Transitions and Gratitude
November, to me, is a month filled with transition and gratitude. The last of the beautiful autumn leaves will soon fall to the ground only to be replaced by the first falling snow. The days will grow colder and shorter, with hopes to be warmed by friends, family, and community.

Enjoying the Women’s+ Summit on Friday, October 28, 2022. Left to right: Women’s+ Summit Planning Committee member Susan Barga, Chamber administrative assistant Kat Kroutel, Chamber President Kristin Miller, Chamber Marketing and PR Specialist Kristin Slemmer.
As we move into the holiday season, you’ll begin to see the plans unfolding for our Uptown for the Holidays events. Our Keep the Cheer Here campaign will get our message out to Love Athens – Keep it Local and shop local and early! Our members can take advantage of a FREE advertisement in our upcoming Athens Area Gift Guide. Submissions are due on Friday, November 4 — read details about the Gift Guide here or reach out with questions!
Planning is well underway for our Annual Awards and Dinner Meeting which will be held on January 26, 2023. We know that engaged businesses and individuals make our community stronger and more dynamic. With that, we are excited to recognize our members who have made a local impact in 2022 by opening nominations for the 2022 Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards. In a change from tradition, we will be announcing the winners one month prior to the event, sharing their stories with the community, and getting others involved and excited about these businesses and individuals. More information can be found on our website – https://athenschamber.com/awards/. Mark your calendar! It’s going to be an evening to celebrate.
I am grateful for our members. For my staff and Board of Directors. For the organizations we partner with. For this amazing community that we get to call home. For ALL of you. I look forward to what this season of transition will bring to us.
In gratitude,

President, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce