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Chamber pays tribute to first director, president May 2009
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 “Old Jail” west of the square Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
VIP tour travels through Dawson Group visits Kangaroo Conservation Center By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
The Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawson County played host to more than 25 foreign trade officials April 17. The group,made up of top diplomats and business officials from 20 countries,visited the site as part of a three-day International VIP Tour of north
Tirzah Nichols, left, animal keeper at the Kangaroo Conservation Center, passes a bearded dragon to Paulo Pinto, consulate general of Brazil.
Georgia. “It was an exciting day and we were glad to welcome this group of people here,” said Linda Williams,president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.“This tour is in its 23rd year,and this is the first time they have made Dawson County one of their
Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton
See TOUR, Page 5
How did this session impact your business? Recently, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce sent out an update of this year’s Georgia General Assembly. Your state politicians have filed more than 2,642 bills and resolutions this year. Few of us have the time to daily monitor what goes on under the gold dome,
but it is important to check up on what’s going on from time to time and ask Jay Walker yourself: “What do these bills, resolutions,
etc. do for me and my business?” Below are just a few points I thought you might find interesting. The Jobs Opportunity & Business Act of 2009: This one did not get much media coverage, yet it can have a huge impact on our state and region. HB481 and
HB482, which was supported by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, passed by incredible margins in the house and the senate. The bills provide for tax credits for new employees hired, repeal of the state inventory tax, eliminate state-collected sales tax deposits
and suspend incorporation fees. Trauma Care:The state chamber makes a valid point. Businesses won’t go where there isn’t quick access to health care.The House Ways and Means Committee passed an amendment See IMPACT, Page 11
Page 2 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009
Support small businesses in Dawson Next week commemorates small business week throughout the United States. The Small Business Administration for research purposes defines a small business as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. Typically government employees and school employees are not included in these counts. This clearly leaves the economy of Dawson County driven by small business owners. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census states that small business firms comprise 99.7 percent of all employer firms and employ about half of all private sector employees.Additionally, small businesses are responsible for writing nearly 45 percent of all the private paychecks in the United States. Over the last 10 years, small businesses have created 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs each year. If you look at the number of scientists, engineers and computer workers, you will find that 40 percent of them are employed by a small independent business. Small independent businesses are responsible for 28.9 percent of the known export value in the year 2006.Another
Linda Williams quite incredible number is that small businesses produce 13 times more patents per employee than large firms. Did you know that we have small independent companies based in Dawson County that export to the Middle East and to the military around the world? Did you know that parts for heavy machinery and vehicles such as Blue Bird and Kubota are made here? Did you know that labels for hundreds of national brands such as Pennzoil and Spec-
tracide are created here in Dawson County? While those are the largest of our “small” employers, there are a thousand more entrepreneurs that offer an almost endless array of products and services. Our chamber and the local governments continue to say:“Please Shop Local.” By doing so you are supporting your own county and city governments and our sales tax projects such as libraries,
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schools, emergency service equipment and more. You are supporting a local business owner who writes paychecks to local residents and supports local events.Those employees then deposit their checks into a local bank and spend locally too. When you do business out of town or on the Internet, all of that revenue goes to another community. Let’s keep our spending revenue
working for us here at home. Next time you are shopping, tell a small business owner:“Thank you for choosing Dawson County as the location for your business.” Shop Chamber members first and I hope to see you at a local merchant’s establishment soon.
of your world. Do you know what happened in your community last week? The Dawson Community News keeps you informed, so you always know what’s happening in your community.
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Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009 • Page 3
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Chamber events Grill 53 Burgers & More is celebrating their one year anniversary by offering customers a 10 percent discount on purchases over $5 throughout the month. May 14: Lunch with the chamber at Peach Brandy Cottage at noon. Susan Weiner, executive director of the Georgia Council for the Arts, will be the guest speaker. She will speak on “Business Value of the Arts.” Lunch is $12 with an RSVP or $15 without. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. May 15: Sponsors wanted for Dawson Day Thunder in the Sky Fireworks Extravaganza and Independence Day Celebration at Rock Creek Park.The event will be held July 3. Sponsorships are being accepted through May 15. For more information, contact Buffie Henson at (706) 344-3646 or e-mail bhenson@dawsoncounty.org. May 16: District One Community Clean-up Day. The Dawson County Marshal’s Office and Keep Dawson County Beautiful encourage everyone to participate in the first collaborative district-wide community clean-up event.Volunteers will assemble at Juno Baptist Church at 8 a.m. and will be given litter pick-up
routes and supplies. Lunch will be furnished midday to volunteers courtesy of Jay Walker and Kroger of Dawsonville. Individuals and groups can register by contacting Cathy Brooks at (706) 344-3501, Ext. 255 or e-mail her at cbrooks@dawsoncounty.org. May 16: Tiger’s Football Spring Fest:Activities for the entire family. Gates open at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.dawson.org. May 18: Financing Your Business in the New Economy - Hosted by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, First Citizens Bank of Georgia and the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. Key speakers include: Ron Simmons, area director, UGA Small Business Development Center; Sandy Headley, vice president of lending, Appalachian Community Enterprises Inc.; Lorra Lee, president, Economic Development Corporation; Cindi Wilson, small business banker, Sun Trust; Karen Bryan, USDA, rural development loans. To register, visit www.gainesvillesbdc.org. Pre-registration fee is $15 with online discount code: rngevnxk. Cost without pre-registration is $69.
