2023 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

20 23

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 - Message to Investors 4 - Governing Boards 5 - Mission/Vision 6 - The Team

ECONOMY 7 - Site Selection 8 - PDA Scorecard 9 - 5 Year Economic Impact 10 - Forging Global Connections

MEMBERSHIP 14 - Member Stats 15 - Member ROI

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 17 - Ribbon Cuttings 25 - Chamber Connects 26 - The Nest 27 - Community Impact Awards

WORKFORCE 32 - The Workforce Plan 34 - Introducing Patchworks 35 - School-2-Business Summit 36 - Project Purpose 37 - Industry Roundtable

LEADERSHIP 41 - Leadership Thomas

43 - iLead Youth Leadership

44 - Emerge Leadership for Teams

COMMUNICATIONS 49 - Engagement 50 - Financials 51 - Strategic Plan

Message to Investors As we reflect on the past year, it brings us joy to share with you the remarkable achievements and successes that we have accomplished together.

Despite the challenges presented by global uncertainties, our local economy has demonstrated growth, resilience and adaptability, positioning us as a beacon of stability in Southwest Georgia.

One of our primary objectives has been to foster job retention and creation, enhance workforce and leadership development and connect business interests.

Our success is a testament to the power of collaboration. Through innovative programs and strong partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, we have served as a convener to support a thriving ecosystem that encourages innovation, inclusion, and community engagement, We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared vision. Together, we have emerged stronger, more united, and more determined than ever to continue driving smart growth in our community.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that the future holds. With your continued support, we are confident that the coming years will bring even greater achievements and prosperity for our community. We invite you to explore the Chamber’s three-year strategic plan here.

Once again, thank you for being integral to our success. Here’s to a year of accomplishments!

At Your Service,

Andrea Collins Chamber, Executive Director

Shelley Zorn PDA, Executive Director

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TOGETHER, WE ARE

The convener of opportunity.

Mission Together, the PDA and Chamber are dedicated to providing opportunities for connecting business and building community through perspectives of the past, value of today, and imagination for tomorrow.

Vision To serve as the trusted catalyst for business in Thomasville and Thomas County.

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GOVERNING BOARDS

E X E C U T I V E

C O M M I T T E E

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PAYROLL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR Jeremy Emmett Southern Lodging

CHAIR Jay Flowers Mayor, City of Thomasville

CHAIR ELECT Heather Abbott SouthLife Supply Co.

VICE CHAIR Mark NeSmith Chair, Thomas County Commissioners

TREASURER Ashley Griffin Archbold Medical Center

TREASURER/SECRETARY Stephen Cheney Thomasville National Bank Appointed Seat

SECRETARY Julie Bryan KeySouth Real Estate Group PAST CHAIR Chansidy Daniels Flowers Foods Scott Chastain Everfan

Chansidy Daniels Flowers Foods Appointed Seat Jeremy Emmett Southern Lodging Chamber Chair

Adrian Burns The Gathering Place Joe Cargile Whitehurst, Blackburn, & Warren Jackie Santoro Check-Mate Industries Kevin Vick TC Federal Rendall Mash Mash Manor

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."

-Andrew Carnegie

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THE TEAM

"I’m not the smartest fellow in the world, but I sure can pick smart colleagues."

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

KOLBEY BRACEWELL CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP + PROGRAMS

SHELLEY ZORN PDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ANDREA COLLINS CHAMBER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SUZANNAH HEALD CHAMBER OPERATIONS MANAGER

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Economy Thomas County ranks 4th in “America’s Top 20 Best Counties

by Projects Per Capita” among rural communities with a minimum population of 10,000.

SITE SELECTION MAGAZINE, JULY 2023

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2023 SCORECARD

New Industry Recruitment

1,135 New Jobs

$212.6 Million Investment

Existing Industry Expansions

314 New Jobs

$41.7 Million Investment

Prospect Visits

17

Existing Industry Visits

29

Group Hostings \ Tours

4 Groups

145 Guests

1,149 total jobs

created since 2020

08

5 YEAR - ECONOMIC IMPACT COMPANY

JOBS

INVESTMENT (MILLIONS)

