A Town Where "Everybody is Somebody"

For nearly 20 years I lived in a small town in Gwinnett County, Georgia called Snellville and at that time “Where Everybody is Somebody” was the town slogan.  It was amazing to me how many people knew that slogan when I told them where I lived!  This little town was named after it’s founding family the Snells, and many of their descendents still live there.  In the past 10 years, like many small metro-Atlanta towns, Snellville has boomed along with the surrounding cities of Grayson and Loganville.  Businesses have flooded to the area and new residences have occupied nearly every possible spot and new schools seem to be popping up overnight.  One thing that has remained true is the strong sense of community for this thriving region.

In March of 2006 the Greater Grayson Chamber of Commerce (http://www.graysonchamber.com) was founded by Michelle Couch.  This chamber serves as a regionalized resource for community businesses of all sizes.  They work hard to integrate and unify business professionals, commerce affiliates and civic leaders.   The GGCC has grown steadily.  In addition to all the activities we know happen in a chamber, this chamber has a very loyal networking core.  There is a monthly networking lunch, regular Coffee and Commerce gatherings at local businesses, Business After Hours and also weekly close contact networking teams called the Netlink Referral Group and Leads Program.  Only one business type may be represented on each team.

The telephone team makes sure members remember the events.  Weekly emails combine reminders of the meetings with news of community events.  Also in the spring and fall are the 12 at 12 Workshops that cover topics such as public speaking, business accounting, business etiquette and ethics and technology management and are taught and sponsored by members of the Chamber.

Another benefit to members is an advertising discount with the Tri-City Times, the local newspaper covering the same three counties.  Regular news stories featuring Chamber members’ grand openings, ribbon cutting ceremonies and milestone celebrations also spotlight these businesses to the community.  The Times also lists members of the GGCC in special editions throughout the year.

A visit to this Chamber is a mix of southern hospitality and good business connections.  It is obvious that the GGCC is a group of business leaders that are serious about community and community business.

And speaking of community networking opportunities – I recently received an invitation from my bank (BB&T) to attend a networking luncheon.  This new bank branch hosted a luncheon with music and an organized networking opportunity for their new customers.  What a nice opportunity to interact with local businesses that I may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.  What a great idea!

As official Ambassadors for the Southeast Bureau please be on the lookout for interesting opportunities I can share with our readers.  You can reach me at AnneK@thenationalnetworker.com or at 678-385-0193 ext. 201.

Many thanks to those who have welcomed me to TNNW!  It has been my pleasure to meet several of the contributing writers and bureau chiefs.  What an amazing group of folks!  After reading their column for quite some time it was very nice to finally meet them.  And Adam, thanks for all you do.  Your effort on behalf of the readers is greatly appreciated.

And for those of you who would like to see what Glen Gould was up to this St. Patty’s day check out this link! www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.html?ParticipantKey=2008-34023 

Wishing you all the best!

- Anne

Contact Anne:   Email:  Anne Phone: 678-385-0193, ext. 201 Post a Comment on TNNW Blog