THCC looked at similar counties based on population, growth, and chamber structure.

  • Henry County (pop 150,165) 34 members
  • Augusta / Richmond (pop 197,137) 24 members
  • Cherokee County (pop 166,947) 23 members
  • Macon / Bibb (pop 166,947) 44 members
  • Committee discussed the benefits and challenges
  • Settled on Board size of 27

Board of Directors - Transitional Period

  • 5 members of the 27 would be officers (Executive Commitee) - Chair, Chair-Elect, Immediate Past Chair, Tresurer, Secretary
  • In addition to 27 voting members of the Board, a Senior Advisory Council to include 3 Past Chairs, Chair and Chair-Elect
  • Each Board selects 12 members from sitting members of their respective Boards to serve on new HCCOC Board
  • Each Board would nominate 3 new members that represent different business sectors
  • Result is 24 members initially from existing boards (to provide some continuity)
  • The membership will vote on the balance of the Board (3 out of 6 potential candidates)
  • The Board will vote on Officers

  • Goal:  27 Members of the HCCOC Board--3 year terms with 9 members to roll off each year

Board of Directors - Beyond Transition

  • Director candidates will be selected by a nominating committee based on criteria to ensure an equitable representation of the Chamber membership
  • 1st, based on business sector - to make sure that the Board of Directors reflects the business community of Houston County
  • 2nd, based on geographic diversity - when a slate of candidates is presented and put on a map with the other Board members, the Nominating Committee asks, "Does this Board represent Houston County?"  If no, then the Nominating Committee seeks candidates (to submit for membership vote) to fill the gaps
  • The Bylaws would have a provision, if a business sector does not have eligible members when a vacancy exists to look at geographic location

The Brunswick - Golden Isles Chamber model has also been reviewed whereby independent communities are further represented by a local business council. 

These councils would operate in the following ways:

  • provide support for downtown development and redevelopment activities
  • help preserve the independence of our respective cities
  • allow for the oversight of projects at the micro level