D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Candle shop, consignment store opens for business August 2010
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
New location open to public By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Officials with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce opened the doors of the new Ga. 400 location this month. President Linda Williams said the chamber has plans to staff the facility seven days a week beginning in September. The chamber has been located for 15 years in the historic downtown jail.
They selected a new site just north of Kroger and closed on the deal July 19. She said the chamber is seeking volunteers for the new facility to “come in and help visitors with directions and refer them to businesses around the community.” The building’s size, which is more than double that of the current office, will allow chamber staff more storage ability and room for local promotion. See LOCATION | 10
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Linda and Marty Williams with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce look over floor plans for the new location.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Chamber move good for local businesses Well, it is an exciting time for your Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. It has been a long time coming but the chamber will soon have a new home. We are moving into the “old Trinity Home” located
on Ga. 400 near Wendy’s. Why are we so excited about this move? We feel the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will be better able to promote Dawson County and the great businesses we have here with
visitors, visitors and more visitors. There are a number of cars traveling north and south on Ga. 400 daily. If you’ve been on Ga. 400 lately you know what I mean. Our new office will have
the “Welcome Center” concept to attract visitors to “come on in for a visit.” Once we get them in, we can promote all the great attractions and businesses that we have to offer here in Dawson County. This is why we are here,
to promote our county. What better way than to be visible to all who travel to and from the mountains via Ga. 400? I would like to thank the businesses that provided the See MOVE | 10
Underwood
2 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Looking back at 15 years of the chamber Sheriff At this writing I Wallace served am sitting amongst from 194015 years worth of 1960. At that boxes holding histime it was still torical data and customary for memories of our the sheriff or Chamber of jailer to live on Commerce. When the main level you read this, we of the jail with will be in our new Williams their family and home at 292 Hwy. 400, just north of Kroger. oversee the prisoners upstairs. While we are excited Billy said as a 10-yearabout the move, today is old he was afraid of liva time for nostalgia and ing in the jail at first, but reminiscing. in time it seemed perfectI am sure many of you ly natural. He said it was who are longtime resia very noisy place, not dents have stories you only with the inmates carcould share about your rying on upstairs, but the memories of the Historic pipes popped and all Old Jail and what it sorts of other unknown meant to you in the early noises made it a lively years. For me, I can only place. visualize what others Billy had his list of have told me of memories daily chores with one of here. his least favorite being First, I will let you spittoon duty. In free know that our visitors have been fascinated with time he often played the building and its histo- cards with the inmates. He also kept them supry and especially the plied with water to drink, opportunity to visit the especially during the cells upstairs. Having hottest weather. ones photo taken behind Over the years when bars seems to be a we have offered a tour of favorite thing to do. the upstairs to visitors Many newlyweds have once in a while we will jokingly “locked up” hear an old fellow say: their spouse with a “No thanks, I saw that reminder of what will happen if they stray from place a long time ago from the wrong side. I their sacred vows. didn’t do anything bad, When I first began working for the Chamber just rowdy living.” We’ve even heard tales in 1996, one of the first things I did was ask Billy from some of those same visitors who told us that Wallace to come by and there were some sheriffs share stories that he from the past who were remembered from his excellent moonshine childhood. Billy was 10 years old when his father, makers themselves. They had the advantage William Glen Wallace and knew first hand how was elected sheriff.
to outwit the revenuers. We even heard that at one time a moonshine still was known to be within a short walk of the jail itself. I asked Billy were there any notorious inmates that he remembered. He recounted the story of “Fat Hardy” being brought in. Fat was so large that they kept him on the main floor for several days simply because he wasn’t able to negotiate the staircase. Finally, in desperation, a group of men literally pushed Fat up the stairs
to a jail cell. Fat eventually lived out his life in federal prison, following a conviction in 1951 for causing the painful death of a number of people by poisoning. It seemed he used methyl alcohol as a quick way to fill a large order for his cheap version of moonshine. The jail also housed one of the first two telephones in the county. When important messages were expected, the townsfolk were known to tell their loved ones: “Let me know what happens. You can call me at the jail at 6 p.m.; I’ll be there
waiting, but just visiting!” As we hand the keys of our little home back to Dawson County officials, I hope the next folks that use this office will love it as much as we have. It has been a great experience to operate our organization from an historic building. We have been its keepers for 15 years, but it is time to
close this chapter and look forward to bigger and better things for our organization and Dawson County businesses. Stop by our new office soon and if you are not a member already won’t you join us?
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.