Check-Mate Manufacturing

150 New Jobs

$25 Million

Red King Fisher/Wal-Mart Foods 600 New Jobs

$90 Million

Sweetgrass Dairy

35 New Jobs

$4.5 Million

1915 South

35 New Jobs

$5 Million

Ashley’s Distribution Center

105 New Jobs

$20 Million

AMB-Troy Acoustics

165 New Jobs

$60 Million

Ecrimesa Group

30 New Jobs

$7 Million

Carroll’s Cabinets and Counters 15 New Jobs

$1.12 Million

Ashley’s Distribution Center

105 New Jobs

$20 Million

TOTAL

1,135 NEW JOBS

$212,600,000 INVESTMENT

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FORGING STATE AND A DECADE OF SUCCESS The state of Georgia achieved an unprecedented milestone in 2023: a full decade of business excellence, earning the rank of No. 1 state for business from Area Development magazine for 10 consecutive years. No other state in the nation has achieved this benchmark!

Governor and First Lady Kemp hosted a ‘Decade of Excellence’ celebration at The Governor’s Mansion, inviting constitutional officers, former Governor Nathan Deal, GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson, former GDEcD commissioners, members of the General Assembly, state and local economic developers and community leaders from around the state.

Executive Directors, Shelley Zorn and Andrea Collins, and Chairmen Mayor Jay Flowers and Jeremy Emmett from the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority and Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce attended.

10 12

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS FOREIGN NATIONALS VISIT THOMASVILLE Georgia is home to 73 governments from around the world through consular offices and/or trade representation primarily located in metro Atlanta.

Approximately 25 foreign governments have operations in Georgia to promote trade between their countries and the state.

Imagine Thomasville hosted foreign national representatives from the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

Guests enjoyed tours of Pebble Hill Plantation, Check-Mate Industries, and dinner at Liam’s Restaurant in downtown Thomasville.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Board of Directors

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your home. your style.

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Membership The strength of any member organizations comes from the strength of its members. We are grateful to represent Thomasville’s business community!

Andrea Collins, Executive Director

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MEMBERSHIP BY SECTOR 0 Health Care Civic Organizations Finance & Insurance Restaurant, Food, Beverage Shopping & Specialty Retail Construction Real Estate Advertising & Media Manufacturing, Production, Wholesale Business & Professional Services Personal Services & Care Government & Education Home & Garden Ag, Forestry Arts, Culture, Entertainment Automotive & Marine Legal Public Utilities & Environment Industrial Supplies & Service Lodging & Travel Sports & Recreation Transportation Religious Organizations Tech & Telecom Animal & Vet

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40 43 40 40 33 32 29 27 23 22

17 16 13 13 11 11 11 11 8 7 7 4 4 3 2 2

394

MEMBERS | PARTNERS

12,667 EMPLOYEES

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MEMBER ROI

Member Referrals

1,750+

Online Member Directory Visits

332,185

Member Directory Clicks

10,894

Clicks to Members Websites

1,143

Member Job Posting Views

5,360

Business Inquiries

6,500+

Facility Rentals

141 days

Member Features

2,500+

Member Visits/Consultations

150

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ribbon cutting C E R E M O N Y

Ribbon Cutting & Ground Breaking Ceremonies

Excitement and progress unfolded through 34 noteworthy ribbon-cutting ceremonies and groundbreaking events. These milestones, marked by innovation and growth, underscored the dynamic nature of various business sectors in Thomasville and Thomas County.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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GROUND BREAKINGS +

Abide Homecare

Acre Maker

American Pawn Shop

1915 South | Ashley’s Furniture

Barwick Banking Company

Bella Vida Salon

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

BFT Accounting Services

Bobby Dollar Appliance

Carrols Cabinets

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Cardinal Lane

Covey Nest

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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GROUND BREAKINGS +

Envy Island Tan

Friends and Stars

Hearts for Families

Hands on Thomas County

Juneteenth of Thomas County

Legacy Village

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Leonard Building and Truck Accessories

Miss Kitty’s Fabulous Finds

New Oak Academy

Nexus Real Estate

Nina’s Creamery

Olive Orchard BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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GROUND BREAKINGS +

Outshine

Pebble Hill Kennel Cottage

Raceway Raceway

Small Cakes

Susie Q | Wing Zone

TCCHS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Thomasville History Center

Victory Fellowship Church

Vision Imaging Center

Vision Imaging Center

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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One Name.

One Vision.

One Archbold.

Together, We’re Building a Healthier Tomorrow.

