As the president and CEO of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, it’s Terra Carroll’s job to make sure you can do yours. “The Chamber creates an environment for businesses to prosper,” she explains. But there’s more to it than that—from her direct involvement in the community to the multitude of administrative tasks that fall on her plate, Terra is always hard at work upholding the North Augusta Chamber’s mission to serve “as a community catalyst promoting collaborations and partnerships that maintain a positive business environment.” 

With more than 400 businesses and individuals constituting the Chamber’s memberships, Terra has her hands full. “We provide educational opportunities and assist businesses with the latest marketing and promotional techniques,” she says. “We advocate on behalf of the business community, serving as the voice of business on critical issues at the local, state and federal level. We have a great team of volunteers that extend our work into the area.” It’s all part of the many ways the Chamber is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life. 

Coming from a long background with the Chamber, Terra is no stranger to the high standards that define the association. “I was completing my fourth and final year at the U.S. Chamber Institute in Athens, Georgia, when the North Augusta Chamber President/CEO position opened up,” Terra recalls. “I had been with the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce for 6 years as Senior Director of Member Services and Small Business Development, and prior to that role I spent 6 years as Director of Programs at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.” With that strong background, and an eye to the future, Terra jumped at the exciting possibility in North Augusta. “The opportunity to advance into a Chamber president role seemed to fit into my 12 year journey of non-profit management,” she says. 

Now entering her third year in the role, Terra is an expert at handling the day-to-day requirements of her position. “There is no such thing as a daily routine in the Chamber world,” she says. “One day I may be out in the community checking on existing businesses to ensure their needs are being met; another day I may be visiting potential businesses and sharing the benefits of the Chamber.” The exciting elements of the job are balanced, of course, by the more practical considerations that fall on any CEO. “There are days that are filled with ribbon cuttings and grand opening celebrations, or city council meetings to stay abreast of what else is going on around town” Terra goes on, “but there are also many days I am in the office taking care of administrative duties, like board reports and financial summaries for an upcoming meeting.” 

Through it all, Terra is supported by a strong team of dedicated professionals. “We could not do what we do without our ambassadors, helping us to spread the word about the Chamber,” Terra explains. In fact, of all her accomplishments with the Chamber thus far, Terra is proudest of the synergy that defines their office. “My greatest accomplishment would be assembling a team that works well together,” she says. “I am proud to lead two young ladies who are passionate about their work and willing to do what it takes to make things just right.” 

That work ethic opens the door for Terra to enjoy a hot commodity in her position: flexibility. “I know that with the strong team I have, I can change course or take leave, delegate and feel confident that things will continue to move forward as I envision them,” Terra says, then adds: “You just don’t have that comfort in most jobs.”

Considering the high demands that fall to the Chamber CEO, that flexibility is key. In one memorable experience, Terra was asked by U.S. representative Joe Wilson to moderate a town hall meeting discussion on furloughs at the Savannah River site in May 2013. “There was some heavy security detail and even exit plans in the event of hostile crowds,” Terra remembers. “I had to stand on a stage in the middle of the USCA Convocation Center and read questions to Congressman Wilson from many of the 600 in attendance.” In gratitude for her contribution amid contentious circumstances, Congressman Wilson thanked Terra by name and title for her service when he was on the House floor in DC, and the moment was immortalized on C-Span. 

Qualified as she is, Terra’s advice for other businesspeople is straightforward: “Do what you love! If you don’t love what you do, few will like what you do.” Given that, it’s clear that Terra and her team also love what they do at the North Augusta Chamber. “We are here to support all businesses and organizations to strengthen the core of our community,” Terra says. “There is no issue we aren’t willing to tackle. If we don’t have the answer we will help find it; we want to be the first call for businesses working to fulfill their objectives.” 

And so, while her team at the North Augusta Chamber may be the best part of Terra’s job, it’s also quite possible they’re the best part of yours.