As part of their annual visit to meet with the Georgia Congressional Delegation and United States Marine Corps leadership, representatives from the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce met with Lt. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, Deputy Commandant, Marine Corps Installations and Logistics, at the Pentagon on June 20, 2019. 

Located in Albany, Georgia, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce is comprised of private individuals, local businesses, and organizations interested in community and economic wellbeing.

“The Marine Corps relies heavily on the communities surrounding our installations,” Chiarotti said.  “Continuous and strategic support from these communities is essential for our mission, and this is especially true with our presence in Albany.”

Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany supports the Marine Corps’ logistics and operational missions across the world.  The meeting aimed to help Albany leaders strengthen their understanding of the significance of Marine Corps’ installations.

“From the logistical lens, the relationships and responsibilities that exist at MCLB Albany are vital to the success of the enterprise,” Brig. Gen. David Maxwell, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Marine Corps Installations and Logistics, said.  “The Marine Corps Logistics Command serves as a distribution hub for the Marine Corps, and future fights may start from bases like our installation in Albany.”

Members of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce discussed workforce planning and development, community collaboration, and ongoing modernization efforts. 

“MCLB Albany’s focus on manufacturing sets the installation apart,” Chiarotti said. “Being able to maintain the health and wellness of our installations’ facilities through predictive maintenance and facility related control systems will require a strategically-cultivated workforce.” 

When outlining priorities, Chiarotti highlighted MCLB Albany’s critical role as an industrial base. Hurricane Florence’s significant impact and damage to Marine Corps installations on the east coast also elevated the Marine Corps’ focus on resilience.

“One of the greatest attributes about the Marine Corps is to be the most ready when the nation is the least ready,” Chiarotti said.  “Now that we have received extra support from Congress to address Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, we can continue to pilot new resiliency measures.” 

Chiarotti encouraged members of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce to also consider how to build in resilience to their existing efforts and future programs.

“We think of resilience as it relates to our workforce and infrastructure,” Bárbara Rivera Holmes, President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, said.  “We need to continue having our business leaders and local government representatives grow our community with national defense in mind, especially with MCLB Albany serving as a touchpoint to the larger Marine Corps community.”

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce has advocacy committees, such as the Legislative Affairs Committee and Military Affairs Committee,that actively coordinate and engage with the Marine Corps and local business community to build strategic relationships.

“We are thankful for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s continued partnership with the Marine Corps,” Chiarotti said. “We welcome all ideas about how to improve our logistical operations in Albany, and we are fully committed to supporting the community on several of our parallel priorities.”