Letter from the Chairman

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your Chairman for the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce for 2023 – 2024.  Having been a part of the Effingham County community since birth I am excited and extremely interested in what the future holds for all of us here.

Effingham County is on a new wave of growth, especially with the Hyundai plant coming into Bryan County, and the growth of new businesses in our county related to the Hyundai plant and the port.  Our port in Savannah is growing rapidly, which has facilitated warehouse growth in our region.  We are seeing new businesses open all around us. The Chamber is facilitating ribbon cuttings each month and our IDA is bringing new industrial partners to lead in our new growth. So now, it is up to each of us to eat at local restaurants, shop at local stores and keep as much of our business local as we can.

Through it all, your Chamber is on the front lines, helping its members and local business owners. With educational programs like business seminars and Small Business Workshops, we continue to bring innovative ideas and opportunities for networking and sharing ideas. Your chamber is also looking to support new events in the area to not only provide new experiences for our local citizens but serve to draw visitors to Effingham from neighboring areas.

Here are a few of the items on the Chamber’s agenda for the coming year:

We believe that helping our members survive and succeed in this economic climate is a top priority. We will accomplish this goal by offering exposure for our members through electronic and print media, expanded networking opportunities through our Business After Hours, workshops, and innovative marketing campaigns. We will also continue to collaborate closely with officials of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority to assist their economic development efforts.

Your Chamber will also serve as the champion for the Effingham business community and present its 2024 Legislative Agenda to appropriate elected officials.

Additionally, we are working with the county and our cities in building and marketing Effingham County to visitors from the region and beyond. The Hotel-Motel Tax provides a source of funds with which to promote the county in a more concerted way.

The Chamber is an inclusive organization that welcomes your involvement. Together we are making a difference for Effingham County, your marketplace, and your business.

Troy Allen
Chairman of the Board
Effingham County Chamber of Commerce