Summer Beal: An Advocate for Prosperity

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐝  |  𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫

Bryan County is experiencing unprecedented growth and the Richmond Hill/Bryan County (RHBC) Chamber of Commerce is here to help local businesses, both large and small, thrive and prosper during these fast paced times. The chamber works to promote their members through a variety of programs, from Business After Hours networking opportunities, to advocating for business via state legislation issues. Being there for their members is what RHBC Chamber of Commerce is all about.

The overriding goal of the RHBC Chamber of Commerce is to “enhance the economic viability of this community” and its businesses as they navigate this new and exciting terrain. When businesses join the chamber they are joining an organization dedicated to providing networking opportunities, mentoring programs and educational opportunities that foster better business practices and leadership development.

At the helm is Summer Beal, the President/CEO of the RHBC Chamber of Commerce.

After starting at the position in May 2023, she got right to work because, “I am excited about the wealth of opportunities for businesses within the county.” She says, “Bryan County is growing so fast, and it’s vital that our local home town businesses prosper. We also want to make sure new people feel welcome in our community.”

With so much happening in the county, from automotive manufacturing to increased population growth and numerous small business startups, she says, “My main goal for the Chamber is for us to continue helping our businesses succeed. Essentially I am an advocate for prosperity.”

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

Joining the influx of new residents, Summer and her family moved here from Jacksonville, Florida, three years ago, after her husband took a position in Savannah. She had been working with the PGA for many years previous to her position at the chamber.

“I was with the PGA for 16 years, and the PGA Tour was almost like a family. I am very blessed to have had the experience and to have traveled to all the wonderful places it brought me. It was always interesting and ever changing.”

But with two young children, Summer looked for opportunities with a less strenuous travel aspect and one that had an impact on the area where they now lived. Summer says, “I took the RHBC Chamber position because it afforded me the opportunity to work within my community and make a positive contribution. ”

Summer says the transition from a country club golf course life in Jacksonville to the rural charms of Bryan County “was quite a change and now I absolutely love it. We live in the country and I love that our boys can play outside, even ride dirt bikes—not something they could do in Jax!”

She says, “We are big beach goers, I grew up going to the beach, and it’s different here. We bought a boat immediately and on weekends we take it out and boat hop all the little islands. We really enjoy exploring the marshes and water in coastal Georgia. The beauty is amazing.”

She treasures the family time they are able to have here. And a big great perk from moving from a large city to coastal life is the “small town feel—everyone is so nice!”

𝐑𝐇𝐁𝐂 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

The Chamber of Commerce has a long history—in fact, the first Chamber of Commerce in the United States was started in New York in 1768. The United States Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1912 and since 1985 the RHBC Chamber of Commerce has been actively helping local businesses succeed. There are currently 620 members.

“When I came in last May, we had 501 members and the increase to more than 600 is because the chamber has truly built its place in the community over time,” says Summer. “Our members really run the gamut of all types of businesses, from industrial corporations to the Sweet Senovia Cookie Company. And every one has a place here.”

According to the 2020 national census, Bryan County is the fastest-growing county in Georgia, and it is the sixth-fastest growing county in the United States. Its overall growth was at 48 percent, meaning more than 14,000 people moved to Bryan County since the last census in 2010. As of July 2022 the population was 48,225. (www.census.gov)

“With the surge in population we have many new faces in the area,” says Summer. It can be difficult to be new in town, but “we are phenomenal at connection.”

She credits the Ambassadors—chamber members who are tasked to welcome new members and be their point of contact—with connecting new members to the existing community.

Summer says, ”I call them the ‘fun committee’ because they are great folks to be around and they are always willing to ease introductions and be a familiar face at an After Hours or chamber function.”

In addition to setting newcomers at ease, Summer and the Ambassadors ensure their interests are being served whenever possible.

“We reach out to new members and ask ‘why did you join?’ If we don’t know, we can’t provide that service.”

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

Networking is an important function of the chamber. Members make connections with their business peers through events such as Coffee & Commerce, Courses & Commerce, Business After Hours, and other popular events. From attending to hosting, these events are a great way to meet and greet.

“A lot of our members work hard to produce our events,” Summer says. “Especially the Annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival, which is a three day event that takes a lot of planning.”

The Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival is one of the largest seafood festivals in the Southeast, featuring live music, amusement rides, arts and crafts, and of course- seafood. The festival hosts more than 25 thousand people over a three-day weekend and takes place in October at J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill, GA. This year will be the 25th annual so it’s a big one!

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

RHBC Chamber also provides educational and personnel development opportunities through programs like Leadership Bryan.

“We offer educational opportunities such as digital marketing and quick book classes to further members’ opportunities,” says Summer, “A great way to enhance and acquire new skills.”

By partnering with the Bryan County Board of Education, Savannah Tech, Troy University, and the UGA Small Business Development Center, they are able to provide a wide variety of resources for professional development.

Summer says the pace of growth within the county is unprecedented.

“Both the south and north ends of Bryan County are experiencing tremendous opportunities for business growth. The Chamber advocates for our members, and our community, while working together with other entities, such as the Development Authority of Bryan County, the City of Richmond Hill, and with Bryan County. Our goal is to bring everyone to the table, and advocate to our state representatives in Atlanta.”

The Chamber promotes public policy that balances economic prosperity with quality of life.

To that end their legislative priorities are:

•               Economic Development & Taxation

•               Employment Law

•               Energy & Natural Resources

•               Health & Wellness

•               Legal Reform

•               Talent & Workforce

•               Transportation

The Chamber serves its membership through advocacy, access to community leaders, connectivity, engagement, and education.

“We advocate for business and community, while working to keep up with our growth in population, and provide a voice at the table.”

Summer says it’s vital to have “our community feel good about the many changes taking place.”

Her main message is “The RHBC Chamber is here to help grow, to advocate and to support our business community.”

Bryan County has both rural and urban areas, both of which have distinct personalities and challenges. But ultimately they are one county, and they have one Chamber that works for everyone. As their website says “Lifestyle. Bryan County Has It All.”

For more information visit www.rhbcchamber.org