The Chamber Newsletter Nov-Dec 2008

Dahlonega - Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

Read More | Page 13

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

2008 | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER

SAVE THE DATES:

INSIDE:

December 2 Business After Hours

Page 5

Come join us at the Oar House located on Hwy 52 East. Enjoy networking, food, and drinks. Don't forget to bring $1 for the cash prize drawing! And remember door prizes are always a great way to showcase your business!

Page 6

Ambassador Spotlight: Ive Spraker County Water & Sewage Authority Prepare for Future Growth

Page 7 Spotlight on Business: Art of Stone Increasing Livability & Value of Your Home

December 6 Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas Parade

Page 8 DLCCC Honored for 50-Year STAR Membership

The festivities are set into motion on Friday, November 28, 2008 with the Lighting of the Square. A real hometown parade officially bringing Santa to town occurs on Saturday, December 6th.

Plenty of other festive holiday events continue almost daily throughout December with caroling, entertainment, wine sampling, and live theater Christmas events.

Page 9 Your Membership Matters!

Page 10 First Annual ‘North Georgia Celebrates Photography’ Festival a Success!

Page 11 Gold Rush - Dahlonega Jaycees make a difference in Lumpkin County with proceeds raised though Gold Rush!

March 27-29, 2009 Dahlonega Celtic Music Festival

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Festival goers will be entertained with concerts, Celtic-themed workshops, bagpipers, and storytellers. In addition, Celtic arts and craft vendors will set up throughout downtown Dahlonega and around the historic town square.

Six Gap Century / Three Gap Fifty attracted 2,300 cyclists from 35 different states and from as far away as Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany.

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For information, visit: www.dahlonegacelticmusicfestival.com

Hospitality Highway Ribbon Cuttings

www.dahlonega.org

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 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 Miriam Austin, RefigiWear Paul Carmody, Mountain Top Lodge Joshua Saint, Hiker Hostel Jason LeBlanc, Achasta Sharon Paul, Three Sisters Vineyards & WInery 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, Membership & Marketing Director Mary Ann Knight, Visitors Center Manager Stefani Logsdon, VP Operations Amy Laseter, Administrative Assistant

As I See It AS I SEE IT, YES WE CAN! The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama swept to victory as the nation’s first black president Tuesday night in an Electoral College landslide that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. “Change has come,” he told a jubilant hometown Chicago crowd.

The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his historic triumph by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states — Ohio, Florida, Iowa and more. He captured Virginia and Indiana, too, the first candidate of his party in 44 years to win either.

At the end of his acceptance speech he used the expression, “Yes We Can!” and I personally feel that is something we must all adopt. I am an eternal optimist and have always felt as an American that we can overcome. Our Country has seen many signs of ups and downs and we always prevail.

When we take this down to the local level of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County we all need to put aside our political differences and get behind our local leaders at the City, County, and School District level and say, “Yes We Can!” We can make this the best place in Georgia to live, work, visit and do business. That is our Mission Statement of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Yes We Can build a strong local economy and by continuing to support tourism drive more dollars into our local economy.

I call on Mayor Gary McCullough to continue to work with our City Council to support our businesses and help them survive this downturn in our economy. Help businesses succeed by

Gary Powers, President and CEO

making it easy to open a new business, identify their business with good signage, and assist them wherever possible. I call on the City Council to work with the County and helping them with similar 10 Year Community Development Plan. I say, “Yes We Can!” I call on newly elected Commissioner Chair John Raber to bring the County Commissioners together and help us develop a sound development plan for Hwy 60 and Hwy 400 corridor to harness the growth and help us attract boutique hotels and quality restaurants. I call on the Commissioners to work with the City to help improve Lumpkin County and make it what we have been identified as, an Entrepreneurial Friendly Community. And I say, “Yes We Can!”

Chamber Helps Members with Signage Signage is perhaps one of the most important marketing tools a business can have and if they don’t have signage people are not going to know where they are or how to get to them. In the last several months the Chamber has helped in three specific situations that has helped businesses.

First we supported at the City Council Meeting the new type of Halo sign for the Yahoola Creek Grill on South Chestatee called River Junction Plaza. It looks great at night coming up the hill toward Dahlonega. The second was the Lifetime Bikes Dahlonega which has moved its location from the Wal-Mart Shopping Center to 40 North Grove just off the Square. It was great timing as it was up just prior to Six Gap.

(Above) Paul and Brian Hanson installing the new directional signs.

Then comes the new County Directional Signs. After almost five years of struggling with the directional signs in the County the Chamber stepped in and has a Memorandum of Understanding with Lumpkin County to manage the sign program.

These three dedicated volunteers are doing their best to help businesses select the best location for their signs and place an order. In the picture we have Paul Hanson and his son Brian installing a sign for Long Mountain Lodge. Thanks Paul and Brian for taking on this arduous task.

We now have signs in 19 locations and several more in the works. Our Sign Committee is made up of Don Bacek, Paul Hanson and Dennis Hoover.

If your business is interested in participating, then please come by the Chamber and pick up an application and the signage rules.

The Chamber | Page 2

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 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 “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?” Almost seven years ago, I had the opportunity to come to Dahlonega to work. This community welcomed me with open arms. Shortly there after, I had the opportunity to become an ambassador with the Chamber. This was a good opportunity for me to get to know the people and represent the bank I worked for at the time. At the time, I knew very little about our community other than what I saw on my annual Gold Rush visit.

In a couple of months, my reign as chair will be over, some of you may be glad. Serving on the Chamber board for the past 5 years, give or take a few months, has been a rewarding experience.

I have learned that we have so much more than gold to be proud of. Don’t get me wrong, we should be proud of being the site of the first U.S. Gold Rush… not California. Sorry Gary. We have so many beautiful natural resources and our agribusiness is evolving and expanding every year. Who else can boast of being one of the top 10 places in the U.S. to retire to, besides the other 9 chosen? We are one of the premier cycling venues in the southeast. Who would have thought our visitors center would be the 2nd busiest in the state?!

