It’s been an honor serving as your 2023 chamber president — and what a busy year it’s been. We rolled in the new year by settling into our new, larger office and welcoming our new executive director, Lauren Ebensteiner. Lauren is a valuable asset to our chamber and the entire community. Our chamber couldn’t be prouder of the work she’s done, as she’s organized events, built relationships, strengthened connections, welcomed new businesses, and represented our chamber throughout the metro with strength. Thank you, Lauren, for a great year.

I’ve lived in Norwalk almost 10 years, and it’s exciting watching our chamber grow. Every year, more and more businesses and families choose to live and do business in Norwalk, Cumming, and our surrounding community. We are known across the metro as the exciting place to be. The stellar staffs at the city of Norwalk and the city of Cumming deserve a lot of the credit for their tireless work promoting and growing our communities. Our amazing Norwalk area schools have always been the envy of the metro, and our new superintendent, Shawn Holloway, is leading our schools to the next level. But, even more than the work of our city and school, it’s the culture of our businesses and citizenry that make Norwalk the place it is.

The great joy of being the chamber president is getting to witness firsthand the people, organizations and businesses that make Norwalk great. Though we may, at times, get a little heated with one another in the Facebook comment section, our community consistently comes together to support one another and create a positive community culture. Business owners show up to celebrate one another, even if they might be competitors. Tips and leads are shared at chamber networking events. Every church in the area joins together in the work of the Norwalk Area Ministerial Association to support those in need. Community organizations collaborate on events like Celebrate Norwalk on the 4th of July and Norwalk Musicfest. And the commitment to shop local is great here.

Our foundation in this community is strong. As we continue to grow numerically, it’s important we keep growing the culture that truly makes our community great, as we increase our support of one another, strengthen our civility and respect, seek out greater diversity, and ensure that everyone who lives, works and does business in the Norwalk area thrives. During this holiday season, let us be grateful for the community we live in. A place like this doesn’t happen by accident; it is the work of us all, committing to doing our part to make the whole strong. Thank you for all that you do.