Communities need to be ‘entrepreneurial’ in their approach to business and Economic Development, according to Myrna Ballard, president and CEO of the Valdosta–Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.

Ballard, who is a nationally recognized Chamber leader, will address members of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce at that group’s May 7 membership breakfast. The event will be held at 7:30 a.m. at New Ebenezer Family Retreat and Conference Center.

“In today’s business environment, there are too many dollars chasing too few business development prospects,” Ballard said. “We need to pay attention to our existing businesses and industry and grow our local economy.”

Ballard will discuss trends in entrepreneurship throughout the U.S. and offer an overview of what Valdosta is doing for business startups and Small Business owners.

Ballard has been involved in community and economic development for nearly 25 years and has served as the director of economic development at the Brazos Valley Development Council in Bryan, Texas. She has also served as an economic developer for Brooks County.

She holds a masters degree from Texas A&M University and a bachelors from Western Kentucky University. She and her husband, Chet, moved to the Valdosta area in 1985.

For several months now the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has been working on its entrepreneur initiative for the county. The Chamber’s entrepreneur friendly task force, headed by Scott Hinson of Hinson’s Georgia Market will unveil its program at the May 7 membership breakfast.

Earlier this year, Effingham County received its “Entrepreneur Friendly Community” designation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The Chamber is now implementing an action plan for entrepreneur-driven programming. Hinson will outline the details of the program and share opportunities with Chamber members.

Reservations for the Chamber’s May 7 membership breakfast are $12 each. Tables of six are also available. Call 754-3301 or email Effingham@alltel.net to register.