Welcome back to A Good Pour! Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kim Baker, President and CEO of the Gallatin Chamber, to talk about her passion for serving businesses, building community, and creating spaces where dreams can turn into reality. From our lively chat, one thing stood out loud and clear: Kim’s dedication to uplifting others and her unwavering belief in the power of connection.
The Power of Encouragement
Years ago, when I first reached out to Kim about starting my own business, she responded with a simple message: “I wish I could hire you.” That moment, while small to her, became a monumental boost of confidence for me. It’s this intentional encouragement that defines Kim’s leadership. She doesn’t just run the Gallatin Chamber—she champions the people who call Gallatin home.
The Chamber: Turning Dreams into Success Stories
Kim shared her journey of stepping into the Chamber world ten years ago, not fully knowing what to expect. What she discovered was a calling to support businesses at every stage, from startups to well-established companies. The Chamber’s motto could easily be “start to success,” as they walk alongside entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life.
One of Kim’s favorite stories involved a restaurant whose sales doubled every time the Chamber shared their lunch specials on social media. It’s a testament to the impact small, thoughtful actions can have. The Chamber’s work may range from supporting daily business needs to funding large-scale projects like art installations and school grants, but it all centers around one goal: strengthening the Gallatin community.
A Home for Connection: The Station
The next big project for the Chamber is The Station—a vibrant community hub where people can gather, collaborate, and grow their businesses. Slated to open in 2024, this space will include co-working areas, event rooms, and resources for businesses of all sizes.
The name The Station pays homage to Gallatin’s rich history with the Bluegrass Line and the “Y” turnaround that once connected the city to Nashville. For Kim, the vision for The Station is about more than just preserving history; it’s about creating a space where the community can dream big and work together to bring those dreams to life.
Balancing Work and Good Work
Leading a nonprofit like the Chamber means balancing community-focused efforts with the reality of budgets and resources. Kim has mastered this balance by leaning on her team and staying true to her core values. She’s created an environment where each team member thrives by focusing on what brings them joy.
Kim also shared some of her personal strategies for staying grounded—like blocking out time for gratitude on Monday mornings, making space for self-reflection, and yes, treating herself to a bi-weekly nail appointment. These small but significant practices keep her energized and ready to tackle the challenges of leadership.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re a local business owner, a curious student, or just someone who wants to support the Gallatin community, there are so many ways to get involved with the Chamber. From volunteering to becoming a member, there’s a spot for everyone.
And if you’re as excited about The Station as I am, now’s the time to jump in and support this transformative project. Together, we can build a space that will inspire innovation and connection for years to come.
Cheers to Good Work
Kim Baker is proof that good work isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it, who you impact, and the heart you put into it. Thank you, Kim, for being a beacon of positivity and leadership in Gallatin. I’m so grateful for the ways you pour into our community and encourage others to do the same.
To learn more about the Gallatin Chamber and The Station, visit GallatinChamber.org.
Until next time, keep pouring into the good work and the people around you!