May 18-22: Small Business Week. Shop local, shop Dawson. May 21: Dawson County impact fee public hearing at the Dawson County Board of Commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. The meetings are held at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville. May 25: The Veterans Affairs of Dawson County invites the community to attend a special Memorial Day Service beginning at 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, Hwy. 9 North, Dawsonville. Keynote speaker will be Mike Berg, chairman of the Dawson County Board of Commissioners and Vietnam veteran. For more information, call
Pam Hamalainen at (706) 265-6278. May 26: Business After Hours will be hosted by the Dawson County Arts Council from 5-7 p.m. Kroger will co-host the event. Other co-sponsors are welcome.This is an excellent opportunity for home-based businesses to display their products and services. For more information, call the arts center at (706) 216-ARTS. The cash drawing is sponsored by AFLACSharon Reagan,Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, North Georgia Team-Keller-Williams Realty-Kristie Myers, R&D Caulking Inc.-Mike Downs and United Community Bank-James Askew.
You must be present to win if your name is called. Unfortunately, Carrie Toro of Hometown Appraisals was not present to win when her name was drawn at the April event.The cash drawing is now at $2,175. May 28: The Meth Task Force of Dawson County invites all to attend its meeting at 3 p.m. at the Appalachian Community Center in downtown Dawsonville. Chuck Wade, president and CEO of The Council on Alcohol and Drugs and state director of Drug’s Don’t Work in Georgia will be the guest speaker. For more information, contact Pam Hamalainen at (706) 265-6278.
Kenney recognized on Silver Star Banner Day
Photo/Michele Hester
Linda Williams, of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Vietnam Veteran Wayne Watkins, Kim Cornelison, of the City of Dawsonville, presented proclamations to Cpl. John Kenney declaring May 1 Silver Star Banner Day in both Dawson County and the city of Dawsonville.
Page 4 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009
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New mattress store opens downtown By Elizabeth Hamilton
The Atlanta Mattress Outlet Store officially celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony April 24. The outlet store is located in downtown Dawsonville in the historic Harben Brothers gas station.
Staff Writer
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed another new member and new business in town,Atlanta Mattress Outlet Store,with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 24. Located in the historic Harben Brothers gas station in downtown Dawsonville, the mattress store has been open since the first week in April. “It’s exciting to have a new type of business downtown,” said Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.“It’s great
Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton
exposure being located in downtown, and this store is helping to fill in the gaps of providing services to Dawson County citizens so they will not have to travel
out of the county.” The store carries various mattress brands such as Laura Ashley,Therepedic, Englander and Spring Air with options such as pillow top and
memory foam, among others. Owners Lloyd and Kari Freeman said they are glad to be in Dawsonville, which the couple and their children call
home. “We opened our first store in Alpharetta in January 2008 and we chose Dawsonville as our second store location to be closer to home,” said Lloyd Freeman. “We both like the small town feel and being able to live,work and play in the same community,” he added. The store is located at 23 Hwy. 9 North in downtown Dawsonville, and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call the store at (770) 616-2503 or visit www.atlmattressoutlet.com.
