The Southern Regional Chamber of Commerce (SRCC), the only chamber dedicated to cross-state commerce across 16 Southern states and Washington, DC, will kick off the new year with an exclusive SRCC Leadership Reception on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Gwinnett Technical College’s Busbee Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

The event will bring together more than 100 leaders, including founders and C-suite executives across tech, healthcare, film, finance, and hospitality; elected officials at the city, county, state, and federal levels; academic and nonprofit leaders; and SRCC board members for an evening of high-value networking and forward-looking dialogue.

The launch follows recent momentum for SRCC, including the organization’s receipt of a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging its early leadership and commitment to advancing regional collaboration, economic development, and innovation across the Southern United States.

The event has already garnered bipartisan support from national, state, and local elected officials, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration on infrastructure, workforce development, AI policy, and global trade.

A signature feature of the evening is the panel discussion, “Future Forward: AI, Government Policy, and Business Innovation,” which will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, supply chains, and economic competitiveness. Panelists will also discuss what regional strategies businesses and policymakers must adopt now to lead the AI economy rather than react to it.

“The South is home to booming tech hubs, world-class logistics, and a diverse workforce ready to own the future,” said Dr. Charan Shikh, President and CEO of the Southern Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Receiving Congressional recognition so early in our journey affirms the importance of this work. Our commitment is to unite communities and champion the innovation and economic momentum already taking place across the region to build a more resilient and prosperous Southern economy.”

The evening will also feature a Southern-inspired reception and opportunities to connect with leaders from across industries and states as SRCC begins its next chapter of economic leadership, collaboration, and regional impact.

Event Details:
Thursday, January 29, 2026
5:00 PM
Gwinnett Technical College – Busbee Center (Building G)
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Register: www.SRCCchamber.com/events