The Chamber Newsletter June 2008

The Chamber Dahlonega - Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce 2008 | JUNE

Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce 13 South Park Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-3711 (800) 231-5543

SAVE THE DATES: June 7 - 8 Georgia Wine Country Festival Meet at Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery to sample Georgia wines!

Attendees will enjoy unique musical entertainment by bluegrass, folk, Americana, and rock & roll musicians from Georgia and North Carolina. Admission is $20. Kids under 12 are free!

July 4 Dahlonega 4th of July Celebration Come celebrate our nation’s independence on the Square with a patriotic ceremony, a pet show , watermelon cutting, stump speeches, and live entertainment all day! Fireworks will light up the sky at dark from the NGCSU campus.

INSIDE: Page 4 Australian Richard England of Bissell Pro Cycling used a downhill descent in the final 500 meters to push himself to a Stage Five victory at 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T.

Page 5 This past month was an important legislative month in that there were many excellent bills that were signed

by Governor Perdue related to business and tourism.

Page 7 The Roast and Toast of J. B. Jones, sole Commissioner of Lumpkin County for over 24 years drew 300 of his family, relatives, friends and citizens from throughout the State of Georgia.

Page 10 Read More | Page __

Lumpkin County; the healthiest county in Georgia? Dr. Todd poses questions to the community.

Page 12 Welcome to Willie Wonka World!

Owned and operated by showman, err, proprietor Paul Thomas Hoffman.

Located less than a block from the historic square, at 39 South Chestatee Street, Paul Thomas Chocolates is the newest member of Dahlonega’s downtown business community.

Mission Statement Making our community a great place to live, work, visit, and do business.

Board of Directors OFFICERS Jennifer Herring, Chairman BB&T Eddie Wayne, Chair Elect Appalachian Community Bank Don Bacek, Treasurer Lily Creek Lodge Appalachian Community Bank Cyndi Fraser, Secretary Belle Avance Salon Gary L. Powers, President & CEO Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce DIRECTORS Larry Banister, Banister Funeral Home Max Burns, North Georgia College & State University Kristy Fairbanks Tommy Folger, Folger’s Alan George, Chestatee Regional Hospital Alan Grizzle, EXIT Four Seasons Realty Kelso C. (Casey) Horne, Horne and Horne, P.C. Donna Minnich, State Farm Insurance J. Kevin McCraney, Georgia Power Company Tony Owens, The Fudge Factory Ed Willis, The Louver Shop Angelia Wilson, Dahlonega Tasting Room Kenneth H. Kurtz, CPA EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS Mayor Gary McCullough, City of Dahlonega Commissioner Steve Gooch, Lumpkin County Bruce Abraham, Development Authority Joel Cordle, Downtown Development Authority Stan Kelley, Lumpkin County Bill Lewis, City of Dahlonega Sheriff Mark McClure, Lumpkin County Dewey Moye, Lumpkin County Schools Joshua Wright, U.S. Army Camp Frank D. Merrill STAFF Amy Booker, Projects & Events Coordinator Kim Bruce Director of Communications Mary Ann Knight, Visitors Center Manager Stefani Logsdon, VP Operations Hal Williams, CVB Director

As I See It

By Gary L. Powers As I See It, building a loyal customer base is the key to your successful business. What I am about to talk about is the importance of a Member to Member Discount program and why each and every member should participate. With 570 members and their employees participating there will be thousands of customers that work and live in Lumpkin County and should be doing business with you. The Member to Member Discount program will be printed in this newsletter each month and launched on our web site: www.dahlonega.org.

So why a Member to Member Discount program?

Because successful businesses typically see 80 percent of their business come from 20 percent of their customers. Too many businesses neglect this loyal customer base in pursuit of new customers. However, since the cost to attract new customers is significantly more than to maintain your relationship with existing ones, your efforts toward building customer loyalty will certainly payoff.

As I See It, there are many ways to build a customer loyalty base. Here are ten ways in addition to the Member to Member Discount program that will help you.

Gary Powers, President and CEO

understands everything they can about your products.

7. Reliability. If you say a purchase will

arrive on Wednesday, deliver it on Wednesday. Be reliable. If something goes wrong, let customers know immediately and compensate them for their inconvenience.

newsletter, monthly flyer, a reminder card for a tune-up, or a holiday greeting card, reach out to your steady customers.

8. Be Flexible. Try to solve customer problems or complaints to the best of your ability. Excuses, such as “That’s our policy” will lose more customers then setting the store on fire.

2. Customer Service. Go the extra distance

9. People over Technology. The harder it is

1. Communicate. Whether it is an email

and meet customer needs. Train the staff to do the same. Customers remember being treated well.

3. Employee Loyalty. Loyalty works from

the top down. If you are loyal to your employees, they will feel positively about their jobs and pass that loyalty along to your customers.

4. Employee Training. Train employees in

the manner that you want them to interact with customers. Empower employees to make decisions that benefit the customer.

5. Customer Incentives. Give customers

a reason to return to your business. For instance, because children outgrow shoes quickly, the owner of a children’s shoe store might offer a card that makes the tenth pair of shoes half price. Likewise, a dentist may give a free cleaning to anyone who has seen him regularly for five years.

6. Product Awareness. Know what your steady patrons purchase and keep these items in stock. Add other products and/or services that accompany or compliment the products that your regular customers buy regularly. Make sure that your staff The Chamber | Page 2

for a customer to speak to a human being when he or she has a problem, the less likely it is that you will see that customer again.