Rain can’t wash out Spring Fling Festival By Jeff Gill DCN Regional Staff
Despite rain and cloudy weather,Dawson County Art’s Council’s Spring Fling Festival drew a crowd to downtown Dawsonville May 2 and 3. The eighth annual festival,formerly known as Art in the Garden,originally was just a juried art show with artists displaying garden-related art. With juried parts intact, the event has evolved into an arts and crafts festival, with food,musical performances and other activities.A highlight for the children was a passenger
have tried to pull together various aspects of the community,” said Mary Bob Fox, organizer of the event. The free event, which serves as the arts group’s major fundraiser, also took place at the Bowen Center for the Arts and the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, where Photo/Tom Reed KARE for Kids organized David Duke carries a flat of a car show. flowers he purchased at “One of the reasons the Spring Fling Festival. we wanted to (expand) the festival is the ecotrain that ran through the middle school parking lot. nomic times,” Fox said. “We wanted to expand “We need to keep our to have a major spring fes- doors open.” The event drew ventival in Dawsonville,so we
dors from all around the area, including Dave Rusk of Flowery Branch, who was selling painted windows and other crafts. Justin and Wendy Hasty of Horton,Ala., displayed their handcrafted wooden furniture as part of the family business,
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
Bent Creek Willow. “We had some friends in this area who have purchased quite a bit of our furniture and recommended we come do this show, that it was a real good festival and our children would enjoy it,” Wendy said.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009 • Page 5
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Tiger’s Maroon and Gold game set for May 16 performances include The Well Reads, 3rd Crush,The Desarios, Star Ford and Tyler Wheeler. Slides, carnival games, fair hair and micro racers, among others, will be available for the kids, while adults can enjoy foot massages by Relax Dawson. The Chick-fil-A cow is also scheduled to make
an appearance.A silent auction and raffles are also planned. Vendor tables are currently available for $25. For more information, call Lori Lewis at (561) 254-4494 or (706) 2167148, or e-mail dawsonvilletigers@yahoo.com. E-mail Michele Hester at Michele@dawsonnews.com.
stops.” Williams said the center,which has some 300 kangaroos,was chosen because of its uniqueness. “No one else outside of Australia has the amount of kangaroos that we do here,” she said.“We are very proud of this facility and proud to have it in Dawson County.” The Georgia Department of Economic Development organizes the VIP Tour.Maggie Large,a department spokeswoman,said the event focuses on businesses, Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton educational and sports The 23rd annual International VIP Tour visited the Kangaroo Conservation Cenfacilities and economic ter last month. Participants observed kangaroo behavior as well as demonstradevelopment partnerships tions with “show animals.” throughout the state. back to the places we the lives of the kangaPinto embraced the “Each year a specific center’s up-close experiregion of the state is high- visit and explore more on roos,” he said.“I was also their own.” impressed with the wellence,adding that he was lighted to give the conBrian Oak,the conbeing of the animals. intrigued by how well the sulates an opportunity to sulate general of Canada, They have done an excel- facility was run. get out of the Atlanta area enjoyed his visit to the lent job here.” According to director for a taste of the many kangaroo center. Paulo Pinto,consulate Roger Nelson, the center things the state has to “I was impressed with general of Brazil,took note is dedicated to preserving offer,” Large said. of the center’s variety of kangaroos through cap“The goal of the tour is the quality of the facility and the conservation kangaroos,as well as its tive breeding and public to hopefully encourage efforts made to preserve birds and reptiles. education. our diplomats to come
“Currently exhibiting kangaroos of nine species, our center has successfully bred and cared for over a dozen different species of marsupials in the past 26 years,” Nelson said. This year’s VIP Tour also included stops in Dahlonega, Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Helen. In Forsyth County, the group visited Hansgrohe Inc., which manufactures decorative bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Among the other countries represented in the traveling delegation were the Czech Republic,Japan, Nigeria and Switzerland. “Every year,Georgia’s consular corps looks forward to getting to know more of Georgia by way of the VIP Tour,” said Amanda Hodges,consul general and trade commissioner of Australia. “It’s an excellent way for us to reinforce our social, political, economic and cultural ties with Georgia’s
Festival offers fun for the entire family By Michele Hester Staff Writer
Advance tickets are now available for the Tiger Football Spring Fest 2009 that will be held May 16 at Tiger Stadium. The Dawson County Tigers invite the entire
community to spend the afternoon watching the team’s Maroon and Gold spring scrimmage. Kickoff is at 1 p.m., but gates open early at 11 a.m. The $5 early admission fee includes live entertainment, barbecue lunch, concessions, fun
and games for the children, as well as the team’s scrimmage game. Admission the day of the event is $5 for adults, $3 for children. Barbecue plates the day of the event will cost an additional $5. Live entertainment
TOUR from 1
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Eatery celebrates one year anniversary By Michele Hester Staff Writer
In celebration of their one year anniversary, Jenny and Wilbert Chinchilla, owners of Grill 53 Burgers and More, are offering discounts through the month of May. A 10 percent discount is available for purchases over $5. Daily lunch specials are not included in the discount. “We want to thank the people of Dawsonville for their support,” said the
couple, who opened for business next to Fred’s Pharmacy in downtown Dawsonville last May. Originally open only for lunch, Grill 53 now serves bagels and biscuits for breakfast.The restaurant also has a new drive-thru window for added convenience. Lunch specialties include a variety of gourmet burgers, gyros, salads and sandwiches. “We take great pride in using only the freshest ingredients and best quality meats in our
delicious burgers.We are confident that this menu and our friendly service will make Grill 53 one of people’s favorite places to eat in Dawsonville,” said Wilbert Chinchilla. Grill 53 is located at 749 Hwy. 53 East, between Movie Gallery and Fred’s. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Friday. For more information or to place to go orders, call (706) 216-9951.
