By Susan Kraut
SPRINGFIELD, GA — Each May, National Small Business Week reminds us that the heart of every thriving community beats through its entrepreneurs — the makers, the risk-takers, and the hometown heroes who power our local economy. But at the Effingham County Chamber, we believe celebrating small businesses shouldn’t last just one week. It should show up in how we plan, who we support, and the kinds of opportunities we create — all year long.
That’s why our calendar this season reflects something deeper: intentionality. Every event is thoughtfully designed to offer value across business size, sector, and stage — whether you're a startup looking for visibility, a growing firm seeking connections, or a regional employer navigating workforce or infrastructure needs.
We kick things off on Wednesday, May 14, with a ribbon cutting for Springfield’s Country Financial – The Pearson Insurance Group. These celebrations are about more than a green ribbon and photo ops (though we’ve got those, too) — they’re about planting roots and claiming your place in a community that celebrates ambition and invests in relationships.
Just a few days later, on Friday, May 16, we’re proud to partner with the City of Guyton’s Downtown Development Authority for a dual event: a Mural Reveal and Foodie Friday, a celebration of small-town vibrancy and local flavor. These events put small businesses and creative placemaking front and center, reinforcing how public art and entrepreneurial energy go hand-in-hand.
On Wednesday, May 21, we host our signature event: the Catalyst Business Summit — a full-day experience of bold ideas, practical insight, and business inspiration. Attendees will hear from Steve Carse, founder of King of Pops and author of Work is Fun, and Steve Nygren, founder of Serenbe and a national voice in sustainable development and community innovation.
Breakout sessions will explore topics ranging from AI and automation to workplace culture and the future of small-town revitalization. The day includes short-form “Think Talks,” a retail crawl through downtown Springfield, local bites from regional vendors, and interactive workshops tailored to everyone from solopreneurs to major employers. This is what a modern chamber looks like — not gatekeeping, but gateway-making.
On Thursday, May 22, we shift gears with Evenings in Effingham, our signature networking social designed for genuine connection in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a space where ideas spark, partnerships begin, and everyone from new members to seasoned stakeholders has a place at the table.
In June, our focus turns to legacy, leadership, and long-term impact.
On Wednesday, June 11 at Honey Ridge Agricenter, we celebrate the graduates of Leadership Effingham, a program designed to cultivate informed, engaged leaders ready to serve on boards, lead teams, and move Effingham forward.
The following evening, Thursday, June 12, we gather at Stillwell Pines for our Annual Meeting of the Members and Awards Reception, celebrating the people, partnerships, and purpose that define our progress. This year’s theme — Between Two Rivers — draws inspiration from the brand identity that reflects Effingham’s regional strength and interconnected economy. We'll honor the outgoing Board Chair Kim Iler-Morgan and welcome incoming Chair Brett Bennett, recognize our enhanced investors, present the John Adam Treutlen and Small Business Legacy Awards, and raise a glass to the incredible momentum we’re building — together.
Finally, on Wednesday, June 18, we host the State of Healthcare Breakfast at the Herald Center, a timely and vital conversation about the intersection of wellness, workforce, and economic development. Employers, providers, and community stakeholders alike will benefit from the insights and connections made during this essential gathering.
Every event on our calendar is more than a dot on the schedule — each reflects our Chamber’s promise: to support and serve the full range of businesses that call Effingham County home. That includes our local storefronts, industrial employers, nonprofits, and regional partners. It’s a commitment rooted in growth but powered by community.
To learn more or register for any of these events, visit us at EffinghamCounty.com.
Susan Kraut is the president and CEO of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.
