The 2024-2025 year was one of many changes for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. Under the leadership of Chairman Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power, and Tim Evans, in his new role as president and CEO, the Chamber celebrates a year of success.
The Greater Hall Chamber’s Economic Development 2025 Fiscal Year Summary (YTD) includes 16 new and expanded businesses adding 670 jobs and $250 million in capital investment. Gainesville-Hall County is home to over 330 manufacturers and 60 international companies from 21 countries.
Over 400 people gathered for Eggs & Issues with our legislators; 200 attended the Small Business Economic & Political Forecast; and 275 joined in on discussion at the recent Transportation Forum with Commissioner Russell McMurry, GDOT.
Over 1,600 job seekers attended the Chamber’s Job Fairs, held biannually in the fall and spring. The events host 70+ companies with hiring managers on hand looking for employees
The Workforce Development Task Force continues to reach new milestones with dozens of Work-Based Learning students working at some 30 area industries. Youth Apprenticeships for high school students combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experience.
The Chamber has over 100 area businesses participating in the Drugs Don’t Work program for employers.
Health and Wellness programs are making an impact with projects like the Annual HealthSmart Expo, Healthy Hall Awards and the Chamber Chase 5K & Wellness Walk that hosted over 1,000. The Healthcare Committee initiated monthly Health & Wellness Seminars on various topics of importance for community wellbeing.
Leadership Hall County graduated its 43rd Class this spring and now has over 1,124 graduates. Founded in 2005, Youth Leadership Hall now has over 1,320 student graduates.
Small Business Development programs continue to grow with 1,000 total seminar participants and 21 businesses earning Certified Small Business Partner designation in 2024.
The South Hall Business Coalition continues to focus on issues of importance to South Hall by hosting monthly meetings at various locations in South Hall.
Community Development initiatives included the Annual AgriBusiness Awards and the Farm City Breakfast recognizing agribusiness in Hall County.
300 famous Gainesville-Hall County “Chicken Boxes” were delivered to the Capitol for the Georgia Legislature filled with diversified products from our community.
The Annual Arbor Day Celebration included Tree City USA 37th year certification and student essay and art recognition. The Beautification Awards Program continues to recognize homeowners and businesses.
The Chamber Membership Team continues to connect members with networking and business relationship resources through programs such as the Business Expo that featured some 60 exhibitors; monthly Business After Hours and Network Over Coffee.
The Annual Membership Campaign netted nearly 70 new members, and Ribbon Cuttings remain popular for new and expanding businesses.
Vision 2030 continues work on the community’s long-term initiatives, or Big Ideas. The Public Art Committee has secured over 250 pieces of Public Art, and since 2015, over $1.25 million of public\ private investment has been made towards the initiative. The Greenspace Committee works with government to ensure our community has trails, parks, and protected green land, and the NextGen Hall Co group is creating relationships that encourage involvement for the future of Hall County.