Owners Jenny and Wilbert Chinchilla celebrate the one year anniversary of Grill 53 Burgers and More in downtown Dawsonville May 1.
Photo/Michele Hester
Chocolate shop ‘not just a candy store’ Owners of Paul Thomas Chocolates, Paul and Lori Hoffman, have been operating their business in Dahlonega since May 2008.
By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
For those who have a sweet tooth from time to time and can only be satisfied with a quality product, look no further than Paul Thomas Chocolates. Located in Dahlonega, less than a block from the historic square, owner Paul Thomas Hoffman has been making chocolates since 1975 and just recently relocated to the North Georgia Mountains in May 2008. “Paul Thomas Chocolates is not just a candy store; its an experience, as well as an opportunity to understand the complexity of chocolate and its creation,” said owner
Photo/Submitted
Paul Hoffman. “All products in our store are handmade with the finest of ingredients,” he said. Hoffman shared that a vast array of products are handmade, including a variety of hand-dipped truffles such as french, coffee, raspberry, swiss and irish creme, to
name a few. In addition, there is milk, dark and white chocolate bark that is heavily chunked with almonds, cashews and pecans, as well as twice covered pretzels, strawberries, cherries, caramel apples and more. The Hoffman tradition of creating fine chocolates
began in 1975 in Lake Worth, Fla., and the small shop that Hoffman owned there morphed over the years into the huge retail business of Hoffman Chocolates, resulting in seven retail shops in South Florida. Hoffman decided to sell the business about nine years ago, deciding that the North Georgia Mountains is where he wanted to be. “Drawn in by the aroma of a warming mixture of cocoa based chocolate and fresh sweet cream, customers are treated to 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,” Hoffman said. Hoffman says that he uses ingredients from all over the country and world for his delicacies, and adds that:“It’s really wonderful when people start to understand the complexity of making chocolate.” The store is located at 39 South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega. Business hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (706) 864-6333 or visit www.paulthomaschocolates.com.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009 • Page 7
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Chamber welcomes Mario Hair Studio By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
On April 21, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member Mario Hair Studio. Located in Salon 08 at 42 Grant Road, East, Dawsonville, studio entrepreneur Mario Rueda thanked Salon 08, as well as the chamber, for opening their doors to him. “I love it here (in Dawsonville),” said Rueda. A hair expert, Rueda began cutting hair at the age of 15 for his friends and family, and by the time he was 17, he had developed his own style of cutting hair and ran a
color, care and maintenance. “Other than customizing hair cuts to the lifestyle of my clients, my main goal is to make your hair flow with you, so you don’t have to fight with it,” Rueda added. Specializing in quality rather than quantity, Mario Hair Studio offers Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton the following services: A ribbon cutting ceremony April 21 celebrated the Cut, color, corrected opening of Dawsonville’s newest hair salon, Mario color, perm, straightenHair Studio at Salon 08. ing and tailored wigs by appointment only. small studio out of his hair.” Lynn Watson, the home. After owning a cou“To me, cutting hair ple of top hair salons in owner of Salon 08, said she started her business is an art that only a few the Atlanta and north of us have mastered,” he Atlanta areas, Rueda said in October 2008 as a place where individual said.“Every hair cut I he moved to the north contractors can transigive is custom to your Georgia area to bring tion from working in a lifestyle and the features new meaning and hair salon to starting and texture of your expertise in hair cut,
Southern Catholic College graduates inaugural class From staff reports
Four years ago, Southern Catholic College welcomed its inaugural class of students. On Saturday, the class will receive their college diplomas and lead the way for many other Southern Catholic College graduates. Commencement will take place at 11 a.m. May 16 at Saint Luke the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Dahlonega. Southern Catholic College is pleased to announce that the Most Rev. John F. Donoghue will be the
commencement speaker.Archbishop Donoghue, a native of Washington, D.C., was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1955. He served in several parishes before joining the staff of the Archdiocesan Chancery.There, he served as Chancellor/Vicar-General. He later became the second Bishop of Charlotte. He served as the Archbishop of Atlanta from 1993 until his retirement on Dec. 9, 2004. The college has 46 students in its inaugural graduating class.
their own business. “In Greek,‘08’ means ‘new beginnings’ and that is what I want to give to other people,” Watson said.“This was a new beginning for me and it will be for others. This is a place that will give people a chance to move to the next level of owning their own business.” Watson said that Rueda has been at Salon 08 for more than a month and has been great to work with. She described him as a “God-send with amazing talent and vision.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Mario Hair Studio at (706) 216-0098.
