While it may be slow going, the recovery from the recession will sustain, according to Jeffrey Humphreys, the guest speaker at the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce’s November luncheon.

Humphreys, the director of the Selig Center at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, spoke to members of the Chamber about what they could expect from the economy in the upcoming months and years.

"We still feel pretty dreadful," Humphreys told the audience, " ... I do believe this economic recession will be sustained."

Humphreys told attendees that they can carry out their business plans, be it expansion or hiring, as the country will see an increase in its Gross Domestic Product, albeit at a slow rate of speed.

This recession is not acting like others, Humphreys said, insomuch as it does not look to be "V" shaped, with a sharp decline followed by a sharp economic incline.

Rather, this recovery will take time — around two years.

Humphreys said he believes that it will take about eight quarters, or two years, for the GDP to recover nationally.

The state of Georgia may move slower, he said, because so much of its economy was based on development.

Job recovery will move slower, Humphreys said, as the unemployment rate is a lagging indicator of where the economy is standing.

He said that the job market should recover on the national level by mid-2013. The state may move slower than that, as well.

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce announced Gwen Hill as the first recipient for its Inaugural "Woman of the Year" recognition to be presented at the Women in Business Luncheon, to be held Nov. 11 at The Georgia Club.

"The Barrow County Chamber proudly recognizes Gwen Hill of Hill’s Ace Hardware and Lumber Center as the recipient of this award," said Chamber President Tommy Jennings.

Chosen for her continued efforts to make a difference throughout Barrow County, Gwen Hill has worked with The Tree House and Peace Place, and has been one of the driving forces for the Barrow County Cooperative Benevolence Ministries and the Food Pantry and Food distribution each month.

She has served Barrow County in the past as the chairman of numerous organizations, including the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce, the Winder First United Methodist Church, Jackson EMC Foundation, the Winder Noon Lions Club and many others. In 2001, she was recognized as the Barrow County Chamber’s Citizen of the Year.

Also nominated for the inaugural presentation of the Woman of the Year Award were Dot Jones, Florence Schwartz, Sara Pope, Linda Blechinger, Stephanie Sorrells and Summer Woodard.

Also, beginning this week, Great Southern Publishers Inc., will be marketing the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce’s Quality of Life Magazine for 2010.

The publisher is new to our Chamber and Audrey Rawls will be contacting businesses about how to market in Barrow County’s very own Quality of Life Magazine.

If you have any questions, contact the Chamber at (770) 867-9444.

The Chamber is hosting ribbon cuttings in November, as well. On Nov. 12, Walgreens will celebrate its opening at 11:30 a.m. and Spine Care & Management will hold a ribbon cutting on Nov. 13 at 12:30 p.m.

Maynard & Bartlett Realty will host the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Park Avenue Professional Building, located at 138 Park Ave., in Winder. Please RSVP to the Chamber at (770) 867-9444.