MEET CHRISTIE MOORE

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Meet Christie Moore

The New President of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce

STORY BY JOHN RIDDLE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE CHAMBER

Christie Moore may not be from Valdosta, but she sure feels like she belongs here. Though she was raised in East Cobb County (Roswell / Marietta), where her grandfather served as mayor, her first job was in Blakely, Georgia, in Early County, where she learned how much she liked South Georgia.

“I fell in love with South Georgia and the people in particular,” Christie said. Good thing she did. The history and political science major moved from Athens to Blakely at a time when most of her friends were headed to urban areas like Atlanta, Washington, and Charlotte. "I moved to Blakely, and I loved it." She was thrust into the center of things in the small community as the youngest chamber president in the state. That has to say something for her relationship building skills and her tenacity. From there, she moved to Dawsonville, Georgia, where she led the Dawson County Chamber, with over 500 members, for eight years. Her duties included tourism and economic development too - a lot to say grace over. There she met her husband, Michael Moore, a business analyst for a manufacturing company that counts Langboard in Brooks County as one of their clients.

Being back closer to her family in North Georgia felt good, but something was missing.

“I adore my previous community and the role I had there. I wasn’t out there looking. But, I fell in love with South Georgia once before – it's people, the character, the environment. My family is a 'hug you the first time we see you' type. That's how

“Connecting people is my passion. I may not know the answer, but I can find out who does.”

South Georgia folks are. It's like a big, yet small, town where everybody knows each other," Christie explained.

Christie sees her role as a “connector.” “Connecting people is my passion. I may not know the answer, but I can find out who does. She also has a great passion for small businesses and believes that's where chambers can make a real difference.

“My parents owned a hardware store and vending company, so I was raised in a household that understood small business struggles and needs. Being in a role that supports small businesses, as well as all sectors of the community, is something I really love. Their success drives the community’s success,” Christie said.

Christie's attraction to Valdosta is multifaceted. She loves football, and her husband plays golf, so there's that. More strategically, she recognizes Valdosta as a regional leader with Valdosta State University, Moody Air Force Base, a growing manufacturing sector, dynamic small businesses, and a thriving downtown, making this community very attractive, she says. A self-professed "extreme extrovert," she sees her primary role as an advocate on behalf of the business community. "Business owners are busy managing their businesses, but they need an advocate for them at all levels of government and in the community,” she explained. “Being a ‘cheerleader’ for them is important!”

She certainly has wasted no time getting to know those she'll be representing and advocating for. She's been busy meeting with leaders from all sectors. So far, she likes what she sees and is impressed with the leaders and business owners she's met. "There are great creative entrepreneurs who have a forward-thinking mindset that know how to cope and adjust," she said. And the community has welcomed her with open arms. "People here love their community, and they’re some of the kindest, most welcoming people I have ever met."

Christie recognizes the long history of the Valdosta Chamber's success and knows there are "big shoes to fill" in leading such a large, vibrant organization. She realizes there will be challenges. "It will take a while to meet all of the leaders and members," she explained. And, there's the fact that the entire world changed drastically in 2020. "Many businesses are struggling; still others are thriving. As we pivot to a 'new normal,' how we ensure we are continuing to meet the needs of our members will be challenging."

She faces the future with great anticipation and confidence that this community is ready, willing, and able to meet what's ahead and will come out on the other side – not surviving – but thriving.

"This Chamber, through its 108 years, has a tremendous history of supporting businesses, historic preservation, and the entire community while respecting tradition and being willing to adapt and try new things to continue being the best we can be," Christie said. "I look forward to working with others to continue moving this community forward. I'm so grateful for this opportunity."

“I am very excited that Christie has agreed to lead the Valdosta/Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit the Chamber community through programs, relationship development, and business enhancement. Her ability to execute a welldefined strategic plan and develop long-term key partnerships will be crucial toward promoting the tremendous value offered by the Chamber.”

– Daryn Russell, Chamber Board Chair