Leadership of the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce Jan. 12 will pass from Dr. Mindy McCannon, vice president of academic affairs at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, to Steve Anglea of Georgia Power.
Highlights of the year just past and plans for the year just begun also will be presented during the Chamber's annual meeting - weather permitting.
"My annual meeting was snowed out," McCannon said, recalling the record snowstorm that postponed last year's event. "While it was different, I think we had a great year. I was so proud of how businesses supported our Chamber and how the Chamber continued to provide services to those members."
McCannon said her annual report will touch on low points, such as the tornado that devastated so many so much in April and the effects of a lingering recession, as well as pinnacles reached during the year.
"The tornado was so devastating for the whole community," she said. "Seeing the hardships for homeowners and business owners, that was heartbreaking. But even with all the terrible things that occurred we had a retention rate of 95 percent. The resolution of our local businesses always amazes me."
Two crowning moments for the local Chamber during 2011 were its being designated a Regional Visitor Information Center and being one of a select few recognized as certified Chambers by the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Anglea said he wants to continue this tradition of service to the business community during 2012.
"I'm excited about serving as chairman," he said. "A major goal is to become a certified Chamber with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; very few are certified by the national organization.
"I also want to personally get around to meeting with members, to see what we can do to better serve them."
The Chamber's Program of Work for 2012 has several items of note, according to Martha Eaker, the organization's CEO.
Among them are plans to develop a sales team for Catoosa County that would work with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority. A group of Chamber members will offer their expertise in all facets of life in the community and what it can offer potential manufacturers or businesses looking to locate in the area.
Another enterprise will involve the Chamber developing an itinerary for tour groups, particularly for seniors, aimed for overnight or two-day visits to the county. Tours would have information about visiting the Chickamauga Battlefield Park and the 6th Cavalry Museum, attending performances at The Colonnade and Ringgold Depot, as well as have information highlighting local eateries and lodging.
Chamber officials said another goal is to grow membership to about 400 members before year's end.