Bob Harris, CAE It is a misconception that meetings are for listening to reports. Especially when the reports could have been distributed and read in advance. Recognizing Retirees
Associations Now By recognizing members who are retiring or already retired, one association is hoping to celebrate and engage them for a lifetime.
Be sure your small businesses are getting all they can out of their chamber membership. Join with the Georgia Chamber's Federation to strengthen the collective voice of Georgia's business community.
How long have you been in the Chamber profession?
9 months
How long have you been in your current position?
4 months
What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is that I get to advocate for our members, and promote our community every day. I love helping people, and the Chamber allows me to do that every single day.
Tell us about your most embarrassing Chamber moment.
In my short time with the Chamber I have already had my share of oops moments; I would have to say that my most embarrassing was at one of the first events I attended. The sponsor was raffling off a Green Egg Mini Max, he handed me a ticket and I thought nothing of it, until they called out my number. I was in complete shock and was questioning, oh my what should I do, no I can't win I'm representing the Chamber. But the Sponsor had no problem with it, other than the fact that being so caught up in questioning if I "should" be allowed to win that I did not hoot n holler and get overly excited when I won. Which is what they were wanting to happen. I have NOT participated in any raffles at chamber events since.
Which Chamber Executive has had the biggest impact on your career and how?
That would have to be Roddie Anne Blackwell with the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. She has been very willing to sit down and talk with me about all things chamber related and share best practices for our area, Georgia's Lake Country.
What is your Chamber's signature event?
Our signature event is our Taste~n~Jam Community Celebration held on the fourth Monday of October from 6-8 pm; most of our area restaurants are closed on Monday. Tickets are a wristband that allows you to sample tastings from a variety of regional restaurants and culinary services, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment the likes of The Jake Bartley Band. We sell wine and beer tickets, as well as a 50/50 cash raffle. Businesses can purchase sponsorships that allow them to have a booth at the event to promote themselves to attendees. Restaurants are not charged anything to participate, as they already have food costs and staffing expenses.
What is your favorite Georgia destination outside of the one you represent and why?
I would have to say Savannah is my favorite destination outside of Greene County. The culture and history of Savannah is one of a kind. I love to tour the Historic Homes then spend time relaxing in the squares, before taking a stroll down the Riverwalk for some shopping. But then it's time for my favorite part of Savannah, the endless culinary options to choose from.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For most of my youth I wanted to be a Marine Biologist. I knew I would be the first person to discover and create a means of two-way communication with dolphins.