• Congratulations to Southern Catholic College’s first graduating class of 2009. • Congratulations to all 2009 high school and college graduates. • Congratulations to Ed Combs of Re/Max 400 North. He has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert designation. • Congratulations to Bradley Weaver. Bradley placed second in state in Diversified Horticulture and first in state in Agriculture sales as part of Dawson County High School’s FFA Club. He also received the North Region Star State FFA Degree in Agriculture Business, one of only three to be recognized. He will attend the national convention in October in Indianapolis to compete in the National Agriculture Sales Contest. • Shop chamber members first. Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you. Please let the Chamber know when you have a special event so we may add them in our Chamber Chronicle.
Page 8 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009 • Page 9
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Cash drawing grows for May event Arts Council to sponsor next BAH By Michele Hester Staff Writer
Just short of celebrating a one-year anniversary, First Citizens Bank of Georgia welcomed the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce to the main branch April 28 for the monthly Business After Hours event. Co-sponsored by Chick-fil-A, the after hours drew a large crowd to the bank on Carlisle Road. Jay Walker, chairman of the chamber’s board, thanked First Citizens and Chick-fil-A for hosting the event. “We appreciate what both of you do in the community,” he said. The large crowd could have been due to the chicken fingers and sweet tea, but most suspected the huge crowd turned out for the monthly cash drawing, which had grown to $2,050.
April totals Telephone Referrals: 1,968 Walk-in Visitors: 52
Sharon Reagan and Linda Williams draw Carrie Toro’s name as the $2,050 cash prize winner during the chamber’s business after hours event April 28. The bank’s lobby was buzzing with excitement when Dawson County Chamber President Linda Williams announced it was time to draw a name for the cash and a hush fell over the crowd. “Carrie Toro,” said
Photos/Elizabeth Hamilton
All doctors need a black bag to carry on house calls. Dr. Larry Anderson was the winner of a black purse and wallet at last months Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event. Bella Sol Salon donated the purse as a door prize. Sharon Reagan of AFLAC, who is one of
Jeremy Elzey
five cash drawing sponsors.
Other cash drawing sponsors include Larry Anderson of Anderson Family Medicine; Kristie Myers of North Georgia Team Keller-Williams; Mike Downs of R&D Caulking Inc. and James Askew of United Community Bank. But Toro, who works for Home Town Appraisals and typically attends the business after hours events, was not present and could not claim the cash drawing. The pot of gold, which Williams calls the “Chamber’s economic stimulus package,” has grown to $2,175 for the May business after hours. The Dawson County Arts Council will host after hours from 5-7 p.m. May 26 at the Bowen Center for the Arts. Kroger will co-sponsor the event. E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.
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Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009 • Page 11
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IMPACT from 1 that will allow voters to decide whether or not to add a $10 fee to license plates registrations that would be dedicated to trauma care. Bill SR277 passed the state Senate and a senate conference committee has been appointed to review as of April 1. Medicaid reimbursement:The Senate and the House have agreed to restore proposed reductions in Medicaid reimbursements for health care providers. The state pays 84 cents on every dollar a hospital pays on a Medicaid patient.The proposed budget would roll that back to 75 cents.A 10 percent roll-back Medicaid reimbursement rates hurts the state’s health care providers, which are vital to economic development. These costs would eventually be passed on to employers, employees, which would in turn possibly direct small businesses away from voluntarily offering employees health care benefits.The end result would be the need for more Medicaid benefits. SB 82 strengthens Georgia’s metal theft laws providing penalties for secondary recyclers that accept stolen scrap metal, SB 213 protects manufacturers from specious nuisance lawsuits based on market share
or enterprise or other “theories” of industrywide liability. The Georgia and Metro Atlanta Chambers jointly backed a bill (SB84) to require more accountability of local school boards.This was passed by the Senate on Feb. 25, and passed out of the House Education Committee on March 25. As we have seen with our neighbors to the south, accountability (or lack there of) of a school board and loss of accreditation have not only a negative impact on individual students, but also to a community that is trying to attract good business and good families, not to mention what it does to property values. The list goes on. I encourage each of you to visit the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Web site. The links are easy to follow and under Government Affairs you can find a link to the Georgia General Assembly, including any and all bills passed or under consideration. Find out what’s going on, react in regards to your business, have a voice. Information was obtained from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.gachamber.com. Jay Walker Chairman
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Property Investment Associates
Page 12 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009
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McBerry receives Ambassador of the Month By Michele Hester
“As busy as Susan is, she still gives a lot of volunteer time to give back to the community.”
