Foundation Focus
Q2 2025
GEORGIA CHAMBER FOUNDATION
Partnering for Progress: Supporting Small Business Through Community Collaboration
T he Georgia Chamber Foundation’s mission to support business growth in every corner of the state often begins with identifying and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. At the recent Future of Small Business Summit, this mission came to life through a meaningful opportunity for representatives of the Georgia FLEX, (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience) program, an entrepreneurship program for high school students that engages them in the business world through experiences and mentorships. More information about FLEX can be found here
Through this partnership, FLEX facilitators and students had the opportunity to attend the summit and engage directly with small business owners, thought leaders, and policy advocates. For many students, it was their first time participating in a statewide business event. For facilitators, it offered a unique view into how real-world business needs align with their work preparing youth for the workforce.
The Chamber’s role in connecting these
local changemakers with statewide resources underscores the importance of creating spaces where learning and collaboration can thrive. Rather than focusing solely on the needs of today’s employers, the Foundation’s approach recognizes that long-term success also depends on how well communities cultivate future talent and small business capacity.
“Being part of the Future of Small Business event was an incredible experience. Hearing directly from industry leaders and connecting with professionals who support youth entrepreneurship gave me so much motivation and insight. It was not only helpful for my business, Laurynce Fragrance, but also showed me what’s possible when young voices are given a seat at the table,” said Lauren Harris, a recent FLEX participant and small business owner.
FLEX representatives heard panel discussions and participated in networking opportunities that exposed them to emerging trends in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and local economic growth. In many ways, the experience provided a tangible example of how
the Chamber’s research and programming efforts can be used as a catalyst for education and local action.
Amy Gillies, CEO and Director of High School Programs at Southeastern Early College and Career Academy, said, “The Future of Small Business by the Georgia Chamber was a game-changer. As a FLEX Advisor, it equipped me with the insight and strategies to help my students pivot with purpose—ensuring they stay resilient, adaptive, and prepared for what’s next.”
The Georgia Chamber Foundation continues to seek new and innovative ways to connect community leaders, educators, and students to the broader economic ecosystem. As this partnership shows, supporting small businesses isn’t limited to tax breaks or access to capital – it’s also about investing in people, preparing future leaders, and building relationships that last beyond a single event.
To learn more about the Foundation’s programming and how to support small businesses in your community, click here
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Being part of the Future of Small Business event was an incredible experience. Hearing directly from industry leaders and connecting with professionals who support youth entrepreneurship gave me so much motivation and insight.
Lauren Harris FLEX PARTICIPANT AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Empowering Future Leaders: Celebrating Civic Engagement at the Georgia Civics Bee® State Finals
On June 27, the Georgia Chamber Foundation proudly hosted the Georgia State Finals of the National Civics Bee®, bringing together 22 outstanding middle school students from across the state to showcase their knowledge of civics and government. Designed to inspire and equip the next generation of active, informed citizens, the National Civics Bee challenged students to put their civic understanding to the test through quiz rounds and essay presentations, all while helping them gain the confidence to speak on issues that matter most in their communities.
For the Georgia Chamber Foundation, this event reflects a core belief: a thriving economy is built on informed, engaged citizens who are equipped to tackle future challenges. By investing in civic education today, we help shape tomorrow’s
workforce, business leaders, and public servants in all corners of the state.
“Fostering civic knowledge and active citizenship is essential to ensuring a strong future for Georgia,” said Daniela Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation. “We believe that supporting initiatives like the National Civics Bee helps build a pipeline of capable, community-minded leaders.”
Beyond the competition, this program created an opportunity for students and their families to see firsthand that their voice matters — and that there are spaces for them to contribute to Georgia’s continued success.
Kaden J., Champion of the 2025 Georgia State Finals of the National Civics Bee said, “The Civics Bee is a really great way
to get involved. It’s fun, and it’s a handson way to get involved in government. I think that’s important, especially nowadays, you need to be aware of your rights. ... If you do competitions like these, you’ll stay informed, you’ll stay in the loop, and you’ll know about your rights.”
As these young Georgians return home with new insights and enthusiasm for civic life, the Georgia Chamber Foundation remains committed to nurturing these kinds of opportunities. Together with local partners and business leaders, we will continue to encourage and inspire the next generation of civic-minded citizens and help ensure that Georgia’s future remains bright.
To learn more about the National Civics Bee® or explore ways to support future civics initiatives in Georgia, click here
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The Civics Bee is a really great way to get involved. It’s fun, and it’s a hands-on way to get involved in government.
