D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Outlet offers affordable, quality menswear July 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
Fourth event brings crowd By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Visitors numbering thousands flocked to the annual Sparks in the Park Independence Day celebration on July 3 at Rock Creek Park in Dawson County. The gathering featured food, activities, games and fireworks. Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, said the event was “a great coming together of business-
es and other supporters ... and such a terrific fireworks display.” Dawson County resident Daniel Higgins, who attended for the second straight year, had a blast. “You name me one place that’s more American than Dawsonville,” Higgins said. “You know what? Don’t even try. You can’t do it.” Higgins wasn’t the only one psyched about the event. See FOURTH | 6
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Natasha Winters throws hamburgers on the grill at the annual Sparks in the Park celebration recently at Rock Creek Park.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Chamber supports residents in the county Again, I would like to remind everyone that we are your Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. We are here to support you, our local businesses and individual members. We spend a good amount of income advertising
Dawson County throughout the state by a variety of means, including numerous publications. If we can get folks here, then it is a “slam dunk” that the hospitality of our local businesses, neighbors and our quality of life here will
keep them coming back. We are excited at the chamber about projects that are in the works that will be beneficial to our members. We should be able to announce those projects in next month’s article. So be on stand by.
One project we have taken on this month was hosting the local candidate debate. I would like to thank Charlie Auvermann and his committee for the work they did putting this debate together. We think it is important that all of our
candidates have a forum so each of us may examine them more closely. Let’s remember July 20. This is a time we have our say-so in the leadership of our county, our state and See CHAMBER | 6
Underwood
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Is going green appropriate for your business? toward the move You may and we are lookhave heard the ing ahead to bigbig announceger and better ment that your things for our Dawson organization. In County addition to the Chamber of many things we Commerce will upgrade and Board of change, now Directors has Williams will be the time made the decision to purchase a build- to transition the chaming in the Ga. 400 corri- ber toward becoming a green organization. dor and soon we will While we have have relocated your already started recychamber offices and the cling our office paper, welcome center. bottles and cans, it is Feedback from you, clear there is so much our members, through more to becoming a surveys and conversagreen company than tions indicate that the simply recycling. majority of you favor The main tool we relocation to a larger will use to become a facility and one that is green company is to in a high traffic area. utilize one of our For more on the purnewest online courses chase go to dawsonthat are offered through news.com. our Web site. The staff and I are This course is entiworking vigorously
tled “How to Adopt Green Practices in Business and Gain a Competitive Advantage.” The lessons are varied and include such components as audio and video segments, activities, research, case studies, recommended reading, resources and supplemental materials. Some of the topics
covered are: Benefits of adopting green practices, preparing to create your green action plan, your green solutions and action plan and effectively marketing and advertising your commitment to the environment. I encourage you to consider exploring the possibility of making
Operator retiring from local bank
jects we offer for business and personal development. I hope to see you at a chamber event soon. Won’t you join us — and won’t you join us in our efforts to “go green?”
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.
From staff reports
Joyce Cox has announced her retirement after 12 years of service at BB&Ts Dawsonville branch office, 136 Hwy. 400 South. Her last day will be July 23. The Dawsonville native joined the BB&T branch in 1998 as a switchboard operator and has held that post for 12 years.
your business green. There are many guidelines on the Internet, or you may do as we will do and sign up for this course on our Web site. To find this class and hundreds more, go to www.dawson.org and look for the link to online classes near the top of the home page. You will be surprised at the variety of sub-
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July July 15: The White County Chamber of Commerce will host a regional Business After Hours event from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the new Babyland General Hospital, 300 NOK Drive, Cleveland, GA 30528. For more information, call (706) 865-2171 or visit www.cabbagepatchkids.com. The event will be a great opportunity to meet new business prospects and tour the new facility. July 24: Summer Flea Market, sponsored by the Georgia Farmgirls, will be held from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 7645 Bannister Road, Cumming. Spaces will cost $10 each and can be purchased the day of the sale. The Farmgirls will sale sodas and water. Bring your own tables and tents - set up anytime. For more information, call (770) 845-5728 or e-mail GeorgiaFarmgirls@aol.com. July 27: Community Forum will be held from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville, in the community room upstairs. The public is invited to attend a communication session between county leaders. No official business will be conducted and no public comment is scheduled. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. July 27: Business After Hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Hwy. 9 North, Dawsonville, just past Dawson County Middle School.The July event will be sponsored by the Dawson County Arts Council. Homebased or businesses with small locations are welcomed to cohost the event. For more information, call Marcia Chelf at (706) 216-2787. 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.The drawing is currently at $1,100. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn.