Appraisal Advisor, LLC Industrial, Retail, Office, Land Martinn E. Winters Certified General Real Estate Appraiser Office: 706.265.2537 • Fax: 706.265.2539 mwinters@appraisaladvisorllc.com www.appraisaladvisorllc.com
Dawson Community News 514 Academy Ave., Dawsonville 706-265-3384 FAX 706-265-3276 ❑ $15 Local 1 Year Subscription ❑ $25 Local 2 Year Subscription
SUBSCRIBE TODAY MAIL CHECK & FORM TO: WEDNESDAY MAIL DELIVERY
NAME:_______________________________________________
P O BOX 1600 514 Academy Ave. Dawsonville, Ga 30534
ADDRESS:____________________________________________ CITY: ________________________________ ZIP:____________
National Expertise - Local Service
Dawson Community News (706) 265-3384
PHONE: ______________________________
OFFER GOOD WITHIN DAWSONVILLE MAIL LIMITS ONLY
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 3
AUGUST 2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 12: Chamber luncheon at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville. Guest speaker will be Val Perry with the Lake Lanier Association. Aug. 14:The City of Dawsonville presents “Southern Nights” in celebration of the City of Dawsonville’s 150th birthday. Admission will be $15 per person. Enjoy great food and entertainment from 5-9 p.m. at city hall. Proceeds will benefit the Dawson County Senior Center’s Elevator Fund. For more information, call (706) 265-3256. Aug. 19:There will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. at North Georgia Outfitters, located on the square in downtown Dawsonville. A celebrity will be there. Aug. 23 and Sept. 13: Georgia Work Ready Assessment Opportunities will be offered from 5-10 p.m. Many have requested that the Work Ready Assessment be conducted in the evening in addition to the morning hours already offered. To sign up for the assessment go to www.laniertech.edu, look for the Work Ready logo and follow the prompts. For more information, call (706) 265-6278 or visit www.gaworkready.org. Aug. 24: Business After Hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Dawson Family Physicians, 278 Hwy. 400 North, Suite 1160. For more information, call (706) 2658439. Special thanks to AFLAC Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine - Dr. Larry Anderson, HealthyEatingOnTheRun.com Barbara Roberts, The Norton Agency - Kristie Myers, United Community Bank - James Askew and Van Keith Insurance of Dawsonville - Ann Grizzle for sponsoring the cash drawing. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn.
Aug. 28: The Dawson County Woman’s Club presents “Lucky Dog Casino Night” with Jerry Glanville as the Master of Ceremony, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at city hall. All proceeds will go to the Dawson County Humane Society. Sept. 6: Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze opens. For more information, visit www.uncleshucks.com. Sept. 9: Chamber luncheon will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road. Jeremy Porter of Atlanta Motorsports Park will be the guest speaker. For more information or to register, call (706) 265-6278 or visit www.dawson.org. Sept. 28: Business After Hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Chestatee State Bank, Hwy. 400 location. For more information, call Stephanie Womack at (706) 216-2265. Special thanks to AFLAC - Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine - Dr. Larry Anderson, HealthyEatingOnTheRun.com - Barbara Roberts, The Norton Agency - Kristie Myers, United Community Bank - James Askew and Van Keith Insurance of Dawsonville - Ann Grizzle for sponsoring the cash drawing. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. Sept. 30: Reverse Raffle: Who will win $10,000 cash? The major fundraiser for the chamber is a lot of fun and there will be a number of prizewinners. Tickets are $100 each and entitle two people to attend the drawing party at the Lakeview Center. Food will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Ticket sales are limited to a maximum of 350 tickets, so chances of winning are excellent. Every 25th number drawn will win a door prize valued at least $100 or more. The very last ticket out of the drum will bear the name of the winner. You do not have to be present to win. Ticket sales will start soon.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Jay and Vickie Hood congratulate Kathy Fuller, left, who celebrated as the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce cash prize winner July 27 during the group’s business after hours event at the Dawson County Arts Center.
Fuller wins drawing By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Several local artists showcased their skills July 27 when the Dawson County Arts Council welcomed the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce to the Bowen Center for the Arts for the group’s monthly business after hours event. While chamber members took in the sights at the art gallery, Hans Meier, whose craft is woodworking, made wooden puzzles and miniature wooden animals appear before their eyes. Later he offered a hand-cut swan as a door prize for the chamber’s monthly drawings, which included one lucky chamber member leaving the affair more than $1,000 richer. Local certified public accountant Kathy Fuller was announced as the chamber’s cash grand prize winner as the evening came to a close, taking home $1,100. The winners must be present to claim the prize when their names are drawn. Fuller wasn’t present, as required, the
first time her name was selected a few months ago, but she was there and ready to claim the cash when her name was announced in July. “We have a winner,” said Chamber President Linda Williams as she held up Fuller’s name. Fuller said she wasn’t sure how she’d spend her winnings. The names of each chamber member, or a representative from each chamber business, are placed in a box for the monthly drawing, which is funded by contributing chamber members Sharon Reagan-AFLAC, Larry AndersonAnderson Family Medicine, Barbara Roberts-HealthyEatingOnTheRun.com, Kristie Myers-The Norton Agency, James Askew-United Community Bank and Ann Grizzle-Van Keith Insurance. The chamber’s next Business After Hours event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 24 at Dawson Family Physicians, located at 278 Hwy. 400 North, Suite 1160. For more information, call (706) 2658439.
4 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
FFA winner honored From staff reports
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Tina Everett, right, talks to Kara Hewatt as she checks out candle scents at Georgia Mountain Candle Company and More last month after a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration at the downtown Dawsonville shop.
