The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected as a Blue Star Families Outpost, a designation that deepens the Chamber’s commitment to the military-connected families of Southwest Georgia. This partnership will expand access to programs, resources, and events that strengthen community connections and enhance the quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families.

Blue Star Families is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military families
through research, advocacy, and grassroots community engagement. Its Outpost model brings this
mission to the local level, empowering trusted community partners—like the Albany Area Chamber—to
implement programs tailored to the unique needs of military families in their regions. As an Outpost, the
Albany Area Chamber will lead initiatives that promote a sense of belonging and inclusion, increase
access to career development and local services, and bridge the divide between military and civilian life.

The Chamber’s selection as an Outpost reflects its longstanding support of the regional military
community, anchored by Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (MCLB Albany). MCLB Albany plays a
pivotal role in sustaining the Marine Corps’ readiness through its mission of global logistics support. The
base is home to key commands such as Marine Corps Logistics Command and Marine Depot
Maintenance Command, and it serves as a major economic and social pillar in the region. The Albany
Area Chamber has worked closely with MCLB Albany for decades to advocate for the base’s long-term
success, connect military families to community resources, and recognize the sacrifices and
contributions of those who serve.

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee actively supports initiatives such as the annual Military
Appreciation Rise and Shine Breakfast, the Salty Sandbagger Golf Tournament, and community
integration programs that bring together civilian and military stakeholders. Additionally, the Chamber
has been a vocal advocate for policies and partnerships that improve workforce access and licensure
portability for military spouses, increase access to education, and strengthen childcare options—areas
frequently identified in Blue Star Families' national surveys as top concerns for military families.

“We are honored to join the Blue Star Families network,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO
of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “Southwest Georgia is home to a proud and resilient military
population, and this designation enhances our ability to support and celebrate the families who make
immense sacrifices on behalf of our nation. Through this partnership, we are deepening our
commitment to building a more inclusive, connected, and opportunity-rich community for those who
serve and their families.”

Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Military Family
Caucus, noted that, “Southwest Georgia is home to many military families, the beating heart of our
Armed Forces. I appreciate how important it is to build bridges between civilian communities and
military families to make them feel at home. I congratulate the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce for
its selection as a Blue Star Families Outpost. I am proud that they continue to create a more inclusive
and supportive environment for the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany community and its military
families.”

As a Blue Star Families Outpost, the Albany Area Chamber will host programs that directly reflect the
voices and needs of local military families—supporting economic mobility, increasing access to local
resources, and helping families form lasting connections in the community. Through this work, the
Chamber will further its mission of advancing economic opportunity and community vitality while
reinforcing Albany’s reputation as a welcoming and supportive place for military families to live, work,
and thrive.

For more information about the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and its work with military families,
visit www.albanyga.com.