DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — Business leaders, community advocates and elected officials from across Douglas County will gather later this month for one of the area’s longest-running civic celebrations as the Douglas County Chamber hosts its 81st Annual Gala & Community Awards.
The formal event is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, and will bring together members of the local business community for an evening of recognition, networking and celebration of the people and organizations shaping the county’s economic future.
Honoring community leadership
Hosted by the Douglas County Chamber, the gala serves as the organization’s premier annual event and recognizes businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the county’s growth and quality of life.
Community Awards presented during the program highlight achievements in areas such as business leadership, community service and economic development. Chamber officials say the goal is to spotlight individuals and organizations that help strengthen the local economy and support community initiatives.
Although the event has traditionally been held in February as the Chamber’s Winter Ball, organizers rebranded the celebration this year as the Gala & Community Awards while maintaining its long-standing purpose of recognizing excellence across Douglas County.
An evening of celebration and connection
The gala is expected to draw a wide range of attendees, including chamber members, business owners, nonprofit leaders and government officials from Douglasville and the surrounding county.
Guests can expect a formal evening featuring an awards ceremony, dinner and opportunities for networking with community and business leaders. Organizers say the program is designed to reflect the “spirit of excellence” that has defined the event for decades.
Corporate sponsors also play a prominent role in the evening, with sponsorship opportunities supporting the event and helping fund the chamber’s economic development and business support initiatives throughout the year.
A tradition spanning more than eight decades
With a history dating back more than 80 years, the gala has become a signature event for Douglas County’s business community.
The Douglas County Chamber, which advocates for local businesses and economic development initiatives, hosts dozens of events each year aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, networking and workforce growth throughout the region.
Events like the annual gala also highlight the close relationship between the business community and civic leadership in Douglasville, a city west of Atlanta that continues to see population and economic growth in recent years.
Celebrating community impact
Beyond the awards themselves, chamber leaders say the gala offers an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and recognize the partnerships that help drive Douglas County forward.
By honoring individuals and organizations that contribute to economic growth, volunteer service and innovation, the event underscores the collaborative effort behind the county’s continued development.
For many attendees, the evening has become both a celebration and a reminder of the role local leadership plays in shaping the future of the Douglasville community.