Staff Writer
Chamber Ambassador Susan McBerry takes community involvement to heart and continues to extend her hand whenever someone needs her help. “Almost every time I send out an e-mail, she always responds to volunteer,” said Denny Putlak, co-chair of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program. Program chairs Putlak and Carol Tyger
- Carol Tyger, co-chair of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program
McBerry announced McBerry as the chamber’s Ambas-
sador of the Month during the group’s April 22 breakfast meeting at Ryan’s. “She did a fantastic job on the membership drive,”Tyger said. McBerry has been involved with the cham-
ber’s ambassador program for about two years and was recognized earlier this year as one of the top five ambassadors for her contributions. McBerry is also actively involved in the Dawson County Woman’s
Club, where she serves as first vice president over membership and secretary of the Dawson County Meth Task Force. “As busy as Susan is, she still gives a lot of volunteer time to give back to the community,”Tyger said. McBerry, who has lived in Dawson County for more than 20 years, is the branch manager at Appalachian Community Bank’s Ga. 400 location. She has more than 30 years of banking experience.
Ambassador Spotlight By Michele Hester Staff Writer
Each month a different business or organization sponsors the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador’s breakfast, held at 8 a.m. at Ryan’s in Dawsonville the fourth Wednesday of the month. Appalachian Community Bank sponsored the group’s April meeting. The bank, which is based in Ellijay, has two locations in Dawson County and is community oriented and committed to serving the cus-
Appalachian Community Bank tomers and community. The downtown location, which sits adjacent to Food Lion and the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, is the main local branch and also offers a community meeting center next door. The Ga. 400 branch, located at 4300 Dawson Forest Road near the entrance to Wal-Mart, opened earlier this year to serve the county’s growing east side. Executive Vice Presi-
dent Greg Tyre said he is excited to expand Appalachian Community Bank’s services to the larger surrounding community. Community members will recognize several familiar faces at the branch, including a number of employees who are Dawson County residents and ready to give back to their community with quality customer relations and a friendly atmosphere. A NASDAQ traded
company,Appalachian Community Bank has offices across the north Georgia region. Appalachian Community Bank is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Drive-up windows open at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Fridays, the drive-up window stays open until 6 p.m. Breakfast sponsorships, at a reasonable cost, are still available for
ambassador breakfasts through the year. The sponsorship is a great way for businesses to spread the word about themselves and/or their companies. The sponsorship provides the breakfast for the monthly meeting, gives sponsors 10-15 minutes to briefly speak on their business and includes a short profile in the Chamber Chronicle. To register to sponsor an ambassador breakfast or for more information about the program, call (706) 216-1750.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009 • Page 13
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Workshop aims to guide small businesses By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
Today’s economy has got many people down and out, jobless and possibly even hopeless. A workshop on May 18 could provide hope and help in a struggling economy, especially for small business owners. The workshop, Financing Your Business in the New Economy, will be hosted by the Dawson County Cham-
ber of Commerce, First Citizens Bank of Georgia and the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. According to Linda Williams, president of the chamber, members have expressed through surveys the desire to have more workshops throughout the year. “With today’s economy, we thought this particular workshop would be most beneficial,”
Williams said. “Small business owners will certainly not want to miss out on this event to learn about the various options available for financing your business. I urge everyone to take this opportunity.We don’t know when it will be available to us again,” she added. The event will be held at the North Georgia Event Center (previously 84 Lumber) from
8:30 a.m. to noon, and will feature six different speakers ranging in expertise from commercial lending to economic development. To register, visit www.gainesvillesbdc.org.The pre-registration fee is $15 with the online discount code: rngevnxk. Admission for the workshop without preregistration is $69. Event discounts are compliments of Sun-
trust Bank, and Dawson County Chamber of Commerce members will receive a $5 coupon redeemable at a 2009 membership luncheon. The event center is located at 31 Successful Way, off Carlisle Road, in Dawsonville. For more information, contact the chamber at (706) 265-6278. E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.