10. Know Their Names. Remember the

theme song to the television show Cheers? et to know the names of regular customers or at least recognize their faces.

As I See It, here are some helpful hints to help you embrace all those loyal customers you have and the many new ones that we are bringing to Dahlonega and Lumpkin County because of the Events and Festivals we promote, host and sponsor.

Chairman’s Circle The Chairman's Circle has been created to prominently recognize companies whose continual support has been instrumental in the growth of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce.

Mint Club Members

Major Donor City of Dahlonega Lumpkin County Cottrell Circle C Ranch

Platinum BB&T Bank Chestatee Regional Hospital Jackson EMC

Gold Appalachian Community Bank

Silver Achasta, A Residential Golf Community All About Storage Mountain State Bank Nicklaus Golf Club at Achasta Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc. The Smith House Timken US Corporation United Community Bank of Lumpkin County Wal-Mart SuperCenter Windstream Communications

From the Desk of Jennifer Herring “Taking One Thing at a Time” The other morning I was driving to work; drinking my coffee; composing an email on my blackberry and deciding which stack of files I would start on first. I was feeling really proud of my multi tasking abilities and before 8 am nonetheless.

I pulled into the employee parking for the bank and something hit me. Our life has become full of conveniences which are supposed to make our lives easier and allow us to enjoy life.

For instance, the invention of travel mugs has allowed to us carry and drink our coffee or tea anywhere, even while driving to work.

Perfect right?? I mean, we can get our caffeine fix on the way to work and not have to stop in the mornings at the house to drink from an actual cup.

Cordless Telephones are another example of a modern convenience which makes our life easier. Cordless phones allow us to cook dinner, while talking to family or ordering off of the QVC channel, answering the door and checking homework. All while on the phone! Do not laugh; most of us have been there at one time or another.

Many of us do it. We are programmed that the more we can do at one time to get it off “The list” the more time we will have to enjoy life and the small pleasures in it. We are constantly thinking about what we need to do next before we finish the chore we are on.

If we are constantly thinking about what the next 3 or 4 things are on the list, we cannot focus on the present and enjoying what we are doing right then. Granted, cooking dinner and cleaning house may not sound enjoyable to you, but I think it is more enjoying the end product of your work sometimes than the actual work. We should be able to take time after completing a project to step back and be proud of the quality work. We should be able to enjoy the rich flavor of a hot cup of coffee from our favorite mug. We should enjoy sitting on the sofa catching up with family or friends on the phone, hanging on their ev-

Jennifer Herring Chairman of the Board

ery word. When we cook dinner, we should savor the smells and taste test and enjoy every minute.

If we begin to focus on one thing at a time, I believe we will not only enjoy life more, but we will become more productive and actually more efficient. I have learned that no matter how much you do, your “in box” will never be empty. Take time to celebrate with friends and family. Tell them you love them everyday. Instead of rushing out the door with your travel mug full of coffee or tea, pour it in a cup and take 5 minutes in the morning. Don’t answer the phone while you are cooking.

During these difficult economic times, it is easy to be caught up in how bad things are or how bad things are going to get. However, if we slow down, take one thing at a time and remember to enjoy everything we do, we will make it just fine. We have a community full of friends and family who can pull together in times of need and remind each of us what is important. Taking care of each other. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.

Bronze Daniel’s Charters Georgia Power Company Habersham EMC North Georgia College & State University Regions Bank

Jennifer L. Herring, Business Services Officer Dahlonega, GA 706-864-3314 jherring@bbandt.com B A N K I N G

I N S U R A N C E ©2008 BB&T. BBT.com

The Chamber | Page 3

I N V E S T M E N T S

Wrapping Up Tour de Georgia

(Above) Australian Richard England rounding the corner to become the winner of the Dahlonega 5th Stage of the race.

Australian Richard England of Bissell Pro Cycling used a downhill descent in the final 500 meters to push himself to a Stage Five victory at 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T. Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Dahlonega to see 22 in the pro peloton battle for the finish line adjacent to North Georgia College and State University. Finishing just behind England was fellow Aussie Rory Sutherland of Health Net presented by Maxxis and American George Hincapie of Team High Road.

Stage Five, the longest stage of the week, began in Suwanee. The 117 riders departed from Town Center Park at 10:00 a.m. The first of two mountain stages, Stage Five was a battlefield for climbers.

Three United Community Bank King of the Mountain competitions were contested in front of huge crowds at Burnt Mountain, Woody Gap and Crown Mountain before finishing in front of a crowd of some 13,000 on West Main Street. Four riders led a break for most of the race, but

The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of our nearly 200 volunteers for their hard work and support in conducting this stage of one of America’s largest athletic events. The Local Operating Committee for the event was made up by Lynn Cottrell, Amy Strickland, Dewey Moye, Ann Davis, Jon Dalman, Bill Lewis, Guy Laboa, Judy Galvin, Larry Odom, Don Seabolt, Mark McClure, Greg Cochran, Mike Stapleton, Jeff Davis, Colleen Green, Tom Crowell, Steve Fairbanks, Steve Proper and the members of the Chamber staff.

Special thanks go to Lynn Cottrell for her work in raising the funds needed to conduct the event, Guy Laboa for recruiting and coordinating all of our volunteers and to Amy Strickland for her creation of the special awards for the stage winners. They even caught the eve of Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.

The riders, media and professional race staff were overwhelmed by the organization and treatment they received here.

melted into the peloton at the final climb up Crown Mountain Drive.

