GALLERIA - A new year is a time for new beginnings. The Cobb Chamber of Commerce has selected Rob Garcia of Bank of North Georgia to lead it in 2010. He was formally handed the duties of Chamber chairman by outgoing chairwoman Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, president of Southern Polytechnic State University.

The leadership handover took place Saturday night at the Chamber's 68th annual black-tie optional dinner at the Cobb Galleria Centre in the John A. Williams Ballroom.

Garcia, a 48-year-old bank executive, told the audience of more than 800 people, mostly Chamber members, that the Chamber's theme this year will be "Energizing Our Future."

"I look forward to helping you create the energy and synergy that will make 2010 a great success," he said. Garcia noted that he intends to focus on economic development and strengthening government advocacy on behalf of Cobb businesses.

"We will also continue to take leadership roles in the areas of transportation, water, education and workforce development," he said.

"It's all yours," Rossbacher told Garcia as she walked off stage after congratulating him.

The past year presented the Chamber with many challenges during the turbulent economic crisis, she acknowledged.

"Our responses to the economy, the floods and together challenges this year, have polished this business community," Rossbacher said.

However, she highlighted accomplishments by the Chamber under her leadership in 2009.

They included successful fundraising and membership campaigns; its Partners in Education program that received nearly $7 million in funds, volunteer hours and resources for Cobb schools; the expansion of its social media networks; and a reduction in its use of paper and increased energy efficiency to become greener.

As president of a university, Rossbacher thanked her staff at SPSU for their help and support as she devoted numerous hours to the Chamber, which conducts about 300 events every year.

"Most Chamber presidents refer to it as their year as chair. At Southern Polytechnic State University from the very beginning we referred to it as our year," Rossbacher said. "It's been wonderful to know that I have a group of colleagues who made sure that the university ran smoothly."

The Chamber also welcomed Dr. Greg Simone of WellStar as its chairman-elect and Tony Britton of Wachovia Bank as its first vice chairman. In addition, the Chamber honored its 2009 board of directors and presented awards.

The Chairman's Award was awarded to former Chamber president and CEO Bill Cooper for outstanding leadership, dedication and support to the Chamber. During his 11-year tenure, the Chamber was accredited as a five-star Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Mark Henderson Public Service Award - which is presented to an individual who is dedicated to building a better quality of life - was awarded to Devan Seabaugh of MetroAtlanta ambulance service. The Len Gilbert Award for a board member who has achieved new heights in program development, was given to Lisa Crossman of Cobb & Douglas Public Heath and Shawn Davis of Breakpoint Consulting. And fifteen individuals were honored with Lifetime Membership Awards.