2020-21 Community Guide

MISSION
STATEMENT
Chamber Staff
Chief Executive Officer
Office Assistant
Andrew Cripps, IOM
Chelsie Fernald
“History, Community,
Commerce –
Effingham Chamber Cultivating
Success.”
Chamber History
2020-21 Board of Directors
Joe Marchese | 2019 – 2020
Brian Dickey | 2018 – 2019
Ed Vance | 2017 - 2018
Barbara Prosser | 2016 - 2017
Yvette Carr | 2015 - 2016
Scott Hinson | 2014 - 2015
Dinah King | 2013 - 2014
Talbert Edenfield | 2012 - 2013
Brooke B. Graham | 2011 - 2012
Randy Shearouse | 2010 - 2011
Alice DeForest | 2009 - 2010
Founded in 1986, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce
made a commitment to support its existing businesses and attract
new enterprises to its thriving business climate. What began as a
need to address individual concerns evolved into a well-rounded
program touching several segments of the community. As a team
of business and community leaders, we have an ability to
accomplish together what non one business owner could alone.
Today’s Chamber consists of members from a wide variety of
business types and sizes. Its Board of Directors represents small
and big businesses alike – all with an eye on collective
achievements that benefit Effingham businesses, local citizens
and our quality of life.
We are a consensus building organization reaching out
throughout the community to build a better future for us all.
Past Presidents
Michael T. Lee | 2008 - 2009
W. Frederick (Freddy) Long | 2007 - 2008
Janis Bevill | 2006 - 2007
Brent Howell | 2005 - 2006
Chap Bennett | 2004 - 2005
M. Douglas Morgan | 2003 - 2004
Jon G. Burns | 2002
Carolyn B. Williamson-Sanders | 2001
F. Lamar Allen | 2000
Phillip M. Heidt | 1998 - 1999
Kenneth R. Lee | 1997
Dennis A. Webb | 1996
Harry H. Shearouse | 1995
Norma J. Morgan | 1994
Caroline D. Zeigler | 1993
David M. Atkins | 1992
Herbert Jones Jr. | 1991
E. Al DeWitt Jr. | 1990
Wendel H. Wilson | 1989
Dennis A. Webb | 1988
Charles E. Hartzog | 1987
Warren E. Ratchford (Founding President) | 1986
Chairman
Chairman-Elect
Secretary/Treasurer
Immediate Past Chairman
The Effingham County
Chamber of
Commerce is a
member-driven
organization focused
on business advocacy
and sustainable
economic growth in
our region.
Ryan Thompson | Thomas & Hutton
Fran Baker-Witt | Effingham Health System
Brett Bennett | Laurel Street Consulting
Joe Marchese | Joe Marchese Construction Company
Troy Allen | Southern Oak Advisory
James Carlson | JoAnn’s Florist & Carlson’s Premier Events
Toni Hardigree | Platinum Properties
Brandt Herndon | Effingham County Industrial Dev. Authority
Kimberly Iler | Coldwell Banker Commercial Platinum Properties
Freddy Long | Long Builders, Inc.
Swann Seiler | Georgia Power
Abby Smith | LEAP Youth Development Program
Carrie Thompson | Georgia Pacific
Ed Vance | Ardry Trading Company, Inc.
E X - O F F I C I O M E M B E R S :
City of Guyton
City of Rincon
City of Springfield
Effingham County
L E A D E R S H I P E F F I N G H A M / / C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0
Tina Browning
Alison Bruton
Elaine Burke
Victoria Glover
Susan T. Hartzog
Dulcia C. Gore King
Matt Kuykendall, PE
Quent Mikeal
John Myers
Brandi Zimlich
Visit us on the web at www.effinghamcounty.com for more information.
6 Effingham County Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Community Guide and Business Directory 7