Learn more about Archbold’s refreshed brand and other exciting updates, including new names, at ARCHBOLD.ORG/ONEARCHBOLD

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chamber

presented in partnership

CONNECTS

282

BUSINESS LEADERS CONNECTED

GUEST SPEAKERS

CREATIVE BENEFITS: ATTRACTING & RETAINING TALENT Jackie Santoro (Check-Mate), Russell Turner (1915 South-Ashley Furniture), Steven Austin (Six Pillars FCCU)

REIMAGINED GEORGIA ECONOMY Chris Clark, CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

COMMUNICATING THROUGH CONFLICT Lauren Radford (Big Oak Benefits), Adrian Burns (The Gathering Place), Chansidy Daniels (Flowers Foods)

SCARY SMART, HOW AI IS DRIVING YOUR BUSINESS! Haile McCollum (Fontaine Maury), Jason Jones (S&L Integrated), Dr. Aaron Stebner (Georgia Tech AIM)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

25

the

Nest WHERE BUSINESSES HATCH AND GROW Introducing The Nest, a program designed to nurture and cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit within Thomasville and Thomas County. The Nest offers a place to incubate ideas, hatch innovative solutions, and foster sustainable growth.

Whether the resident is a startup enthusiast with a groundbreaking concept, an established business aiming to expand, or an innovative organization serving local needs, The Nest provides support and resources to propel ventures to new heights.

This year, The Nest hosted two dynamic organizations, Spark Thomasville and Thomasville Community Development Corporation (TCDC).

Spark Thomasville serves as a business incubator for underestimated entrepreneurs and provides a 12-week training program, workshops, seminars and events. Visit Spark Thomasville to learn more. The Thomasville Community Development Corporation has a unique approach focused on asset-based neighborhood development, working alongside residents to strengthen low income neighborhoods. Visit TCDC to learn more.

“I am immensely grateful for the authentic spirit of collaboration fostered between Spark Thomasville, TCDC, and Imagine Thomasville through our participation in the Nest program. This initiative not only provides invaluable space and support for organizational and business growth but also exemplifies each organizations collective commitment to enhancing economic vitality in Thomasville.

The synergy among our missions drives us to go above and beyond to accommodate each other.

Together, we explore ways to leverage our combined resources to increase our overall impact. I look forward to 2024 and being part of our community’s prosperity.”

DESHAY WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SPARK THOMASVILLE

We believe The Nest will continue to serve as a transformative journey, where innovation meets growth, and dreams evolve into thriving enterprises.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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presented in partnership

The Community Impact Awards is an annual black-tie event celebrating business members and partners, recognizing their impact within the community. The 2022 award recipients include Vashti ( Non-Profit of the Year), WPAX ( Bob “Hutch” Hutchison Legacy Award), Gentian Creek Preserve (Covey Award by Southwest Georgia Farm Credit), Mrs. Ucher Dent (Woman of the Year), Mr. Scott Chastain (Man of the Year), Check-Mate Manufacturing (Large Business of the Year), Adele Creative (Small Business of the Year).

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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Large Business of the Year

Bob “Hutch” Hutchison Legacy Award

Man of the Year

Non-Profit of the Year

Small Business of the Year

Woman of the Year

iLead Scholarship Recipient

Covey Agriculture Award

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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BRANDING · DESIGN · WEBSITES · SOCIAL MEDIA · MARKETING STRATEGY

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FOR YOU. FOR YOUR FUTURE. FOR OUR COMMUNITY. A bank by Thomasville, for Thomasville.

301 NORTH BROAD STREET · 229.226.3300

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Workforce The most important criteria is a skilled workforce. Thanks to aggressive actions and partnerships taken in the public and private sectors, workforce development in Thomasville continually gets high marks.

GEORGIA TREND, SEPT 23

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

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THE

WORKFORCE PLAN

COLLABORATION IS KEY. In 2023, Imagine Thomasville and Thomas County Resource Center completed a scan of Thomas County’s birth-to-work pipeline, with technical assistance provided by Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education.

Having identified five major “pinch points,” community-led committees kicked off the work to align efforts in strengthening our workforce pipeline.

