The Gwinnett Chamber is graced with many jewels in its treasure chest including a healthy business climate, a world-class school system, award-winning parks, and solid infrastructure. But, perhaps the most precious of all the jewels are the Gwinnett Chamber Ambassadors.
Always smiling, always giving of their time and talents, the Gwinnett Chamber Ambassadors act as an extension of Chamber staff by acclimating new members and serving as mentors to fellow members. The Ambassadors make it possible for the Chamber to offer many of its programs and services through the time and work they donate.
The two committees are the Event committee and the New Member Committee. They assist with providing hospitality through greeting at events, phone calls and personal visits. By serving as a volunteer, Ambassadors have the opportunity to make valuable business contacts, publicize their respective companies and receive added value for their membership investment.
Serving as an Ambassador is a serious commitment requiring the allocation of time and participation in various activities. Once a member has experienced the Chamber for a full year and has become active with numerous programs, they can get involved as an Ambassador by being nominated by a current Ambassador. It takes a commitment of learning about all that the Chamber has to offer so that they can adequately describe all the products and services of the Chamber to current and prospective members.
“It is important as Ambassadors that we are present, pleasant and proud,” said Jill Andrusko, Event Sales Coordinator for Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and 2006 Ambassador of the Year. “We must always be present at Chamber events. Consistency is important in our jobs. As the face of the Chamber, we always need to be pleasant with a smile on our faces to make people feel welcomed. We also need to be proud of our companies, the Chamber and our county to truly be effective as Ambassadors."
Each of the two committees touches chamber members and guests in a variety of ways. New Member Ambassadors work on a rotation basis to call new members, verify their company information and personally invite them to attend monthly New Member Luncheons.
Event Ambassadors work on a rotation basis to assist with registration and greeting of guests at Chamber functions such as Business After Hours, Network Gwinnett, Gwinnett Technology Forum, etc.
On reaching out to Chamber Members, Andrusko commented that “one of the most common problems people have when they first become involved with the Chamber is they don’t know where to start.”
“As an Ambassador, I listen to what they do for a business and then I suggest three or four events that I feel would best suit the needs of their business. I always stress to them to try the events for at least three months and then assess the situation. Consistency is the biggest factor,” said Andrusko.
So, if you have ever felt intimidated, lost or maybe you are simply in need of a little guidance, your Gwinnett Chamber Ambassadors are ready to help. They are working behind the scenes making sure events run smoothly, making calls to encourage involvement, and stand by at events with open ears ready to talk about your business needs.
For more information on the Ambassador program, call 770-232-3000 or email ambassadors(at)gwinnettchamber.org.
Contact an Ambassador
Application Process for Becoming a Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Ambassador
Ambassador Commitment Form
Ambassador of the Year
2007 Ambassador of the Year: Laurie McClain
2006 Ambassador of the Year: Jill Andrusko
Ambassador of the Year Criteria
Ambassador of the Year Nomination Form