I have also learned that the greatest asset we have is our people. Regardless of what you do or where you live, you are part of what makes us so special. We are a caring community. We are a community that when something tragic happens to one, we pool our resources to help. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen merchants give small odd jobs, food and temporary shelter to total strangers.

I have enjoyed my term on the Chamber board and I hope that I have left a little something positive there for future chairs to build on. I am, by no means, hanging up my hat and retiring back to my little office just off the square. I am excited about the crossroads we are at with the chamber and our community. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my involvement with chamber activities, but also to expand out into other areas of service in our community.

Jennifer Herring Chairman of the Board

that every aspect of our community has a voice in the questions, “Where do we go from here?” and “How are we going to get there?”

Your Chamber President, Gary Powers, was hand picked because of his experience in chamber work. He has what it takes to move us forward.

He and his wife Sharon made a huge commitment to our community when they picked up and moved here from California.

Nothing that is worthwhile is ever easy, but I truly believe if we all continue to work together and have honest, open communication, we will get where we want to be.

I thank each and every one of you for your support both in the chamber and personally. I am blessed with my success because of you. My commitment remains the same as I continue my role as City Executive of the Dahlonega BB&T: To continue to do what I can to make Dahlonega and Lumpkin County a great place to live, work, do business and visit.

The Chamber board expansion that took place this year is going to be a strong force for all of our members. The diversity of the board ensures

Bronze Georgia Power Company Habersham EMC North Georgia College & State University

Jennifer L. Herring, Business Services Officer Dahlonega, GA 706-864-3314 jherring@bbandt.com

Regions Bank 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

Our doctors. Your neighbors.

Dr. Benjamin Allen General Surgeon (706)864-5934

Dr. Alan Binkley Orthopaedics (706)864-7904

Dr. Patrick Conarro General Surgeon (706)864-6196

Dr. David Conaway Orthopaedic Surgeon (706)867-5934

Dr. Stephanie Corn Pediatrics (706)864-6700

Dr. John Fox Oral & Maxillofacial (706)265-1700

Dr. Amber French OB/GYN (706)864-3400

Dr. Ramzi Ghosn Family Practice (706)265-8439

Dr. David Hochschild Orthopaedics (706)864-7904

Dr. Leana Karnstedt Internal Medicine (706)864-4012

Dr. Lawrence Kulish Family Practice (706)216-6446

Dr. Kim Kurtz Family Practice (706)867-6005

Dr. Armando Moncada Pathology (706)867-0030

Dr. Michael Mulberry Family Practice (706)265-8439

Dr. Paul Paraliticci Radiology (706)867-4142

Dr. Al Parker Family Practice (706)867-6505

Dr. David Pitts Allergy / E.N.T. (706)867-0145

Dr. Brandon Reynolds OB/GYN (706)864-3400

Dr. Brian Rowen Orthopaedic Surgeon (706)867-5934

Dr. Jeff Schermerhorn Anesthesiology (706)867-4116

Dr. Richard Wherry Family Practice (706)864-4012

Dr. Donna Whitfield Internal Medicine (706)864-1580

As a regional community hospital, we work with local doctors who are committed to our community. Some are specialists, some general practitioners, but at the hospital they work as part of our team looking out for you and for your family’s health. We support our local doctors, and they support our community.

www.chestateeregional.com Dr. Dean Sockwell Anesthesiology 867-4116

(706)864-6136 Toll-Free (888)782-9933 The Chamber | Page 4

Ambassador Spotlight: Ivy Spraker Where are you from and where do you live today?

I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. I completed two degrees at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. I moved here from Durham, NC where my husband completed post-doctoral research at Duke University.

How did you become involved with the Chamber as a Chamber Ambassador?

I joined the ambassador program in 1999 when the program was started again. There had not been ambassadors for a few years until Former Chamber President, Cindy Bailey, and her team revitalized the program.

What is your role as an Ambassador?

Currently I am serving as the Vice-Chair of the Ambassadors. My job is to facilitate the meetings when the Chair is not able to attend the meeting.

I also write articles and scripts for the chamber. In addition, I volunteer at meetings and events as needed. I really enjoy helping new members get to know other members at the monthly networking meetings.

Ambassadors serve as the liaisons between the Chamber Board of Directors and the Chamber Membership. We like to help the new members become acquainted with the existing members and help new members feel comfortable at Chamber meetings and events.

What do you enjoy about being a Chamber Ambassador?

I enjoy meeting people and helping them develop business relationships with other members.

I like the challenge of linking new members with other members that are relevant to their profession. As an added bonus, I benefit from meeting the new people, not only by making some great friends, but also gaining some new customers along the way...

What is your background that led you to your career today?

I have worked in many different areas. I financed my college degrees by being dental office manager for my father until I started college. In college, while I earned my B.A. in Telecommunications at Indiana University, I worked as a radio host for an AM/FM radio station in Indianapolis. I also was fortunate to be able to host and produce a public affairs program for WISH-TV8, the CBS station in Indianapolis. I also had the opportunity to work at WRTV-6, the ABC affiliate in Indianapolis, as a TV reporter, an editor and a videographer. I also completed an internship with the Indiana State Board of Health in the media department, where I was able to make public service announcements and programs about health issues.

It was there that I recognized that I was interested in science and wanted to be a scientific reporter, so I went to work to complete a second degree. I chose the B.S. in Biology and chose the rigorous Pre-Vet route and added “extras” such as Biochemistry and post-graduate research in animal behavior. I was very lucky to have a great advisor who let me write grants and publish scientific papers

in journals such as Nature and Animal Behaviour.

I financed my college years by working as a server/trainer, and then a restaurant manager.

After my I met my husband, Dr. Mark Spraker, we were married while he was in graduate school.

When he finished his PhD. in Nuclear Physics, he took a post-doctoral position at Duke University.

While he worked there for 1.5 years, I found jobs in a large vet hospital, in hospitality at a four-star country club, and a great flower shop.

