D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Ashlyn’s Attic Antiques and More welcomed July 2009
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 “Old Jail” west of the square Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
Breakfast benefits local nonprofit Local leaders served food for funds By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
Dawson County Family Connection’s first fundraiser served up biscuits and gravy with a side of gratitude. “This is the first fundraiser that Family Connection has had,” said Nancy Stites, director of the organization. “I had no idea what to expect, but we had an excellent turnout. Waiters and guests alike seemed to enjoy the event.”
Held June 19 at Longhorn Steakhouse in Dawsonville, the Celebrity Waiter fundraiser featured a buffet-style breakfast along with service from 10 local leaders, ranging from the sheriff and county manager to city clerk and county commissioners. Stites said all those involved seemed to enjoy themselves. “The fundraiser was not only a good time, it was also a success,” Stites said. Close to 200 people
Commissioner Gary Pichon brings orange juice to Bill Sexton, left, and Ed Combs. Pichon was one of 10 “celebrity waiters” who participated in a fundraiser June 19 to benefit Dawson County Family Connection.
were served breakfast. “The people of Dawson County have such big hearts. Whenever someone needs help or support, there is always someone there, which has been especially beneficial to nonprofits during this difficult economic time.” Part of a statewide initiative of community collaborative partnerships,
Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton
See BREAKFAST, Page 4
Upcoming events boost small, big businesses Now is the time to take note of some upcoming events and take part in them. Throughout 2009, the chamber has realized the importance of having grassroots tools that all of us can
use to grow our business. Below are some points you need to be aware of and take advantage of. This Thursday, July 2, our monthly membership meeting will take on a different tone. As the mem-
bership committee continues to work on a “boot camp” work session, our July luncheon will be somewhat of a mini-boot camp. First, we will talk about the benefits of membership
through a PowerPoint presentation that Marty Williams has developed. I have now seen this PowerPoint three times and I still find myself writing things down that I missed previously. I will not steal
any of their thunder, but this alone is worth your time. It’s hard for small business owners to get away
See BOOST, Page 13
Jay Walker
Page 2 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
Home-based business: Is it right for you? When someone considers entrepreneurship, and perhaps the operation will be based in the home, there are many questions to be answered. Assessing your personality may help you learn if such a venture is right for you. Once you have determined that you are financially ready to step out on your own and your personality assessment has confirmed that you are a selfstarter (among many other things) you may be ready to begin a new chapter in your professional career. According to Cher Murphy PR, a public relations agency with offices in Miami and Virginia that focus on small-business PR management, about 10.4 million people in the United States are self-
Linda Williams employed. More than half of those, 5.4 million, work from home. Realizing that homebased businesses are definitely on the increase, here at our local chamber we want to identify which of our members are in this category.
We recently added a question regarding “Homebased business” to our membership application. However, many of our existing members may be home-based and we may not be aware of it. We want to hear from you and what your needs are as you work day to day from your home. There may be issues that confront you that do not confront someone with a traditional work set-up. Even if you do not currently have a specific need or issue, if you would, give us a call or an e-mail and let us know to categorize you as Home-Based. It will not change your category listing in the Membership/Business Directory, but simply be office data that will help us
serve you better. Also, let us hear from you on home-based business issues. Give me or your chairman Jay Walker a call and let us know how we can join together to help you succeed. Would a seminar on how to set up and run a Home-Based Business be helpful to you? Would a HomeBased Business Forum on our Web site be a place you would “visit” for support from your peers? Do you have any ideas of how members can share information with each other? In the meantime, if you are considering setting up a home-based business — you must begin by writing your business plan. The Small Business Development Center in Gainesville serves our
county and will guide you through the process of developing and putting your business plan on paper. SBDC also offers classes in business startups. Check out their offerings on www.gainesvillesbdc.org. In addition, there are a number of home-based business sites on the Web; I recommend you start with www.busi-
ness.gov/guides/homebased/. So, no matter what your business category happens to be, we want to hear from you and learn what your needs are! Give us a call and perhaps you can attend a chamber event soon. Won’t you join us?