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“The information from this plan inspired change in our business. We used the livable wage data to adjust wage ranges for each position in the company. In addition, because we have a lot of young families and heard the critical importance of literacy by third grade, we hosted an SRS Summer Reading Challenge. “ RAINEY CAMPBELL, CHIEF OF STAFF SECURE RECORD SOLUTIONS

community members working in “pinch point”committees

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

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THE

WORKFORCE PLAN

PROGRESS AND RESULTS Literacy by 3rd Grade Thomas County Schools trained 25 early care providers on literacy instruction and behavior management.

Fourteen 2nd and 3rd graders at Harper Elementary School are participating in the Reading Accelerates Academic Development (READ) program to increase literacy proficiency.

Early Care and Learning Imagine Thomasville was awarded $750,000 to increase quality childcare during non-traditional hours. We are partnering with eight licensed providers to increase their capacity and match their hours with local business needs.

Three home care providers received quality-rated status in 2023.

Worker Barriers

Pipelines to Post-Secondary

The newly created Thomasville Community Georgia AIM grant funded the creation of awareness videos around high-demand career fields and tracking certificates issued related to

Development Corporation was awarded tax credits to create an additional 52 units of affordable housing.

those fields.

The City of Thomasville received a $175,000 grant

Southern Regional Technical College

for a Multimodal Transportation Plan.

announced new Precision Machining and Manufacturing Lab opening Fall 2024

Vashti Center trained over 700 community partners on mental health and resiliency through a partnership with Resilient Georgia.

Communication and Relationship Building Underlying the success of each committee is our community’s ability to reach across recognized economic, racial, and generational barriers to move the needle. The Communication and Relationship Building Committee has a goal to intentionally unify citizens by creating opportunities to build relations and foster understanding/empathy. These efforts are collectively known as PATCHWORKS.

Stay up to date on The Workforce Plan

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

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Introducing Patchworks “To make a dent in these generational problems, it’s going to take all of us stepping out of our silos and working together. We are going to need to trust each other to patch this workforce pipeline. It’s public conversations, walks in neighborhoods, dinners in our homes.”

EARL WILLIAMS III, Communications and Relationship Building Committee Chair

The committee on Communication and Relationship building tends to exceed their allocated hour-long meeting time. These dedicated, self-selected committee members understand the need to get it right when it comes to bridging gaps in our community.

“I believe that strong, resilient communities are built by people sharing resources, talent, and connections. This project is vitally important and I am honored to be able to contribute,” McCollum said.

They are starting small- with a series of intentional conversations within the Leadership Thomas program and then bridging out with a final goal of a community-wide “Longest Table” event in Fall of 2024. Examples of the intentional conversations include the STAR Power Simulation and Reflective Structured Dialogue Trainings.

Haile McCollum, Owner/Creative Director at Fontaine Maury, volunteered to help brand the work so the group could better communicate their mission and purpose.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS Lauren Radford Earl Williams Haile McCollum Shirley Jackson Lucinda Brown Brian Watt Sonia Vick Naomi Stifter Shawn Stifter

Chandler Hurst Ucher Dent Terry Scott Gene McNease Nate Tyler Michelle Arwood Bri Whigham Jessica Edwards Emmanuel Jones Erica Figueroa Adrian Burns

Sharon Edwards Ricky Zambrano Jeremy Emmett Scott Chastain Tanya Gavin Andrea Collins Shelley Zorn Katie Chastain Amy Maison

Mayor Jay Flowers, along with Lucinda Brown, joined Leadership Thomas Class 40 for STAR POWER. This interactive game facilitates intentional conversations around use and abuse of power, leadership and diversity.

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

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2

school business

presented in partnership

SUMMIT

SCHOOL 2 BUSINESS SUMMIT Now in its 3rd year, the summit is proving to be an invaluable tool in helping our local education service providers design their curriculum around industry needs. Tours included Pursuit Aerospace, Archbold Hospital, 1915 South, Harper Elementary STEAM lab, Thomas County Schools’ CTAE wing, and SRTC’s Nursing and Industrial Programs.

“As

businesses

share

about

their

workforce trends, needs and goals, schools

are

able

to

shape

their

instructional programs around those needs. There is definitely a spirit of collaboration which will ensure our students are successful in the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

BETH ADAMS, CTAE DIRECTOR, THOMAS COUNTY SCHOOLS

82

TOTAL PARTICIPANTS

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

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presented in partnership

PROJECT PURPOSE Every year, school and business leaders craft an event to help students understand the career opportunities in our area. During this year’s Project Purpose, students participated in an Interactive Career Fair. Students completed a Passport, receiving stamps for their ability to talk with business representatives and were awarded prizes for their participation. In addition, students completed a budget using local job and housing data during PIZZA PAY DAY, sponsored by Thomasville National Bank.