Working at Flowers in Woodcroft made me realize how I could combine my love for working with people with my Biology training. I also became the gift basket maker for their company.

My husband finished his post-doc and accepted a job as a tenure-track professor in the Physics Department. This was my opportunity to start my own business here in Dahlonega.

practice as a child and a young adult.

How long have you been in business in Dahlonega?

Member, NOA Board of Directors 1999-2007

We moved here for the ‘97-98 school year. After we were settled, I started my gift basket business, Ivy’s Gifts from the Vine in November of 1998.

This month is my 10th anniversary in business here in Dahlonega. My business has grown and changed since then. I now offer upscale floral designs for any occasion, custom gift baskets, balloons, social and wedding stationery, engraved executive gifts, inspirational gifts, calligraphy services, and many other items...My main website is www.ivysgiftsfromthevine.com. Feel free to call me at the shop at (706) 867-7264. I’d be happy to help you find that perfect gift..

What do you love about working in Dahlonega?

I love working and living in this picturesque mountain town, where I can be certain that it is a safe place to raise my children, Benjamin (8) and Piper (4). It is very important to me to be able to develop relationships with my customers, and know the people in my town. I am thankful for the opportunity to create custom gift basket and floral designs that suit the sending customer and the recipient of their gift. It has been an exciting challenge to create my own niche in our community over the years.

Tell us about what makes your business special?

My business is set apart from the others because of our unique customer service: I enjoy taking the extra time to find out what is important to the sender about the products they wish to send. In addition, I learn about what the recipient of a gift in terms of their lifestyle or interests, if applicable, so that my customer’s gift has the maximum impact and is a great fit! This has allowed me to create a substantial group of repeat customers.

What do you see in your businesses future?

I see continued growth, while maintaining personalized customer service. I also look forward to seeing my children becoming more involved with my business as they grow older. I leaned so much when I worked for my father’s dental The Chamber | Page 5

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

Ambassador, DLCCC 1999 to present Member of TLC Humane Society Board of Directors, Secretary and Grant Writer Past President and Secretary of the Georgia Mountains Master Gardeners Past President and Secretary of the Lumpkin Gold Diggers Garden Club Former Treasurer and Church Council Member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Cub Scouts and Park and Recreation Soccer...

What are some of your biggest challenges facing you in business today and / or spending time as a volunteer?

It is a challenge to be a faithful volunteer when you are a business owner and a mother of two young children. It is a learning experience to find the proper balance in terms of the family, business and volunteer commitments. It is important to stand back periodically and evaluate our schedules to make sure that all needs are met.

As for business challenges, predicting staffing and perishable product needs, such as flowers is always an ongoing challenge.

What are some things you would like to see happen in Dahlonega?

I would like to see continued, careful growth of our town, without losing the small-town friendliness and the historic preservation of the square and other historic structures. Our beautiful town is blessed with a lovely atmosphere, especially on the square...It is an amazing gem and a rarity that we must protect with continued and reasonable planning and development. I am thankful for the hard work of so many people in our town!

Which organizations or groups have been most helpful to you in business?

All of the groups I have volunteered with have helped me hone my networking, writing and “people” skills. I think we are fortunate to be surrounded by people in our town from whom much can be learned. Thank you Dahlonega!

uite E

County Water & Sewerage Authority: Getting Ready for Future Growth “When the economy turns around,” says Dudley Owens, “we will be ready.”

Like those in private business, the executive director of the Lumpkin County Water & Sewerage Authority has battened down the hatches to weather the economic storm, trimming an already lean budget, deferring some projects. But Owens and his county-appointed board of directors aren’t just waiting it out.

“We’re positioning ourselves for growth,” says Owens. “The economy will turn around—whether in six months, a year or even longer—and development will still come. We’re just seeing a hiccup in that timeline.”

The hiccup follows a growth period that was evident in the organization’s front office, where Heidi Kennedy until recently was inundated with applications for water line taps from ambitious developers and new service for incoming residents and businesses.

Business has slowed considerably for the authority, which operates public water systems in 14 independent service areas in unincorporated Lumpkin County and provides sewer service to the county’s Georgia 400/Highway 60 Gateway Corridor through an agreement with a private wastewater treatment facility. That means more time for planning, maintenance and addressing operational efficiencies.

Case in point: Owens and his board have wanted to do a study mapping and estimating costs of proposed system improvements for years. They recently contracted for the project, and engineers presented the report at their October meeting. It

recommends future line placement—compatible with the county’s Land Use Plan—to spur economic development and job creation, a water storage tank, priorities for $4 million in allocated Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds, and funding sources for future improvements.

The authority will present the report to the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners before the end of the year. Although the strategy surely will see revisions before being implemented, it’s a valuable planning tool to have in place when “the gates open up,” Owens says.

Photo caption: Water & Sewerage Authority executive director Dudley Owens (center) briefs staffers Heidi Kennedy and Scott Bryan on proposed plans for future system expansion. The Authority is focusing on preparing for future growth during the economic downturn.

The slowdown is also allowing the authority to tackle maintenance activities, such as upkeep of the well houses in the subdivisions it serves. One has been completely re-plumbed.

Much-needed carpentry repairs are being made on some. Many are being painted. An out-of-use well house that has become an eyesore soon will be removed.

Fortunately, maintenance has a friend in Scott Bryan, the authority’s new operations manager.

(Bryan happened to get laid off from his 24-year Mohawk job just as former operations manager Randy Price was moving to the City of Dahlonega’s water department.) He had been maintenance supervisor for a time at Mohawk, where his job included operating the plant’s water system.

of Dahlonega Has a new owner and a brand new committment to serve you!

Come experience "Team Dahlonega" Customer service.

Located in the Greenbriar Shopping Center

706-867-9000

As for the fiscal health of the 1,100-customer authority that was financially crippled just two years ago, Owens reports cash flow is stabilized, maintenance and operations accounts are in good shape and loan payments are being made on time. As he sees it, when the economy improves, SPLOST money will begin coming in to finance system expansions and provide matching development grant funds; a plan will be in place, and the authority will be strong. “We will be ready.”