Reverse raffle tickets on sale now By Michele Hester Staff Writer
When Pam Bradfield bought a ticket for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Reverse raffle last summer, she looked at it as her way of supporting the chamber. That support turned into a $10,000 check when the raffle ticket she was holding was called as the winner. Only 350 tickets will be sold for this year’s raffle drawing party, which will be held Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. The event is one of the chamber’s most anticipated events. Tickets are $100 each. Purchasing one ticket
allows two people to enter the party. “The event location will be on the ticket,” said Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Pam Hamalainen. “When you purchase the ticket, you’ll find out where the drawing party will be.” In addition to the cash 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. “This is the most exciting event we have,” Hamalainen said. Tickets are available at
the chamber and through the chamber’s board of directors. You can also stop by Roger Slaton’s State Farm Office at the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Hightower Road to purchase a ticket from Margaret Bowen. The chamber accepts
major credit cards, cash and checks. Proceeds from the raffle support many chamber initiatives throughout the year. For more information on the chamber’s reverse raffle, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
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Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009 • Page 3
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Chamber events July 9: Lunch with the chamber at noon at Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road. The topic will be "Getting to know your chamber." Lunch will be $12.50 with a reservation or $15 without. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. July 9: Fundraiser for KARE for Kids. Tracy Kirkley, a Premier Designs Jewelry Lady, will be presenting Premier Designs beautiful and affordable high fashion jewelry at 54 Dogwood Court, Dawsonville from 6:30-8:30 p.m. One hundred percent of the profits will go to KARE for Kids. For more information, call Robin Smith at (706) 216-5273. July 12: For the Birds Folk Art Show artists will be meeting and greeting all attendees at the art center from 3-5 p.m. There is no charge, and all are welcome. The center is located at 334 Hwy. 9 North, Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 216ARTS. July 13- 16 and July 2023: Event at Around Back at Rocky's Place "Summer Youth Art Camp." The camp is for children ages 5 to 12. Two sessions will be offered. The first session will be held July 13-16 and the second session will be July 20-23. Each session is conducted by gallery artists
be $10,000 CA$H! Tickets are now available to purchase at the chamber or call for other locations. A limit of 350 tickets will be sold for $100 each, so odds of winning are excellent. All sold tickets will be drawn and the LAST ticket drawn will win $10,000! The Drawing Party is fun, fun, fun. The last few ticket holders are usually bidding to buy each other out.
exploring with the artists different mediums. Arts will include Mavis and her fabric art, Lisa Pirkle and her green art, Billy Roper and his concrete sculptures, Alinda with her paintings, Blacktop with his tar paper paintings and Coyote Cody with his paintings, just to name a few. July 13: Fellow Citizens; Thank you for your interest in seeing a Habitat for Humanity organization in Dawson County. A work session will be held at 7 p.m. in the meeting room upstairs in the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville. All interested are invited to attend and learn about: • The four major areas of Habitat International and local organizations. • Have the opportunity to commit to one or more of the areas. • Hear about the local group's discussion with the national leadership. July 15: Join the chamber at 11:30 a.m. for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Children's Dentistry of Dawsonville's new location. The office moved to Dawson Commons, 100 Dawson Common Circle, Suite 110, Dawsonville. Be sure to bring the children and let them check out all the fun things to do at the dentist's office. For more information, call Natalie at (678) 445-5444. There will
be a drawing for a bicycle, donated by Crest, at the ceremony. July 16: Mountain Home Rentals of GA, LLC is having a ribbon cutting for their new location at 11:30 a.m. They are located at the Foothills Shopping Center, 80 Foothills Parkway, Suite 201 in Marble Hill. For more information, call Barry at (770) 894-4444. July 28: Christi's Bridal hosts Business after Hours from 5-7 p.m. They are located at 66 South 400 Center Lane, Suite 230235. For more information, call Christi at (706) 2658500. The Cash Drawing
(Chamber's Economic Stimulus Package) is sponsored by AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency-Kristie Myers, R&D Caulking, Inc.- Mike Downs and United Community Bank-James Askew. You must be present to win if your name is called. The cash drawing is currently at $2,425. You must be present to win if your name is drawn. Aug. 27: Reverse Raffle will be held from 7-9 p.m. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will once again hold a Reverse Raffle. The Grand Prize will
Are you certified Work Ready through the state of Georgia? Everyone is encouraged to go to the nearest Technical College and take the Work Ready assessment and earn their Work Ready certification. Having the certificate may help you gain a promotion with your present employer or find the perfect new job. Dawson County residents should call Kathy Davis at the Adult Learning Center (388 Hwy. 9 North) at (706) 265-1690 to set up an appointment. Jobseekers, as well as employers and human resource specialists, may call Linda at the chamber to learn about this valuable hiring tool, 706265-6278. Just Announced. The Work Ready program is offering $50-100 to assist the unemployed with their job search after successful completion of the Work Ready assessment. Details can be found at www.begaworkready.org.
Page 4 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Adult education advocates gather Center opens doors to the community By Michele Hester Staff Writer
Reading Education Association of Dawson County held an open house at the Adult Learning Center June 16 to showcase the organization’s many achievements and literacy efforts. In attendance was Eric Dowdy, a Dawson County man who quit high school when he was 16. A week and a half earlier, Dowdy received READ’s Sue Tennant
Honorary Scholarship for his outstanding achievement. Dowdy said he is grateful the center is available to adults wishing to make changes in their lives and thankful READ supports the center. “I wanted to get my GED, because I want to do more,” said Dowdy, who is currently working with Lanier Tech to try to secure additional scholarships in hopes of continuing his education. Carol Tyger, chairman
Eric Dowdy, the recipient of the Sue Tennant Honorary Scholarship presented by the Reading Education Association of Dawson County, speaks to Sandy Lipkowitz June 16 at the Adult Learning Center in Dawsonville.
of the READ board, said she’d love to see more people in the community get involved, beginning with the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, “Are You Smarter Than a 10-year-old,” which will be held in October. Sponsorships for the event, which raised more than $17,000 in 2008, are available for $300. Proceeds benefit READ’s many community literacy projects. For more information, call (706) 579-1771.