In 2024, students will help create awareness videos about high-demand careers and step into the businesses during Project Purpose Industry Tours.

“We

participate

in

Project

Purpose

because it is how we get students and teachers to understand who we are and what we do. Workforce is our number one issues. It’s a recruiting tool.”

SHANNON DUKES, HR DIRECTOR HURST BOILER

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

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industry ROUNDTABLE

INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE A quarterly meeting exclusive to manufacturing with a mission to better understand needs and discuss barriers to successful operations.

TOPICS & RESULTS

THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE OF AI IN MANUFACTURING In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the traditional processes and ushering in an era of efficiency and innovation.

In an AI-focused Industry Roundtable, Thomasville’s business community was invited to the forefront of a transformative opportunity.

Members of the Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) team from the Georgia Institute of Technology joined an industry roundtable discussion to share how the $65 million statewide federal grant can accelerate the transition to automation in manufacturing in South Georgia.

Local and statewide leaders discussed the growing need for skilled workers capable of harnessing the power of AI technologies. Upskilling the workforce in rural Southwest Georgia not only addresses the demands of local manufacturers, it brings about national economic security by safeguarding our industries from overseas competitors.

Thanks to the Georgia AIM grant, our partners at Southern Regional Technical College announced the creation of a new Precision Machining and Manufacturing Lab on its Thomasville campus in the fall of 2024.

“The result is a stronger industry base and higher paying jobs for Thomas County citizens and the region. It is also a wonderful recruiting tool for new advanced manufacturing partners,” said Shelley Zorn.

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

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Helping You Lead the Change.

Emissions Reduction

Decarbonization

Alternative/ Renewable Fuels

Energy Efficiency

We’ve spent decades pioneering best-in-class products that enable companies like yours to optimize operations while advancing diverse sustainability strategies.

Scan to learn how partnering with us will better your plant and our planet.

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Leadership Cities are defined and shaped by the leaders that step up, serve, and offer their time to make their communities better.

Thomasville's future is bright because of programs like Leadership Thomas that help identify, train, and encourage the next generation of leaders.

Scott Chastain, City Council

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

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The Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber has led the only community-wide leadership programs since 1981. Based on the the Fanning Institute for Leadership Development curriculum, the program builds capacity between and within organizations and promotes civil dialogue and action. The year long program runs from July 2023-June 2024, kicking off with a meet and greet, then a retreat to Callaway Gardens.

Each participant receives Emergenetics personality training, 9 monthly leadership training modules and hands-on experiences in economic development, government, the arts, healthcare, human services, justice, law enforcement, and the environment. Each class is required to complete a class-led community impact project prior to graduation.

CLASS 39 GRADUATES Andy Goodwin (City of Thomasville), Margaret Sanders (Flowers Foods), Jacob Welch (Adele Creative), Ucher Dent (No More Shackles Empowerment), Chelsea Lindsey (New Hire Solutions), Bri Whigham (First Thomas Realty), Melvin Hugans (Thomasville National Bank), Heather Rogers (Southland Medical Group), Mike Jones (TCDC), Riley Gould (Southern Regional Technical College), Kenny Thompson (City of Thomasville), Rob Blodgett (Thomasville Church), Janet Dean (Synovus), Kevin Royal (Chicken Salad Chick), Sidney Ingram (UGA Extension Office), Elle Smith (The Rodd Firm), Anthony Seiben (Big Oak Benefits), Cindy Weier (TC Federal), Barbara Anderson (First Commerce Credit Union).

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

41

LEADERSHIP THOMAS CLASS 39 PROJECT Leadership Thomas Class 39 embarked on a transformative project dedicated to revitalizing the historic Imperial Hotel.

Recognizing the cultural and architectural significance of the Jack Hadley Black History museum and Imperial Hotel, LT 39 committed to preserving its legacy and contributing to the community’s cultural enrichment.

Leveraging various classmate skillsets, a comprehensive campaign was developed to help generate a deeper awareness of the project. The creative campaign, “Save the Imperial Hotel” was translated into a t-shirt design and showcased as LT Class 39 marched in the Black History Parade. Class 39 achieved their goal to help make a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of our community.