Quality Renovations for 35 Years Ask about solar for existing homes

HLVS omes

Energy Efficient Healthy Homes with Solar Features

www.LVSHomes.com

Larry Stouffer

The UPS Store® Wal-Mart Shopping Center 420 Wal-Mart Way Dahlonega, GA 30533 Ph: (706) 867-7555 • Fax: (706) 867-7556

Let us be YOUR “shipping departmen t”. department”.

An independently owned and operated franchise

The Chamber | Page 6

Tel: 706.864.0790

Volunteer Spotlight: Martha Long My name is Martha Long my husband and I moved up to Dahlonega from Alpharetta 2 1/2 years ago. We moved to get away from the hustle and bustle, My husband still runs the family upholstery business in Alpharetta. Actually, my husband is a native of Alpharetta and I am a native of Duluth. So we both have seen a lot of changes. We bought a beautiful home on lake Lanier or what used to be Lake Lanier.

also volunteer at Paws. If I may I would like to say something about Paws.They can always use wet cat and dog food, and they have so many animals up for adoption. Other than volunteering, I enjoy entertaining,cooking,gardening,and exercising.

Looking forward to meeting you soon. Peace.

Martha Long

I absolutely love volunteering and meeting new people, welcoming them to our lovely town. I

Spotlight on Business: Increase Livability and Value of Your Home with Art of Stone

Brosche also has extensive experience in dealing with erosion and storm-water run-off challenges, as well as unlevel lots.

“There’s a science to managing the lay of the land,” he says. “If you have a challenging area with a steep bank or an erosion control issue, we take a technical approach for a long-term solution oriented.”

Commercial Applications Today’s homeowners continually look for ways to personalize and extend the livability of their homes. One of the latest trends is to enhance additional outdoor living space using hardscapes, water features, fire pits and outdoor kitchens.

Art of Stone, serving all of Northeast Georgia, can turn visions into reality and truly make your home special. Whether you’re interested in installing a new multi-level patio, a retaining wall or updating your home’s exterior, owner Jason Brosche brings his 10-plus years of experience to turn your vision into reality.

Art of Stone works for both individual and commercial clients. The company also subcontracts with landscape firms and builders who need the expertise of a stone mason but don’t have a fulltime person on staff.

“Other companies look to us to provide the expertise to do the job right the first time,” he says.

“They recognize the nuances and attention to detail that stone work requires. It can be tricky and

“One of the most important factors in doing stone masonry is to match the aesthetics and appearance of the area, so that it appears to have been in place all along,” Jason says. “From the very beginning, we talk extensively with our clients about their goals and objectives for the project.

That way, we’re sure to be on the same page and deliver the finished product that they envisioned.”

Art of Stone’s skilled stone masons design and build natural water features, custom patios, retaining walls, steps and pathways, fireplaces and do home face lifts. As a full-service turnkey masonry company, Art of Stone specializes in natural and manufactured stone for both commercial and residential use.

“So many people today are looking for ways to add value to their property inside or outside, and this is a good time to do so,” he says. “We can give your exterior a facelift, bring natural stone to your interior with re-faced fireplaces, create areas of interest in your landscape or build retaining walls.”

The Chamber | Page 7

by having years of experience I can assure that all the steps are handled professionally, from proper preparation through installation and follow-up.

In our business it’s all about service, listening to the customer and bringing the best solutions and

Welcome New Members AUGUST 2008

2008 Renewals August Artistic Printing, Inc. Cabin on Long Mountain Colorwise Dahlonega Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Dahlonega Resale Boutique Dawsonville Pearl Izumi Factory Store Knepper Heating and Air Conditioning Littlefield Cottage Healing Arts & Day Sp Longstreet Clinic Center for Women's Heal The Louver Shop Lumpkin 400 Self Storage Lumpkin Coalition William A. Morley, Jr. Mountain Property Limited Natural Balance Reflexology Gene Oberdorfer Paddy's Taxi Premier Cleaning Services Rider's Hill River Knoll, A Millard Bowen Community Royal Flush Drains and Thrones Sojourn Tours & Limousine Solairgen, Inc. The Grille at Achasta Tranquility Nails & Spa Turk Building & Design, Inc. Tuxedo Wearhouse Video Craft Productions, Inc. Wild WIlly’s RV & Camp Ground

September Amos Amerson Anderson Feed & Supply, Inc. Creative Printing Inc Forrest Hills Mountain Resort Funky Chicken Art Project Johnny B’s Beef-n- Brew Lifetime Bikes Dahlonega Northview Orthopedic and Open MRI The Oar House Paul Thomas Chocolates Glenda Pender Platinum Services Group, LLC Penny Sharp / Sage Payments Timber & Treasures Waters Mill Event Facility

Art of Stone, Inc. Exceptional Realtors Group, Inc. Fireside Log Homes Rivermist Farm The Side Door Turner's Corner Cafe Yahoola Creek Grill SEPTEMBER 2008

Bucks Corn Maze M & R Developments, Inc. North Georgia Cabinetry Premier Mountain Realty RSC Equipment Rental Teton, A PCL Company The Cabin Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

Take a positive step for your business.

Come join us!

Popular Concerts Open New Facility at Hancock Park

(Pictured Above) Jean Cooper, Membership Services 9th District for PAGE, Tom Womack, Director Legal & Legislative, Amy Booker, Amy Laseter, and Mayor Gary McCullough.

The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce was honored recently by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation for serving as the local sponsor of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program in Lumpkin County since the inception of the program 50 years ago.

The STAR program, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, honors Georgia’s highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who were most instrumental in their academic development. The program, which was originally conceived, designed and implemented by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, has enjoyed enormous support from its more than 165 local sponsors statewide, 64 of which have been sponsors since the program began.

