b'most glamorous thing that provides a bigThe big national companies understand payoff. the importance of supporting the chamber and community, she says. Then there are Several years ago, we worked on anthe small businessesthose with just a few unemployment law issue, she explains. Itemployeesthey are the ones that need was a glitch or loophole that was costingthe chamber. They are the ones that need small businessesnot just in Valdosta butus the most.across the statethousands of dollars in unemployment costs. While COVID-19 has handed small businesses many challenges, Ballard says who received the 2014 Executive of theAfter a back-and-forth between state andshe is proud of how the chamber team Year from the Georgia Association offederal agencies, the Georgia Departmentresponded.Chamber of Commerce Executives. Beingof Labor corrected the situation.accredited tells our members that as aThis year, we reached out to the entire chamber, we are worth their investmentIn the end, it was a quick fix, she says.business community, she says. We and that we are meeting or exceedingBut if just one business owner had tried,communicated with not just chamber standards set by the U.S. Chamber ofit probably wouldnt have gained muchmembers, but all small businesses Commerce.attention. As a chamber, we speak onthroughout the community.behalf of all our members, it makes a The 5-Star accreditation places thedifference. Serving as a point-of-contact, the Valdosta Lowndes County Chamber ofchamber staff shared information on Commerce within the top 1 percent ofWinning Team the Paycheck Protection Program chambers nationally.Counting the chambers successes over(PPP); provided information from the the years, Ballard is quick to give credit toSmall Business Administration, Georgia United Voice the staffpast and presentalong withChamber of Commerce, and U.S. Chamber Ballard has been a constant force indozens of dedicated board members,of Commerce; and sponsored virtual keeping legislators aware of issueshundreds of volunteers, and thousands ofworkshops to help small businesses stay impacting local businesses. Through themembers. informed and open.chambers Governmental Affairs Council,Weve always had great employees,During COVID, if a small business didnt Ballard and chamber members makebut right now, we have a team that is aknow before, they know now that they annual visits to Atlanta and Washingtoncohesive group ready to work. Even duringneed a relationship with their chamber and to meet with legislators and present athis years COVID issues, they have showna local banking institution, says Ballard. united voice for more than 1,100 chambertremendous work ethics, says Ballard.Small business owners need each other, businesses. and they need the resources and services a This year, with COVID-19 we were notLike a business incubator, Ballard says thechamber provides.chamber uses its internship program to able to make the trips to Washington andgrow some of its employees. With 2021 bringing retirement life, Ballard Atlanta, says Ballard. This is an importantsays she and Chet dont have any definite part of the chambers mission. Its aboutOne of the most rewarding parts of thisplans. I love to read, and I have to be keeping Valdosta and Lowndes County injob is working with our Valdosta Statecareful when I pick up my KindleI could front of our legislators. Here in Georgia,University interns, she says. We haveread all day. Its lovely to have options, and each year, Atlanta is getting louder andeven hired a few after graduation.we are open to seeing whats next for us. stronger, and rural communities have to keep working to be heard. Summing up her time as chamber president, Ballard gives credit to the WES SEWELLWhen it comes to advocating for smallbusiness communityboth large and businesses, Ballard says its often not thesmall.48 SG MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 BUSINESS + CULTURE 49'