The year 2011 was a great one for The Cumming- Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, Cumming and Forsyth County as a whole. In fact, we have continued to weather the economic storm better than nearly all of our surrounding neighboring communities. Even with 2012 looking more promising, the Chamber will focus our attention on the benefits of doing business in Cumming and Forsyth County.
In economic development, we will continue to work with our primary partners to identify ways we can improve and focus our efforts to build on past success. 2011 has far surpassed the number of jobs and amount of capital investment made in our community during 2010. The chamber will strive to improve those numbers yet again, constantly focusing on identifying American and international companies that would be a good fit for our community as well as helping existing companies expand. Additionally, the chamber will roll out a ‘one stop shop’ initiative so prospects can find information on tax credits, green incentives, work force development incentives and other information to assist them in their relocation.
The chamber recognizes that many of our new jobs and much of our economic vitality doesn’t all come from our largest companies, but instead from thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs. In 2012, The SBSC will continue to help small businesses grow by providing essential tools and resources. The SBSC will host at least 12 educational seminars in 2012 focused on providing small businesses with critical information. Additionally, the 2012 Small Business Expo is slated to be even bigger in 2012.
We also continue to be the voice of business at the public policy table. As a community we face a substantial challenge to ensure that infrastructure stays nothing less than the best as we turn to a time of greater growth and prosperity. Nothing could be more vital to our long term economic health and well-being than great roads, great infrastructure, and the best schools in America. The chamber will continue to build upon the great partnership that already exists with the business community and local government to ensure our long term goals are priority one for all of us.
As incoming chairman, it is my goal and vision that our community will continue to be the best place in the nation to live and do business. I look forward to another successful year in Forsyth County and serving as your Chairman of the Board of Directors!
David Seago
Chairman
Cumming-Forsyth County
Chamber of Commerce