Recap of 2024
As we reflect on an eventful 2024, both as a Chamber and as a community, we are filled with gratitude for you all. Our goal as an organization is to advocate for business growth and workforce development in Haralson County, and we are always blown away by the contributions our members make to our community every day. During 2024, we were happy to welcome several new businesses to the area, establish new initiatives and services for our members, and expand into new partnerships that will afford more opportunities for Haralson County. 2024 saw a lot of change for our organization and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store in the new year.
Let's take a look back on the busy year that we’ve had and what we’re looking forward to in 2025.
March
The Junior Chamber joined business, community, and elected leaders at the Georgia Capitol for Haralson County Day on March 14th. Attendees had the opportunity to meet local legislative delegation and learn about Haralson County’s upcoming initiatives.
At the 2024 “Denim and Diamonds” Annual Meeting on March 21st, the Chamber welcomed their members to Muse Farms to connect with other community leaders, entrepreneurs and stakeholders and attend a business awards presentation. Among many honorees at the ceremony, Eric McDonald received the 10 Year Service Award to acknowledge his decade of service to the Chamber.
April
The Chamber welcomed John Hunt, Founder and President of MarketNsight, as a featured speaker at their Housing Marketing Update Membership Luncheon on April 18th. Sponsored by the West Metro Board of Realtors, the luncheon featured a discussion about home prices, the demand for new homes, and resale inventory.
On April 30th, the Chamber launched their new Women Observing Women (WOW) initiative with a luncheon presented by It Is Well. Special guest speaker Amy Parrish, CMO of Rhythm Communications and a proud Bremen resident, shared her inspiring story of perseverance with a packed audience and provided insights into navigating challenges and succeeding as a woman in business. WOW is meant to celebrate the strength, resilience, and empowerment of West Georgia women, and the Chamber couldn’t be happier to support such a vital part of the community.
May
In a joint event with the Carroll County Chamber, the Chamber hosted a Business After Hours event hosted by the West Georgia Regional Airport. With opportunities for Chamber members to network with other professionals as well as entertainment including plane rides and tours for the whole family, the Chamber is proud to provide unique opportunities for a wide range of community members to gain an enriching experience.
August
On Aug. 29th, the Chamber hosted the 2024 State of Education Membership Breakfast presented by West Georgia Technical College at their Murphy campus. The event featured a panel of local educational and business leaders, including Haralson County Superintendent Dr. Jerry Bell, Bremen City Schools Superintendent Mr. Shannon Christian, West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Julie Post, and TydenBrooks’s Senior Director of Human Resources, Skye Entrekin.
September
On Sept. 10th, it was announced that Tara Chapman would be named President/CEO of the Greater Haralson Chamber upon Eric McDonald’s departure to accept a new role at Georgia Power. Bringing ten years of experience as the Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer to the role, Chapman has seamlessly adjusted to her new position and the Chamber is proud to have her to lead the organization into 2025.
The Chamber also welcomed Gabby Pearson to their staff as Director of Member & Investor Relations on Sept. 26th. A Bremen native, Pearson has brought her background in marketing and business development to her role, which focuses on strengthening relationships with current members while also engaging potential new members, sponsors and investors.
October
Presented by American Commerce Bank, the Chamber invited their members to have Lunch on Us on Oct. 18th to thank them for their dedication and commitment to the organization.
On Oct. 29th, the Chamber hosted their second Women Observing Women (WOW) luncheon featuring a panel of women in healthcare based in West Georgia. Panelists included Dr. Laura Larson, Medical Director of Infection Prevention for Tanner Health System; Dr. Angela Richards, Chiropractor at Advanced Chiropractic; Dr. Allison Key, Family Medicine Physician; and Dr. Amy Eubanks, Internal Medicine Physician. Sponsored by It is Well Healthcare.
November
On Nov. 4th, The Chamber hosted Be Pro Be Proud Business After Hours at Bremen High School. Presented by Georgia Power, the event featured the Be Pro Be Proud Georgia Mobile Workshop, an eighteen-wheeler designed to offer local students the opportunity to explore nineteen skilled trades pathways such as advanced manufacturing, diesel tech, forestry, heavy equipment operations, construction, healthcare, and commercial truck driving.
From Nov. 4-15, the Chamber hosted their 2024 Online Auction presented by Carroll EMC. This annual event is the largest online auction in the West Georgia area, and members were offered the opportunity to list their businesses, services, and products for bidding as well as place bids on incredible items including a 55’’ TV, a Blackstone griddle, and a wide range of gift cards.
Lunch & Learn Series
The Chamber welcomed Sara Anderson, renowned Psychotherapist, Leadership Consultant, and Peak Performance Coach, to host our 2024 Lunch & Learn Series.
- Feb. 7th - Unlocking Time: Strategies for Creating More Hours in Your Day
- Mar. 26th - Communicate Like A Pro: Elevate Your Leadership
- May 22nd - Lead Without Leashes: Cultivating a Self-Driving Team
- Aug. 7th - Boost Your Business: Peak Performance Strategies
Ribbon Cuttings
The Chamber hosted several ribbon cuttings this year for local businesses in a variety of industries. Whether it’s a grand opening, a relocation, or the expansion of an existing organization, the Chamber is always happy to celebrate the accomplishments of the businesses in our community.
- March 12th - Real South Realty
- March 13th - Sewell Mill Museum
- March 15th - Brick Woods Venue on the Square
- March 15th - Sparrow on the Square
- April 11th - Beard & Barrel Barbershop
- May 15th - Monterrey Mexican Grill & Bar
- June 11th - Bremen Executive Suites
- June 27th - Use IT 365
- July 12th - Deb’s Delights Bakery
- Oct. 16th - Juniper Lane
- Nov. 25th - Teal Barn Company
What are we looking forward to in 2025?
The Chamber looks forward to continuing our successful programming in this new year, but we have also been working on major developments that will enhance our community. In 2024, Haralson County was selected as a 2025 PROPEL, or Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership, community through the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Throughout the two-year program, Haralson County will work through a multi-step model focused on economic development, strategic planning, and community engagement to develop a vision for our community’s economic future.
The Chamber constantly strives to expand our offerings and offer new services to our members. Most recently, Elizabeth Langley, the Chamber’s Director of Marketing, was named a Certified Real Colors Facilitator. Real Colors is a dynamic workshop that utilizes a personality assessment, which allows participants to understand human behavior and enhance communication with others. In 2025, the Chamber will offer Real Colors training for their members, which will allow them to evaluate different perspectives in their workplaces and implement solutions that will set them up for success.
Thank you all for your participation and support throughout this remarkable year. We are looking forward to an amazing 2025!