(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
BOARD … Chamber Executive Director, Delray Busch (left), stands with Fulton County Economic Development’s Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, Kate Huskins (middle), and Owner of Benfield Wines, Julia Benfield (right), after chamber members voted for Huskins and Benfield to be the new board members.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a year marked by significant growth, increased engagement, and a renewed focus on community connection.
In 2024, the Chamber welcomed more than 40 new members, hosted a record-setting golf outing, expanded its block parties, and made strategic financial decisions to strengthen its future.
This momentum was on full display at the Chamber’s annual meeting, an event that drew around 60 attendees and offered members the chance to elect new board members, reconnect, and network. The gathering, hosted this year at Benfield Wines, featured support from sponsors including Tomahawk Printing, CTS Custom Training Solutions out of Northwest State, and Pizzaroma.
Chamber Executive Director Delray Busch shared enthusiasm about the Chamber’s upward trajectory, saying, “It’s been great to see so much growth in the past year.”
“The in-person connections and collaboration between businesses have been key in sparking new ideas and innovations that could lead to even more business development in Swanton.”
In 2024, the Chamber made a major operational shift by selling its building, eliminating roughly $5,000 in annual overhead costs. This move boosted financial reserves to nearly $70,000 and allowed the organization to reinvest directly into programs, outreach, and events.
As a result, the Chamber’s golf outing, the Andrew McNeill Memorial, reached new fundraising heights, helping support operational needs and future programming.
Throughout the year, the Chamber also engaged the community through events like ribbon cuttings, block parties, and networking gatherings.
Over the course of 2024, the Chamber hosted six block parties, 11 networking events, and nine ribbon cuttings. Its social media presence grew as well, with 77,300 Facebook interactions, over 20,000 visitors to the page, and more than 650 new followers.
Membership numbers also expanded, with 43 new members added. Of the Chamber’s 110 total members, businesses range in size from home-based operations to larger companies with more than 25 employees.
The largest portion, 49 businesses, are small operations with one to five employees, reflecting the Chamber’s support for grassroots entrepreneurs and small business growth.
Looking ahead, the Chamber has a full calendar planned for 2025. Events include a Swanton Scavenger Hunt on May 17th, a series of summer block parties from June through September, and the 29th Annual Andrew McNeill Memorial Golf Tournament on July 25 at White Pines.
In 2025, the Chamber aims to build on its success by growing sponsorship opportunities, increasing member involvement, and continuing its mission to support, connect, and represent local businesses.
Whether through attending monthly events, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor, members are encouraged to stay involved and help shape the future of Swanton’s business landscape.