August Aug. 12: Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. Aug. 14: The City of Dawsonville presents "Southern Nights" from 5 - 9 p.m. at city hall in celebration of the city's 150th birthday. Enjoy great food and entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the Dawson County Senior Center Elevator Fund.Tickets are $15 per person. For more information, call (706) 265-3256.
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce continues to count proceeds from the annual golf tournament June 18 at Crystal Falls Golf Club, where Adam Buice attempts a putt for the Chestatee State Bank team. Also pictured are Nathan Collins and Henry Hamilton.
Teams tee up for chamber By Michele Hester
Aug. 19: Join the chamber for a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. at North Georgia Outfitters, located off the square in downtown Dawsonville. Several celebrities will be in attendance. Aug. 24: Dawson Family Physicians hosts the chamber's July Business After Hours, 278 Hwy. 400 North, Suite 1160, from 5-7 p.m. 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. For more information, call (706) 265-8439.
michele@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce couldn’t have asked for a better day to hold its annual golf tournament at Crystal Falls Golf Club. With temperatures in the high 80s and very few clouds in the sky, 18 teams took to the links June 18 in a noon shotgun start for the Ft. Lauderdale, best ball scramble. “We had a good day,” said Marty Williams, vice president of tourism for the chamber. “It was a very successful tournament.” While the chamber says it is still counting proceeds, Williams said the tournament has so far surpassed last year’s event. Even the teams that said they didn’t play as well as they had hoped, added they had a good time. Chestatee State Bank offered a $10,000 hole in one challenge, though no one was able to capitalize on the grand prize. There were also putting and longest drive winners in the four-man scramble.
Lake Gibson and Brooke Anderson take a break between holes in the chamber’s golf tournament June 18. Tournament organizers called the fundraiser a “great success.”
Greg Baldwin took closest to the pin, and David Benson won the longest drive. This year’s overall first place low gross winners were the Kroger team, while the First Citizens Bank of Georgia team took low net.
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State buys 469 wooded acres By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
State-level leaders got a glimpse at 469 recently-acquired acres last month that will provide a geographic link between portions of the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management area. Land conservation organizations and state agencies took a tour through the deep woods on June 16, where they viewed scenic portions of the property. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Land Conservation Program can now protect the land, which includes a two-mile stretch of the Amicalola Creek and its tributaries. The section of river protects at least 27 native fish species, three of which are endangered. Of those who toured the property were DNR Commissioner Chris Clark, who said state of Georgia officials “are excited to be able to acquire and manage” the land. Clark spoke of the land’s potential for “open and wild” recreation experiences. “It’s very difficult to find land for the average Georgian to take their child and go hunting, and I don’t know of anything more important than giving parents the opportunity to give their children an appreciation for the outdoor experience,” Clark said. Clark said getting ahold of the property would not have been possible without the help of others. “It’s a critical link that would not have been an option otherwise,” he said. The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and many others played a part in securing and finding funding for purchase of the land, which cost about $3.2 million. Shelly Lakly, the Nature Conservancy’s state director in Georgia, said it was a worthy purchase. “The opportunity to safeguard these acres could not be ignored, so
New employee at doctor’s office is ‘patient oriented’ From staff reports
Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Bunny Doster is the new face at Anderson Family Medicine. A physician’s assistant since 2003, Doster is originally from Decatur. She is married to husband, Ray, with two children and three grandchildren. Doster, who received her degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, said she is “very patient ori-
ented. “I love my work,” Doster added. “It keeps me happy.” Doster specializes in hypertension, diabetes, thyroid obesity and heart disease. Doster said she has “always just had a passion for helping people.” Anderson Family Medicine is located at 400 Dawson Commons Circle, Suite 410. For more information, call (706) 265-1335.