Candle, consignment store opens off square By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Tina Everett began making soy candles at home to sell at festivals. Today, those candles are on display and available at Georgia Mountain Candle Company and More in downtown Dawsonville. Shoppers can customize their candle selections by using their own containers, like wine glasses and mason jars, Everett said. Everett and co-owners Christy Henderson and Mary Ann Beck opened the shop earlier this summer. The shop, which is located at the intersection of Hwy. 9 South and Academy Ave., near the town square, also features consignments by local crafters, artists and collectors. “We’ve had such a good response from the people coming in the store,” said Everett, who added she rarely needs to go out in search of items to
Tina Everett cuts the celebratory ribbon to signify Georgia Mountain Candle Company and More is open for business off the square in downtown Dawsonville last month.
sell, since so many people are taking advantage and stocking the shop with consignment items. For more information, call (706) 708-6286 or stop by the shop, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Sen. Chip Pearson, RDawsonville, honored Bradley Weaver with an official Senate Resolution (SR 839) commending the Dawson County resident for winning the National Future Farmers of America Agricultural Sales-Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award. Weaver became the county’s first national FFA winner when he won the award last October at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. “I’m immensely proud of Bradley’s achievement. Winning a national FFA award is proof of his tremendous work ethic and dedication to developing strong leadership skills and a successful career in agriculture,” said Pearson. “As the first national winner in the history of Dawson County’s FFA chapter, Bradley brought great honor to his hometown and the entire state of Georgia. He will attend the National FFA competition next year, and I’m confident we’ll see this accomplished young man continue to exceed his goals.” While Dawson County has had an FFA chapter since 1933, Weaver was the first to bring the national title home to the county. His agribusiness, Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch, offers a nostalgic family experience in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, with homegrown pumpkins in the fall and freshcut trees and wreaths at Christmas time.
For the Dawson Community News
Sen. Chip Pearson, left, presents Bradley Weaver with a Senate Resolution commending him on winning a national award from the Future Farmers of America.
A passionate preservationist, Weaver has a thriving collection of heirloom and hybrid daffodils and day lilies, available for enthusiastic gardeners. Future Farmers of America uses agricultural education to develop students’ potential and help them discover their talent. Through hands-on experience, members develop
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
tools that help them achieve real-world success. FFA prepares members for more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Agriculture is the nation’s largest employer with more than 24 million people working in some phase from growing food and fiber to selling it at the supermarket.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 5
AUGUST 2010
Dinner, dance raises funds for elevator By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnew.com
Tickets are available at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce office on Ga. 400 for Saturday’s Southern Night’s Dinner and Dance at Dawsonville City Hall. According to organizers, the event serves a dual purpose — raising funds for an elevator at the Dawson County Senior Center and celebrating the city’s sesquicentennial, or 150th birthday. Doors open at 5 p.m. with Athens-based Country River Band hitting the stage around 5:30 p.m. to entertain and keep the crowd dancing to the sounds of popular country and southern rock favorites. Between sets, there will be a live auction featuring prizes such as a $300 gas grill, NASCAR tickets and a
kayaking trip for four on the Amicalola or Etowah rivers, among others. There will also be a silent auction made up of items donated by area businesses. “We really got some great prizes donated,” said Kay Molden, an event organizer. “I’m real proud of how the businesses have stepped up to help such a worthy cause — this elevator fund.” Center coordinator Rachelle Thurmond said an elevator is one of the center’s greatest needs. “We have so many activities that we offer or could offer if we had an elevator. It’s really difficult for our seniors to walk up and down the stairs to our basement,” she said. Molden said the group has collected about $14,500 for the elevator, which is expect-
ed to cost between $40,000 and $50,000. Admission to the dance, which also includes dinner provided by several local eateries, is $15 for one ticket or $25 per couple. “We want to involve everyone from the youth to the elderly in the celebration,” said Dawsonville Mayor Joe Lane Cox. “This is a great cause and it’s going to be a great celebration.” Tickets are also available at city hall, Dawson County Senior Center and at the Dawson County Government Office finance department. Raffle tickets for a Dell laptop computer, GPS unit and handmade quilt donated by the senior center are also available at each location. For more information, call (706) 344-3700 or (706) 2653256.
Graduates honored by group By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
At a reception last month, Reading Education Association of Dawson County honored GED graduates at the Adult Learning Center. Organizers honored 93 graduates at the event, which was put on by the local nonprofit organization. Sandy Lipkowitz, executive director, said the ceremony “went very well.” Scholarships from READ,
the Dawson County Woman’s Club and the Lions Club were given out to four students. A computer was also given to a student. “We are all about improving literacy in Dawson County,” Lipkowitz said. The organization works with elementary, middle and high school students “to try and encourage them to stay in school.” Members also provide a dictionary to all local third
graders and a thesaurus to eighth graders in Dawson County. In addition, READ awards a $1,000 scholarship every year to a graduating high school senior who plans to go on to college. The organization is volunteer-based, and board members are always on the look out for help with the many programs in Dawson County. READ also gives assistance to those in need of help paying for GED exams.
KIWANIS CLUB INSTALLS NEW MEMBERS Jane Berg and Dan Pichon were recently installed as new members of the Dawson County Kiwanis Club. From left are President Becky Holbrook, Jane Berg, Dan Pichon and Julie Nix. Nix For the Dawson Community News was the sponsor for both Berg and Pichon. Dawson County Kiwanis Club is dedicated to serving children. The club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Ryan's Buffett.
Etowah manager speaks at luncheon By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
At July’s chamber of commerce luncheon, Etowah Water and Sewer Authority’s general manager talked about the future of its service in Dawson County. “As we go forward, we need to look at the direction we’re headed,” Brooke Anderson said. He said the authority is working on a water and wastewater master plan for the entire county. “This will provide a roadmap of how we’re going to serve the county with water,” he said, adding that sewer service would be planned “only in areas where it’s appropriate.” Anderson said the master plan would be done “in direct concert and conformance with the county’s comprehensive land use plan, so that as the county grows we grow with it.” Mike Berg, chairman of the Dawson County Commission, said from the county perspective “it’s a credit to Brooke and the Etowah board members they could come up with this plan.
