GHCC NEWS RELEASE:
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce presented its Annual Silver Shovel Awards at its Board of Directors meeting Thursday at Lanier Technical College. The awards recognize outstanding individuals who generously volunteer their time, talent, and energy to the Chamber and the Greater Gainesville-Hall County community. These volunteers consistently go above and beyond in service to promote the Chamber’s mission, goals, and initiatives.
2025-2026 Silver Shovel Award Recipients:
EMILIE CISCO – THE NORTON AGENCY
Emilie Cisco is Vice President of Property Management at The Norton Agency and serves as co-chair of the Vision 2030 Public Art Committee. Emilie works tirelessly to ensure the mission of “Art Everywhere” comes to life throughout Hall County. Many of Hall County’s public art installations can be credited directly to Emilie’s efforts, including the Free-Range Art program and protective angel installations. She also plays an integral role in planning the committee’s Annual Block Party fundraiser and has given countless presentations to community organizations, helping grow awareness, partnerships, and support for public art across our region.
CHRIS CRADDOCK – CRADDOCK INSURANCE
Chris Craddock has been an active member of the Chamber’s Ambassador Council for several years and has been a tremendous supporter of Chamber programs and membership initiatives. Chris regularly assists with Job Fairs, Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, and membership campaigns. He also stepped into the role of Ambassador Co-Chair this year, continuing his commitment to serving both our members and our community with enthusiasm and professionalism.
ZACH GROOVER – CAPABLE TRANSPORT
Zach Groover has been involved with the Greater Hall Chamber for many years. He consistently mentors new members, celebrates ribbon cuttings, and advocates for the Chamber through membership referrals and community engagement. His involvement also extends into our Existing Industry programs where he contributes valuable insight through monthly discussions and roundtables. Zach is a community connector who not only makes an impact but also brings enthusiasm and fun wherever he serves.
CARLI JONES – FORUM COMMUNICATIONS
Carli Jones is not a newcomer to Chamber programs and activities, as she served as a high school intern at the Chamber. More recently, sh has volunteered with the Chamber’s Marketing Committee and Youth Leadership Hall. Behind the scenes, Carli made a tremendous impact through her work with Forum Communications. Her social media expertise helped support the Chamber’s “All for Hall” efforts to renew SPLOST IX and, more recently, the Education SPLOST. Carli has been an incredible volunteer, creative partner, and champion for our community, and we are proud to recognize both her and the powerhouse team at Forum Communications.
BOBBI LARSON – UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA
Bobbi Larson serves as Associate Vice President of Community Engagement at the University of North Georgia (UNG) and is constantly looking for new ways to support and partner with the Greater Hall Chamber. She serves on the Gainesville and Hall County Economic Development Council and the Vision 2030 Public Art Committee, while helping lead the planning and hosting of our Career Path Fairs. She is always willing to open the UNG campus for Chamber events, including Leadership Hall County and the Commercial Real Estate Update. Bobbi is a true connector who works tirelessly to build partnerships that benefit both UNG students and the Hall County community.
JILL LEDFORD – CARROLL DANIEL
Jill Ledford is often our go-to contact at Carroll Daniel — whether we need access to the training facility or simply have a random question. No matter what the request, Jill is always gracious, professional, responsive, and on top of every detail. She faithfully supports Chamber programs and events and consistently encourages both staff and volunteers along the way. Through her dedication to Leadership Hall County, Jill has made a lasting impact on the program and on the future leaders of our community.
ABBY LOGGINS – BIG PEACH RUNNING CO. – BRASELTON
Abby Loggins, along with husband Zach, have been enthusiastic supporters of the Chamber and our health and wellness initiatives for several years. Abby has served as a program presenter at Health & Wellness Seminars and continues to support inclusive events like the Annual Chamber Chase 5K and the Chamber’s HealthSmart Expo. She is also deeply involved in Vision 2030 initiations as well as many other nonprofit efforts throughout the community.
MELISSA NOLAN – HARRIS PRODUCTS GROUP
Melissa Nolan is a strong supporter of the Greater Hall Chamber and its initiatives, and her involvement has continued to grow year after year. She has generously opened the doors of Harris Products Group for student and school visits and is a passionate advocate for workforce development in our community. Melissa also serves on the Program Advisory Committee for Leadership Hall County, helping guide and strengthen one of the Chamber’s signature leadership programs.
NICOLE PLEASANT – FIRST CITIZENS BANK
Nicole Pleasant has been an active Chamber Ambassador for several years and served as Ambassador Co-Chair from 2023 through 2025.
Nicole consistently advocates for the Chamber, encourages staff participation in Chamber events, and supports Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, and countless other programs. In addition to her Ambassador leadership, she also currently serves on the Chamber Board.
CASEY RAMSEY – HALL COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Casey Ramsey is an outstanding supporter of the Chamber and a tremendous community partner. He regularly attends events, encourages Chamber staff and programs, and is always willing to help whenever county-related needs arise. Casey also played an active role in helping educate and inform several Chamber groups regarding TSPLOST and SPLOST initiatives.
HANNAH WARNER – GEORGIA POWER
Hannah Warner is a passionate advocate for leadership development and education within our community. Through her dedicated support of Leadership Hall County and Youth Leadership Hall, she has helped inspire, encourage, and empower the next generation of leaders. Hannah has continued to step up her commitment. A few years ago, she was a Leadership Hall participant, and after graduating, she became a volunteer with our Leadership programs. Currently, she co-Chairs the Chamber’s Education Committee.
MICHELLE WHITT – ZF GAINESVILLE
Michelle Whitt is a strong supporter of the Chamber’s HR Council. She regularly participates, offers thoughtful feedback, and consistently supports Chamber workforce initiatives. Michelle also attends Chamber job fairs — even when ZF may not be actively hiring — because she believes in supporting the broader workforce community. She frequently welcomes business leaders, students, and Work-Based Learning coordinators to tour ZF and plays a leading role in coordinating ZF’s Work-Based Learning program for students. Workforce development is clearly a passion for Michelle, and it shows in everything she does.
AMANDA WILLIS – HALLMARK 2025–2030
Amanda Willis has been a longtime Chamber supporter, and this past year she answered a new call to help lead the HALLmark 2025–2030 initiative. Working alongside the HALLmark co-chairs, Chamber staff, and investors, Amanda helped elevate the campaign strategy and guide the effort toward its ambitious five-year funding goal. She brought organization, focus, and momentum to the process while effectively coordinating volunteers and staff every step of the way. The original goal was $2.99 million. Today, 100 investors have committed more than $3 million to HALLmark. Goal set. Goal achieved!