In 1995 the PAGE foundation was asked to serve as the state coordinator of the program and host of the annual State PAGE STAR Banquet, during which the State PAGE STAR Student and State PAGE STAR Teacher are announced. The PAGE Foundation along with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education are statewide STAR sponsors.

October Bob & Paula Allen American Cancer Society Appalachian Contracting Baker & Mundy, LLC Barna Log Homes of North Georgia Rodger E. Burnisky Chestatee Animal Hospital LLC Cottrell Circle C Ranch Dahlonega Baptist Church eCorporate Solution Get Noticed Signs & Graphics Gold Rush Gallery Great Southern Publishers Habitat for Humanity - Lumpkin County Hillcrest Orchards Jimmy Booth PR Kangaroo Conservation Center Lily Garden’s Wellness Center and Chapel Streeter Printing & Graphics, Inc.

Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce Honored for 50-Year STAR Sponsorship

Concerts on Oct. 10 and 11 brought crowds to the grand opening of the City of Dahlonega's new events facility at Hancock Park. A dedication ceremony on Oct. 10 featured remarks by Mayor Gary McCullough and performances by the Dahlonega Baptist Church Handbell Choir and the Remember When Band. The October 11 concert featured Fools Gold of Dahlonega. The 2009 First Friday Concert Series will resume in May and will be held at the new building in Hancock Park. The events are produced by the City of Dahlonega's Better Hometown Program and Downtown Development Authority.

The Chamber | Page 8

PAGE Foundation President Tom Wommack commended the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce for its continued support.

“Since the STAR program began 50 years ago, more than 21,000 high school seniors have been honored for their academic achievements and they, in turn, have had the opportunity to choose the teacher they felt had the greatest impact on their academic success. The program begins at the community level, and every accredited high school in the state participates thanks to the loyal and active support of local organizations such as the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for their continued support of a program that honors students for their academic accomplishments and the teachers who inspire the,” Wommack said.

Your Membership Matters Dear Chamber Members, First of all, I would like to say “thank you” to all of our Chamber members who have continued to invest in your businesses future and your community of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County through your Chamber membership. During slower economic times it is natural to begin looking at ways to trim down operating budgets and ride things out.

During these slow times, it is important to stay out in front of potential customers. In the business cycle, our customer base continues to change and evolve. Current customers move away and due to changes in their lifestyle, their buying patterns change. Even in good economic times it is imperative to market your business in order to attract new customers to replace those who have left.

Times will be on the upswing again, even though we hear varying reports on when we can expect to see this improvement. You will want your business to be in front of people when dollars spent rise again. How can the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce help you to do that? In the upcoming issues of the Chamber Newsletter, I will be focusing on various topics that can help answer this question.

First, be sure to utilize the Chamber website, dahlonega.org, on the world wide web!

Did you know that from October 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008 there were 29,861 visits to our website? When these potential customers visited the site, they on average looked at 3.51 pages

Taking the Green Gold may last forever but native Lumpkin Countian Larry Kenimer will take the green every time.

Kenimer is the winner of the Dahlonega/Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce raffle for the winner's choice of $10,000 or a gold Half Eagle coin minted at the Dahlonega Mint between 1839 and 1861. Kenimer, who says he has "never won anything" in his life, chose the green. It was just a fluke, he says, that he even entered the drawing at all. He is a chamber member, and received a reminder from chamber president Gary Powers to purchase tickets just a few days before the drawing. He purchased two tickets on the Internet "just for the heck of it," he says. "As soon as I heard Gary's name when he called Sunday, I knew I'd won." (Staff photo below/SHARON HALL)

Jennifer Herring presents $10,000 prize to Larry Kenimer, winner of the Gold or Green raffle drawing.

Save the Dates and 70.60% of the visitors were new visitors to the site.

You have made the right decision to be a member of the Chamber as you receive two free listings under categories on our website. Next, however, make sure that you are maximizing attracting these visitors to your business.

With your basic Chamber membership, you can log onto your business data in the Chambers software database, Chambermaster.com, with your very own log in information. Here, you will want to be sure to check that your business information is correct and current and that you have filled in the information under “Web Description”.

Make sure that you fill in the “keywords” section, as this will help potential customers locate you as they type in search words on the homepage. For example, if you are a retail business and you sell candles or bath and body products, be sure to type in these keywords: “candles” or “bath products” so that if someone wants to shop for these items when they come to Dahlonega or Lumpkin County, they will know where to find you.

Also, keep in mind that for $50 annually you can set up the expanded internet link. This expanded internet link is a mini-teaser website for potential customers; it is very easy to use, simply type in more details on your business, upload current photographs and enter more keywords. Many times a website designed by a designer is more difficult to make frequent changes, however, with the expanded internet link and your log in information it is simple to type your information into a template and the program creates the page for you.

To obtain your log in information or to set up your expanded internet link, please feel free to email me at any time at amy@dahlonega.org.

Dahlonega B&B’s

November 18 Economic Development, 8:00 am November 19 Women in Lumpkin Leadership Breakfast at Stewart Center for Continuing Education, 8:00 am November 19 Board Meeting, 12:00 pm December 25 Ambassador Meeting, 12:30 pm December 2 Business After Hours at The Oar House, 5:30pm - 7:30 pm December 6 Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, 5:00 pm December 16 Economic Development, 8:00 am December 17 Women in Lumpkin Leadership Breakfast at Stewart Center for Continuing Education, 8:00 am December 18 Board Meeting, 12:00 pm

There are many unique Bed and Breakfast Accommodations throughout Lumpkin County and recently one of our newer properties hosted a reception to introduce their product.

If you want to escape the ordinary then come to Birchwood Lake Estate Guest House, a private Bed and Breakfast offering 5 star quality accommodations in the scenic mountains of North Georgia.

Former Atlanta Real Estate Agent Barbara Ames has a passion for Upscale Hospitality. Her B&B offers an elegant peaceful and private resort atmosphere. Location, cleanliness and attention to detail will capture your stay.