You’ve come a long way in a short time.” Over the next 10 years, Anderson said, the authority has plans to Anderson spend about $66.5 million for water and sewer expansions. “That’s a challenge, but it is one the authority can and will meet,” he said. Projects could include the Russell Creek Reservoir, Shoal Creek Reservoir, water and sewer plant expansions, extensions and studies. Water will also be the topic for the chamber’s next luncheon when Val Perry, executive vice president of the Lake Lanier Association, speaks on the state’s water issues concerning Lake Lanier. The luncheon will be held at noon, Aug. 12 at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road. For reservations or more information, call (706) 2656278.
6 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
Sporting goods store opens in Dawson Offers printing, embroidery By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Sporting equipment and team uniforms are two items families will no longer have to leave Dawson County to purchase with the grand opening of BK Sports. Located at 30 Industrial Park Road, off Lumpkin Campground Road, BK Sports offers a wide variety of sports equipment for all ages. “We’re also planning to have batting cages and offer private lessons,” said coowner Brad Davis. Davis and his partner Kasey Wilson relocated the shop from Dahlonega about a month ago. “We wanted to be here in
‘We wanted to be here in Dawson... .’ Brad Davis Owner of BK Sports Dawson and waited until the spot became available,” said Davis. The shop also offers inhouse screen printing and embroidery services. “My family owned screen printing businesses while I was growing up,” Davis said. “We’re glad to be here.” For more information, call (706) 265-4487.
Natasha Willemse, left, prints graphics on a T-shirt at BK Sports, a new sporting goods store off Lumpkin Campground Road in Dawsonville. Above, friends and family joined Kasey Wilson and Brad Davis, owner s of BK Sports in Dawsonville, as the two celebrated the store’s grand opening Aug. 4.
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Pam Hamalainen blows out candles on her birthday cake during last month’s Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the Bowen Center for the Arts. Hamalainen serves as the chamber’s membership director.
• Be sure to visit David Wallace & Associates, PC at their new location, 137 Prominence Court, Suite 130, Dawsonville, GA 30534. • Congratulations to Kathy Fuller for winning the cash prize at the July Business After Hours event at the Bowen Center for the Arts. • Shop chamber members first. • Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you. • Are you certified Work Ready? Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 7
AUGUST 2010
Shop at Home in Dawson County Find it here! Spend it here! Buy it here!
YOU Can ADVERTISE HERE...
FARM • HOME • COMMERCIAL
PROPANE SALES, SERVICE & REPAIR Big Green Egg Sold Here
GRILL TANK REFILL $10 Only on Saturday 8am - 12pm OPEN MON-FRI 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. SATURDAY 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.
706-344-1GAS 236 Hwy., Dawsonville Locally Owned and Operated
DISHAROON AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
IN TOWN ON INKJET & LASER JET CARTRIDGES WE ALSO CARRY MANY SIZES OF BOXES & PACKING MATERIALS AT LOW PRICES
$1 OFF $3 OFF
BRING any laser injet cartridge. IN THIS any laser cartridge. AD FOR HOURS: MON- FRI 10-6 INK X-CHANGE
Sometimes Saturdays
AFTER HOURS SERVICE AVAILABLE PACKING & SHIPPING SERVICES AVAILABLE
HP • LEXMARK DELL • CANON DAWN OR CHRIS
706-216-8753 706-265-0073 • 706-265-3172 J.D.
DAWSON INSURANCE
Complete Collision Repair Facility
1680 Hwy. 53 E. Dawsonville, GA 30534 “Locally Owned & Operated” 706-265-2118
GAS HEATERS • GAS LOGS
LOWEST PRICES
. So E 9 AR Y. QU H W FF S 58 T O S JU
C HAM B E R MEMBER
“Quality Service at a Quality Price”
706-216-3296 Gainesville 770-536-6734 Dawsonville 706-216-1906
6104-A Hwy. 53 E. Dawsonville www.dawson-insurance.com
C HAM B E R M E M B E R YOU Can ADVERTISE HERE...
Best Rates Locally!
Two Locations To Serve You Convenient, Security, 24 Hours Climate Control Available
5040A Hwy. 53 East 706-216-4470 706-216-1490
135 Jack Heard Rd. 706-265-4470 216-4064
8 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 9
AUGUST 2010
EXTEND YOUR ADVERTISING MARKET in our D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Chamber Chronicle is the monthly newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. The editorial content includes Chamber News and goals of interest to the business and residential community. The Chamber will keep the community informed about ribbon cuttings, business expansions, chamber functions QUICK TAKES and events, community events and the benefits of Chamber membership through Chamber Advertising offered only to Chronicle. Chamber members. Delivery...Dawson Community News Subscribers, All Dawson County Chamber Members Size...10� X 9.5� Frequency...Monthly 2nd Wednesday of Every Month Deadline: Monday One Week Prior to Publication
The Chronicle is mailed to all subscribers of the Dawson Community News, plus all Chamber members. Additional copies are available at the Chamber office.
Dawson Community News A Community Newspaper Serving Community Needs
Call Jennifer Lyness at 770-887-3126 for rates
10 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
FROM 1
Location “It’s been a long time coming,” Williams said. “Although we love being downtown...the majority of our membership favors us having a more prominent location.” The 2,500 square-foot building — which is on Ga. 400, just north of Kroger — will help the organization “increase presence to tourists, visitors and travelers,” Williams said. “We’d outgrown the old building a long time ago,” said Williams, adding that there will be a larger reception area and display cases to promote business, artwork and for community announcements. Purchase of the $580,000 building was made possible through various sponsors in the community, Williams said. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce moved into the historic jail in 1995. The building, which is owned and operated by Dawson County government, was given to the chamber rent-free because of a grant. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The register is a list of districts, sites, buildings and structures deemed worthy of preservation by the U.S. government.
