The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce has a new home

The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce has a new home. It has moved out of the building in Loganville and will be operating from the new location, “as soon as we can get the furniture moved in,” according to GECC president Doug Adams.

GECC serves the tri-city area of Grayson, Loganville and Snellville. When it first opened in 2006, it had offices in Grayson, later moving to the building at 139 Camp St. in Loganville. It is now Snellville’s turn. Adams said GECC will be moving into a building that is being used to establish a new business incubator, at 22385 Clower Street, with the blessing of the City of Snellville.

“This is a really good opportunity for us to get in where businesses start. That is what Chambers do,” Adams said. “It will save us some money and put us right there with those businesses that need help getting to meet people. It really fits more into what we do as a chamber.”

Adams said the business incubator will allow young businesses to work in an office environment instead of from home or at a starbucks.

“There will be desks and it will have all the office equipment, such as a printer, and internet access,” Adams said. “With our membership, the cost is $250 a month. They are hoping it will catch on and can expand on it down the road.”

Adams said the City of Loganville was very understanding about the opportunity and allowed them out of their lease a few months early.

“We will continue to serve the three cities as before,” Adams said.

GECC was founded in 2006 with Michelle Couch serving as the inaugural president. Jamie Dempsey served as president from 2011 until 2015 when Adams took the helm. Adams said once the move in is complete, an official opening and ribbon cutting will be announced. To find out more about GECC visit www.EastsideChamber.com. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact membership director Angie O’Kelley at 770-789-1584.