Four rooms are available (plus the Private Quarters has two queen portable beds and the charge for those are $40 per person when needed for larger groups.) The Private Quarters is approximately 2700 square feet and a diagram is available on the web site at www.birchwoodlakeestate.com/ Rates are from $150 to $200 and this is a perfect site for the bride and grooms parents or newlyweds.

The Chamber | Page 9

Birchwood Lake Estates is located just down the road from Wolf Mountain Vineyards.

This is a great time to plan a Girls Weekend Out or just to escape from city life. For other lodging accommodations in Dahlonega go to www.dahlonega.org and click on Visitors and Where to Stay.

First Annual “North Georgia Celebrates Photography” Festival A Success!

What a great success and turn out for all the venues for our first North Georgia Celebrates Photography in October.

Kryder Gallery hosted two photography shows: “Water” by Jennifer Julian and Love vs.

Fear themed show juried by Hank Margeson. This show had artists from the local area, Georgia and 5 other states. The reception was well attended and has received a lot of great feedback from the viewers on the photographs in the show.

Awards went to: 1st Place: Michelle Van Parys from Charleston, SC 2nd Place: Bridget Conn from Swainsboro, GA 3rd Place: Trevor Morris from Gainesville, GA Jurors Award: Tosh Tanaka, Santa Cruz, CA The Push Pin Show was an overwhelming success! Open to photographers all ages and skill levels, there were over 42 photographers and over 130 images of excellent quality. There were many young photographers ranging in age from 10 to 16 with very promising talent. Our judges found it very difficult to narrow down the award winners.

Show was sponsored by Kennison Photography, Beetree Studios, Home Depot and the DahlonegaLumpkin County Chamber of Commerce.

Jack Anthony’s show at Hummingbird Lane was spectacular – featuring a display of Jack’s North Georgia waterfalls in black and white contrasted with the color photographs from the Palouse area in Washington State.

Bowen Center for the Arts 6th Annual Photography Exhibition “A Flash in Time” was juried

by Paul Dunlap. A robust reception turn out of over 150, attendees enjoyed viewing over 55 images from photographers across the state. In addition to fine food and wine, a harpist performed live for the event. The awards went to: Best in Show: Anita Kennison – The WT

The ribbon award winners were:

1st Place: Hewitt Beasley – Transformers

Best of Show: Vikki Jones – Parasol

2nd Place: Jack Anthony – Glacier National Park

1st Place: Jill Ediger – Vineyard Truck

3rd Place: J. Stone – Life Revisited

2nd Place: Adam Nash – Forrest

Honorable Mentions:

3rd Place: Paige Pethel – Little Girl by Ocean

Emile Foisey – Tub Mill

Honorable Mentions:

Mark Gilliland – For In the Trees

Lisa McCurry – Portrait of her son Frances French – National Cathedral Jeremy Connor (16 yrs old) - Fawn Chelsea Dickerson (14 yrs old) – Portrait of Cousin Kenneth McCurry (10 years old) – Dog Christina Delgado – Orangutan

Kolla Sigurdardottir – Brothers.

graphic portrait themes are used. Visitors had their portraits taken and were able to check the website in a few days to purchase prints.

Lumpkin and Dawson County Libraries hosted a day of turning the camera around!

Children took pictures of their parents as a nice change! It was a good time and fun for all who participated in this event sponsored by Doug and Peggy King.

Look for great things to come and plan to participate in the Second Annual North Georgia Celebrates Photography in October 2009!

Health Coverage Made Easy.

Frog Hollow Company featured an exhibit of the best of the Sunday Model Project. On Sundays, a series of spontaneous photo-

Solutions with choices are easy, just call

CAROL TUFTS 770-532-1390 ext. 12 Apply online at: www.caroltuftsinsurance.com

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The Chamber | Page 10

53rd Annual Gold Rush Festival Big Success situations during the weekend.

They created a new website this year, www.dahlonegajaycees.com and had on-line registration for vendors. This helped in a quicker response and also helped the Chamber and Visitors Center in not having to accept so many phone calls.

Gold Rush has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast with over 200,000 visitors attending each year. It helped our merchants and restaurants and has kicked off a robust fall.

A special thanks to the following Jaycee’s who worked many long hours organizing this event: John and Nina Fogle, Ben Maxwell, Melincia Stoffel, Sabrina and Wayne Gooch, Lauren Gooch, Allison Martin, Bobbie Jo Lea, James and Amanda Vineyard, Steven and Angie Shaw, Matt and Erin Cook, Jason and Shilo Bruhl, Erica Bardho, Sandy Esparza, Andrew and Anita Bookmiller, David Scott, Matt and Janice Hester and Tim Bowen.

Our Dahlonega Jaycee’s make a difference in the lives of many individuals and agencies in Lumpkin County with the proceeds raised through Gold Rush. This year’s Chair, Allison Martin, Finance Director for Lumpkin County recruited Shilo Bruhl to be the Gold Rush Chair and they both displayed great leadership skills in the way they dealt with

(Above) Reigning over Gold Rush, Ralph Calhoun and Elizabeth “Liz” Cornelius are the 2008 Gold Rush King and Queen.

So what do the Jaycees do with the profits from this event? Their first activity is the Jaycees Empty Stocking. This is their annual way of helping families who are experiencing a tough time during Christmas.

They also have a scholarship fund which awards six (6) $1,000 scholarships to the graduating class of 2009. This is just another example of how much the Jaycees give back to Lumpkin County and Dahlonega.

(Above) Every year, thousands of visitors flood the streets to take part in the Gold Rush festivities!

Business After Hours Provide Excellent Networking The October Business After Hours was hosted by BB&T in Dahlonega and Smokin’ Gold BBQ. The weather was perfect and allowed us to hold it outside the main branch in Dahlonega. Jennifer Herring, Chamber Chair and City Executive for BB&T was all smiles in introducing her staff to our members and talking about new products the Bank is offering. Dan & Laurie Dieterele of Smokin’ Gold BBQ are becoming regulars at offering their catering to our members who Host the monthly events.