FROM 1
Move initial seed to become our building fund sponsors. Many thanks to Chestatee State Bank, Community & Southern Bank, Property Investments Associates, Regions Bank and United Community Bank. We are still looking for more building sponsors if anyone out there feels led. As a line from a movie said: “It is never too late to do the right thing.” So, give us a call if you would like to help sponsor our new location. We encourage you to become a part of helping us promote businesses and our area attractions. If helping your county seems to be the “right thing” to do; then come on in, the water is fine.
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Marty Williams, vice president of travel and tourism for the chamber of commerce, works on the interior of the new building.
Williams said the chamber is grateful for having been housed in the old jail, but the changing scope of the organization calls for new headquarters. “Not only do we serve the business community here, but it’s our job to promote the county as a tourist destination, and this will enhance everything we can do in that regard,” she said. Those interested in volunteering at the new location can call (706) 265-6278.
It is always exciting when something new is about to happen. Sometimes we just need that hope and excitement thinking what “something new” will bring. If you are out there thinking “when is this economy going to turn around?” just remember things will always get better. Don’t lose hope. Isaiah 43:19 says: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” If we can ever help you or if you have questions pertaining to our move, remember that we at the chamber are here for you. Call on us because collectively we can accomplish much as we strive together. Mike Underwood Chairman
Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, talks to college students from Taiwan about Dawsonville’s history. The students visited Aug. 4 to learn about economic development in smaller communities.
Asian students tour county By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
A group of students from Taiwan visited Dawsonville Aug. 4 to learn about economic development in smaller communities. The group of several dozen college students from the National Chengchi University in Taipei — Taiwan’s capital city — stopped by the Dawsonville Municipal Complex. They toured the racing museum and then went upstairs. Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, spoke with them about local economic development. While in Dawsonville, the group also visited Fire Sation No. 2 on
July totals Walk-in visitors: 377 Telephone and walk-in referrals: 3,144
Liberty Drive. County Manager Kevin Tanner greeted the group. After touring city hall, the students departed for tours of World Wide Manufacturing and Amerivap. The students then left for the Sandy Springs Marta station and went to Atlanta. The gathering was arranged through the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the development authority. The group visited Georgia Institute of Technology throughout the remainder of last week. Student Eldon Chuang, who spoke English more fluently than his peers, said the group was “having a good time” so far in the journey. “We’ve gotten to learn about economic development,” he said.
Timothy A.Annis,D.C.
Dr.Timothy A.Annis 66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105 Dawsonville,GA 30534
(706) 216-4875
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 11
AUGUST 2010
Bankers association elects new officers From staff reports
The Community Bankers Association of Georgia’s Leadership Division elected new Division 9 officers at the 32nd Annual Leadership Division Convention and Mini-Trade Show in June. The new Division Nine Chair is Mike Underwood of First Citizens Bank of Georgia, in Dawsonville, and the new Division Nine Vice Chair is Matt Hames of First Cherokee State Bank in Woodstock. “We are pleased to welcome new and returning members of the CBA Leadership Division Board of Directors,” said Carolyn Brown, president and chief executive officer, Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “With such a talented and motivated group of community bankers on the board, continued success and growth of all of our divisions is expected. We look forward to working with our dedicated board members throughout the year,” she added. The leadership division of the association was created in 1980 to educate and inform future bank leaders on the current issues in the banking industry and to pre-
‘With such a talented and motivated group of community bankers on the board, continued success and growth of all of our divisions is expected.’
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Carolyn Brown President and chief executive officer, Community Bankers Association of Georgia pare them for further leadership roles in their institutions. The leadership division works closely with many schools and organizations throughout communities to educate the public on community banking, careers in banking and other financial topics. One of the main principles of the division is to promote economic education by teaching students about banking, saving, spending, interest, credit and other related issues.
JUNE MEMBER RENEWALS Special thanks to the following members that renewed their memberships in July: The Dawson Clinics Joe and Barbara Fulmer
Paradise Valley Resort AT&T Wireless Expo
NEW MEMBERS BK Sports Kasey Wilson 30 Industrial Park Road, Ste 109 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-4487 Category: Sporting Goods Store
Young Life of Dawson County Shawn Dutcher 900 Hwy. 9 North Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6510 Category: Nonprofit
Property Investment Associates
12 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
AMBASSADORS CORNER
Parson tells of experience with business in the area “Last month, we needed some new tires, new brakes and an alignment for our Ford Explorer. After researching some tire prices both online and locally with some of the ‘big-box’ retailers, we were able to determine which tire would work best for our vehicle. “I wanted to shop local but was not sure if the local companies could com- Parson pete price-wise with the big-box tire retailers. After doing business in the past with Tower Automotive and being treated nice, I wanted to exercise due diligence and see if Tower Automotive could come in budget. “After visiting Rhonda and Brent and them taking time to evaluate my situation, I was
pleasantly surprised that Tower was able to keep within my budget. On top of that, they made me aware of two manufacturer rebates that saved me an additional 10 percent, which allowed me to upgrade my brake pads to a premium pad with not additional cost out of pocket. “By shopping local, we were able to contribute to a Dawson County business while being informed of additional savings that would have cost us more somewhere else. Thank you Tower Automotive for doing what is right for the client.” Ambassador George Parson, Rapid Refill
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Two new members welcomed The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program would like to welcome two new members to the volunteer group — Amy Reeves and Wanda Smith. Amy Reeves Sales Director Best Western, Dawsonville (706) 216-4410 Amy Reeves recently rejoined the Dawson County Chamber Ambassador Program after an extended hiatus. She now is employed with Best Western in Dawsonville, where she serves as the hotel’s sales director. Reeves A native of Georgia, Reeves has lived in Dawson County for about 20 years and is a founding member of the Dawson County Rotary Club and Dawson County Homebuilders Association. After working in outside sales in a neighboring county, Reeves said she is excited to be back home in Dawson County. Reeves is married with three children and four grandchildren.