Photo/Michele Hester
BREAKFAST from 1 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. Mike Berg, chairman of the county commission and a Family Connection board member, said the fundraiser was a “smart move.” “Family Connection has been around for 10 years, and this is the first fundraiser it has had,” he said. Cecil Bennett, community involvement coordinator for the local Wal-Mart, donated $1,000 on behalf of the supercenter to “an
Guests of the Celebrity Waiter fundraiser enjoyed a hearty breakfast complete with bacon, eggs, biscuit and gravy and much more.
Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle was just one of 10 “celebrity waiters” that participated in a fundraiser June 19 at Longhorn Steakhouse in Dawsonville.
Photos/Elizabeth Hamilton
organization that is a great asset to this community.” “They are a great organization to work with,”
Bennett said. “They provide excellent support for our school system and we appreciate all that they do.”
In addition to the donation, the event raised money through sponsors, ticket sales and tips.
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009 • Page 5
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Antique store compliments existing salon By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
Last month, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member that Chamber President Linda Williams described as a nice addition to businesses in the county. Ashlyn’s Attic Antiques and More, located next to Bella Sol Salon in downtown Dawsonville, celebrated its grand opening and held a ribbon cutting ceremony June 18. “We are always excited to welcome new businesses to the community, especially ones that fill in the gaps to offer more places for the citizens to shop local,” Williams said. “We appreciate you
Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed new member, Ashlyn’s Attic Antiques and More, with a ribbon cutting ceremony June 18. The store is located next to Bella Sol Salon in downtown Dawsonville. choosing downtown Dawsonville for your
business and adding to the variety of businesses
we have here.” Store owner Tara
Bohanan said she opened the antique store because she has always been into antiques, yard sales and auctions. “This is not just your g r a n d m a ’s antique s t o r e . I t ’s m o r e t h a n t h a t ,” B o h a n a n s a i d . “We have new furniture, consigned items as well as quality antiques at affordable prices.” She added that the name for the store is one shared with her 2y e a r o l d d a u g h t e r, Ashlyn. Bohanan and her husband Andy are also the owners of neighboring business Bella Sol Salon, which she says compliments the antique store nicely. “The antique store has been open for about
a month, and has had great reception from the salon customers,” Tara Bohanan said. “Salon clients who come for lengthy hair s e r v i c e s c a n b r ow s e through the store while they wait.” Adding that items purchased from the store will have lower prices than other local furniture stores, Tara Bohanan says she is g l a d t o h ave a n o t h e r bu s i n e s s i n D aw sonville, especially one that works well with the salon. Ashlyn’s Attic Antiques and More is located at 749 Hwy. 53 E a s t i n d ow n t ow n Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 344-1450.
Accent Travel will help plan next escape By Michele Hester Staff Writer
With the vast amount of information available at your fingertips on the Internet, many people take on the role of travel agent themselves. Sara Reed, owner of Accent Travel, agrees the information is out there if you have the time to spend searching. “You can find deals if you want to spend 20, 30 hours looking, but that’s what I do, and it’s not going to cost you a dime to call me,” she said. “There are no hidden costs ... not even a penny.” Reed has been serving the area’s growing travel needs to destinations around the world for more than 17 years and recently was a co-sponsor
of the chamber’s May Business After Hours event at the Bowen Art Center. “The Caribbean, Mexico, Vegas and the west coast are real popular right now. People seem to be staying away from Europe,” she said. Reed says this is the year of the bargain. There have been several situations where she has found a better deal on travel than marketed Internet travel sites can offer. “In many cases, I can probably meet or beat your budget,” she said. “No matter what your budget is, give me a chance.” Accent Travel Inc. is on the Web at www.accenttravelinc.com. Reed can also be reached at (770) 783-1344 or by e-mail at sara@accenttravelinc.com.
Photo/Submitted
Excursions to ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico are a popular trip.
