With the belief that an active, involved and supportive leadership is an indispensable asset for the continued success of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the organization with a mission to champion local businesses has named Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner to its 2021 Board of Directors.  At the helm of Duluth-based nonprofit – Rainbow Village – since January 2018, Conner has led the ongoing evolution of a transformative program that serves families experiencing homelessness. The Rainbow Village model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency. The vision and leadership she displays daily at Rainbow Village will no doubt prove an asset to the Chamber’s core group of influential members who are responsible for directing and upholding the mission and goals of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett.

“I am beyond humbled and honored to be named to the Gwinnett Chamber’s Board of Directors as a Chairman’s Appointee,” said Conner. “I look forward to serving alongside other visionary leaders who are wholly committed to the health and well-being of Gwinnett County’s thriving business community. From my purview at Rainbow Village, I see daily how the nonprofit community, business community, faith community, civic community and the citizens we serve are all interconnected. I look forward to having a hand in strengthening those connections, welcoming new businesses to Gwinnett and learning a great deal from my fellow board members during my term at the Chamber.”

Conner’s commitment as a member of the Board will help enhance the ability of the Chamber to continue its high-quality services and programs that assist in promoting and sustaining a pro-business environment in Gwinnett.  Established in 1947 as a rural chamber of commerce serving farmers and banks, the Gwinnett Chamber grew and changed alongside Gwinnett County. Today, as the leading advocate and innovative resource for businesses to connect and thrive, it serves more than 2,200 members throughout metro Atlanta by delivering programs that strengthen and connect businesses locally, regionally and globally. Dedicated to creating jobs and wealth while growing businesses, the Chamber’s calling to strengthen the community and quality of life aligns beautifully with Conner’s talents. Since assuming the role of CEO at Rainbow Village, she has made great strides in improving the nonprofit’s technology and tracking capabilities and establishing the Success Coach program to help instill initiative, self-development and accountability to foster meaningful growth in the lives of all who encounter Rainbow Village. Along with her leadership team, she has successfully navigated the Coronavirus Pandemic to ensure the well-being of the nonprofit and the families it serves.

“The incoming leadership of the Gwinnett Chamber's board of directors strongly represents our great county,” said Gwinnett Chamber President & CEO Nick Masino. “I look forward to working with Melanie Conner and the board as we continue to serve our members and the community.”

To learn more about Rainbow Village and its programs or to make a donation to support the nonprofit’s efforts, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.