Wanda Smith Consumer Lender Chestatee State Bank (706) 216-2265 Wanda Smith, a consumer lender with Chestatee State Bank, remembers answering the phones for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce in the early 1990s. “I worked as Philip Hester’s assistant at First Community Bank, the county’s second bank, and we had phone lines for the chamber Smith that rang at the bank that we’d answer,” Smith said. Hester is a former chairman of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Smith is now ready to involve herself with the chamber once again — this time as a Chamber Ambassador. “I’m glad to be helping with the Ambassador Program,” she said. Smith and her husband, Terry, have four children and seven grandchildren.
File photo
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze opens for business Sept. 4.
Corn maze comes to life By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze opens for business as the leaves change and the autumn winds begin to blow in Dawson County. As one of the most wellattended corn mazes in the U.S., the maze is the product of about 352,000 kernels planted earlier in the year. The cornstalks grow tall as summer ends, creating a maze that opens for business Saturday, Sept. 4 and runs through Nov. 21. Owners Mike and Roxanne Pinzl opened the 12-acre field for business nine years ago. It now entertains and brings close to 40,000 visitors to Dawson County each fall. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze uses two sets of corn-carved trails that twist and turn, forming the shape of a Monarch butterfly.
Uncle Shuck — Mike Pinzl — said organizers are “looking for big crowds again this year, and we wanted to add something new to keep families coming back.” New to the attraction is the Great Goat Trek, a system of narrow walkways and a series of five platforms for the farm animals. “It’s good fun to watch them climb so easily and so high,” Pinzl said. It costs $9 to to get into the corn maze, and children three years old and younger get in free. Additional activities at the agri-tourism complex include tractor-drawn hay rides along the Etowah River, bonfire area, corn cannon and marshmallow toasting. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze is located on Hwy. 53 at Gober Hill. For more information, visit www.uncleshucks.com.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 13
AUGUST 2010
Raffle tickets for sale soon By Michele Hester michelehester@ dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Bethany Berg was recently selected as the recipient of Dawson County’s first Habitat for Humanity home. Shown with her teenage sons, Cory and Ian, Berg spoke July 27 at The Father’s House Christ Fellowship Church about her appreciation for the program. Construction on the Bergs’ home is scheduled to begin in November.
Funds will help build home By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnew.com
A group of about 60 attended a breakfast July 27 at The Father’s House Christ Fellowship Church in support of a community effort to bring affordable home ownership through Habitat for Humanity to Dawson County. Among the attendees was Bethany Berg and her two teenage sons, Ian and Cory, who were recently selected as Dawson County’s first Habitat for Humanity family. “I know that without this I could never have what they’re going to give me,” Berg said at the breakfast. Bill Phinney, board president for Habitat’s North Central Georgia division which includes Dawson, said the group’s “spirit
to help provide housing” to families like the Bergs will move the local program forward quickly. Land for the Bergs’ home is now available. Construction is expected to begin in November. Steve Holder, one of the initial local organizers, said he knows the road ahead will be long. “But we’re so thankful this giant step has happened,” he said. Habitat North Central Georgia CEO Russ Hayes said the group has undertaken a campaign to raise $80,000. “It will be a long process,” he said. “We’re constantly planting seeds that will bear fruit at a later time.” Holder said several people volunteered to help in numerous ways at the meeting. “We have one guy who’s
wanting to have a golf tournament, and several banks are wanting to help,” he said. Holder said the land currently available for the Bergs’ home is across the county line in neighboring Forsyth County. “Right now that’s where the house will be built,” Holder said. “Unless we have a local donor show up.” He said the local banks are also looking into their surplus land to “see if we can afford anything here.” The Bergs have said they prefer to stay in Dawson but are thankful either way. “Without Habitat, my kids and I would not have the opportunity for home ownership,” Berg said. For more information, call (770) 886-4939, or e-mail Steve Holder at steve.holder@windstream.net.
Go ahead and mark Sept. 30 on your calendar as an evening you’ll want to remember. Only 350 tickets will be sold for the annual Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Reverse Raffle drawing party, which begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Lakeview Center. Tickets will go on sale around the middle of August and will be available at the chamber office and through each chamber board member. Purchasing one ticket at $100 allows two people to
enter the party. “Out of all the events we have, this is the most exciting,” said Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Pam Hamalainen. “The odds of winning are greater than any lottery ticket you could buy.” In addition to the $10,000 cash prize raffle, ticket holders are also eligible for valuable door prizes donated by local businesses. Every 25th ticket drawn will win a prize equal to or greater than the price of the ticket. For more information on the chamber’s reverse raffle, call the chamber at (706) 2656278.