New members Platinum Scissors Sonya Burt (706) 216-4446 54 Lumpkin Campground Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Hair Salon B&M House Arrest Faye Day (706) 579-1799 P.O. Box 2163 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: House Arrest Services Kaledioscope Window Designs Amy Cox (706) 216-4415 1250 Hanging Dog Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Custom Window Treatments Elzey Exterminating Cindy Elzey (678) 455-9200 1992 Doc Bramblett Road Cumming, GA 30028 Category: Exterminating
Danielle Case (706) 216-4247 4470 Hwy. 400 North Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Hair Salon & Spa Loggins Hardware Flooring Sammy Loggins (706) 265-8112 988 Cain Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Hardwood Flooring & Tile AAA Boat Repair Bruce Paulson (706) 216-3059 192 Glen Pirkle Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Boat Repair Budget Trucks Rhonda Tower (706) 216-6784 6198 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Moving Truck Rentals
Patel Chicken LLC dba KFC Mukul Patel (706) 344-3991 200 Center Lane, 400 North Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Restaurant
Offroad Outfitters Justin Smith (706) 216-2425 212 Grogan Drive, Ste 400 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Jeep, Truck Accessories, Parts, Tires & Wheels
J. Thomas Salon
Kevin Tanner
P.O. Box 1885 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Individual Member H&H Locksmith Scott & Heather Harper (706) 216-8000 350 Couch Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Locksmith Michelle Electrical Contractors Charles Smith (404) 569-6095 418 Thompson Creek Park Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Electrical Contractor Chattahoochee Insurance Agency Greg Hicks (404) 405-5315 4863 Kelly Bridge Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Insurance Agent Comcast Spotlight Jennifer Policky (770) 559-2283 6250 Shiloh Road, Suite 300 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Category: Cable Advertising Jolie Day Spa Nicole Wimpy (706) 216-4247 4470 Ga. Hwy. 400 N.
Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Day Spa Duncan Pipeline Dawn Duncan (678) 410-7451 100 Old Dawson Village Road, Ste 120 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Utility Contractor Joel Clement (706) 216-8396 14 Magregor Lane Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Individual Member Vic & Duane Wallace (706) 265-4913 151 Bent Ridge Drive South Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Individual Members DCHS Tiger’s Touchdown Club Lori Lewis (561) 254-4494 P.O. Box 513 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Non Profit (Sports) Brogdon, CPA Bobby Brogdon (706) 265-1040 185 Brogdon Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: CPA
Page 14 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Chamber remembers first director, president Scates, 53, died April 16
Far left, former Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Traci Scates, left, and her administrative assistant Laura Pittman worked together promoting the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce in the ’90s. Left, during the late ’90s, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a biathlon race that passed through Amicalola Falls. Scates, right, is pictured at the event.
By Michele Hester Staff Writer
Nearly two decades have passed since the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce board of directors made a decision to hire a full-time director. Friends and colleagues who knew Traci Lamar Scates credit her for much of the county’s tremendous growth since that time. Scates, described as one of Dawson County’s great promoters, died April 16 at age 53 in Hall County. A native of Augusta, she was selected to lead the chamber at a time when local business and government leaders were anticipating great, potential growth. She was hired by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce as its first paid executive director in 1992. A few years later,
the title was changed to president and Scates served in that position until 1998. “When Traci represented Dawson County, people in Atlanta couldn’t believe little Dawson County had someone like Traci leading the way,” said Philip Hester, president of Chestatee State Bank and part of the group involved in her hiring. A graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in business management, Scates made a difference the moment
she stepped foot in the community. “She was smart, well liked and learned quickly in short order,” Hester said.“She came to us without a background in promoting, but she adapted, and people thought well of her.” In a 1994 business profile, Scates said she had “a strong desire to get involved in the community and to assist in spurring economic development in Dawson County.” Hester said the businesses that chose to locate in Dawson County during the 1990s reflected Scates’ direction. “The industry we have here today is here because of Traci,” he said. While Scates focused on luring business to Many say Traci Scates, second from right, is respon- Dawson County, she also sible for much of the industrial development in Daw- was instrumental in trying son County. to preserve the county’s
Photos/Submitted
rich history. She worked to have the old jail listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. From a small room in the historic courthouse, Scates was part of a group that worked with county officials to renovate the jail to be used as the chamber’s offices. “Traci worked closely with Sen. Guy Middleton, who was a huge part of us getting state money to assist with the renovation,” said current Chamber President Linda Williams. “She was a very big part in organizing all that and making it happen. She was such a lovely lady and did so much for not just the chamber, but for the county itself,”Williams said. Marjean Miller, who met Scates when she volunteered at the chamber
