The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce held its 116th annual Meeting and Gala Thursday night at the Chattahoochee Country Club in Gainesville.
The chamber gave out several awards at the event, and also announced that Glennis Barnes will be taking over as chair of the organization for 2024-2025, taking the reigns from Brett Fowler.
"As I looked back on this year, I have to say this was the fastest year of my life in a good way!" Fowler said Thursay. "I could stand up here all day and go through the many “Wins” we have had as a Chamber, but as Chairman, I am proud to have led an organization that is committed to supporting our members and fostering a business-friendly environment. Together we have achieved great success, but I am confident that the best is yet to come."
Barnes also spoke, touting the importance of an upcoming Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax to the area's business economy.
"We will have the opportunity to take our first step towards positive movement with the T-SPLOST referendum on November 5th," Barnes said "I need the help of everyone in this room to help educate the citizens on the benefits of passing the T-SPLOST."
The chamber's Small Business of the Year awards were given to El Carreton/Gainesville Seafood and Sweet Magnolias, while Inn-Between Deli and Syfan Logistics won the Family Business of the Year awards.
Jeff Payne with Capstone Property Group won the 2023-2024 Community Service Award, while Brian Rochester won the Distinguished Citizen Award.
The W.G. Mealor Award, which is described by the organization as the "chair's choice award," was given to longtime chamber leader Kit Dunlap. Fowler said Dunlap, who recently announced her retirement after more than 26 years with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, has been an essential part of the organization.
"Kit has spearheaded several multi-million dollar community development initiatives that funded the current Chamber building, economic development programs, education and community programs including Vision 2030," Fowler said. "We are grateful for her leadership, vision, and commitment to the chamber and community. Her legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward into this new chapter for our chamber."