Page 6 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
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M E M B E R S
Photographer takes pride in quality photos By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
According to John Seibel, there is more to taking a picture than just pushing a button on a camera or making sure the flash goes off at the right time; photography is his passion and profession. Owner of John Seibel Photography, the experienced photographer says that he has loved taking photos and capturing moments that some people never see. Working with start up companies in Austin, Texas doing software development for many years before becoming a full time photographer, Seibel said that taking photos was his escape from the working world. “I’ve loved taking photographs my entire life,” Seibel said. “Life got in the way and I had to put the camera aside
for a while, but have since picked it back up and have been a professional photographer for about seven years.” Specializing in executive portraits, workplace photography, individual and family portraits, landscape and architectural photography, Seibel says he prides himself and his company on quality work. “I do what I do because I love it. More importantly, we pride ourselves in not only having good photographic skills and using that to capture a great image in the camera, but we also have made a significant investment in having the right types of equipment that allows us to capture very large and high quality images to do some things that some people can’t do,” Seibel said. He continued to say that in terms of being a photographer and taking
The Edge of the World rapids are a popular summer destination for residents, and one of several natural landscapes John Seibel has photographed. Photo/Submitted
good pictures, it is really important to understand light, composition and the value of capturing a good image within the camera in the same way it is seen with the eyes. “You can’t take a bad picture and make it good. You can take a good picture and sometimes make it better by overcoming limitations of a camera, but its important not to rely on software or other post-capture processing
to make it right,” he noted. Seibel says that natural life photography and taking pictures of anything that has to do with nature is what he has the biggest passion for. “I love landscapes and am really drawn to city scenes and cityscapes because I’m a fan of architecture and studied it in college,” he said. “I’m a real fan of interesting architecture
and interesting iconic images whether they be statues, or integrating natural life photography such as sunrise and sunset with water, bridges and architecture to tie together for interesting compositions.” Seibel added that one aspect of his business that has brought him success was getting out in the local community and photographing things that people are close to
or have a childhood association with. He said that focusing on the community in which he works through photography captures the emotional attachment and pride that people have for the place that they call home. “It’s always neat to do something that you love, and I believe that you do things better when you have a passion for whatever it is that you are doing,” Seibel said. Seibel runs his business out of his home in Dawsonville, and has a small number of prints on display at the Bowen Center for the Arts. His works can also be seen and purchased at the Art and Frame Warehouse and Images of Austin in Austin, Texas. For more information, call (678) 427-6183 or visit www.johnseibelphotography.com.
Mini boot camp planned for July luncheon By Michele Hester Staff Writer
Dust off your fatigues and combat boots for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s July luncheon and mini-boot camp. The chamber luncheon, to be held at noon on July 9, will be an hour-long refreshment course on what the chamber is and what it can do for you and your business. With speakers ranging from
staff at the chamber to members of the board of directors, attendees will receive a great overview of the chamber and the benefits membership affords to the local businesses and individuals. “We have so many business owners ask: ‘What will I get out of this?’ The boot camp will show what we do and how it benefits them,” said Membership Director Pam Hamalainen. There will be presentations
on membership, the chamber’s role in economic development, Dawson County/Dawsonville’s acceptance as an Entrepreneur Friendly Community, and what goes on behind the scenes with the chamber’s board of directors and councils, among others. The July luncheon will be held at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, in Dawsonville. The cost is $12.50 with a reservation and $15 without.
Bailey White, of Civitium, was the guest speaker at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce June luncheon held at Peach Brandy Cottage. White discussed the consortium and explained that broadband capabilities are a crucial component for a growing community, especially those hoping to draw new business and industry to their areas in regard to economic development. Photo/Michele Hester
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009 • Page 7
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Walden helps businesses build clients By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
According to Annette Walden, customer relationships are the lifeblood of every good company. Walden is the owner of Painted Lady Enterprises, a company that has been around for 15 years, which specializes in helping businesses with their clients, prospects and referral partners for a source of endless referrals. “My passion is helping entrepreneurs,” Walden says. “I love helping people, whether it’s helping with marketing needs, building relationships with clients and prospects, or referring servic-
es/products to others t h a t would be beneficial.” Prima r i l y working Walden w i t h small to mid-size businesses all over the county, Walden noted that she aims to assist businesses in getting the most mileage out of advertising efforts, about selling value over price and that keeping in touch after a sale is an excellent marketing and business tactic. “I help businesses understand the sales cycle is not a sell and walk
Photo/Submitted
Annette Walden prides herself in helping businesses build relationships with customers and clients and provides assistance with marketing needs and strategies. away procedure because a satisfied client is your best referral source,” Walden said. “In today’s economy, the businesses
that will come out ahead, or on top, are the ones that make efforts to continue relationships with their customers and
clients.” Painted Lady Enterprises offers services including gifts, greeting cards, imprinted ad specialty promotional products that include a p p a r e l a n d bu s i n e s s resources. Walden says that relationships between a company and their customers, distributors, employees and referral sources are vital to continued, sustained growth and stability. “Customers who are continuously courted, interacted with, appreciated and reminded of a company’s presence are less likely to go racing off when competitors come calling,” she added. Calling herself a
“young retiree,” Walden says she has retired twice, but continues to find great products and services that she wants to share with others. “My career has been in direct sales, marketing and customer service,” she says. She also noted what her company strives to do, which is summed up in the Painted Lady slogan: “Helping You and Your Business Look Good.” Walden was also a cosponsor of the chamber’s May Business After Hours Event at the Bowen Art Center. For more information, call (770) 887-6792 or visit www.paintedladyenterprises.com.