State officials and land conservationists stop to look down at the Amicalola Creek last month during a tour of newly purchased property in Dawson County.
we made the decision to act and contribute to the final funding,” Lakly said. The Nature Conservancy first acquired the Amicalola Creek property in 2008 and held on to it until the state could pay for it. Mike Berg, chairman of the Dawson County commission, said the acquisition has been a work in progress for more than two years. Berg said the property “puts us within about 60 acres of being a direct connection to Springer Mountain.” Springer Mountain, located in Fannin County, is the first leg of the Appalachian Trail. “At some point in the future, you might be able to advance the Appalachian Trail all the way down to Dawson Forest,” Berg said. “It would certainly do a lot for Dawson [County] as far as tourism is concerned and would get us closer to preserving more of the Dawson Forest property as active and passive recreation.” In a June 16 news release, Gov.
Curt Soper, director of conservation at the Nature Conservancy, looks over a map of newly acquired land.
Sonny Perdue stated that conservation efforts like the recent acquisition in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area help by “permanently protecting Georgia’s land resources. “Acquiring this property at the heart of the Dawson Forest links more than 15,000 acres of conservation land,” Perdue stated. “Thanks to the partnership of public and private organizations, this stretch of Amicalola Creek and the many species of wildlife it supports will be preserved for generations to come.”
For the Dawson Community News
Bunny Doster is the new face at Anderson Family Medicine.
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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‘Celebrity’ waiter event serves up fun By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Volunteers with an area family service initiative hopes you tipped your waiters and waitresses well after breakfast June 18 at Longhorn Steakhouse despite drinks going to the wrong tables and the sounds of glasses breaking in the kitchen. Fourteen local “celebrities” traded their business suits and briefcases for aprons and serving trays to raise more than $3,000 during the second annual Dawson County Family Connection Celebrity Waiter breakfast. “Don’t quit your day job,” one customer laughed playfully as his waiter dropped a full glass of orange juice. Nancy Stites, director of Family Connection, said it didn’t matter how many glasses were dropped, or coffee pots busted, or the fact that some of the servers couldn’t find the silverware. “It was such a great time. We all had so much fun. What a great surprise that we had so many people waiting at the door when we opened,” she said. More than 200 diners attended the breakfast, which featured celebrity waiters such as, Commission Chair Mike Berg, City Administrator Kim Cornelison, School Superintendent Keith Porter and Coroner Ted Bearden. With a buffet-style break-
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
“Steady, steady,” Dawson County School Superintendent Keith Porter tells himself as he delivers hot coffee during the June 18 Celebrity Waiter breakfast to benefit Family Connection.
fast of biscuits, eggs, bacon and sausage, the celebrity waiters juggled the tasks of taking and delivering drink orders, clearing plates and resetting the tables. “I went from ‘Chairman’ to ‘Hey you,’” said Berg, who had never served people except at last year’s inaugural breakfast. “It’s a whole heck of a lot harder than anyone that has not served could ever imagine.” With all kidding aside, Berg, who also serves on the Family Connection board, said he was honored to participate in the breakfast, which gave him the opportunity to talk about Family Connection and its work in the community. “I got to tell several people what Family Connection is all about and that’s as
good as having a fundraiser to let people know what they are doing in this community,” Berg said. Part of a statewide initiative of community collaborative partnerships, Dawson County Family Connection brings together community partners to help address the challenges facing children and families. Among the local nonprofit’s programs are the meth task force, church alliance and prevent child abuse. Cornelison said the organization is “a tremendous service to the community.” “Family Connection provides so much information and so many resources to help community members help themselves,” she said.
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce members showed up June 22 for the monthly business after hours event, which was held this month at RIC Rack.
RIC Rack hosts June Business After Hours From staff reports
Business after hours for the month of June was held at RIC Rack. Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams said it went well, and that “recent renovations to the building have made it look wonderful.” The winner for the cash drawing was Dawson Family Physicians, but no one from the business was present to collect the money. Therefore, the drawing goes up to $1,100 at the next business after
hours event, which is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. July 27 at the Bowen Center for the Arts. RIC Rack is a thrift store and a food pantry. The non-profit feeds around 300 in need every month, giving out anywhere from 12,000 to 14,000 pounds of food. RIC Rack relies on donations from the community. The pantry is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information, call (706) 265-1371.