Kaden J. CHAMPION, 2025 GEORGIA STATE FINALS, THE NATIONAL CIVICS BEE®
Photo Credit: Alessandro Marazzi Sasoon, Atlanta Civic Circle
Q2 2025
FUTURE OF ENERGY
MAY 2025
Foundation Updates
POLICY COMMITTEES & COUNCILS
The Georgia Chamber’s robust network of members includes a wide range of professionals who advise and guide policy perspectives. These policy committees and councils meet quarterly to discuss timely and relevant issues, network, and engage with statewide agencies and business community professionals.
This quarter, many of our policy committees and councils met at member businesses for off-site visits and industry tours. Tour sights included South Metro Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Premium Peanut, Nexus Circular, and the Georgia State-wide Business Court.
For a full list of the Foundation’s committees and councils, and for engagement information, click here.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Best Place for Working Parents® Georgia
Press Release
The Georgia Chamber Foundation continues to partner with the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) on Best Place for Working Parents ® Georgia. Best Place offers all employers the opportunity to take a short self-assessment to determine eligibility as a designated ‘Best Place for Working Parents.’ This nationally recognized designation offers an additional tool for recruitment. All employers are encouraged to take the self-assessment. To complete the assessment for your business, click here.
National Civics Bee® - Georgia State Finals
Press Release
The Georgia Chamber Foundation partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and eight local chambers of commerce across Georgia to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition. The Georgia State Finals were held at The Carter Center in Atlanta on June 27, 2025. Click here to learn more.
Clean Tech Career Initiative
As part of a two-year initiative to identify high-propensity and high-growth careers in the clean tech space, the Georgia Chamber Foundation conducted
listening sessions with industry experts across the state to better understand talent gaps and opportunities. Work continues with a goal of developing and aligning career pathway on-ramps for individuals in the state.
For more information regarding any of the Georgia Chamber Foundation’s initiatives, contact Daniela Perry at dperry@ gachamber.com
GEORGIA CHAMBER FEDERATION UPDATE
As the 2025 Georgia Legislative Session ended, the Georgia Chamber’s Government Affairs team provided final legislative updates for our Federation partners.
Following the conclusion of session, the Georgia Chamber Government Affairs team traveled to over 40 regional Federation partners to deliver updates on issues that were top of mind for the business community. Each of the Georgia Chamber’s Hub Chamber Council members hosted the team for exclusive legislative debriefings.
GEORGIA CHAMBER FOUNDATION EVENTS
Trustee Luncheon & Briefing – April 24
The Georgia Chamber Foundation hosted its second quarterly Trustee Luncheon & Briefing of the year. Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark kicked things off with a presentation on GEORGIA | 2050: Innovation and Entrepreneurship, focusing on long-term competitiveness and trends driving innovation across the state.
Following his remarks, attendees heard a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Christy Ellerbee, Director of State Government Relations. Panelists Tim Denning (Georgia Research Alliance), Siva Sivakumar (Georgia Institute of Technology), and State Representative Todd Jones explored Georgia’s capacity for research and development, strategies for attracting top talent to its universities, and policies to bolster Georgia’s position as a national innovation leader and home to world-class entrepreneurs.
Future of Energy and Sustainability Summit – May 1
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted the third annual Future of Energy and Sustainability event at the headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company. The 2025 event showcased Georgia’s commitment to clean technology, innovation, resilience, and sustainable business practices, bringing together energy leaders and stakeholders to explore new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Featured speakers included Norfolk Southern Chief Sustainability Officer, Josh Raglin, and Oglethorpe Power President & CEO, Annalisa Bloodworth, along with a range of expert panelists who discussed innovations in Georgia forestry, the evolving energy grid, solar opportunities, green investments, clean tech jobs, and sustainable development. A full review of the event can be found here
Future of Small Business Summit –
June 18
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual Future of Small Business Summit, designed to equip small businesses with the tools they need for their future success.
More than 100 people attended the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit, which took place at Fall Line Station in Macon. A full review of the event can be found here
National Civics Bee®Georgia State Finals – June 27
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced that Kaden J., a civic leader representing Bennett’s Mill Middle School in Fayette County won the 2025 Georgia State Finals of the National Civics Bee. Kaden will now represent the state of Georgia in the National Championship, which will take place in Washington D.C. in the fall. The competition took place at the Carter Center in Atlanta and a press release can be found here
Q2 Quarterly Economic Report 2025 –
Fostering Innovation & Entrepreneurship
2025 Executive Insights Survey Results
Fiserv Small Business Insights
Tariff Briefings: AUGUST 19 AUGUST 20 SEPTEMBER 10
