Comments from the Chairman

FROM THE 2022 CHAIRMAN

Those who served, and those who continue to serve, are executing an oath of service to uphold and protect our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. We should never forget the importance of their commitment to our nation, the sacrifices endured by their families who support them, and most importantly, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Honor can continue with you also as we strive to serve our community in the best ways possible for everyone – one day at a time, one step at time What an honor for our Albany Area Chamber and its Military Affairs Committee to have recently partnered with Albany Technical College to host the Georgia Joint Defense Commission during a two-day visit to downtown venues in Albany and tours and briefings aboard Marine Corps Logistics Command, headquartered here in Albany with Marine Corps Logistics Command. Albany-based Marine Corps Logistics Command is fully engaged in protecting our nation; partnerships with Albany educational institutions and businesses are key in maintaining and continuing to evolve this capability through work force development and apprenticeships. Thank you to all of the Marines, Sailors, National Guard Soldiers, and the civilian workforce aboard our military installation who exemplify the best in serving our nation and this community everyday! One of the best ways we can honor those who serve is to continue to bring your best to the table, working hard and loving hard in our community; supporting our military community at the Marine Corps Logistics Base and Marine Corps Logistics Command; and enabling youth leadership organizations such as the Albany Young Marines, a Chamber member. Albany can be alive if Albany is alive in you. We have a great community with limitless potential. Look folks, if we don’t take every opportunity to talk about what is good in the Good Life City then you can’t expect others to find it. Before you can win at anything you have to believe in yourself and then go to work. There’s work to do. Let’s live it, let’s be it and let’s promote it as part of the best of us while always working to make it better for everyone. Be part of the best of us as we lean in together with our state legislative delegation advocating for funding for Albany State University, Albany Technical College, and the Dougherty County School System. The Chamber’s 2022 legislative priorities also include resources mental health and rural health care; broadband expansion; work force development; infrastructure improvements; defense partnerships; and enhancing our natural resources. Thank you to all who supported the Chamber’s 112th annual meeting, hosted in April on the bricks at Thronateeska in downtown Albany. What an amazing evening that showcased some of Albany’s best. Congratulations 2022 Lifetime Service Award recipient Walter “Sonny” Deriso and 2021 Albany Under 40 Young (AU40) Professional of the Year Dr. Koosh Desai of the Medical College of Georgia – Southwest Georgia campus, and to all of the AU40 category honorees. Thank you also to our event sponsors, volunteers and to our Chamber team for a fantastic evening for all. I truly believe we’re moving toward a brighter future and big things together. I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Biz.

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” – Muhammad Ali

May God provide you strength and resiliency while comforting you and yours always. Be the best of us. One Team, One Fight for Albany. Semper Fidelis.

- DON GRAY