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Denise Gordon, left, and Natalie Pruett toss Frisbees during Sparks in the Park at Rock Creek.
FROM 1
Fourth ‘You name me one place that’s more American than Dawsonville. You know what? Don’t even try. You can’t do it.’ Daniel Higgins
Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
From left, Leah and Juliet Fountain dance to the music recently at Sparks in the Park.
Dawson County resident
FROM 1
Chamber our country. We, the people, have the privilege to be a part in electing our leaders. I realize we are all busy, but please take the time to go vote .... it is very important that we all play a part in our future. The way we play that part is to vote, vote, vote! It takes just a small amount of time on our part to be a large part of our leadership, our future. Please, vote. On another note, as we
start seeing some growth, let’s continue to support our friends and neighbors by shopping local. The economy, by most accounts, will take some time before we begin seeing a turn around. Most of us are depending on the economy to turn around in order for us to survive this recession. So, we are all in this together. It would be beneficial to us all that whenever possible, we shop local. This is a very basic idea, but when times are tough, getting back to the basics becomes a novel idea. Please let us know if
you have a concern, or if you would like for us to bring some light to a particular subject. Collectively, we may accomplish much as we strive toward our goal of making Dawsonville and Dawson County the preferred locations for businesses and families. If quality jobs and quality of life are as important to you as it is to us, please help by getting involved with your Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. We welcome you. Again, I urge you to vote on July 20. Mike Underwood Chairman
Ben Chandler and wife, Julie, showed up sporting red, white and blue shirts and baseball caps. Their two-year-old Daschund, “Kermit,” wore an American flag T-shirt. “This is what it’s all about,” said Ben Chandler, a new resident to Dawson County. “It makes me proud to be an
American.” Chandler added that “in an economic downturn like we got, this type of thing’s a lifesaver for the family. Free entertainment.” Dawsonville resident Kirsty Russell said the event is “a good time for family and friends. It’s awesome.” Russell’s friend, Crystal Rarick, agreed. “The kids have fun. We have fun,” Rarick said. Russell and
Rarick have been coming to the local Independence Day celebration for many years. “It’s a good tradition,” Rarick added. Presented by Dawson County and Dawson Community News, officials said Sparks in the Park was a success. “It was even bigger and better than last year,” said Cathy Brooks, Dawson County spokesperson. “It went really great.”
• Congratulations to SleeveCo of Dawsonville for receiving the Golden Cylinder Award from Gravure Association of America. • Congratulations to Pam Hamalainen and Rosalind Chambers who were presented the inaugural "The Reagan Award" for their work with the local veterans and active military. • Shop chamber members first. • Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you. • Are you certified Work Ready? Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
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EXTEND YOUR ADVERTISING MARKET in our D A W S O N
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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
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‘It’s a social advantage as well as an economic one.’
Dance studio opens By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Clark Beusse Extension agent Carolyn Chambers, center, and Amanda Chamber s, right, pick out produce July 7 at the extension service’s annual market. Vendor Morgan Collette was selling potatoes, cucumber s and other fresh vegetables. Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Lessons in ballet, tap, jazz and much more are available for children and adults at the only dance studio in the county. Ballet, etc. opened last month near the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Lumpkin Campground Road, offering private and group classes at affordable rates. Owner Mary Warnke of Dawsonville, who started dancing when she was a toddler, said she wanted to introduce young children to dance in a clean, safe environ-
ment where students “are encouraged to excellence.” Classes will always be conducted in modest, non-compromising costuming with clean dance moves and music. The studio also offers pilates and stretching classes for adults and is currently holding summer camps for ages 4-12 year-olds. An open house, featuring live dance and musical performances and a free line-dancing lesson, is scheduled for July 24. For more information, call (706) 974-9161 or visit www.balletetc.org.
