Rise & Thrive: Annual Meeting Recap

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s 116th Annual Meeting, held last night at The Bell Auditorium, was an inspiring celebration of our community’s growth, innovation, and vision for the future. With the theme Rise & Thrive: Building Legacies that Last, the event highlighted the exciting opportunities on the horizon for the Augusta region. 

The evening kicked off with an exclusive VIP Reception, sponsored by the James M. Hull College of Business at Augusta University. This special gathering provided attendees an opportunity to network and connect before the main event, setting the tone for an evening of collaboration and forward-thinking.

The program officially began with a warm welcome from Dennis Trotter, 2024 Chairman of the Augusta Metro Chamber and founder of Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. Dennis set the stage for an evening focused on community collaboration and growth, emphasizing the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the Augusta region. Dennis also spoke on behalf of the event’s presenting sponsors, Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate and Parker’s Kitchen, acknowledging the vital role that both organizations play in supporting the Chamber and its initiatives. 

The evening continued with a heartfelt invocation by Sheffie Robinson of Accelerate Augusta, followed by a delicious dinner catered by Laziza Mediterranean Grill. To complement the evening’s atmosphere, guests received Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee bags at each place setting.

A key moment in the program was the Passing of the Gavel, which marked a transition in leadership. Dennis Trotter passed the gavel to Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Augusta Technical College. Dennis congratulated Dr. Whirl on his upcoming role as the new president of Savannah State University, effective April 1, 2025. As Dr. Whirl prepares for his new chapter, Kimberly Wilder, from Davis, Chapman & Wilder, took his place as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberly's leadership will play a pivotal role in driving the Chamber’s priorities forward into 2025 and beyond.

After the Passing of the Gavel, Kimberly Wilder took the stage to present the Chamber’s Rise & Thrive Vision for 2025. Her remarks highlighted the key priorities and strategic initiatives for the year ahead, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between businesses, community leaders, and residents to continue Augusta's trajectory of growth.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by James M. Bailey, President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). James’s speech was both inspiring and transformative, offering attendees a deep dive into the work being done to empower Black-owned businesses and foster entrepreneurial success. He emphasized the power of "planting seeds that grow trees whose shade we may never sit under," reinforcing the importance of long-term impact. He reminded the audience that while we may not be able to change the whole world, we can transform the space three feet around us. Additionally, he highlighted the value of "collaboration over competition," urging entrepreneurs to uplift and support one another in their journeys.

As the event came to a close, Angie Cox, President & CEO of the Augusta Metro Chamber, delivered a final message of gratitude and excitement. Angie thanked attendees, including board members, committee members, ambassadors, and staff for their ongoing support and reiterated the chamber’s role in fostering economic development, innovation, and collaboration throughout the region.

The success of the Annual Meeting would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. We would like to extend a special thank you to:

• Presenting Sponsors: Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate, Parker’s Kitchen
• Platinum Sponsors: Wellstar, Georgia Power, Ocozzio, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
• Media Sponsors: News 12 26, The Augusta Chronicle, WJBF NewsChannel 6

As we look toward 2025, the Chamber remains committed to fostering an environment where businesses can grow, innovate, and succeed!