The large peloton finish was unique for a mountain race and exciting for the crowd because the winner was actually decided only as the pack rounded the turn on to West Main.

(Above) Lynn & Mike Cottrell presenting the winning award to Richard England of the Bissell Pro Cycling Team

(Above) Larry Odom, President of United Community Bank (Right), Major Corporate Sponsor of the Tour de Georgia with Australian Richard England.

The Chamber | Page 4

(Below) Lt. Governor Casey Cagle with Amy and Todd Strickland along with Tourism Director Hal Williams. Amy made the awards for the top five finishers.

Perspective From Your Local Government Governor Sunny Perdue Signs Bills related to business & tourism...

By Gary L. Powers This past month was an important legislative month in that there were many excellent bills that were signed by Governor Perdue related to business and tourism.

Here are the specific bills that made it to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Internet Purchase of Wine. HB 1061 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R) To allow consumers to order up to 12 cases of wine a year directly from the winery via the internet. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

Agriculture Tourist Attractions. HB 1088 (Rep. Butch Parrish-R) Provides for directional signage, etc. in connection with designation of agricultural tourist attractions. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to the Governor.

SIGNED Income Tax Credits. HB 1273 (Rep. Barry Fleming-R) Relates to income tax credits for businesses creating new jobs in less developed areas, so as to change the criteria for determination of what constitutes a less developed area and to change provisions relating to the number of new jobs created as a crite-

rion for eligibility for credit. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

“Merlot To Go.� SB 55 (Sen. Renee Unterman-R) Allows persons who consume part of a bottle of wine when dining out to take the unconsumed portion home with them, so long as the bottle is re-corked. Status: Passed Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Cmte., Passed House Regulated Industries Cmte., Sent to Governor. SIGNED

Made In Georgia Program. SB 359 (Sen. Tim Golden-D) Creates a program for the

promotion of products manufactured in Georgia. (Department of Economic Development is pushing this bill instead of SB 343). Status: Passed Senate, Passed House, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

Tax Credits for Nonprofit Scholarships. HB 1133 (Rep. David Casas-R) Would give private citizens and corporations income tax credits for donating money to nonprofit scholarship organizations that would provide scholarships to parents who want to pull their children out of public schools and send them to private one. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to the Governor. SIGNED

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Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act. SB 342 (Sen. Chip Pearson - R) Empowers the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission to assist cities and counties by tapping into federal funding to cover 20 percent of the cost of obtaining permits for improving existing Soil Conservation Service dams for reservoir purposes, and up to 40 percent of the cost of obtaining a Section 404 permit for the construction of new public water supply reservoirs.

To streamline the permitting process, it requires the EPD to provide a single collection of permit forms required to construct water supply reservoirs and speed their review process. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED The Chamber tracks these bills and in partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce we try to move pro-business bills forward. We are especially pleased with the signing of the bills which will affect our Wineries. It will help the continued growth of this agri-business and attract more visitors to the Northeast Georgia Mountains.

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The Chamber | Page 5

Spotlight on the Board: Meet Don Bacek This month’s Board Member Spotlight will be shone on Don Bacek, the treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Don is a new director who came on board in January 2008.

What is your occupation/business?

Together with my wife Sharon, I own the Lily Creek Lodge, a 13-guest room bed and breakfast (with outdoor swimming pool and waterfall) on 9 acres on Auraria Road (between the Premium Outlet Mall and the historic Public Square in Dahlonega). In addition to the usual tasks associated with a bed and breakfast owner, I also am the certified pool officer, the rocking chair raconteur on our outside deck, the concierge and occasionally the bus boy (not yet “certified”).

How long have you been in business in Dahlonega/Lumpkin County?

Since November, 1996 -->12 and one-half years (half as long as I have been married to my wife).

How and when did you decide to go into the occupation/business you have right now?

I was previously an attorney in downtown Atlanta for 26 years and had enough of that “good thing” – my wife and I always mused about owning a B&B and when she saw an advertisement in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for the property here, we took the bait. Once our contract offer was “surprisingly” accepted, we went to a weekend bed and breakfast school on the New Jersey shore to find out about the business.

What do you love about having a business in Dahlonega/Lumpkin County?

It is far from the Madding crowd in a beautiful setting with a sense of family with the other people who do business here.

What has led to your success?

Stamina – a quality nurtured by a legal career.

What is your professional and educational background?

I graduated from Harvard Law School in 1974 after graduating “magna cum laude” from Yale in 1971 with a degree in psyDon Bacek chology and …I later earned my CPO (cerDLCCC Board, Treasurer tified pool officer) degree. I specialized in business law (including securities fraud, help of the Chamber) need to get the banking, real estate, contract negotia- word out to metropolitan Atlanta and its multi-million person population about tions, etc.). all the exciting, fun things to do here. The What made you decide to accept a posicost of air flights and gas is increasing tion as a director on the Chamber board? rapidly but Dahlonega is only 70 miles (1 I thought I could bring a few unique quali- hour) north of downtown Atlanta. There ties to the table (with my math skills and is no real need to go to Florida, California, legal background) and after 12 and one- the Caribbean or Europe any more to exhalf years of “easy living” sitting on the perience a “laid back” enchanting environdeck and visiting with guests at the B&B, ment that seems far away. it was time to get in the middle of things What are some things you would like and work with a team to give back to to see happen in Dahlonega/Lumpkin Dahlonega.

County?