Produce markets open for season By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
Those with a taste for fresh seasonal produce have four days a week to take advantage of farmers’ markets in downtown Dawsonville. The Dawson County Extension Service’s eighth annual market is under way, running from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 298 Academy Ave. In addition, the city of Dawsonville announced the opening of its inaugural farmers market behind city hall. Vendors and buyers are welcome from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The city’s market will be open through October. The extension service’s market will be open throughout the
summer. Kim Cornelison, city administrator and clerk, said Dawsonville officials “have been out examining other municipalities and saw that it was a great opportunity for local people to buy and sell locally grown produce.” Cornelison said canned goods like jams, jellies and honey are welcome. Other types of canned goods will require health standards certification by the seller. The extension service’s market does not allow canned foods. Clark Beusse, local extension coordinator, said “only fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Dawson and surrounding counties” may be brought to the market. “The market provides a good place for people
to buy fresh produce, and they can actually look at who grew it and talk with them,” Beusse said. “It builds relationships between gardeners, farmers and people who don’t or can’t grow plants. It’s a social advantage as well as an economic one.” Beusse advised shoppers to show up early because “some of the vendors sell out in a little over an hour.” Vendors interested in selling goods at the extension service mar-
ket may fill out an application at the event. Those who have sold at previous events need not apply. Selling is free. Beusse said “with the growing season we’re having, I predict there will be plenty of fresh produce at this year’s market.” Those interested in selling at the municipal market should contact the city to fill out the necessary paperwork. There is a $10 per month fee to sell at city hall.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Mary Warnk e, owner of Ballet, etc. Dance Studio, cut the grand opening ribbon last month. The studio is located near the intersection on Hwy. 53 and Lumpkin Campground Road.
Timothy A.Annis,D.C.
June totals Walk-in visitors: 396 Member referrals: 2,275 Newcomer packages: 48
Dr.Timothy A.Annis 66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105 Dawsonville,GA 30534
(706) 216-4875
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Local optometrist awarded From staff reports
Dawsonville Optometrist Dr. Joyce N a t i o n s wa s r e c e n t l y n a m e d t h e recipient of the Bernard Kahn Memorial Award by the 700-member Georgia Optometric Association at the organization’s annual meeting. At the event, which was held June 3-6 i n P o n t e Ve d r a B e a c h , F l a . , o ffi c i a l s r e c o g n i z e d N a t i o n s f o r contributions to the organization in serving as president and chair for the “Healthy Eyes Healthy People”
project. N a t i o n s h a s s e r ve d a s t h e 9 t h District trustee for the association for six years, and has also served as the membership chair. N a t i o n s r e c e ive d h e r d o c t o r o f optometry degree in 1993 from the University of Alabama School of Optometry. S h e a l s o r e c e ive d h e r m a s t e r s d eg r e e i n p u b l i c h e a l t h f r o m t h e University of Alabama and her bachelor of science degree from North Georgia College & State University.
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
JUNE MEMBER RENEWALS Diane and Larry Lemley James A. Hamiliton, Attorney at Law JER Group Inc. Joh, John & Jane Jungle Paradise MAM Counseling Inc.
