Albany Area Chamber of Commerce hosts State of the Community luncheon

ALBANY, Ga. – Leaders in the Albany community gather as the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce (AACC) hosts its State of the Community event.

The Chamber brought together local leaders, business owners, and residents to discuss key topics facing the Albany community.

“And, so, good, strong relationships are key and we want to provide you with every opportunity to build those among your peers and to build those among our public partners. We hear it so often from our elected officials. The most important thing that we can provide them is information and so having that conversation, absolutely is important,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

The state of the community event provides residents with insight into Albany’s economic outlook, ongoing development projects, and collaborative efforts aimed at driving growth and prosperity.

During the event, Mayor Bo Dorough shared statistics and detailed upcoming projects for the city.

“The city commission during my tenure has made and will continue to make an unprecedented investment in recreation. Driskell, formerly Carbon Park in South Albany, is being totally modernized and upgraded. We expect award contracts to completely renovate Carver Gym, rebuild Henderson Park, and rebuild Kelvin Malone Park in East Albany later this year. The progress we have made with the combined sewer separation project is truly impressive, and I’m proud to announce that the city is on pace to achieve 85% separation by June 30th of next year. Local governments are increasingly confronted with challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified employees to work in other positions. It is our employees who deliver the services and perform the tasks that citizens depend upon. A recent case study identified hundreds of city employees who were not adequately compensated. The commission has increased the wages and salaries of these employees to rectify the disparities reflected in the study. I know we can and believe we will accomplish great things in the years to come,” said Mayor Bo Dorough, City of Albany.

Lorenzo Heard, Chairman of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes enhanced support for community initiatives.

“As the Board, we recognize that growth in Dougherty county is also about creating opportunities to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure that everyone has a stake in our future. It is about working together across all sectors and neighborhoods to build enduring content that drives and nurtures a strong, vibrant and inclusive environment for every resident who can thrive. But, we also know that real sustainable growth happens when we all come together,” said Lorenzo Heard, Chairman, Dougherty County Board of Commissioners.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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