April 1, 2013 (Albany CEO Exclusive) - In a press release the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce’s President & CEO, Tim Giuliani, announced Deborah Bowie has been selected as Vice President of Chamber Development to help further develop the Chamber’s operations and create an environment that fully supports local business growth and retention. The Gainesville Chamber is focused on developing an innovation economy that fosters the growth of local businesses.

As former Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications for the Albany Chamber Deborah Bowie commented to Albany CEO.  "I am excited to continue to working in the chamber industry, after coming from city government, the chamber industry has shown me that this is the industry where I want to continue to grow professionally."

She continued,  "Joining the Gainesville Chamber will allow me to focus on policy and regional governance, two things that I have a strong passion for. With Gainesville being an innovation economy, and having strong ties with the University of Florida, offers great opportunities to help grow, strengthen, and attract young entrepreneurs. Theres a commitment that leaders of Gainesville have made to continue strengthening the local economy with these initiatives."

Bowie says she will miss Albany and the friends she made here. "The friendships that I have made in a relatively short period of time have been invaluable to me, to every government official, chamber staff, business owners and professionals. Its hard to believe that I made all of these relationships in two years. The best thing about Albany is the people."

Tim Giuliani commented further in the press release sent out today. “This position will play an integral role in taking our 5-star Chamber to the next level and not only provide unprecedented value to our members, but further develop our entire business community. Deborah and her amazing talent, leadership and experience will not only immediately strengthen our organization but put the Chamber and our business community on a path to greater success.”

Bowie earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Xavier University of Louisiana and is completing the highest level of certification for chambers of commerce, the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). She has also completed studies at Harvard University for the “Creating Collaborative Solutions” program, an Economic Development certificate from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, and was awarded a fellowship in regional sustainability from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Deborah is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.