Perfect Gatherings Catering Professional Therapy Services LLC Ragsdale, Beals, Seigler, Patterson & Gray, LLP Yorkie Doodle Embroidery
NEW MEMBERS Trend Storage Tim Buffkin 42 Grant Road East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-0057 Category: Storage timbuffkin@bellsouth.net North Georgia Outfitters Greg Gordon 83 West 1st Street Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-0020 Category: Retail-Outfitting Adventures greg@northgeorgiaoutfitters.c om Habitat for Humanity- NCG Mary Lamond 133 Samaritan Dr. #107 Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-4939 Non-Profit mlamond@habitat-ncg.org
Doug Powell 604 Stowers Rd W Dawsonville, GA 30534 (770) 329-6268 Category: Individual doug.powell@windstream.net Jungle Paradise (Rejoined) Suzanne Franklin Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Master Gardener ACUTRAQ Larry McBerry 737 Mayapple Glen Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-8835 Category: Background Screening larry@acutraq.com Cherokee Hills Farm Kennel LLC Thomas Severence 237 Blue Ridge Overlook Dawsonville, GA 30534 (404) 878-7509 Category: Dog & Cat Kennel tas_las_chf@yahoo.com
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Economist urges Hewatt is Ambassador of the Month residents to invest in local resource AMBASSADORS CORNER
By Michele Hester
michele@dawsonnews.com
Each month the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program selects a volunteer as Ambassador of the Month. Kara Hewatt was chosen during the ambassadors June meeting held at Comfort Inn in Dawsonville. Hewatt is a business development officer at United Community Bank and is very active in the chamber and several local service organizations. She was one of three ambassadors recognized during the group’s March meeting for volunteering at chamber functions and acting as a
liaison between the chamber and its membership. Hewatt grew up in Jacksonville, Fla., and moved to the north Georgia area about 10 Hewatt years ago. She is a graduate of North Georgia College & State University and is married to Russell Hewatt, a former ambassador. The ambassadors are an informed, select group of motivated, enthusiastic and articulate businessmen and women who serve as the liaisons to the chamber’s membership and represent the chamber
at many civic and social functions. Their efforts include attending regularly scheduled chamber programs, attending grand openings and ribbon cutting celebrations, obtaining possible new member leads and making personal visits to new and potential chamber businesses. The Ambassador Program is currently seeking additional volunteers and encourages chamber businesses to have a representative in the program. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. for breakfast at Comfort Inn on Beartooth Parkway. If you or an employee are interested, call the chamber office at (706) 265-6278.
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Chamber members tour business From staff reports
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors went behind the scenes at Lakeview Publishing last month for a tour of the family owned phone book publishing business. In business since 1999, Lakeview Publishing currently produces directories for Cumming, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Dahlonega, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Woodstock, Canton and Cartersville at the Dawsonville location on Dawson Forest Road. Lakeview Publishing also employees about 40 local workers in their sales, arts, accounting and customer service departments. The ambassadors will continue to tour businesses throughout the
For the Dawson Community News
Several volunteers with the Ambassador Program took a behind the scenes tour of Lakeview Publishing last month as part of the group’s summer tour series.
summer. If you are interested in joining the Ambassador Program or if you would like the Chamber Ambassadors to tour behind the
scenes of your Dawson County Chamber of Commerce business, call the chamber at (706) 2656278.
By Michele Hester Michele@dawsonnews.com
A North Georgia economist and forecaster said June 10 that residents must invest in the Dawson County medicine to see a recovery. “This stimulus plan that the government is taunting isn’t going to help Dawson County,” said Frank Norton Jr, who researches market conditions and outlines trends in an annual report, Native Intelligence. “Dawson County you can produce your own stimulus plan by having the folks in Dawson County spend money Norton in Dawson County,” he said. As guest speaker at the monthly Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Norton told attendees he believes the once affluent Dawson County is in recovery, but warned that the county’s market changed when the economy soured. “What we’ve seen is that average people with average credit are buying average houses,” he said. Norton said the county’s new housing market is $250,000 and under. “I grew up in a house where we didn’t have sheetrock in the garage or garage doors until I was about 15, so when did we all have to have three-car garages with tongue and groove paneling and custommade cabinets?” he said. Norton said the key to a successful recovery in Dawson County has not changed, though sales have dwindled. “The fortuitous decisions of the leadership of the county that brought North Georgia Premium Outlets to locate to this community has set off the catalyst for the development for a brand new city,” Norton said. “We see a city at that intersection. In the early ’90s the only thing sitting at the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Ga. 400 was Sankys [gas station].” Norton said only about 20 percent of the shoppers at the outlet mall are from Dawson County. “That means the rest are coming from other counties, spending their money and leaving tax revenue in Dawson County,” he said. The outlets, Norton said, are a “mecca any county in North Georgia wishes they had. “Look at that economic engine and invest in that medicine,” he said.
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Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Jos. A. Bank sales associate Jamie Rhodes offers Glenn Abercrombie advice on selecting a dress shirt at the outlet store in Dawsonville.
