< 2016 Annual Report Highlights

Looking Ahead in 2017

---

I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve in a position that has been held by many of our community’s great leaders. By virtually every measure, we live in not just one of the greatest communities in Georgia – but one of the greatest communities in the nation.

In Forsyth County, our unemployment rate has decreased to 4.4 percent. In 2016, we saw 28 new and existing companies create 800 new jobs and approximately $150 million in new capital investment. Forsyth County continues to lead the state in population growth AND job growth. In addition, Forsyth County’s world class schools are internationally recognized. It’s easy to see why our community continues to be at the top of the most important lists in the country that measure prosperity and quality of life.

Outstanding communities and economies do not develop by chance. They are built on the foundation of leadership and relationships. We are blessed to have both of these in Cumming and Forsyth County. The Chamber is an integral part of facilitating those relationships and fostering strong leaders. 

Your Chamber is the sole economic development entity in our community. This streamlined approach to serving the needs of business clients gives us a competitive advantage.  The partnerships with the City of Cumming, the Forsyth County government and the school system make us a strong player on a global stage.  The Chamber will continue to work with leaders in Cumming and Forsyth County to facilitate the process of business interaction with our local government to ensure it is clear to the region and the nation that we have the most business-friendly community in the country.  Cumming and Forsyth County have already taken strong steps in that direction and I thank them for their continued support.

The Chamber is on sound financial footing, but expanding the Chamber’s services to take advantage of new opportunities will require new ideas and greater resources.  Our membership numbers have recovered from the impact of the recession, but we still have opportunities for growth, especially in healthcare, international business and small business. Your help in promoting membership in the Chamber is greatly appreciated!

The Chamber is our community’s venue to channel the incredible collective resources of great business people to create economic opportunity. With the hiring of our new Vice President of Community Development, the Chamber will also take a lead role in the activities that further enhance a greater sense of place and promote the Cumming and Forsyth County brand. As incoming Chairman, I look forward to working with each of you to expand that opportunity for everyone in our community to reach their potential and achieve more than we could imagine.

Sincerely,

Doug Jenkins

Chairman

Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

---