Home care agency sends ‘Visiting Angels’ to clients By Michele Hester Staff Writer
They may not have wings, but the clients they serve know them as angels. Visiting Angels is the nation’s leading, nationally respected network of nonmedical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care, elderly care, personal care, respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America. Susan Sanfilippo, a registered nurse with 25 years
experience in home health care in the north Georgia region, opened a Visiting Angels office in Gainesville almost four years ago to give the older community an opportunity to remain in their home and age in place. “We have several clients in Dawsonville and Dawson County, and we’ve had several long-term cases in the c o u n t y,” s a i d M a r ke t i n g Director Jim Sanfilippo, w h o a d d e d t h e a g e n cy hopes to create a greater presence in the county. Services include senior
home care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping, transportation accompaniment, and grooming and dressing assistance, among others. Visiting Angels is the family alternative to assisted living facilities and nursing homes and provide up to 24hour care in the comfort of your own home, at affordable rates. For more information, call (770) 886-7900, or visit Visiting Angels on the Web at www.visistingangels.com. E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.
... Don't forget to buy your tickets to the reverse raffle. The drawing for $10,000 cash will be held Aug. 27. Tickets are $100. Call the chamber for more information, (706) 265-6278. ... Get well soon: Jane Berg, Victor Wallace, Bob Couch, Linda Williams. ... Shop chamber members first. Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you. Please let the Chamber know when you have a special event so we may add them in our Chamber Chronicle.
Page 8 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009 • Page 9
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Page 10 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Wanted: winner for chamber’s ‘stimulus package’ Cash drawing continues to increase By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
Last month’s business after hours drew a large crowd, and had Roger Slaton of State Farm Insurance been present, he would have left with an extra $2,300 cash in his pocket. Sponsored each month by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, business after hours is a social networking event for chamber members to network with one another and possibly leave with prizes or cash in hand. The most recent event attracted a large crowd and was held at H&R Block and co-sponsored by Big D’s BBQ, who provided the food. May’s event drew a large crowd as well, sponsored by the Dawson County Arts Council, Accent Travel, Painted Lady Enterprises and John Seibel Photograpghy. More than 100 people gathered for the June 23 event, talking amongst themselves in anticipation,
With the cash prize up to $2,300 for the June Business After Hours event, a crowd of more than 100 people gathered at H&R Block for the event. hoping to hear their name called for the highly sought-after cash prize drawing. Over a hushed crowd, the audience heard Roger Slaton as the name drawn, but to no avail, he was not present. Chamber members have to be present when the drawing takes place in order to win the money; the amount for next month’s event grows to $2,524.
June totals
Sponsors of the cash drawing are: Sharon Reagan of AFLAC, Larry Anderson of Anderson Family Medicine, Kristie Myers of North Georgia Team Keller-Williams Realty, Mike Downs of R&D Caulking and James Askew of United Community Bank. Chriti’s Bridal will be the host for the next event, July 28 from 5-7 p.m. For more information call (706) 265-8500.
Photos/Elizabeth Hamilton
Michelle Heard of H&R Block draws a name from the door prize basket held by Darin Muenchow of Big D’s BBQ.
Timothy A.Annis,D.C.
Jeremy Elzey
Elzey Exterminating Co., Inc. (Residential & Commercial)
Walk-in visitors: 377 Telephone referrals: 1,951
Free Termite inspections
1992 Dr. Bramblett Rd. Cumming, GA 30040
Office # 678-455-9200 Cell # 678-887-0038
Dr.Timothy A.Annis 66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105 Dawsonville,GA 30534
(706) 216-4875
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009 • Page 11
New members Events by Dezine Jennifer Mineo (770) 889-3239 462 Memory Lane, Suite 170 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Caterer
Alycia Volk (706) 216-2982 224 Poplar Trail Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Individual
Sweetwater Consultants, LLC Jill Pearson (706) 265-2028 209 Fawn Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Appraisal/Consulting
Dawson Montessori Barbie Skalleberg (678) 641-3698 1732 Perimeter Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Private Christian School
R.E.A.D. Sandy Lipkowitz (706) 579-1771 388 Hwy. 9 North Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Nonprofit
Big D’s BBQ #2 Darin Muenchow (706) 216-6706 6566 Hwy. 9 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Restaurant
Ashlyn’s Attic Antiques & More Tara Bohanan (706) 344-1450 749 Hwy. 53 East Suite 120 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Antiques & More
All Your Virtual Services, LLC Melanie Davis (706) 531-1300 6625 Hwy. 53 E., Ste 410-120 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Admin & Bookkeeping Services
I like ur style consignments Lydia Seitz (404) 219-4919 3651 Dawson Forest Road East Suite 100 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Consignments
Cover to Cover Used Books Patricia Moyer (404) 252-4828 42 Grant Road Ste 100 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Retail
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Special thanks to the following members that renewed in June Coyle & Reemsnyder Denny Insurance Group FASTSIGNS Liberty Mutual Insurance - Brian Bliss Scrubs-N-Things The Dawson Clinics - Chestatee Regional Hospital Women2Women Business Networking Group
Property Investment Associates
Page 12 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Chamber’s Pioneer Ambassador is Helen Taylor Staff Writer
Helen Taylor and her late husband, Morris, were part of the group that began the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program more than a decade ago. “We got the idea from a speaker who came from Gainesville to talk to us. They told us that an ambassador was a link between the chamber
and the members and back,” she said. “At that time, we didn’t have a full time director and staff. The chamber was volunteer,” Taylor said. “The ambassadors became a very important part of the chamber’s success in Dawson County.” Taylor said she would love to see the Ambassador Program grow over the next few years, as more and more new businesses locate to Dawson County.