Our November BAH was at NOA (No One Alone) in their Bargain Shop located at 300 Riley Road in Dahlonega, across from the public pool just off Morrison Moore Parkway. NOA’s Bargain Shop is an outreach program of NOA. Proceeds from the store support activities and programs of the emergency shelter. Most importantly, the store provides clothing, personal items and necessities for the women and children who are experiencing hardship due to domestic violence. NOA is established as a leading voice against domestic violence and a strong advocate for victims. The program offers help during a difficult time of turmoil, transition and change.

Chamber Board Member Alan Grizzle was so impressed that he donated his winnings from the drawing back to NOA. Accepting the cash was NOA Board Chair Charity Cagle and NOA Executive Director Marina Barron. Jennifer Herring presented Marian Barron and Nicole Ryder a certificate of appreciation for hosting the BAH. Marina thanked Smokin’ Gold BBQ, Wendy’s and NOA Board Members for providing all the refreshments.

(Above) October BAH catering Host was Smokin Gold BBQ. Alan George, Mayor Gary McCullough, Tommy Folger and Jennifer Herring present Certificate of Appreciation to owners Dan and Laurie Dieterle.

(Above) Alan Grizzle donates the 50/50 dollars back to NOA

(Above) Jennifer Herring, Chamber Chair and Dr. Keith Tyer of Watts Chiropractic winning the 50/50 drawing.

The Chamber | Page 11

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 12

www.littlefieldcottage.com

It’s An Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega!

HEAD TO DAHLONEGA FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS DAHLONEGA, GA — Visits from that jolliest of elves on the ornament-strewn Historic Public Square. Beautiful bed and breakfast inns decked to the holiday nines. Restaurants serving up holiday dishes and live music. Mulled cider, Christmas concerts, a Holiday Art Show and shops stuffed like Christmas stockings with all your favorite things. Dahlonega gets into the fa-la-la of the season on Nov. 28 when the Square is lit up to welcome visitors for a month-long season of shopping and celebration. The next day, Nov. 29, visits with Santa Claus begin. And then, on Dec. 6 it’s official: Dahlonega kicks off its Old-Fashioned Christmas with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree and the Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. On Dec. 14, take a Sleigh Bell Tour of Dahlonega bed and breakfast inns. Come get a taste of a Norman Rockwell-like Christmas with an Appalachian twist during this month-long event in Dahlonega; visit www.dahlonega.org for all events and activities.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN Visits with Santa on the Public Square in front of the Dahlonega Welcome Center are on these dates: Every weekend, beginning Sat., Nov. 29, 1-6 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 30, 1-5 p.m., through the weekend of Dec. 20 and 21. On Fri., Dec. 5, join others on the Square as the Kiwanis Luminaries are set aglow at dusk and Father Christmas arrives. The shops lining the Square extend their evening hours for a Holiday Open House. On Sat., Dec. 6, Dahlonega pulls out the stops for a holiday parade that culminates in the Lighting of the Tree.

Join the revelers for caroling, music, entertainment and more.

SLEIGH BELLS RING On Sun., Dec. 14, 1-6 p.m., head over the river and through the woods on a self-guided Sleigh Bell Tour of the bed and breakfast inns of Dahlonega.

Traverse the North Georgia Wine Country to see one lovely inn after another, each one uniquely and resplendently decorated for the holidays and

all offering tours and refreshments. Tickets are $12.00 per person and may be purchased at the Dahlonega Welcome Center at 13 S. Park Street, Dahlonega, 706-864-3513, or at participating B&B Inns. Visit www.dahlonegalodging.com for more information.

HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING On each Saturday from Thanksgiving through Christmas, 1-5 p.m., the one-of-a-kind gift shop, Upstairs Downstairs, and home of the Georgia Wines Tasting Room, will welcome shoppers with complimentary mulled wine and cookies. On Sat., Dec. 6, and Sat., Dec. 20, 2-4 p.m., Upstairs Downstairs will feature live music by Tee Smith who holds a Masters Degree in Piano Performance from Georgia Southern University. Stop by to enjoy holiday and classical selections performed by Smith on the keyboard.

HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING On Sat., Dec. 6, The North Georgia Chamber Symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, known as the Carnegie Hall of Dahlonega. The symphony will perform five parts of “The Messiah” and “Panis Angelicus,” along with several other somber pieces and Christmas music, including a sing-along.

More caroling will take place on Sat., Dec. 13, 1-2 p.m., when members of the Lumpkin County High School Chorus perform seasonal favorites in front of the Visitors Center on Dahlonega’s historic Public Square. Then, at 2 p.m., join the crowd for an hour-long holiday performance by the Lumpkin County High School Jazz Band.

MISTLETOE AND HOLLY Shop the Public Square for unique gifts for everyone on your holiday gift giving list. You’ll

find shops and galleries stocked with Georgiamade gifts, crafts and collectibles, trendy fashions, freshly made edibles and more. Nip into the Holiday Art Show and Sale at the Olde Cannery Art Center on Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 15 to Dec. 21, 11-5 p.m. And have your child’s photo take with Father Christmas who will visit the fine art studio, Frog Hollow Company, 10-5 p.m., on Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 and 6. (Appointments required for photo sessions.) Stroll the Public Square on Sun., Dec. 21, for a Gallery Walk and a chance to buy the works of regional artists, a truly special Christmas gift.

The Historic Holly Theatre will present “The 1940s Radio Hour” as its holiday musical, with performances at 8 p.m. on Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 14. Return to 1942 America during the holidays with a live broadcast of “The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade” from the Hotel Astor's Algonquin Room and get caught up in the spirit of that bygone era through pop tunes like "Strike Up the Band" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" while the show (hilariously) unfolds.

Many events on the historic Dahlonega Square are free. For a detailed schedule of events and theatre fees and dates, go to www.dahlonega.org; or call the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1.706.864.3513 or tollfree 1.800.231.5543. Don’t miss a chance to enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega.

