Loading...Campaign Inches Near $1 Million; October Critical to Victory
The Team Georgia Chamber '06 statewide membership campaign is about to reach a significant milestone. It will soon top out at $1 million, in the quest to hit its goal of $1.7 million. Thanks to a very strong effort by our volunteers, the drive is just where it needs to be as it enters the critical home stretch. But, everyone knows that the last few laps in a race are the toughest.
Since late June, more than 500 volunteers in all parts of the state have been working hard to add members and dollars to the state chamber to make it a stronger and more effective voice for business. With a strong track record of solid legislation behind it, the Georgia Chamber is looking ahead to the new session of the Georgia General Assembly that begins in January with a packed legislative agenda. Topping the list will be a series of bills aimed at improving laws that affect manufacturers in the state, who have suffered from competition abroad and a set of out-of-date and competition-stifling laws at home. They need new opportunities to grow and expand and this will be the first order of business for the statewide business organization shortly after the gavel falls to open the new term.
That's the predictable part of the story. The part that is still being played out is just how strong the state chamber will be in January. Since the first duty of the Georgia Chamber is to lobby for business, it is essential that it is backed up by a strong membership, representing all parts of the state. Keeping membership numbers strong is the job of the campaign and the next six weeks will determine if this 10th annual Team Georgia Chamber membership campaign succeeds.
If our volunteers have their way, it can't fail. They have done an outstanding job so far in both new member recruiting and adding dollars. It should be noted that the money raised in the campaign is used to enhance and expand lobbying efforts, in the area of staffing, research and outreach. As the state chamber learned in 2005, when it lobbied successfully for sweeping tort reform, the opponents of business come to play with pockets full of cash. Matching their funds is impossible, but making the playing field more level is not.
Week 14 was another opportunity for the campaign veterans to shine. Leading the pack was a true all-star, Teresa Greenwood (Atlanta Gas Light) with $11,205. She was paced by Jennifer Wilcox (Georgia Power-Coastal Region) with $10,500 and David Preston (Regions Bank) with $10,000. Also making the top five list of individual producers were Tommy Graham (Atlanta Gas Light) reporting $9,975 and Frank Boyd (Georgia Power) turning in $5,000.
The top team list for the week read as follows: Atlanta Gas Light, Regions Bank, Georgia Power-Coastal Region, Georgia Power Headquarters and Wachovia Bank, N.A.
Next week, the campaign moves south to Savannah for the annual "Reception on the Rooftop" at the Coastal headquarters building of Georgia Power right on the river in the historic district of this enchanting old city. This lavish affair, sponsored by Georgia Power, traditionally attracts a large number of both members and prospective members from the southeast Georgia area. It's set for Tuesday evening, October 10th.
Looking ahead to the final weeks of the drive, 2006 Campaign Chairman, Dr. David Allen, was optimistic. Dr. Allen holds the record as the top new member recruiter in the history of the Georgia Chamber, so when he urges others to bring in new members, he knows what he is talking about. "We have got the best message in Georgia," Allen commented recently. "We're in the bread and butter, improve the bottom line business and our clients are business firms who deserve fair and equitable treatment under state laws. I'm proud to say that the Georgia Chamber has delivered on its promise every year and every member I talk with is pleased. But, we have a lot more to do and that takes money. Finishing this campaign in the victory circle will ensure that we'll be strong and effective in 2007," he added.
To underscore the importance of October, the campaign will offer substantial rewards to volunteers who make an extra effort over the next few weeks. Volunteers are still competing for the mega prize in the campaign, a five-day post campaign trip to Barbados. Dr. Allen was quick to add that nobody is out of the running for this reward. "If we need a bigger plane, Delta is ready when we are," he quipped.