Outlet offers quality, affordable menswear By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
From tailored suits to dress shirts, casual wear and tuxedo rental, Jos. A. Bank at North Georgia Premium Outlets offers quality men’s clothing at affordable prices. Store Manager Phillip Abercrombie said the quality and workmanship of the clothing sets Jos. A. Bank apart from other mens clothiers. Quality paired with prices typically 20-30 percent below comparable competitors has made “Jos. A. Bank one of the most recognized menswear makers in the country,” he said. The local outlet is one of over 450 full line stores and outlets in North America and the only Jos. A. Bank outlet in Georgia. Jos. A. Banks also produces four seasonal catalogs each year and backs all merchandise with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. The menswear store recently launched a new line of tuxedo rentals and is one of the few rental facilities in Dawson County. For more information, call (706) 216-9938. Phillip Abercrombie, manager at Jos. A. Bank, celebrated joining the chamber last month with a ribbon cutting.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
WAL-MART SUPPORTS LIONS CLUB Wal-Mart in Dawsonville made a $500 donation to the Dawson County Lion’s Club last month. Dawsonville Lions Club President David James, center, said the donation will help fund several club initiatives, such as providing hearing aids to those in need. Also pictured are Wal-Mart representatives Cecil Bennett, left, and Carrie Brooks.
YOUTH DONATE TO FOOD BANK Liberty Baptist Church Vacation Bible School students pitched in for the community last month by collecting food items to donate to RIC Rack.
Frank Reddy at Dawson Community News
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Family earns certification By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
A local couple and their adult son recently took four hours out of their busy schedules to take part in a statewide initiative to become Certified Work Ready. Susan and Larry McBerry, along with their 20-year-old son, Larry, are the county’s first Certified Work Ready family after taking the Georgia Work Ready assessment at Lanier Tech last month. Work Ready is a statewide initiative designed to show potential new businesses considering locating to Georgia that the state can support new business with a capable work-
force. Susan McBerry, a local banker, said she had wanted to take the assessment for about a year, but couldn’t make it fit her schedule. “This was the first time they offered it at night, so I asked them both to take it with me,” she said. For taking the test, each received a $50 gift card from Kroger as an incentive. They also have bragging rights. Susan McBerry is one of only four Dawson County residents to score the platinum certification, the highest possible score. Father and son each scored gold certifications, though both anticipated low scores in mathematics. “Math was never my strong
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Larry and Susan McBerry, along with their 20-year-old son, Larry, are the county’s first Certified Work Ready family after taking the Georgia Work Ready Assessment at Lanier Tech last month.
point,” said the elder McBerry, who always has his wife calculate tips when the couple goes out to dinner. Susan McBerry said she won’t be doing math for him anymore. While the McBerry family took the assessment in order
to build the number of currently employed participants in the local program, Work Ready also focuses on helping the unemployed. Possession of a Georgia Work Ready Certificate shows potential employers that a job applicant has
demonstrated skills in the areas of applied mathematics, locating information and reading for information, skills that are considered crucial by most employers, according to local coordinator Linda Williams. “The Work Ready Certificate is good evidence that a job candidate has those skills,” Williams said. Free, online skills gap training is also available to help individuals improve their Work Ready Certificate level. Individuals can take home as much as $300 for taking the three part examination, which is administered free through Lanier Tech. The program offers a $100 prepaid card to assist with job search expenses and a $200 pre-paid card for improving a work ready level. Applicants who successfully complete the assessments will also receive a Georgia Work Ready Certificate from the office of the governor, identifying the skill levels they have demonstrated. For more information, call Williams at (706) 265-6278.
AmeriVap holds grand opening celebration By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
One of the county’s newest industrial operations held a grand opening ceremony and open house last month to showcase itself as a recognized leader in industrial dry stream. AmeriVap Systems welcomed the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce to the new facility located at 31 Successful Way June 11 and offered chamber members a chance to see how dry steam can clean even their most valuable possessions. Chamber member Kitty Jarrard was amazed after an employee cleaned her wrist watch with hot steam.
Holding her watch to the light, Jarrard said the difference was instantly noticeable. AmeriVap manufactures dry steam vapor sanitizing equipment for use in hotels, medical facilities, food processing and packaging plants. Earlier this year, AmeriVap secured a USDA Rural Development loan to expand the business, while promoting economic development and improving the quality of life in rural areas. The expansion is expected to create several new jobs in the county over the next year. Owner Werner Diercks said he looked forward to doing business in Dawson County.