What do you hope to accomplish during I would like to see a more “sidewalk cafe” your term on the Chamber board? atmosphere around the Public Square I hope to have a clearer understanding of during some of our festivals as well as the goals of this community and to meet some type of reasonably priced transporand work with other business leaders in tation system available to tourists who the area to bring new ideas to the table to come here to enjoy our farm wineries. achieve those goals.

Which organizations or groups have been most helpful to you as a business owner?

You are so active in this community, tell us about all the areas that you have been The Chamber itself and the Leadership involved in?

Lumpkin program.

I am the President of the Dahlonega Ro- Tell us a little about your family. tary Club (the one that meets at noon), the treasurer of B&B Inns of Dahlonega, I have been married for almost 25 years Inc., and the creator of the Harry Potter to the fabulous Sharon and have three Scavenger Hunt for the Dahlonega Liter- step-children ranging in age from 37 to 40 years old (who have been “mine” since ary Festival. they were 15, 14 and 12); two are married What are some of the biggest challenges with 2 children each – one is still looking! facing businesses today? What advice would you give them?

In a weak economy, one has to watch expenses and focus on Has a new owner and a brand new our proximity to Atcommittment to serve you! lanta. The real estate businesses appear to Come experience be doing well since "Team Dahlonega" Customer service. retiring persons are starting to discover Located in the our charming comGreenbriar Shopping Center munity. Tourism and merchants (with the

of Dahlonega

406 East Main Street, Suite E Dahlonega, GA 30533 The Chamber | Page 6

706-867-9000

J.B. Jones Roast: An Evening To Remember It goes without saying that Roasting and Toasting one of the most respected citizens and politicians in Lumpkin County could not have been more fun. The Roast and Toast of J. B. Jones, sole Commissioner of Lumpkin County for over 24 years drew 300 of his family, relatives, friends and citizens from throughout the State of Georgia.

Mayor Gary McCullough lead us in prayer and the Jr. ROTC from Lumpkin County High School presented the colors. Bill O’Leksy kicked off the evening with a very humorous Power Point presentation featuring J. B.’s head on many famous and not so famous figures.

Dr. Max Burns, Dean of the Mike Cottrell School of Business at North Georgia State College and University did a masterful job of controlling the panel of roasters. As a former Congressman he knew just how to keep the program moving.

Our first roaster was Former Dahlonega Mayor Haines Hill followed by Ross King the Deputy Director of Association of County Commissioners. Not to be outdone, Former Congressman Edgar Jenkins had many stories of J. B. and him working together to obtain $1.2 million to help construct Porter Village, a housing development for members of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion and their families. Former Governor Roy Barnes called J. B. one of the most effective County Commissioners in the State and talked about the time he road with J. B. in “Old Brownie” a 1974 Chevy Caprice that served as Jones official county vehicle.

He related a story about he and J. B. coasting down the mountain from Neel’s Gap after the car lost most of its transmission fluid. Local resident, Sunrise Rotarian and former State Senator Guy Middleton helped Haines Hill arrange for all the roasters. However, he insisted he must be part of the panel as he and J. B. travel the county and State in “Old Brownie” and composed an “Ode to Old Brownie” for the occasion.

“In the beginning, I’m sure that she was shiny and bright, but by the time I knew

(Above) L to R, Former Dahlonega Mayor Haines Hill, Ross King Deputy Director of Association of County Governments, Former Congressman Edgar Jenkins, Former State Senator Guy Middletion, Former Governor of Georgia and U. S. Senator Zell Miller, and J. B. Jones.

her she was covered in crud. And if you think about it, she had every right. For most of her roads were covered in mud…

“Could Old Brownie have been a political tool? And would you think his contemporaries that easy to fool? Was conservation of taxpayer money at hand? Or did J. B. with Old Brownie have an even greater plan?”

Bringing up the rear was the outstanding was non-other than Former U. S. Senator and former Governor of the State of Georgia, Zell Miller. He said he used to call Jones J. B. Grant Jones. He laughed as he said they used to look forward to J. B. coming down to the Capital because he used to tell the most convoluted stories that would make them laugh and cry. Governor Miller said “It was easier to just give him what he wanted than to have him keep coming back over and over again.”

J. B. Jones had the last word of the evening and could have had his own roast of each of the roasters. However, he talked mostly about the good things he was able to accomplish for Lumpkin County through this distinguished panel of roasters.

The Roast of J. B. Jones LUMPKIN COUNTY REAL ESTATE REPORT was a fundraiser for the Sunrise Rotary Club 373 Active Single Family Homes in April 08 and the Chamber’s, Dahlonega-Lumpkin 12 Foreclosures Available County Community 27 Residential Homes Closed in March 08 Foundation which will *Statistics taken from First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) use the proceeds to and subject to change daily. fund the fireworks at Call for current market analysis or investment opportunities the 4th of July Celebration.

Alan Grizzle Life-long resident of Lumpkin County We extend our gratiCell: (706)344-7096 Bus: (706)864-9200 tude to every Rotarian and Chamber Board alangrizzle@alangrizzle.com The Chamber | Page 7

Member who sold tables and worked so hard on this event at the Cottrell Circle C Ranch. Lynn and Mike Cottrell served as our host and provided their Barn #3 which is really a Convention Center. Aramark did an outstanding job with the buffet BBQ and everyone went home with plenty to eat.

Jim Smulian and Jack Anthony sold enough ads for the printed Journal that included a history of J. B. that we will have raised enough money for both organizations.

