Programs and Activities

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce offers numerous programs to foster involvement, education, exposure, and access for its members. Those programs are highlighted below.

NEW - 2010 Sponsorship Package

First Monday Lunch � This monthly event allows Chamber members and other representatives from the business community to hear from various business leaders and elected officials on current business trends and issues affecting the county and business in general.

Business After Hours � This event offers business exchange and networking in a relaxed environment for Chamber members, business professionals, their business associates and clients.

Network DeKalb (Leads Group) - Network DeKalb help chamber members grow their businesses by generating referrals and new contacts. Business relationships are established through networking with other members on a frequent basis. Many small businesses are use this mechanism to generate business as they promote business to those who can recommend their company to others; create new opportunities by doing business with fellow member companies; and establish a network of dependable suppliers of top quality products and services. The Leads Group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Annual East Metro Business Expo After-Hours- Contacts in a Trade Fair atmosphere. The purpose of the "Business Expo After-Hours" is to provide Chamber members with an opportunity to market their products or services to prospective clients from the East Metro Area of Atlanta. Meet hundreds of members from the DeKalb and Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and develop new business prospects. This exclusive "Networking" function is a special benefit for members and their employees. Hosted by: The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce.

Small Business Council's (SBC) Business Builder Series - This program allows small businesses to come together for seminars that can better able them run the day to day operations of their business. Seminars are held the first Thursday of each month during the lunch time hour and touch on issues that are faced by new business start ups and those trying to take their business to the next level. Speakers will be selected from various partner agencies, Chamber members, and industry experts.

Governmental Affairs Council - The DeKalb Chamber through its governmental affairs committee looks to engage the business community in meaningful dialogue with local, state & federal staff and elected officials, to create better understanding of how various policies affect the business community. The Government Affairs Council meets bi-monthly on the fourth Thursday from 8:00 am to 9:30 am. Please check the website for speakers and topics.

Education Council - Develops partnerships with educational institutions in DeKalb County and Georgia to strengthen educational opportunities for the region; helps build a strong workforce making DeKalb County an attractive location for business and industry. Also see Education/Workforce for more information.

Specific Programs

Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Star Student Awards
CHOICES Programs
GA Work Ready Program

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Mini Health Bites Initiative - In efforts to foster and promote preventative health care and to both business owners and the under insured, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a public health initiative. This program includes workshops, seminars and discounts on various healthcare products.

Blue Cross Blue Shield
Ameritas Dental and Vision
Drugs Don't Work

Wal-Mart Jobs Opportunity Zone (JOZ) Initiative - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its partners in the Jobs and Opportunity Zones (JOZ) program announced last year are set to launch a marketing initiative with local small businesses in the South DeKalb communities surrounding a new Wal-Mart supercenter that opened March 7 on Memorial Drive in Decatur. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), and the South DeKalb Business Association (SDBA) are JOZ partner organizations that will help Wal-Mart select and support local businesses through advertising, in-store promotions and other projects to spur economic development and job creation in South DeKalb County. Nationally, Wal-Mart JOZ programs are underway in nine other cities. JOZ partners plan to purchase advertisements for some 20 small businesses this year and to assist them with product and service marketing within the community. Businesses selected for the program must meet specific criteria, which includes having local, independent ownership. Franchises are not eligible.

2009 Wal-Mart JOZ (Website) Application

Wal-Mart Job Opportunity Zone Consumers Trend Report

Total Resource Campaign - The purpose of the Total Resource Campaign (TRD) is to generate additional revenue through memberships and sponsorships sold to enable us to better serve the business community. A successful campaign will allow us to improve internal operations, implement new programs, and focus on substantive policy that will affect economic development in the county.

A successful campaign will occur because of dedicated and committed volunteers and the companies they represent. Involvement will come by way of providing corporate teams, sponsorships, donation of goods/services, and solicitation of professional contacts to join the Chamber. 2009 Campaign Fact Sheet. A to Z Gift Donation Letter

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The Voice Of Business In DeKalb County Since 1938

Programs and Activities