AmeriVap owner Werner Diercks cut a ribbon June 11 to signify the company’s expansion into Dawson County. AmeriVap is a recognized leader in industrial dry stream.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
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NASCAR’s ‘godfather’ dies Parks remembered as gentleman By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
In December 1947, a group of men gathered inside a smoky conference room in Daytona Beach, Fla. to create the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, or NASCAR. Among them was a well-dressed, 33-yearold man from Dawsonville with big dreams and deep pockets. With his financial support, the largest sanctioned body of stock car racing in the United States flourished. To many, Raymond Parks would come to be known as “the Godfather of NASCAR.” Memorial services were held June 23 at Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta for Parks, 96, who d ied June 20 at his Atlanta home. He was the last living member of the group who created NASCAR, said Gordon Pirkle, Dawsonville Pool Room owner and racing historian. “If it hadn’t been for Raymond Parks, there would be no NASCAR,” Pirkle said. “His money is what helped finance them to get started.” Pirkle said some of Parks’ financial success stemmed from bootlegging days.
‘His word was better than any written contract from any lawyer today.’ David Sosebee Dawsonville native
Photos courtesy of Gordon Pirkle
Raymond Parks is pictured next to a car used in the early days of NASCAR.
“He was the biggest moonshiner and liquor distributor there was,” Pirkle said. “After Prohibition, he went into legal business, and then he really made a killing.” Added Pirkle: “It’s hard to imagine him with the kind of background he had. To see him, you’d think of him as a minister more so than a moonshiner. He was such a gentleman.” Dawsonville native David Sosebee agreed. “He was the gentleman’s gentleman,” said Sosebee, son of race car driver Gober Sosebee. “His word was better than any written contract from any lawyer today.” Sosebee said his father was friends with Parks. “My dad said Raymond was square and honest, and he didn’t put up with people who wasn’t,” Sosebee said. Added Sosebee:
“There wouldn’t have been a NASCAR if not for Raymond Parks. [NASCAR co-founder] Bill France was the promoter. Raymond was the backbone, the one with the money.” Sosebee said the money “maybe came from running moonshine ... but he took that and did an important thing. Something very good came out of it all.” Parks began running moonshine at the age of 15. He left Dawsonville about the same time, moving to Atlanta. He later became a bona fide businessman in the real estate industry. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II as part of the 99th Infantry Division. Sosebee said Parks will be missed. “He was about as good as they come,” he said. “A great legend has died.”
Above, from left, Red Byron, Curtis Turner, Ray Parks and Bill France Sr., pose for a picture taken in the 1940s. Left, NASCAR was created in December 1947 at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla. Among the creator s was Dawsonville’s Raymond Parks, top photo.
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Is Proud To Sponsor
“CHRISTMAS IN JULY” Benefiting Ric Rack
(Dawson County’s Food Pantry & Thrift Store) • Proceeds from the sale of goods in the thrift store are used to purchase food for the food pantry. • Ric Rack depends largely on donations (clothing and household goods and non perishable food items for the pantry). • Over 17% of the households in Dawson County are dependent on the Food Pantry each month. • Summertime is a particularly difficult time for Dawson Co. families; 52 % of our students are on free or reduced lunch/breakfast at school. During the summer, these families have to find other ways to feed and care for their children.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please drop off any of the needed items listed below at Ric Rack, located on Hwy 9N, Dawsonville. ITEMS CURRENTLY NEEDED ARE: • • • •
Diapers (for young and elderly) Toilet paper Laundry soap Dish detergent
• • • •
Paper towels Cleaning products Feminine products Personal hygiene items
• Baby Food • Cereal • Other food items
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL RIC RACK AT 706-265-1371.
Hwy. 53 & 400, Dawsonville & Downtown Dawsonville 706-216-2265
www.chestateestatebank.com
MAIN OFFICE DRIVE-THRU OPEN 7-7 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY SATURDAYS FROM 8-12 NOON