Mike Stephens Chestatee Ford 44 Lumpkin County Parkway Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-6504 or (404) 681-1957 Fax (706) 864-8444 Email: Mick1341@yahoo.com

Cell: (706) 265-9537

www.chestateeford.com BLUE OVAL CERTIFIED

Attention: Small Business Owners Take a positive step for your business.

Come join us!

CALL THE CHAMBER AT

(706) 864-3711 For more information on the Ambassador Program Or contact:

Donna Logan 2008 Ambassador Chair (706) 864-3721

Welcome New Members APRIL 2008 - MAY 2008

Applacachian Watergarden Appalachian Chamber Orchestra of the North Georgia Chamber Symphony, Inc. Birchwood Lake Estate Blue Moon Gifts Blue Moon Screen Printing Brad Walker Pottery Cat's Paw Cabin Chestatee Consulting, Inc. D. Lamar Allen Construction Inc. Dahlonega Square Villa Dermatology Associates of NE Ga Evangelin Graphics EZE Benefits Services, Inc. Forestar Real Estate Group Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church Hands From The Heart Jeffrey Franks Photography Kenneth H. Kurtz Kryder Gallery Lori Runyon/Keller Williams Realty Legacy Group Massachusetts Bay Trading Co. Poly Portables, Inc. Processing Solutions Rick's Riverhouse, The Shaw's Septic & Plumbing Services Sign Age Tax Help Doctor, LLC The Joy of Connecting / Dahlonega Wachovia Wholesome Earth

Do You Want to Raise the Visibility of Your Business?

I challenge you to get involved with the Chamber Ambassador Program. Learn what your community has to offer. You might learn something that will help your business become more visible or you might find a new source for something needed to get your business growing.

Small-business owners don’t get involved in the community with the expectation of getting something back. However, the return on their efforts can be documented in tangible ways – new customers – publicity – expansion of the network of people who can help you build your business.

The following people have made the decision to highlight their businesses by serving on the Chamber Ambassador Program:

Dobbin Buck - 400 Edition Marshall Crow - Royal Flush Drains & Plumbing Kelly Finocchio – BB& T Bank Evan Fleetwood – Fleetwood Security Marilou Kinney – Travel Planning, Inc. Bill Lawson – Bleu Art Gallery Donna Logan – Adams Insurance Trina Pellegrino - Mountain Top Massage Lynn Pfeiffer - Oasis of Life Sharon Ravert – Animals@Home, Inc. Joanna Stern - Papa John’s Pizza= Penny Sharp – Sage Credit/Checking Services Bonnie Small – The Lily Garden Ivy Spraker – Ivy’s Gifts From the Vine Dr. Keith Tyre – Watts Chiropractic Services Dana ield – Oasis of Life Michael Woody – United Community Bank

Welcome Back Previous Members Caruso’s Italian Restaurant Dante’s on the Square The Chamber | Page 8

Member Renewals APRIL 1st Franklin Financial Corporation Alan Grizzle - EXIT Four Seasons Realty Black Magic Carriage Branson & Associates, CPA Cavender Creek Cabins Chambers Plumbing Company Dahlonega Gold Museum Dahlonega Lion’s Club Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club Daniel Bowers Emerald Electric, Inc Fragments Frank A. Kruse, III, DDS GA DOL - Vocational Rehabilitation Program The Humble Candle J & M Mountain Cabin Rentals Jayne Hanlon Realty, LLC John Quinn Architectural Design, Inc. Law Offices of George E. Butler, II North Georgia Wealth Management Group Norton Agency - Kathryn & Dale Farmer Team Oak Grove Stor-All, LLC Oasis of Life Paddy’s Taxi Paradise Valley Resort PensPencilsMugs.com Pet Goods Manufacturing & Imports Prudential GA Realty - Jim W. Brown Pueblos Mexican Cuisine Riverwalk Cabins Sunny Farms North Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery Twinkle’s Retro Cafe & Catering United Way for Lumpkin County Valley View Medical Center Vintage Music Vulcan Materials Company Walls To Walls Art Gallery & Custom Framing

4th of July Celebration in Dahlonega!

Don’t miss this wonderful family event in Downtown Dahlonega Friday, July 4, 2008 as our Dahlonega residents will be showing their patriotic spirit and having a good time in the process!

The morning of July 4th will kick off with the annual Pet Show in Hancock Park at 8:30am. A Patriotic Ceremony will follow on the west lawn of the Gold Museum at 10:00am.

You will enjoy live music around the square and the Appalachian Jam from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The “First Friday Night” concert Series will be held on the Connor House lawn. A lively and yummy Cake Walk will be held at the Park Place Hotel.

Local Non-Profit organizations will be set up on North Park Street to share what they do for our community and how other people can get involved in community service.

At 12:30pm there will be an Independence Day Parade in Downtown Dahlonega!

Don’t miss the creative displays of patriotic spirit in this festive and fun parade!

At 2:00pm the Boy Scout’s will entertain families with a watermelon cutting.

The day will conclude with a spectacular display of fireworks by Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc. at 9:15pm to 9:30pm. There will be a wide variety of pyrotechnics to entertain the spectators of Dahlonega throughout the show.

This enormous display will be delivered from the NGCSU campus, And can be viewed from downtown Dahlonega, the NGCSU Drill Field and many other areas surrounding the NGCSU campus!

Thank you to the 4th of July Celebration Committee for their hard work on this event!

For more information contact the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce at 706-864-3711.

For more information on or to participate in the parade, contact Tom Crowell at 706-864-0410 or email Amy Booker at amy@dahlonega.org.

Woodrow Parks Celebrates His 95th Birthday!