❞
By Michele Hester
The ambassadors became a very important part of the chamber’s success in Dawson County. - Helen Taylor
❞
“One thing we used to do as ambassadors was that each ambassador was assigned a
group of businesses that they stayed in contact with. “We would call them and remind them of events, and we’d get to know them. Then when they came to an event, we’d introduce them around,” she said. “When we started the Ambassador Program, it was an honor to be asked to be an ambassador. The new ambassadors need to realize it’s still an honor. They are the vital link,” Taylor said.
Taylor
Ambassador Spotlight By Michele Hester Staff Writer
Each month a different business or organization sponsors the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s breakfast, held at 8 a.m. at Ryan’s in Dawsonville the fourth Wednesday of the month. United Community Bank, which has two branches in Dawson County, sponsored the group’s June 24 meeting. United Community Bank, formerly Dawson County Bank, has served Dawson County for more than 50 years. Known as the “bank that service built,” United Community Bank continues its commitment to serving customers with the highest level of professionalism, coupled with the idea that its customers are the bank’s greatest assets. The third largest bank holding
United Community Bank company headquartered in the state of Georgia, United Community Bank today is an $8.1 billion, multibank holding company with banking offices located throughout north Georgia, coastal Georgia, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and metro Atlanta. United Community Bank has a branch in downtown Dawsonville on Hwy. 53 and one near the intersection of Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53. For more information, call (706) 2653232. Breakfast sponsorships, at a reasonable cost, are still available for ambassador breakfasts through the year.
Employees at UCB’s downtown branch edged off their “competition” to win the bank’s “Save for a Rainy Day” contest held last month. Photo/Michele Hester
The sponsorship is a great way for businesses to spread the word about themselves and/or their companies. The sponsorship provides the breakfast for the monthly meeting, gives sponsors 10-15 minutes to briefly speak on their business and
includes a short profile in the Chamber Chronicle. To register to sponsor an ambassador breakfast or for more information about the program, call (706) 216-1750. E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009 • Page 13
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Local spa thanks bank, state for business funding By Elizabeth Hamilton
Nicole Wimpy gives a pedicure, one of several services offered at her spa.
Staff Writer
May 11 was a milestone in the lives of Chad and Nicole Wimpy, owners of Jolie Day Spa, one of the newest businesses the county has recently welcomed. After celebrating a grand opening nearly two months ago, Nicole Wimpy is glad to be in Dawson County and thankful for the doors that were opened in order for the business to become a reality. Jolie Day Spa was chosen as a recipient of a $20,225 entrepreneur and small business development loan guarantee fund from the OneGeorgia Authority at the beginning of the year. The loan made Wimpy’s business plan come true. “Mike Underwood from First Citizens Bank helped us out and really went out of his way to help us apply for this loan, when we otherwise would not have been able to get the money we needed
Photo/ Elizabeth Hamilton
from a bank,” Nicole Wimpy said. “When we were getting started, banks just weren’t lending any money, but Mike went the extra mile to help us get started. I am really thankful to him, as well as the authority, for providing us with the loan,” she said. Wimpy noted that the loan, in its entirety, was used for labor costs to complete the build out phase of getting the spa started. “Without it, we would not be here today,”
Wimpy said. “This was a door that God opened up for us and we were able to complete the project because of the loan from the authority.” Gov. Sonny Perdue and board members of the authority announced which businesses from the authority’s portfolio of financing programs received a portion of funds from $16.2 million worth of monetary awards June 24. The money will assist with a variety of economic development projects in
rural Georgia aimed at creating jobs, stimulating new private investment, supporting the retention of existing jobs and enhancing regional competitiveness through capacitybuilding projects. The projects, along with their respective local leadership representatives, were recognized at the OneGeorgia board meeting. According to its Web site, the OneGeorgia Authority utilizes onethird of Georgia’s share of the Tobacco Master
Settlement Agreement to assist the state’s most economically challenged areas. The goal of the authority is to offer financial partnerships with rural communities to create strong economies in all business sectors, allowing new and existing industries, both large and small, to flourish. According to the Web site, “OneGeorgia is bridging Georgia’s economic divide by ensuring balanced growth across the state. Helping to guarantee that all Georgians have access to economic opportunities in their own communities.” Awards given out range from entrepreneur and small business development loans to economic development, growth and expansion funds, to equity funds and broadband rural initiative to develop Georgia’s economy. The spa offers a variety of relaxing and accommodating services. “Our services include various massages, facials, make-up application, wax-
ing and specialty manicures and pedicures,” said Wimpy. An exclusive line of retail spa and beauty products are also available. Wimpy described the spa as a peaceful place to get away for an hour or for a day, an aspect that makes Jolie Day Spa unique from others. “Another unique aspect is that it does not look like a normal spa,” she said. “We decorated and furnished to have a more home-like and comfortable feeling. We want our clients to have an overwhelming feeling of peace and comfort while they are here.” As the number of people moving from Atlanta grows, the Wimpys realized the need for an upscale spa in the North Georgia Mountains. They partnered with, and are located in the same building as J. Thomas Salon. The two entities perfectly compliment one another and offer services to its clients in one convenient location.
