March President's Message

As we close out the first quarter of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible accomplishments we have achieved within GIA! We just got back from our Q1 Membership Meeting & Expo, and it was a great event! Thank you to all of the exhibitors and sponsors that made our Expo possible!

This event was a strong reminder of just how far we’ve come as an association and the strength of our membership. One of the highlights of the meeting was sharing our 2025 financial results, and I’m proud to say the numbers tell a powerful story.

In 2025, GIA revenue increased by an impressive 248% compared to 2024. While our expenses were up only 35%, that growth was strategic, supporting expanded programming, events, and member value. Most importantly, our net income increased by 123% year-over-year, putting us in a strong position for 2026.

Equally exciting is our membership growth. We welcomed 36 new members in 2025, bringing our total to 116 member companies. That growth translated into a 91% increase in membership revenue, reinforcing that what we are delivering is resonating across the industry.

These aren’t just numbers, they represent engagement, trust, and a shared commitment to growing this association into something truly impactful for integrators across Georgia. One of the best ways to stay connected and engaged is by joining us for one of our most anticipated events of the year, our Annual GIA Golf Tournament. This year, we’re excited to host it at a brand-new location: Iron Horse Golf Club, on May 12th!

Whether you are there to compete, connect, or just enjoy a great day on the course, this event is always a fantastic opportunity to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, and have some fun along the way. If you’ve attended before, you know what a great experience it is, and if you haven’t, this is the year to jump in.

We’ve got something special planned, and I encourage each of you to register early, bring your team, and be part of it. Thank you for your continued support and involvement. GIA’s growth is a direct result of the commitment from our members, and I’m excited to see what we accomplish together in the months ahead.

I’ll see you on the course!

Sincerely,

Brandon Shepard
GIA President