The Celebration of Woodrow Parks’ 95th Birthday was held in front of the Gold Museum. The Celebration was organized by Angelia Wilson of the Dhalonega Tasting Room and President of the Merchants Association and member of the Chamber Board of Directors.

Save the Dates

June 7 - 8 Georgia Wine Country Festival at Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery June 17 Economic Development, 8:00 am June 17 - 18 Women in Lumpkin Leadership Breakfast at Stewart Center for Continuing Education, 8:00 am June 19 Mountain Flower Art Festival June 20 - 21 Mountain Top Rodeo at R-Ranch in the Mountains June 25 Ambassadors Meeting, 12:00 pm July 1

(Below Left) Tony Owens and his mother speaking with Mr. Parks

(Below Right) Mr. Parks with District 2 County Commissioner Deborah Hutcheson Congratulating Mr. Woodrow Parks on his 95th Birthday.

Business After Hours at Rick’s, 5:30-7:30 pm July 4 Dahlonega 4th of July Celebration July 15 Economic Development, 8:00 am July 16 Women in Lumpkin Leadership Breakfast at Stewart Center for Continuing Education, 8:00 am July 17 Board Meeting, 12:00 pm July 30 Ambassadors Meeting, 12:00 pm

The Chamber | Page 9

Health Perspective : Lumpkin County, the healthiest county in Georgia!

Dr. Todd Holubitsky poses this question to the community, “Is it possible for this to really come into fruition?”

Dr. Holubitsky has practiced Chiropractic in Dahlonega for the past 20 years. He has provided care to numerous individuals over the years including professional cycling teams such as Jittery Joes, The Discovery Team (featured in the Tour de France), Team BMC and the U.S. Women’s Cycling Team in both Italy and Spain. He currently is training to compete in his first Ford Ironman triathlon this coming November in Florida. Dr. Holubitsky offers valuable insight into taking charge of your health destiny.

The buzz word these days seems to be “anti-aging” or for the lack of a better term, “age management”, which addresses the strains of aging with sound advice on nutrition, weight loss, exercise, spirituality, spinal bio-mechanics, proper amount of sleep and even pharmacological means such as bio-identical hormone replacement.

Dahlonega and North Georgia truly are a gold-mine with vast resources of not only educated individuals who may lend advice and give direction on health issues but an incredible playground of parks, lakes, white water rivers and streams, swimming pools, bike paths, bike shops, roadways to ride and of course hiking trails with the A.T. All the tools for proper age management are here in our midst. People often look outside of our county boundaries for consumer goods or services and right here under our nose for example, are a team of

world-class health care providers and fitness facilities from Naturopaths, Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, Counselors, Exercise Specialists, Fitness Gyms and rehab facilities. There should be no excuses for failing to get direction with your health concerns.

Where does one first start in this great endeavor? Commitment and compliance are important. Find an exercise that excites you and stick to it. The new American dietary guidelines suggest 30-90 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a day. It may be fine to start out light but one really needs to get the lead out (with a health care providers approval) and really put forth some effort!

Time-crunched people aged 30-45, parents of young children and those working greater than 40 hrs/week may find this difficult, however, getting up earlier each day will be worth the effort in the long run. Divide up your exercise, even into 1530 min. segments.

You can do it! America may be one of the richest and strongest countries in the world, however, we are definitely way down on the list in regards to total overall health. We can do so much better by simply taking charge of our health, and com-

mit to something. Motivation is a huge factor in becoming committed to getting healthier. Having a noticeable lack of energy, loss of memory, depressed feelings and poor sleep should be enough TO GET THE BALL ROLLING! Your health care provider can then suggest other ways to improve your health once you begin your exercise regime.

In conclusion, our overall goal should be that when the race is over, wouldn’t we all prefer to go out like a light bulb rather than fade like a candle? The world always makes way for the dreamer. Our dream at Dahlonega Chiropractic and Life Center would be to see a billboard on GA Hwy 400, leading into Lumpkin County, touting us as “Georgia’s Healthiest County”!

Business After Hours: Forrest Hills Mountain Resort Celebrates 30th Anniversary (Left) Chair Elect, Eddie Wayne, President of Appalachian Community Bank of Dahlonega presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Conference Center. L to R, Eddie Wayne, Joanna Kraft, David Kraft, Michele KraftDeBlois, Denise Kraft-Robertson, Keith Robertson and Brandon Kraft, Michele’s son with their mother, Darlene.

(Right) Eddie Wayne presents Michael Woody, VP of Real Estate for United Community Bank of Dahlonega the winnings from the Gold Pan entrance fee.

[Photos by Dennison Photography]

On May 6th Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Conference Center hosted our Business After Hours Mixer in the Rose Garden Dining Room. They went beyond what is normally provided for the BAH’s and served a full course meal which is the one

they serve for the Sunday Southern Style Lunch Buffet. Chamber members were on hand to help celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Forrest Hills and the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting of Anidawehi Plantation Wellness Center.

The Chamber | Page 10

Appalachian Community Bank of Lumpkin County Ground Breaking On May 22nd the Appalachian Community Bank of Lumpkin County held a ground breaking ceremony at their new location at Morrison Moore Highway and Mechanicsville Road. Eddie Wayne, President of the local Bank serves as the Chair Elect of the Chamber of Commerce and was delighted with the turn out. He anticipates they will begin building on July 1, 2008 and finish construction by year end.