BOOST from 1 from their work to get to various chamber functions. In this presentation, you will be given tools that you can use right in your own place, business or from home. Secondly, Kristie Myers will address getting involved with membership. If you have never heard Kristi talk about something she is passionate about, you are in for a treat.
We all must mentor new members in order for them to get everything out of the chamber that they can, as well as take part in the functions that allow them to help all of us grow our chamber. Denny Putlak will talk to you about what the ambassadors are doing this year. He has taken an aggressive approach to their participation and support in cham-
ber functions this year. As you listen to Denny this Thursday, ask yourself: “If not you, who in your company would stand to benefit from being an ambassador and still, at the same time, shed some exposure on your business?” Marty will talk about “Web presence.” Marty has sunk many productive hours into our Web site,
as well as Dawson County’s Web presence with local and national travel organizations. He does a great job of breaking this down where we can all understand it. We will wrap up with a recap of upcoming events. We are approaching several busy months, in which you will not want to miss out on what is going on. Finally, don’t forget that we
will meet at Lakeview Center this Thursday. As we work through these points at the luncheon, please share additional points with the chamber that would help you realize your full business potential. See you Thursday! Jay Walker 2009 Chairman
Page 14 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
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County, school system fuel station opens By Michele Hester Staff Writer
A long-term collaboration between the Dawson County Board of Commissioners and the Dawson County School Board came to fruition June 4 as a joint fuel station opened on Burt Creek Road. While the joint venture has been in the works for several years, the need to move forward erupted last fall when fuel prices reached record highs and public service personnel, including fire, police and emergency workers, struggled to fill up their county cars during the gas shortage. Chairman of the school board Cecil Bennett called the opening of the fuel station a celebration for Dawson County and a way for both
entities to save taxpayer dollars. The joint fueling station will eliminate two problems, according to Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner. “First, we’ll have the reserves we need, and second we would see tremendous cost savings by buying wholesale, because we’ll be able to buy in larger quantities,” Tanner said. County officials anticipate an annual savings of more than $50,000 in fuel costs. Outgoing school superintendent Nicky Gilleland said the intergovernmental agreement is a win-win for all involved. “We must be able to keep these emergency vehicles on the roads, protecting our citizens,” he said. The school system current-
ly has a smaller fueling station at Riverview Middle School that it was able to continue to use during the shortage. “Since we have the bus depot out there on the property now, we had to have a fueling station out there. This saved us half of what we’d anticipated spending to fuel the buses,” he said. “This is another opportunity for us to work together to better serve the community, improve relations and work together, while saving money for our citizens,” Gilleland said. The commission has also approved a fueling station at the new Fire Station 3, which is set to open later this year on property next to Tractor Supply on Hwy. 53. E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.
Firefighter/EMT Paul Cloud was one of the first to take advantage of the county/school system’s new joint fueling station that opened June 4 on Burt Creek Road, adjacent to the transfer station. Officials say the new fueling station will save thousands of dollars in fuel costs.
Photo/Michele Hester
WindNet enhances image of businesses By Elizabeth Hamilton Staff Writer
Getting word to the public about your business and what you do requires advertising and marketing strategies, much of which is accessed via Internet in today’s world. Whether a first time business owner just getting off the ground, or a veteran looking to promote business in more efficient ways in the business world today, look no further than WindNet Inc. Located in Dawsonville for the past six years, WindNet Inc. is one
of Georgia’s top Atlanta Web site Design firms with experienced custom Web site designers and search engine marketers. “If someone wants their business to show up on Google, we make it happen,” said project director Abe Flemming. “The Internet is a powerful tool and we help our clients best utilize it.” WindNet Inc. provides a full range of Web services including custom Web site design, Web site applications, print design and packaging, brand identity marketing, Web
site promotions and 3D renderings and video. Clients include companies from aggressive small businesses and mid-size companies to fortune 200 companies and government projects. “The goal of our Web design work is enhancing business image and brand identity marketing for businesses seeking highquality Web design, easyto-use content management systems and superior customer service,” said Flemming. “We have the ability to take any company and leverage them with all their competition.”