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

42

presented in partnership

iLead Youth Leadership unlocks the next generation of leaders to create economic vitality in Thomasville and Thomas County.

This transformative program is designed to connect young minds with the dynamic world of business, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. iLead participants gain insight to help foster deeper connections with community stakeholders.

GRADUATES De’Aljah Mills (THS Scholars Academy), Emma Poole (THS), Landon Beaty (THS Scholars Academy), Serenity Cliett (THS), Rose Lehman (THS Scholars Academy), Desmond Diggs (THS), Joseph Mervin (THS), Au’Meyiah Everett (THS), Lydia Glass (TCCHS), Kayla Carr (TCCHS), Sarah Kate Still (THS Scholars Academy), Autumn Bracewell (TCCHS), Kristopher Wilhelm (TCCHS), Paige Parkerson (TCCHS).

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

43

INTRODUCING EMERGENTICS Introducing Emerge, a program designed to elevate communication and leadership within the business community.

This dynamic initiative focuses on empowering staff with essential communication skills.

emerge LEADERSHIP for TEAMS

Through personalized training modules, participants learn effective communication strategies tailored to their unique cognitive and behavioral preferences.

The Imagine Thomasville team is now certified to facilitate Emergenetics, a scientifically valid and reliable personality assessment, to help participants understand the ways they prefer to think and behave. With a better understanding of who they are and knowledge of the seven Emergenetics Attributes, employees learn to communicate more effectively, lean into one another's strengths and gain a greater appreciation for cognitive diversity across organizations.

Employees Unlocking Emergenetics

What Sets Emergenetics Apart Reliable and valid assessment Measures 7 Thinking & Behavioral preferences in an easy-to-understand one-page report Enhance self-awarness Uses positive language

Promote cognitive diversity Support first steps in strengthening communication, collaboration and performance Delivers applications for individuals, managers and teams

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

44

Marketing Video Web Design

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS www.summerhillcreative.com (229) 221-1030 45

46

Communications Imagine Thomasville serves as a robust communication engine propelling business forward.

Information becomes the currency of trust, forming authentic connections for our business community.

COMMUNICATION INITIATIVE

47

LET'S TALK THOMASVILLE PODCAST A platform to share stories and learn more about the people and businesses in our community.

THE BUSINESS CONNECTION E-NEWS Weekly electronic newsletter includes curated content for member business and partners specific to the local business community.

TEXT

TTCCOC TO 71441

TEXT REMIND Imagine Thomasville team understands that when it comes to taking care of business, reminders are necessary.

Member Text is a new program allowing members and partners to receive event and program reminders via text.

to sign up for Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce mobile alerts

COMMUNICATION INITIATIVE

48

ENGAGEMENT PODCAST DOWNLOADS

FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS

INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS

LINKEDIN FOLLOWERS

LINKEDIN IMPRESSIONS

COMMUNICATION INITIATIVE

49

FINANCIALS Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce EXPENSES FY 2023

$355,270.38 TOTAL WORKFORCE

LEADERSHIP

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Project Purpose, Schools 2 Business Summit, Workforce Plan, Industry Roundtable

Leadership Thomas, iLead Youth Leadership, Emerge Leadership for Teams

Chamber Connects, Community Impact Awards, Patio Talks, Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings, Spark Thomasville

$15,607.07

$36,082.85

$17,635.37

COMMUNICATIONS

GENERAL OPERATIONS

Podcast, newsletter, text remind, ChamberMaster, social media, billboards, radio, tv, annual report

Payroll, maintenance, technology, continuing education, utilities, landscape

$7,071.63

$278,873.46

Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce REVENUE FY 2023

$333,491.54 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP

PAYROLL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

NON-DUES REVENUE

Membership and Partnership Dues: Connect ($400), Promote ($800), Lead ($4,000), Legacy ($7,000)

Marketing, Office Space, Administrative Support, Workforce Development, Team Assistance for ED

The Nest Program, Facility Rentals, Grants, Donations

$195,763.06

$50,000.00

$16,689.18 50

SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL; IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS Winston Churchill

2023-2025 Strategic Plan

2024 Member + Partner Brochure

THE WELCOME CENTER FOR BUSINESS

401 South Broad Street | Thomasville, Georgia