Pictured (right) in the ground breaking from left to right, Bryson Wilkins, Wayne Grindle, Eddie Wayne, Gayle Jones, Bill LaCount, Mark Morrow, Charlie Edmondson, Kenneth Warren, Jeff Armstrong, Greg Gordon, Ronald Knight, Bobbie Jo Lea, Tracy Newton, Ashley Lee, Teresa Boulware, and Sondra Champe.

LCHS Celebrates Senior Accomplishments At a evening ceremony on May 20, Lumpkin County High School seniors gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate their accomplishments and to be recognized by the community. Out of a senior class totaling 205 students, 110 students were recognized at Senior Honors Night. The

awards given to the students ranged from academic, department, and extracurricular awards to local, military, and college scholarships. Over $90,000 in local money was awarded in scholarships, and over $120,000 was awarded in military scholarships. A total amount of over $600,000

was awarded to Lumpkin County High School seniors, an amazing amount for the size of the school. This just goes to show what outstanding students attend Lumpkin County High School

The Joy of Connecting An Exciting Networking Opportunity for Women Who Are Serious About Growing their Business

Thursday evening, June 12, 2008 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm The Joy of Connecting is a relaxed dinner/networking gathering for women business owners, entrepreneurs, other professionals that are interested in strengthening and growing their business.

Reservations and pre-payment required to secure your spot:

Call 770-861-8885

A gated Active Adult 55+ Community Luxury Condominium Flats From $274,900 706-864-6698

Great Mountain Views Spacious Clubhouse Swimming Pool Hiking Trails

for questions and information

This monthly experience is open to anyone interested in building relationships, expanding her business and having fun! Invite friends to come, AND remember to bring business cards/brochures.

www.TheJoyofConnecting.com www.SummitofDahlonega.com The Chamber | Page 11

Spotlight on Business: Welcome to “Willy Wonka” world!

Actually, it’s welcome to Paul Thomas Chocolates!

Owned and operated by showman, err, proprietor Paul Thomas Hoffman. Located less than a block from the historic square, at 39 South Chestatee Street, Paul Thomas Chocolates is the newest member of Dahlonega’s downtown business community. In these cozy confines, Paul, wife, Lori, and staff, Pia and Martin, are whipping up some serious fine chocolate treats for all to enjoy. Paul Thomas Chocolates is not just a candy store; it is an experience in fun and opportunity to understand the complexity of chocolate and what it takes to make it.

A Chocolatier by trade, Paul is an expert in the art of making fine chocolates. His interest in food and cooking stems from working as a youngster in the kitchen of his Godfather’s Italian restaurant. By the time Paul graduated from high school, he was a full blown chef. The Hoffman tradition of making fine chocolates began in 1975 in Lake Worth, Florida. Paul received a call from a friend willing to loan him $1,400 to buy the tiny candy shop in foreclosure. At the time, Paul did not know much about making chocolate, but with a background in the restaurant business and a lot of faith and little fear, he set out to make chocolate. That first Christmas, Hoffman ran out of candy and realized this would be more than a part time job that he had imagined. He enrolled in a candy school in Pennsylvania, added a kitchen to the back of that 800 sq. ft. store, cooking chocolate in an antique- looking stove (the same stove can be seen in his store today!), started assembling a library of recipes, and got busy being successful.

The small chocolate shop that Hoffman owned in Florida morphed into a huge retail business over the years, with ultimately seven retail shops in South Florida and a 15,000 sq. ft. store, sitting on 2 ½ acres of land in Greenacres City, Florida. Paul sold

(Above) Owner Paul Hoffman and his wife, Lori in their store, Paul Thomas Chocolates

10,700 pounds of chocolate at $16.95 a pound in the two weeks before Christmas is 1995! He sold the business eight years ago, deciding the North Georgia Mountains is where he wanted to be.

Paul is thrilled to have a storefront on the historic Dahlonega square. On display, front and center in this unique candy store, is a beautiful stained glass window for all to enjoy. This stained glass window has brought Paul T. Hoffman full circle as he continues the tradition of making fine chocolate in Dahlonega. The window is one of two that was made for Paul by a friend, who is no longer living, for his famous store in Greenacres. Upon moving to Dahlonega, Paul and Lori proudly displayed one window in their new home.

The other window sat in their garage, waiting patiently for the day that Paul could no longer resist his passion for making chocolate and would once again hang where it was destined to be….just like Paul….in a wonderful chocolate shop.

A vast array of products are produced in the store including a variety of handdipped truffles such as French, coffee, royal raspberry, Swiss, coconut, Irish cream, orange brandy, and Bavarian mint.

In addition there is light and dark chocolate bark, heavily chunked with almonds, cashews, and pecans, as well as twice covered pretzels, pineapple, and ginger and so on, and so on, and so on.

The Chamber | Page12

All history and credentials aside, the notable success achieved over the years is wholly attributable to Paul’s passion for fine chocolate making and for sharing this passion through creating a uniquely satisfying experience for the customer, an experience which opens all of one’s senses upon entering the door to this inviting new establishment. The aroma of a warming mixture of cocoa based chocolate and fresh sweet cream; the sight of the waterfall of warm smooth chocolate cascading down on various fruits and nuts and the truffles being hand-dipped in large vats of rich dark chocolate; the sound of friendly banter between the staff and customers as people are drawn into the fun of viewing the conveyor assembly, jokingly referred to as the “Lucy Machine” based on the classic episode from the “I Love Lucy” television show.

