The Albany Area Chamber Foundation was awarded last week with the 2024 Emerge Grant for Innovative Programs from the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE). The award ceremony took place during the group’s Executive Leadership Conference at the Sea Palms Resort in St. Simons Island, Ga.

In partnership with Georgia Power, the GACCE Emerge Task Force recognized the Albany Area Chamber Foundation for its outstanding initiative, Propel+, a youth talent development program aimed at female students. This program exemplifies creativity and innovation in efforts to strengthen organizational capabilities, enhance member benefits and address crucial community needs, said GACCE.

“We are honored receive GACCE’s Emerge Grant, which signifies an investment in the work of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation and confidence in our ability to deliver impactful results,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, CEO of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our Propel+ program empowers students, fosters their connections with the business community and enhances their employability skills through

unique programming designed to meet workplace needs. Through these efforts, Propel+ cultivates a competitive work force that drives social and economic mobility throughout the Albany Area.”

Propel+ is a year-long talent development program specifically designed for female students, the largest population of students within the Dougherty County School System. During the 2023-24 academic year, more than 100 female students at the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy – whose population is comprised of students from Dougherty County’s three public high schools and others from the region – participated in Propel+ programming that included workshops on professional introductions and comportment; career pathway exposure and networking with adult women in the work force; dressing for success in the workplace; personal branding; financial literacy; and balancing school and life.

Propel+ serves as a key component of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation's talent development programs and fits within the broader Albany-Dougherty Comprehensive Talent Strategy 2.0, a community-wide initiative which the Chamber Foundation is leading. The Chamber Foundation plans to expand Propel+ to the middle grades for the upcoming academic year.

The $2,000 Emerge Grant will support the Chamber Foundation in advancing its strategic goal of fostering talent development and economic growth in the region. The acknowledgment underscores the Chamber Foundation’s commitment to pioneering solutions that empower businesses and communities.

The Albany Area Chamber Foundation, founded in 1991, leads talent, economic, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives that provide impact beyond the business community’s normal reach. The Albany Area Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at albanyga.com.

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1910, is leading a multi-year strategic effort to advance economic opportunities. With a diverse business community in our corner, the Albany Area Chamber works diligently to serve area businesses, develop strategies that help our community prosper and design the path of Albany’s future. Learn more at www.albanyga.com.

The Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) educates, engages, and empowers chamber professionals statewide, promoting collaboration and innovation in chamber management.