Strong Business Builds
Strong Communities
by Judy Le Jeune
photography by Julie Perdue
3651 Peachtree Parkway Suite 425 - Suwanee, GA 30024
On the evening of July 18, 2006 as residents were celebrating the passing of the referendum that was the final step to create their new city of Johns Creek, there was behind-the-scenes, serious business going on as well. The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce was gearing up its operation in preparation to serve the business community. This simultaneous formation of a new city and a new Chamber was no easy task. It was made possible with the help of many who had been instrumental in making Johns Creek its own city and then quickly moved on to establish the Chamber. Long time resident, local business owner and decade-long member of the Johns Creek Community Association, Geoff Berlin was able to make a smooth transition to his new role as President of the Johns Creek Chamber.
The task of starting a new Chamber to serve a new city had many challenges, but with Geoff leading the effort, and countless concerned and involved citizens participating, the Johns Creek Chamber has come a long way since its inception a little more than six months ago. According to Geoff, "Each city's Chamber of Commerce is different because each business community is different. Here in Johns Creek, we do what this business community needs us to do." To service those needs, the Chamber immediately began supporting local business in Johns Creek with monthly meetings - featuring Keynote Speakers presenting pertinent and valuable information - networking opportunities and assistance with the needs of individual businesses.
With the Chamber office opening its doors in January, services were expanded to provide businesses with everything from conference facilities, to data resources and demographics, to economic and mapping library resources. A video conferencing facility is currently under construction and will be available for members to use within the next few months. The Chamber consistently provides its members with information on legislation, zoning, design standards and representation at City Council meetings. Seventeen Committees have been formed to address specific issues from Public Safety to Arts and Culture.
Networking is a top priority and the Chamber has set up sessions on a regular basis for members, provides opportunities to local associations and assistance to local schools. The Chamber works with the Johns Creek Healthcare Association and helps its members by providing networking opportunities for local doctors. Within the schools, the Chamber has provided help to students to promote clubs and to raise funds for their clubs. Northview High School's Robotics Club approached the Chamber for help last fall and, after presenting information about their club and a demonstration of their robotics wizardry at a monthly Chamber meeting, the Chamber assisted the Robotics Club to raise funds for their upcoming competitions.
For Chamber members, there are four networking opportunities every month. On second and fourth Thursdays from 5:30-7pm, speed networking provides an opportunity to tell "your business story" for three minutes before moving on to the next table. On the first and third Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 10:30am, there is a networking opportunity to meet with other members and present information about your business while having a cup of coffee or tea.
Though the Chamber's primary function is to serve business, serving the best interests of the Johns Creek community as a whole is their primary focus. Faced with issues that would be best for business, but not best for the community, the Chamber serves the community first. As Tim Jennette points out, "The best example of the 'community first' position of the Chamber was put into practice when the Chamber opposed the use of billboards in Johns Creek. Opposing billboards was not a pro-business position, but one that the Chamber supported at all costs because we believed that allowing billboards was not in the best interest of the community of Johns Creek." Tim Jennette serves both as Treasurer of the Chamber and Chair Person for the Government Relations Committee. As the liaison between the Chamber and government officials, Tim not only attends the City Council's bi-monthly meetings but reviews what will be discussed or voted on at upcoming meetings in preparation to represent the Chamber's position to do what is best for the community of Johns Creek.
The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as well as the United States Chamber of Commerce. To facilitate and further relationships with these Chambers, the Johns Creek Chamber is planning an annual reception with State Senators and Congressional Representatives and a Regional Leadership Forum.
The Chamber currently has 175 members with new members joining every day. By the end of the first quarter, the membership is anticipated to exceed 250. As the voice of business in Johns Creek, the Chamber provides support to all businesses from home-based operations to international corporations. The Chamber is committed to creating an environment in which new and existing businesses can prosper and, in doing so, enhance the overall quality of life in the city of Johns Creek.
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For membership information, you may call the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce at 770-495-0545
or visit their website for a membership application: www.johnscreekchamber.com.
