Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Chandler.
Hi Nikki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised here in Gainesville (Hall County), never have left. 🙂 I started my career in banking and in 2008. The company I worked for shut down their location here in Gainesville and moved all operations to TN. Since we were in a recession, I was worried about getting another job, but luckily, I got a job in the poultry industry. I started out in payroll as a payroll clerk and within a year, I was asked to take over as the HR Manager/Payroll Manager. I loved this role. I loved being an advocate for our employees, helping them succeed as well as helping the company grow. I got very involved in our local chamber of commerce, attending meetings like their HR Council, Safety Council, etc. In 2018, I got selected to do their Leadership Hall County Program and graduated from the program in 2019. This is a very prestigious program that helps prepare emerging and existing leaders to be integral players in the future of our community. Participants gain knowledge from the overall program on relevant issues facing our community, now and in the future, thus preparing them for an active leadership role in the community.
Since its inception in 1983, more than 1,000 men and women representing the diversity of our community have completed this program and taken their place as leaders in the community. Among the alumni are state politicians, federal judges, corporate CEOs, civil rights leaders, successful entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders, devoted educators, and dedicated community volunteers. I also got selected by my class to serve as a PAC (Peer Advisory Committee) Team member for the Youth Leadership Hall Program. I also held the Chair position for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s HR Council from January 2015-July 2015. To my surprise in late 2019, the Chamber posted they had a position open for their Vice President of Existing Industry. I immediately became interested as that would be a dream job for me. My position includes managing and implementing economic development programs and projects with a focus on retention and expansion of existing industry. I implement economic development programs directly related to the retention/expansion of existing industry focused on customer-identified needs. This includes EI programs like our monthly HR Council for HR professionals to meet monthly and discuss HR-related topics, Workforce Development, Industry Roundtable (Managers, Owners, CEOs meet at different locations to tour/discuss best practices.
I also manage publications of a local Wage & Benefit Survey, Top Employers in Gainesville-Hall Co and the Drug’s Don’t Work Program for our members who are enrolled in the program. I also coordinate our yearly Industry of the Year Awards where we celebrate some of the outstanding manufacturers/processors businesses in our community. I have a heart to serve, so my job is perfect for me that I get to help support our amazing companies, specifically our manufacturers and processors in our community that I love so much. I also get to be hands-on in workforce development. I love getting to share with the up-and-coming generation about how manufacturing can be a great career path. I also assist companies in getting involved with the Work-based Learning program at our local high schools where students can go and work while they are still in high school. There have been several cases where students stay on with the company, go to our local technical college or one of the universities and move up with the company. The Chamber helps coordinate a local 7th Grade Career Path Fair each year with local colleges, universities, the local middle school systems, other organizations, and businesses so 7th graders can see all the different career paths we have in our community. I am directly involved in getting companies to participate in the Career Path Fair. I get to work closely with our high schools, and I serve on Hall County Schools CTAE (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education)/WBL Advisory Committee. I was honored to receive the Work-Based Learning Advocate of the Year for 2021-22.
I also serve on the Board of Directors for WomenSource. This is a local nonprofit formed in response to a community needs assessment commissioned by the United Way of Hall County in 2007. While several effective women’s support programs existed in the community, results from the assessment revealed a need for a channel that could improve the current systems through the coordination and expansion of existing programs. WomenSource began as a way for women in northeast Georgia to discover what resources are available to them in our area and how they can best utilize those resources to gain success and thrive in their lives. We hold many programs throughout the year, hold a Girl Power Event for middle/high school girls and hold a fashion show to showcase extraordinary women in our community. I have also served as an Ambassador for The Art’s Council here in Gainesville, as well as served as a committee member for the Agricultural Technology Research Program through the Georgia Tech Research Institute. I am also servicing on the Business Gifts Committee – Greater Help for Good News Clinics. I love my community and it is an honor and a privilege to have the job I have. I love supporting our local business community, getting to connect people/businesses with resources in our community and give back to the community. I am married to Bradley, have an 11-year-old daughter and two German Shepherds.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been smooth, of course there were a few road bumps along the way, but luckily nothing too bad that I couldn’t overcome. I have been incredibly lucky to have connected with some amazing people along my journey that have given me opportunities, supported me, and encouraged me. Especially my previous employer in the poultry industry where I worked for 11 years. Being a woman in manufacturing is hard so they really invested in me, helped me grow, supported me, and showed me what being a good leader is all about. They are amazing people with big hearts, and I am so fortunate to have gotten to work with them. Honestly, if it wasn’t for them, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I left there, it was so bittersweet…I loved my job and the people there, but the position at the Chamber was such a dream job for me and I am so incredibly blessed to have it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love my community and it is an honor and a privilege to have the job I have. I love supporting our local business community, getting to connect people/businesses with resources in our community and give back to the community. I love helping people and seeing other people succeed. In my role as Vice President of Existing Industry here at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, I get to do that on a bigger level within our community…helping and supporting all the local industries/businesses that are members of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.
When I was at my previous employer and being a volunteer with the Chamber for many years, I was always in awe of what a great organization it was. The people working there and what the Chamber does for our community and businesses within our community is amazing, so it is wonderful to be a part of that.
I also love sharing about the manufacturing field with the younger, up-and-coming generation. It makes me happy to know we can give high school kids more opportunities for a bright future…not all kids want or can be doctors or lawyers and I think it’s good to teach kids it’s okay to get dirty and work with your hands, although a lot of manufacturing isn’t dirty anymore so it is always good to share with the kids as well as their parents at how cool and important these jobs are and manufacturing has changed a lot over the years. The manufacturing industry is really a great field. There is so many opportunities to grow and move up, the pay is good, and you can make some cool stuff.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Being nice to people pays, especially people who are different than you. Also, being nice to yourself is just as important. We are all different and unique. I know no one is better or smarter than me. So, there is no excuse to boss people around or try to domineer them. Being nice, respectful to people especially when you are working your way up, will help you achieve your goals quickly. I think none of us knows what life has in store for us, so being kind and supportive will help you go a long way and help transform your life. At some point, you’ll need kindness from other people. And I strongly believe you’ll always get what you give. And I strongly believe that you 100% need to be kind to yourself…how you speak to yourself matters. When you are good to yourself and know you are worthy without the opinion of someone else you can do incredible things. I didn’t always believe this or practice this to myself, but when I started my life really changed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ghcc.com/about/chamber-staff/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkichandler27/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkiconner
Image Credits
For the main photo I have the copyright release, but Whitney Gaines @Simply Elegant Photography took it : )