Now the center of a thriving music and arts scene, and the heart of the Georgia wine industry, Dahlonega provides much to see and do during every season; local innkeepers and hotels offer specials and discounted packages for couples, families and friends.

For more details, contact the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling toll-free 1.800.231.5543 or by visiting www.dahlonega.org.

The Chamber | Page 13

2008 Six Gap Century / Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride The Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride took place on Sunday, September 28th. This event, the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser, attracted 2,300 cyclists from 35 different states and from as far away as Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Cyclists coming to our community for Six Gap spent an estimated $657,000 over the weekend, leading to a community economic impact figure of $2.2 million. The community economic impact figure captures the secondary economic effects of tourism activity.

I would like to thank each and every one of the 200 volunteers that helped to make the Six Gap Century a huge success! Without these volunteers, this Ride would not be possible!

We are also grateful to our sponsors, Presenting Sponsor Dahlonega Wheelworks, Steven Leibel, P.C., Hiker Hostel, Free-Flite Bicycles, Dawsonville Pearl Izumi Factory Store, Chestatee Ford, ASIPhoto, Terrapin Beer Co., Moe’s Southwest Grill, and AT&T for making this ride possible.

(Pictured Right) Thousands of riders line up at the starting line in front of Lumpkin County High School to being the race to the finish line.

Did You Know?

AN ESTIMATED 4,000 MAN HOURS WENT INTO THE PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF THE RIDE BY CHAMBER STAFF AND OVER 200 VOLUNTEERS ALMOST 3,000 GALLONS OF WATER AND GATORADE WERE USED AT THE 9 REST STOPS OVER THE COURSE OF THE RIDE, CYCLISTS CONSUMED 600 LBS OF BANANAS, 400 LBS OF APPLES, 200 LBS OF GRAPES, AND 120 LBS OF ORANGES OUR REST STOP VOLUNTEERS MADE AN ESTIMATED 6,000 PB&J SANDWICHES!

(Pictured Above) The Florida Freewheeler Flamingos take a break at Wolfpen Gap.

(Pictured, Left) Registration takes place outside the Visitor’s Center on the Public Sqaure.

(Pictured, Right) Board members Angelia Wilson, Tommy Folger, Eddie Wayne and Ken Kurtz getting ready for the rush of cyclists at a rest stop.

The Chamber | Page 14

Hospitality Highway Recognized at State Capitol The Hospitality Highway committee was recognized by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on October 15 at the Georgia State Capitol for receiving the Southeast Tourism Society’s (STS) Shining Example Award for Travel Attraction of the Year. Governor Sonny Perdue presented each Hospitality Highway community, along with the Southeast Tourism Society, Georgia Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Economic Development, with a signed proclamation. Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle also recognized the group.

Hospitality and Tourism, Dotty Etris, Roswell CVB, Mary Helen McGruder, Cumming/Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, Marty Williams, Dawsonville CVB, Gary Powers, Dahlonega CVB and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. In 2008, Garth Peters, from the Buckhead Coalition, joined Hospitality Highway, which now encompasses all areas that line the full length of Georgia 400.

Hospitality Highway partners, include Janet Rodgers Alpharetta CVB, Kym Hughes, Sandy Springs

Ribbon Cuttings Naturally Georgia Naturally Georgia is now located on the Public Square in Historic Dahlonega, inside the “Bleu Gallery” @ 90 Public Square North. We are now pairing Wine and Art! Along with many great natural Georgia made products! We have wine tasting daily from Wednesday through Sunday, featuring Georgia Award winning wines from “Tiger Mountain Vineyards” and “Crane Creek Vineyards”. There are always samples of the

fantastic “Sweet Grass Dairy” organic cheeses and you never know what other great food pairings you may be in store for you! Stop in and check out the new location and the great wine tasting!

Great gift ideas and custom gift baskets! www. naturallygeorgia.com 706-864-0832

Knepper Air Conditioning On Thursday, October 30th the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting at Knepper Heating and Air Conditioning’s new location! A wonderful lunch was served, goodie bags were handed out to guests and all attendees had the opportunity to win prizes!

At Knepper Heating and Air Conditioning, our experienced staff can handle all of your HVAC needs, from maintenance and repair, energy efficiency, to the installation of a completely new system. We also know that the EPA consistently ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental

risks to public health. At Knepper Heating and Air Conditioning we understand the importance of your homes air quality. We can help by reducing allergens, air-borne bacteria, mold spores and odor. Our Goal is to help you Live Comfortable. If you have any questions please stop by or give us a call at 708-867-0535.

(Right) Angie and Chris Knepper, owners, Sandy McCullough, Thomas Fountain, Hung Dinh, Chris Burke (not pictured), along with Mayor Gary McCullough, Chamber Ambassadors and Staff and members of the community.

Java City The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting at Java City’s Grand Opening on Tuesday, October 28th. Make sure you stop in Java City, located in the new NGCSU Library and Technology Center, and you can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed hand roasted coffee, an espresso beverage, a creamy Javalache, or a fresh fruit smoothie. Top it off with fresh artisan pastries, bagels, and freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and wraps. We are open MonThursday 7:30 am – 10 pm, Friday 7:30 am – 2

pm, and Sunday 5 pm – 10 pm. Enjoy our unique setting and Wi-Fi availability. Parking for the local community is available at the New Library and Technology Center. Turn on Thompson Circle (across from Dairy Queen) and take the second road on the left.

(Right) Mary Lou McKinney, Penny Sharp, Mary Ann Knight, Amy Laseter, Vickie Cooper (owner of Naturally Georgia), Jana Collete, Amy Booker, Eddie Wayne, Chris Greene, Kelly Finnochio, Angie Bennet.

(From front left to right) The Chamber | Page 15

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

Thursday Evening, November 13, 2008 7:00pm - 9:30pm 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 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

FIRST CLASS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 30 DAWSONVILLE GA

Dahlonega - Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

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