In 2011, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) Board of Directors established its Georgia Certified Chamber program to recognize outstanding Chambers in the state.
Among those recognized Nov. 6-7, during the 2025 GACCE Board Development Conference in Albany, was the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce (E-PCOC), led by Chamber President Robbie King.
The stated criterion for recognized Chambers includes those “that have focused internally on their operations to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to create efficient, effective organizations positioned to deliver great value.”
The program is intended to foster and promote continuing excellence in Georgia Chambers of Commerce and to foster a pro-business environment statewide. Chambers must meet standards in organization, service intent and capacity, professional administration, financial management, communications, and advocacy in order to achieve the designation.
“This certification places us among a very select group in Georgia,” King said upon returning to Eatonton.
“With more than 150 chambers across the state and only a few ever achieving this status, our work is being recognized alongside some of the strongest and most respected chambers in Georgia. That’s a powerful calling card when we’re working to attract new businesses, support existing ones, or collaborate on regional and statewide initiatives.”
King also pointed out that GACCE certification provides the E-PCOC with increased credibility, strengthens its influence when advocating for the community, and opens doors to deeper partnerships and resources.
“It demonstrates that our operations, from financial management and governance to member services and communications, meet or exceed the highest standards in the industry,” he said.
Still, maintaining certification requires continued excellence, ongoing documentation, and a commitment to reviewing and continuously improving the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber’s processes, King added.
He also pointed out he couldn’t succeed in his role without the ongoing effort and collective work of his “small but dedicated staff” — Public Relations Director Rachael Bradley, Tourism Director Hannah Tyson, and Welcome Center Manager Lourdes Carroll — as well as E-PCOC board members, Chamber member businesses, partners, “and a community that supports us every step of the way.”
Also recognized alongside the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce in the 2025 class of Georgia Certified Chambers were the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Habersham County Chamber of Commerce, and the Newton Chamber of Commerce.