The smells, sight, sound and feel is only surpassed by the delicious taste of the various product samples so generously offered by Paul and Lori. Hoffman uses ingredients from all over the country and world for his delicacies. As Paul likes to say, “It’s really wonderful when people start to understand the complexity of making chocolate”. One thing is for sure, when you walk out of the shop you are smiling, knowing that Dahlonega is truly a “sweeter” place with Paul Thomas Chocolates here!

Newsletter

Spring 2008

Healing Arts and Day Spa

Expansive Changes at Littlefield Cottage!

Dahlonega’s premier healing arts center & day spa has expanded and remodeled to bring you a serene, elegantly appointed turn of the century day spa, featuring six, relaxing spa therapy rooms in the Historic Stanton Storehouse next door to Littlefield Cottage Healing Arts.

At Littlefield Cottage Healing Arts and Day Spa we are excited to announce that over the last twelve months, we have expanded our integrated team of healing arts professionals and combined our talents in offering you the very best in natural health care and overall health maintenance. Our services include: Acupuncture, BioEnergetic Health Assessment, Chiropractic, Cymatherapy, Holistic Facial and Body Skin Care, Nutritional Counseling, Therapeutic Massage and Reflexology. We are dedicated to assisting you along a path to greater health and well-being.

We invite you to share in the rich, holistic traditions of the ancient healing arts, enhanced by select modern methods and personal service, in a calming, elegant atmosphere, (just off the square) in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, Georgia.

We encourage you to visit our website at www.littlefieldcottage.com and enter your current email address for all future newsletter emailings.

Thank you for assisting us in our ongoing commitment to provide a sustainable, earth friendly spa.

78 North Meaders Street, Dahlonega, Ga 30533

706-867-9229

The Chamber | Page 13

www.littlefieldcottage.com

Ribbon Cuttings Appalachian Chamber Orchestra The Appalachian Chamber Orchestra is the Hayes School of Music’s Student/Faculty ensemble. Modeled on a professional system of four to five blocked rehearsals, the ACO provides students with intensive ensemble experience. Faculty members hold the principal posts and model for the students the responsibilities expected of these positions.

(Right) The Appalachian Chamber Orchestra (Front row, left to right) Amy Harris, Jean Craig (with scissors), Betty Florence, Lindsey Nelms (Second row, seated Jessica Craig; (Back Row) Jenny Zimler, Bob Christmas, Rebecca Chattin, Laurin Smith, Joshua Craig (with cello), Kathryn Turenne, Jan Chester, John Edwards, and Jennifer Wallace seated on stool.

Anidawehi Plantation Wellness Center at Forest Hills Resort

from the Native American belief that individuals have the power within themselves to self-heal.

“Our mission is to help our clients discover how to achieve optimal wellness naturally -- and to sustain it over their lifetime,” says Denise Roberson, MBA, Anidawehi Plantation director, and a 30-year veteran of the resort-hospitality industry.

The center will offer five programs in internal cleansing, healthy eating, weight management, age defiance and psychological well-being. Programs include a two-week natural cleansing and lifestyle-coaching program beginning May 4, 2008, as well as three- and four-day wellness center packages.

(Above) Anidawehi Plantation Wellness Center - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Forrest Hills Resort & Conference Center, one of the country’s top 100 privatelyowned resorts, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by opening Georgia’s first holistic healing spa focused on sustainability: Anidawehi Plantation Wellness Center.

Set within 140 acres of wilderness near Dahlonega, Ga., north of Atlanta, the independent wellness center focuses on holistic healing through several unique programs that incorporate balanced nutrition through raw living foods, and encourage sustainability through follow-up with guests. The name, Anidawehi, is inspired

The Chamber | Page 14

Five programs are offered in internal cleansing, healthy eating, weight management, age defiance and psychological well-being. Integrated into these programs are life-coaching, spa therapy and yoga classes. Guests also have full access to Forrest Hills’ amenities, such as horseback riding, a three-mile jogging/biking trail, and hiking. For more information, visit www.anidawehi.com or call (706) 864-3818.

19th Annual Mountain Top Rodeo June 20th & 21st 2008 Located at beautiful R-Ranch in the North Georgia Mountain Gates open at 6pm Nightly and events will begin at 8pm.

Events will include: Team Roping, Bronc Riding (saddle & bareback), Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding. We will also sponsor a calf scramble for the little cowboys & cowgirls.

Georgia 105 will be broadcasting live from the Rodeo on Friday night. There will also be a meet & greet on Friday from 11am 1pm at Family Dodge in Cleveland.

We will be featuring our very own Jr. Wrangler Equestrian Drill Team. Our Midway will be filled again with vendors with everything from funnel cakes, boiled peanuts and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs to bungee jumping, a rock wall, and a mechanical bull.

New for this year, we are opening all events to all cowboys and cowgirls. You will not be required to have your PRCA membership in order to compete.

For Registration, please call:

706-857-5149. **A Current and Negative Coggins will be required for ALL horses coming in the gate** For information or directions please visit our website at:

www.rranchga.com You may also contact us by phone at:

706-864-6444. or by e-mailing Mindy at:

rodeo@rranchga.com.

We’re here and ready for your business!

We invite you to stop in and visit with us.

We are proud to serve Dahlonega and look forward to serving all of your banking needs.

DAHLONEGA OFFICE 24 Alicia Lane, Suite 4 706-867-1400

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The Chamber | Page 15

Dahlonega - Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

FIRST CLASS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 30 DAWSONVILLE GA

Site of the First US Gold Rush.

13 South Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Tel: 706-864-3711 Toll Free: (800) 231-5543 www.dahlonega.org