across our Toombs and Montgomery County market areas have made it clear that we are to focus our efforts on this mission."
Local government officials also participated in the analytical analysis portion of the meeting presented by Mr. McComas and attended a presentation by Dr. Steven Echols, Ph.D., D.Min, and President of Brewton-Parker College entitled "The Change Challenge." These presentations inspired and motivated the attendees to lead our business community well through future challenges.
Additionally, Board members discussed actively participating in the Vibrant Community Program as one of several key area stakeholders and outlined three strategic Chamber priorities for 2021. The board will present these strategic priorities and planned actions at the Annual Membership Meeting on February 4, 2021.