shortly after moving to the area from Texas, said Scates is who introduced her to Dawson County. “I had worked with a large Chamber of Commerce in Killeen,Texas and was truly impressed with the caliber of talent Traci had and the work she did at the chamber in Dawsonville,” said Miller, who still has a sweater Scates gave her for Christmas so many years ago. “It has two Scottie dogs on the front and is one of my favorite clothing items. I have to say I miss her,” Miller said. A celebration of Scates’ life was held May 9 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Dawsonville. Scates is survived by two sons, Dylan and Lucas Scates. E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009 • Page 15
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Berg gives state of county address to chamber By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
Last month, Mike Berg, chairman of the Dawson County Board of Commissioners, was the keynote speaker of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon held at Peach Brandy Cottage. On April 9, Berg delivered a state of the county address, in which he stressed the concept of opportunity. Quoting his mother, Berg said that he formed his speech around something that she used to say: “There are never any problems, there are only opportunities.” “I look at things from this perspective as best I can, and I hope that you will too,” Berg said. Although there are good opportunities within the county, the economic situation has made things much more difficult for the county, as well as the state and nation. Berg noted that the unemployment rate in the county was approaching 10 percent, and that there
Berg
were more than 40 home foreclosures in the first few months of this year as opposed to about 11
last year. “Dawson County is in an interesting budget situation, the same as with the state,” Berg said.“We have been losing sales tax dollars for quite a while, to the tune of about 16-18 percent and more than that in some counties.” He continued to say that in 2008, Dawson County government was supposed to have a budget of $26 million, but only collected about $22.5-23 million. “Because of the low collections, county officials were able to cut the budget so less was spent than was taken in,” said Berg.“For 2009, our budget is supposed to be about $27 million, but we will probably only collect as much as $23.1 million.” Briefly explaining how the county irons out a
budget for each year, Berg said budgets are planned in three-year increments. Providing hope and encouragement amongst low numbers in a down economy, Berg said that this economy has “taught us a great lesson in history. I hope our memories are long enough that we will remember what we have been going through, because it will make us that much stronger.” “If we have learned anything from this, we will be in good shape for the future,” said Berg. As a member of several different boards and committees throughout the county, Berg commented that he has seen people pulling together like never before, citing examples such as the United Way and the soup kitchen at Grace Presbyterian Church. He applauded such organizations for the community efforts to help those in need. “Five years ago, we didn’t see as much church outreach and service programs that have come about recently,” he said. “We have several different
groups that are doing their part to help out.” Berg also noted that the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has done an “excellent job of working with small business,the community and being a partner so that they can gain business activity for the county.” He referred to the chamber as the first link, encouraged all those in attendance to support the chamber and work with the people who are the “lifeblood of the economy.” Plans for the new courthouse administration building and fire station were shared with attendees of the luncheon, and were presented by Berg as a few of the positive directions in which the county is moving. “We are a great county in such a great situation,” he said.“We are in the right place, at the right time, and it is because of all you hardworking people here today and in this community that we are being put in a position to be first in line to gain the benefits of the new econ-
omy that is around the corner.” Next month’s luncheon will be at noon May 14 at Peach Brandy Cottage. The guest speaker will be Sue Weiner, the executive director of the Georgia Council for the Arts. Weiner will be speaking about the business value of arts for a local community. “When a developer tours a county for placement of potential business, often they request to stop at an arts organization because they often tell the story of the local area and what is important to the community,” said Linda Williams, president of the chamber of commerce. “Having a strong arts council is an economic benefit, and members will especially not want to miss what our speaker will have to share about the value of the arts,” she added. For more information about the upcoming luncheon, contact the chamber at (706) 2656278.
Special thanks to the following members that renewed in April American Red Cross Atlanta Gear Works Cumming, Kelley & Bishop Dawson Learning Center Discovery Point No. 50 Forrest Hills Mountain
Resor t Glazing Rubber Products, Inc. Gold City Corral & Carriage Company John & Jane Joh JTC Jerry Townley Con-
struction Keller Williams Legacy Group - Mar tha Polman Longhorn Steakhouse of Dawsonville Paradise Valley Resor t Pet Watch Inc.
RK Package Store Riskmasters Inc. SleeveCo Inc. Syclone Designs Inc. White Interiors Wildwood Christian Academy
Page 16 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • May 2009
We take banking
personally.
Chestatee State Bank Main Office Officers, Assistants and Customer Service Representatives
W
e take banking personally at Chestatee State Bank and it resonates in everything we do. Whether lending you money to start your business or build your home, or discussing deposit options with you so you know your money is safe. You have put your trust in us, and we take that responsibility personally. In these challenging times, if you have questions or concerns, call us, or come see us. We want to help. For over a decade we have been here every step of the way and we look forward to serving you and your family for years to come.
Main Office, Hwy 53 & 400 in Dawsonville With locations in downtown Dawsonville, Marble Hill and Keith Bridge Commons in Cumming