Work ready to be offered at night By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
For those who couldn’t fit the Georgia Work Ready Assessment into a busy day schedule, Lanier Tech’s Dawson Campus is now offering evening sessions. The campus is located in downtown Dawsonville at 89 Tiger Circle. Evening sessions will be held from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 23 and Sept. 23. A day session is also available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17. The online assessment is done in three parts and covers reading for information, locating information and applied mathematics. Assessments may be taken
in one, two or three sessions. Upon successful completion of the assessment, participants will be awarded a Work Ready Certificate. Dawson County residents who are at least 18 may earn a $50 gift card to Wal-Mart or Kroger by earning a certificate. Unemployed Georgians who earn the certificate and are currently seeking a job may apply for a $100-200 gift card to be spent on job search expenses. To register for the time of your choice, go to www.laniertech.edu and look for the Work Ready logo. For more information, visit www.gaworkready.org or call (706) 265-6278.
14 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
Hannah and Michaella Cooper help Linda Williams make final preparations in her classroom. The Coopers and the Riverview Elementary second-grade teacher attended the dedication ceremony for the new facility.
Fiber optic work ongoing By Brandee A. Thomas DCN regional staff
Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
New school dedicated By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Parents, students, teachers and administrators joined together Aug. 1 to dedicate the district’s fourth elementary school. Parents like Cooper walked the hallways of Riverview Elementary school after taking part in a formal dedication ceremony. “This place looks ... great,” said Angela Cooper, the parent of Hannah Cooper, who will attend fourth grade at the elementary school. “It’s very awesome-looking.” Cooper said. Former Black’s Mill Principal Julia Mashburn spoke at the dedication ceremony in the school’s gym. Mashburn will lead Riverview Elementary this school year. “I speak for our entire faculty and staff when I say how excited we are today to be establishing the fourth pillar in an outstanding education for elementary students in Dawson County,” Mashburn said. Retired longtime Dawson County educator Herbert Robinson echoed the remarks. “This school, like all schools in Dawson County, will be wonderful,” said Robinson, addressing the
Tate Clark, 7, talks with secondgrade teacher Linda Williams after a dedication ceremony for Riverview Elementary School Sunday.
parents and grandparents of Riverview students. “These children are attending school in a system that is A number 1. It stands as one of the best school systems in the state of Georgia,” Robinson said. Superintendent Keith Porter said administrators owed the system’s successes to the community.
“It is due to your generosity and concern that we can build facilities like this,” Porter said. “We are so appreciative.” Dawson County residents are indeed responsible for funding of the 80,000 square-foot building. Funded by the voter-approved Education Local Option Sales Tax, Riverview cost a total of $9.8 million. Following an April 12 vote by the Dawson County Board of Education, school district zones were redrawn to include Riverview. The new attendance zones were created to help relieve overcrowding at Robinson Elementary, the district’s most populous school. With the opening of Riverview, the student population dropped from 700 to 535. Riverview Elementary will have about 325 students walking the halls on the first day of class Monday. Porter said seeing students on the first day will make it all worthwhile. “We’ve been admiring this beautiful building for some time now,” Porter said. “We’ve been missing one important thing though: our students. We can’t wait to see this building come alive.”
Building a multi-million dollar regional Internet network may be no easy task, but the North Georgia Network Cooperative is making progress. During a visit to Dawsonville in December, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden announced the cooperative had been awarded a $33.5 million grant to build a 260-mile fiber optic ring to broaden the availability of high-speed Internet service in Northeast Georgia. Since that time, cooperative officials say they have been making slow and steady progress toward completion. “There are a lot of moving parts to this thing, but we’ve got a great team assembled,” said Bruce Abraham, North Georgia Network board member. “Everything is done by committee, and we have around 15 people that meet regularly to accomplish the necessary tasks.” One of the first tasks was establishing a set of operating policies. Since the project is funded by federal dollars, the cooperative has to get federal approval for everything. “We literally had to look at all of the federal regulations to establish things like our business structure and procurement procedures,” Abraham said. Once completed, the network is expected to reach communities in Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, Union and White counties. The ultimate goal of the high-speed network is to help attract more high-tech industries to Northeast Georgia. Currently, the committee is working to locate point of preference sites in each of the eight counties. POP sites are where the main electronics for the network are housed. “We had to hire a company to survey the sites and do all of the historical research to make sure that there aren’t any hazards,” Abraham said. “We’re moving methodically and we’re right on target with everything. We should be ready to start the actual construction of the network by this fall.” Once the network is constructed, it will function like the electricity industry, Abraham said. “Just like how the [power companies] buy electricity then distribute it off, we’re in negotiations with service providers for access to the network,” Abraham said. “So far, we’ve gotten a lot of interest from companies that want to be customers of, or have applications on, the network.” With a 30-month deadline, all of the work on the network must be completed by November 2012.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 15
AUGUST 2010
Families enjoy tradition at annual Campmeeting By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Lanier Tech reflects growth By Carolyn Crist
It was one of the most well-attended — and hottest — Campmeetings many could remember. More than 1,000 came together for worship, reflection and fellowship July 1925 during the 180th anniversary of Campmeeting at Lumpking Campground Kristin Leslie, 28, has not missed Campmeeting since she was born. Leslie said she enjoys “the tradition of it all. “With my family, we’ve never had a ton of tradition. We’ve never had a huge, extended family. It feels sort of like a big family when we’re here,” Leslie said. “This is our big tradition.” That tradition, she said, is steeped in simplicity. “Everybody kind of sits around and visits,” she said. “Nobody has any TVs or anything like that here. It promotes the type of fellowship you don’t always get in the real world. The simple life brings people together.” The simple life starts with wooden cabins, where families eat and sleep. The cabin — or “tent” — that Leslie’s family stays in not only lacks a television, but an air-conditioning system. Longtime Campmeeting attendee Larry Taffar said it was the hottest event he can remember. “It was so hot,” Taffar said. “Man, it was brutal. It really is like going back 40 or 50 years when most folks didn’t have AC.” Taffar said it was nothing
DCN regional staff
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Kristin Leslie leads a small tour through her family’s “tent” at Campmeeting. For Leslie’s family, coming to the yearly gathering at Lumpkin Campground has been a tradition for generations.