He also said that members of the WindNet team possess a broad range of experience and expertise, so every phase of each project is monitored to ensure the highest-quality result. “We employ experienced project managers, conceptual designers, color theory specialists, expert programmers, copywriters and Internet marketers to ensure trouble-free and effective management of your design project from conception to finalization,” Flemming said. Flemming noted that
in today’s Internet-driven marketplace, more and more business is conducted on the Web, bringing in clients who feel traditional marketing efforts “don’t pack as much punch as they used to.” “With e-Commerce continuously increasing, corporate Internet branding companies are responding by enhancing their Web sites to feature products or services and educational information,” Flemming said. “This enables the average customer to compare online for the best product or service for a fraction of
the time it would take to travel from site to site. For this reason, online competition has become fierce.” WindNet’s main service areas include metro Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas and Orlando. The company also serves international clients, spanning from Canada to Mexico to Switzerland. WindNet Inc. is located at 139 Prominence Court, Suite 240 in Dawsonville. For more information, contact the project development team at (706) 3086528.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009 • Page 15
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A world in need of great leadership By Peter Hill For the Dawson Community News
There is little disagreement that our world is in need of great leadership. We live in a very exciting time. Knowledge is expanding at an incredible rate. Technology permeates all facets of our lives today. From the national level, right down to our local community, navigating the best path for your organization is difficult. It is filled with risk. Our world certainly has become much more competitive. Throughout history we can look back and point to outstanding leaders, military conquerors and eloquent statesmen. But who are the leaders of our time, and of our community?
Well, they might be closer than you think. Many, many people have written about the topic of Leadership and Leadership Development. It has become a billion dollar industry. If you are ready to take your leadership and interpersonal skills to a new level, the Leadership Dawson Program may be for you. The Leadership Dawson Program began in 1992 through a combined effort of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Georgia Extension Service. Since then, the local program has graduated six classes, consisting of 102 graduates. On the surface, the leadership program provides education and access into how our community works. That
includes our city and county governments. It also includes our law enforcement services, judicial system, parks and various community service organizations. However, at a deeper level, the program is an intense shared experience that binds the class together. It also creates a network or power base of local citizen leaders who have the tools, the training and the access to get plugged in. The program starts in January 2010 with an overnight retreat. The candidates get a chance to get to know one another through a variety of activities and games. The class also hears a series of lectures on integrity, honesty and ethics in business and in government. Fo l l ow i n g the
retreat, the leadership class meets every other Tuesday afternoon for eight distinct program days. These different programs address issues like demographics, diversity, local government and economic development. One entire program day is dedicated to state g ove r n m e n t , which includes a trip to the capitol, while our lawmakers are in session. T h e L o c a l G ove r nance Day is a close examination into how our county commission and city hall conducts business. Candidates will have an opportunity to hear from the various department heads and discuss the challenges facing our community. The program also includes a great deal of leadership training.
These include classes on conducting effective meetings, the art of listening, communicating and consensus building. There is also a series of lectures on emerging technologies, making connections and of c o u r s e , fi n d i n g y o u r passion. Part of the program includes a study of the candidates’ own personality profile and leadership styles. Using the Myers Briggs and the Right Path programs, leadership candidates learn h ow t h ey wo r k b e s t with others. This includes an awa r e n e s s o f y o u r strengths and your weaknesses. The leadership program is not for everyone. It is not free, and your commitment is required. One hundred percent
attendance is expected at all program days, as well as at several public meetings. The program includes outside study and reading in addition to a class service project. In actuality, few leaders have all the gifts and talents themselves. What they do have is an acute awareness of their own weaknesses, as well as the self-confidence and security to surround themselves with talented people who compliment their team. When you’re ready to explore your leadership skills and surround yourself with other talented people, call the Dawson County Chamber office at (706) 2656278 and ask about Leadership Dawson. You’ll be in good company.
BCBS offers chamber a product with choice and savings From staff reports
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is offering a new product through the MemberCare Alliance program sponsored by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. The BCBSGa product, called Employee Elect, allows a single qualified employer to offer as many as 30 different coverage options to each of their employees. Each eli-
gible employee can choose from any plan on the list they wish, allowing them to have the best plan to suit their needs. In addition to increased employee choice, another byproduct of this product is that business owners can stabilize their health care costs. Most employers know the amount they can afford for health care coverage. With this
product, they can declare the amount they wish to contribute to their employees’ benefits. Then an employee can choose the plan that best meets their needs by paying the difference between the base amount and the selected benefits. Commonly referred to as a “defined contribution plan,” this allows each employee to know how much they are
receiving from their employer toward their coverage. And, all of BCBSGa’s plans are available at reduced premium rates to eligible business members of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. Through the group “buying power” of the MemberCare Alliance of Dawson CountySM, the local chamber is part of a statewide network of over 130 chambers of
commerce offering discounted insurance products to chamber member businesses. The MemberCare Alliance of Dawson County program includes a variety of discounted insurance products, such as: group term, voluntary and dependent life insurance, group dental insurance, group long term and short term disability, accidental death and dismemberment and long
term care insurance. For more information on these insurance offerings, please call the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, one of your participating chambermember insurance agents, or Purchasing Alliance Solutions Inc., (the company that developed MemberCare Alliance of Dawson County program) at (770) 579-1214 or (800) 782-8254, Ext. 3012.
Page 16 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • July 2009
Chestatee State Bank is participating in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program. Under that program, through December 31, 2009, all noninterest-bearing transaction accounts are fully guaranteed by the FDIC for the entire amount in the account. Coverage under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program is in addition to and separate from the coverage available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance roles.