Community Initiatives

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TAXATION

•  Support and maintain current state tax incentives and economic development policies that have proven to attract investment, create jobs, incentivize growth, and provide economic stability.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

•  Increase advocacy, awareness, and support of efforts of a robust local network of organizations and service providers working to expand and/or improve mental health services in the community.

TALENT & WORKFORCE

•  Support efforts to address current workforce housing access and affordability challenges to ensure our region can attract and retain talent through our Greater Vidalia® Workforce Strategy Committee and the Toombs County/Cities of Vidalia & Lyons/Greater Vidalia®/Toombs County Development Authority Housing 2023-2024 Housing Study.

LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON

•  Held annually in January, the Legislative Luncheon allows members to hear what elected officials are focusing on for the coming year. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions about issues that may impact their business.

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY SERIES

•  The Greater Vidalia® Chamber is dedicated to informing Chamber members on current issues directly impacting their businesses and the community. During this series, a speaker and/or panel will educate and update Chamber members and the community at-large on current event topics. 2024 topics will include State of Cities/County to be held in September, State of Education to be held in October, and State of Agriculture in November.

AREA COUNTY JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLANS

•  Support and actively participate in the efforts of the Georgia Department of Community Affair’s efforts in updating the current comprehensive plan—a locally adopted document that serves as a long-term guide to growth and development for our local governments to use and implement. The document is required by the State of Georgia for all local governments and must be updated every five (5) years.

VOTER ENGAGEMENT

•  Greater Vidalia® Chamber is committed to civic involvement and education by initiating efforts to narrow the gap between percentage of citizens registered to vote and percentage of citizens who vote on election day for midterm and presidential elections.