that couldn’t be fixed with watermelon, homemade ice cream and electric fans. Leslie agreed. “Tons and tons and tons of fans,” said Leslie, who braved most of last week without air conditioning. “You don’t sleep as late when it’s this hot. I know that now.” Despite the heat, Leslie said she wouldn’t trade the primitiveness for comfort. “It’s all about keeping the traditions,” she said. Fellow camper Justin Denard, 18, is big on tradition too. He helps sustain one of the oldest ones at Campmeeting. Back in 1910, his ancestors introduced a novel way of signaling the start of church service every day. They blew on a conch shell. Campmeeting’s other peculiarities include the annual whitewashing of trees.
On the night before Campmeeting begins, volunteers dip brooms in paint, covering the bottom of tree trunks. The white color helps campers navigate the grounds at night. Church services in the arbor — the central structure — are held three times a day, including a nighttime service. The week of services culminates with the final gathering on Sunday night. Taffar said this year’s final service brought out at least 1,000 people. “It was a good week of revival and family gettogethers,” Taffar said. In her 28 years of attending, Leslie considers every week at Campmeeting a good week. “For a few days out of the year you take a step back in time and go a little bit slower. I think that’s what’s so great about it.”
Lanier Technical College graduated its largest class of students in July — and the programs just keep growing. “Because of the recession, this is a very special graduating class,” interim President Russell Vandiver said. “As the jobs start to come back, we want to help prepare these students with skills because those will be the people in line to get jobs quicker. It’s a big night for us. I like to call it a celebration.” The graduation marked the 44th for the college. In 1967, Lanier Tech boasted 51 graduates in seven programs, including secretarial sciences, welding and data processing. Now more than 1,300 students graduate with various degrees, diplomas and technical certificates. This year’s enrollment saw a 20 percent jump. “It’s an exciting time for us, and we feel like our enrollment is going to continue to increase,” Vandiver said. “For folks who are out of jobs, I’d much rather they get more training so they can get new opportunities.” Lanier Tech added few staff and faculty this year to match the leap in student numbers. Coupled with the time-consuming process of preparing for a more stringent accreditation process, staff members have been quite busy. “We’ve had budget cuts, like every other agency, but we’ve been able to maintain the quality of service provided to our students,” he said. “Doing that without adding staff and going through the accreditation process, our staff have done a wonderful job and really gone the extra mile.” Student enrollment increased across all majors, but administrators
see the largest job growth in the health care field. Guest speaker, Lynn Jackson of Northside Hospital in Forsyth County, served as an example for the many job opportunities open to the new graduates. “I want them to know what I’ve learned during my career of serving others and to leave room in their budding careers for surprises, laughter and for them to take action,” she said. “To not just look at what might be possible but what they can actually do. I think the education they’re receiving is very unique, and they’re going to be uniquely qualified.” As Vandiver has created a strategic plan during the last six months to expand new programs and facilities, he’s putting emphasis on the health care field. “We went to the seven counties we serve and had good discussions about what their needs are and what their perceptions were, and that helps when you start looking five to 10 years down the road,” he said. “As folks are getting older, a lot of needs there will create jobs in the future.” Annette Shutters, an accounting major from the Forsyth County campus, gave the ceremony’s invocation. She was excited to see the variety of ages and majors represented in the graduating class. “I’ve been so excited to be back in school,” she said. “It’s so much fun being in college when you get older and have a different perspective and start to recognize that you may have some hidden talents.” Shutters was named as the college’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner this year for excellence in academics and leadership. Although she is not graduating yet, she is excited to see what her classmates do in the job world. “Try not to settle for something you don’t love,” she said.
16 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
AUGUST 2010
WE APPRECIATE OUR EDUCATORS MAIN BRANCH
DOWNTOWN
L-R: Jim Curry, Russell Hewatt, Wanda Smith, Adam Buice, and Philip Hester
L-R: Cheryl Hunsinger, Amanda Gibson, and Susan Bergstrom
Free Gold Leaf Club Checking Account for Dawson County Educators • Free Internet Banking • Free special wallet-style checks • Free Online Bill Pay • No monthly service charge • Debit Card available • Free Travelers Checks • Notary Services and Official Checks • Interest paid on daily collected balances of $1,000 or more
Come see us to open an account today.
Main Branch located at Hwy 53 & GA 400 in Dawsonville. With locations at downtown Dawsonville, Keith Bridge Commons, Cumming and Marble Hill
(706) 216-2265 www.chestateestatebank.com