Edition Highlights: Celebrity Waiter Lanier Tech moves to temporary campus Sparks in the Park Dawson County Chamber Business After Hours Events
July 2011
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 292 Hwy. 400, North Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
Festival aids tourism efforts By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Plans are already in the works for next year’s Mountains on My Mind Festival after the success of the inaugural event June 11. Sponsored by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, the festival featured more than 30 vendor booths offering information, presentations and demonstrations on nearby destinations
and activities. Organizers said they hoped to capitalize on the traffic by holding the event at the chamber’s office off Ga. 400, just north of Hwy. 53. According to transportation figures, more than 25,000 motorists a day travel Ga. 400, which is known as Hospitality Highway. “From a regional standpoint, we’re See FESTIVAL | 3
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Kara and Senia May Zajac pet goats at North Georgia Zoo’s booth June 11 during the inaugural Mountains on My Mind Festival, which promotes regional tourism.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
STEPHANIE MATHIS
Summertime and networking is easy Most of us don’t get the summer off. While things may slow down a little, our businesses are still operating and we have to work. I have to say, it is great when you get the chance to take a little break: A vacation,
a “staycation,” an afternoon off … even a short reprieve from our everyday gives us new perspective. I encourage you to take a little time for yourself this summer to recharge your batteries, even if it is just one day.
Take that new perspective you gain from your little break and re-energize yourself at work. Your pocketbook will thank you. Your Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has several opportunities for you
and your business to thrive during the lazy days of summer. Our next event is our monthly membership luncheon and our guest speaker will discuss the progress being made on the fiber optic network coming to North Georgia.
Join us for lunch July 14 at the Mathis Lakeview Center and educate yourself on what is coming and how it will affect See EASY | 2
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
LINDA WILLIAMS
Global company, local business Congratulations are in order to the Baysdens, owners of Impulse Manufacturing. Once again they are in the national spotlight. As you may know, CBS Evening News was in town recently filming a segment on manufacturers that are using high tech equipment to compete and expand their businesses. As I write this article, the air date for the segment has not been announced, but is expected to be shown soon. I remember several years ago when a precision piece of equipment made by Mitsubishi was making its way to Dawsonville. I was not only proud for Impulse Manufacturing, but I was proud that Dawson County was the first community in the United States to house such a
piece of equipment. If you have been fortunate enough to tour the inner workWilliams ings of Impulse (they have hosted Business after Hours in the past and other economic development groups) you know that the facility is home to a number of highly advanced precision pieces of equipment. Did you know that they even have high tech equipment that can be operated and controlled from a remote location? Since choosing Dawson County to relocate the business in the late 1990s, Impulse has continued to expand and grow. They truly are a global company as their
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Easy your business. Later in the month you will want to come to our first home-based Business After Hours at the new chamber office. It will be from 5-7 p.m. July 26, so plan to come and network. We’ve all heard of the lazy days of summer, but don’t get lazy with your business. This is the summer that the economy is beginning to pick up, so
accounts come from not only national companies, but they serve the needs of international businesses as well. When Gov. Sonny Perdue was in office he personally visited and toured the facility. His comments to Ron Baysden focused on the fact that Impulse was built on the hard work and vision of its owners and exemplified what American business should be about —making a business succeed without the expectation of handouts and other assistance from government. While some segments of American manufacturing continue to struggle, it is evident that the Baysdens and Impulse Manufacturing are doing it right. They have continued to add quality jobs in a time of high unemployment and in a time
don’t get left behind. It is so easy to use your chamber membership for all it is worth: • Attend these networking events. • Post a hot deal on Chambermaster. • Talk to Pam Hamalainen at the chamber office about various sponsorship/marketing opportunities (some are as low as $50). • Recruit a new business member during our summer membership drive and receive two free tickets to our luncheon and be entered to win a $100 gift card from the North Georgia Premium Outlets.
when other businesses, including other manufacturers, are not expanding but are cutting back. As we celebrate the success of Impulse, I want to also celebrate other businesses who have selected Dawson County as a place to set up shop and thus create jobs and stimulate the local economy. During 2011, of the 27 new members to our organization, 12 are brand new start-up businesses, representing a total of 27 brand new jobs created by these chamber members. In a time when we are not sure if this economy is about to take a turn for the good or if the recession is continuing, I would like to celebrate new job creation. If you have added new employees this year, let us know. Let’s see
Most importantly, know the value of and opportunities gained by your chamber membership and use them. If you don’t know, call (706) 265-6278 and ask. It’s that easy. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be glad to answer your questions and help you get the most out of your membership. If you are not a member yet, they will be glad to tell you what you are missing. Won’t you join us? Stephanie Mathis Chairwoman
how many new jobs we can document for Dawson County in 2011. Just give the chamber office a call at (706) 2656278, or send me an e-mail, l.williams@dawson.org. Let’s celebrate this success.
I hope to see you at a chamber event soon. If you are not a member of our organization already, won’t you join us?
DAWSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Askew United Community Bank Brooke Anderson (ex-officio) Etowah Water and Sewer Authority Pat Anderson Anderson Family Medicine Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio) Development Authority of Dawson County, executive director Jennifer Baker (2012 chair elect) United Community Bank Mike Berg (ex-officio) Dawson County Board of Commissioners Carla Boutin State Farm Insurance
Peter Hill Hill Design Associates Architects Warren King Individual Stephanie Mathis (2011 chair) Bank of the Ozarks Kristie Myers The Norton Agency Keith Porter (ex-officio) Dawson County schools Denny Putlak Denny Insurance Group Carol Tyger Ambassador representative Mike Underwood (2010 chairman) First Citizens Bank of Georgia
Doris Cook Etowah Water and Sewer Authority
Jay Walker Kroger
James Grogan (ex-officio) Dawsonville City Council
Linda Williams (ex-officio) Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Kathy Fuller K.C. Fuller and Associates
Gloria Wyatt Northside HospitalForsyth
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 14: Lunch with the chamber will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center. The program will be presented by Bryson Payne with the North Georgia Network. North Georgia Network is the $34.5 million regional broadband project that is coming through Dawson County. Come and learn about the potential this will have for quality and diverse economic development in the community. Special thanks to the luncheon sponsor, Northside Forsyth Hospital. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. July 26: Don’t miss Business After Hours. Join the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce as several of its home based and small businesses co-host the event from 5-7 p.m. at the chamber office. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors: Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency-Kristie Myers, United Community News-James Askew. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. The cash drawing is up to $1,125. Aug. 11: Lunch with the chamber at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Rd. The guest speaker will be Congressman Tom Graves. Special thanks to luncheon sponsor Northside Hospital Forsyth. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. Aug. 23: First Citizens Bank will host Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. The bank is at 70 Carlisle Road, just off Hwy. 400. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors: Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton AgencyKristie Myers, United Community Bank-James Askew. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. Aug. 25: Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Reverse Raffle will be at the Lakeview Center. The grand prize will be $10,000 cash. A limit of 300 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 ticketholders are usually bidding to buy each other out. Tickets are available at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and several other locations. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Raffle tickets for sale By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
The odds are in your favor at one of the most anticipated events the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce holds each year. The chamber will give away $10,000 in cash at the annual reverse raffle Aug. 25 at the Lakeview Center. “We only printed 300 tickets this year. In the past we printed 350, so the odds are even better,” said Pam Hamalainen, membership director. Tickets are drawn one by one from a drum, but unlike most raffles, the last ticket drawn is the winner. In addition to the cash raffle, ticket holders
are also eligible for door prizes donated by local businesses. Every 25th ticket drawn wins a prize valued at least at $100. The chamber accepts all major credit cards, cash and checks. Tickets are on sale at the chamber office, from any of the chamber’s board of directors and at Roger Slaton State Farm Insurance. One ticket admits two guests to the ticket party, which begins at 7 p.m. Heavy appetizers are included. A cash bar will be available. Proceeds from the raffle support many chamber initiatives throughout the year. For more information or to purchase a raffle ticket, call the chamber at (706) 2656278.
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Festival located perfectly for those driving north to the mountains,” said Marty Williams, vice president of travel and tourism for the chamber. “The intent is to capture those travelers. So many people don’t know what all we have up here.” Williams said the cost of gas has many people choosing day trips or ‘stay’cations rather than traveling long distances, which works out great for the area. “North Georgia has so much to offer,” he said. Nearby tourism sites like the Len Foote Hike Inn near Amicalola Falls State Park, a petting zoo from Cleveland and local outfitters offering outdoor excursions were among the booths at the festival. “I was real happy for the first year. I think we had good representation from different counties,” Williams said. “It wasn’t just all things to do in Dawsonville, but all up and down Hospitality Highway.” Williams said next year’s event will more than likely be two days.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Mimi Siebel takes a look at a vendor booth offering hand knitted socks June 11 when the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce sponsored the inaugural Mountains on My Mind regional tourism festival.
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‘Celebrities’ raise $3,300 By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Nearly a dozen local “celebrities” have a new respect for the food service industry after they donned aprons last month and raised more than $3,300 for community efforts. “This was my second year doing this,” said celebrity server Dawsonville Councilman Calvin Byrd. “I should have been way better this year. That’s some hard work.” In its third year, Family Connection’s Celebrity Waiter Breakfast raises funds that help address challenges children and families face in the local community. Byrd, who also serves on the Family Connection board, said he was honored to participate in the breakfast and raise funds “for a cause that means so much to so many.” More than 200 diners attended the breakfast June 17, which also fea-
tured “celebrity” waiters like Commissioners Jimmy Hamby, Julie Hughes Nix and Gary Pichon and State Senator Steve Gooch. With a buffet-style breakfast of biscuits, eggs, bacon and sausage, the celebrity waiters juggled the tasks of taking and delivering drink orders, clearing plates and resetting the tables. Gooch called the breakfast “the most fun” he’s had at a fundraising event. “New fundraising ideas generate dollars for their cause and that’s good for the community,” he said. “I had a great time.” Part of a statewide initiative of community collaborative partnerships, Dawson County Family Connection aids local non-profit programs such as the church alliance, prevent child abuse and youth mentoring, among others. “They help so many other organizations in this community,” Byrd said.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
State Sen. Steve Gooch carefully pours a cup of coffee the morning while volunteering for Dawson County Family Connection’s Celebrity Waiter Breakfast at Longhorn Steakhouse on June 17. Also pictured are Charlie, Elizabeth and Ryan Brooks.
Lisa Oden of REData Center was the guest speaker at the chamber’s June luncheon.
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Real estate discussed at luncheon By Frank Reddy freddy@dawsonnews.com
REData Center, a business that examines the residential real estate market for individual communities visited last month’s Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Lisa Oden OF REData Center spoke to the group of several dozen, then fielded questions from the audience about Dawson County’s housing market. The company studies market trends and data analysis, Oden said. “We are realtors, and we remember the days when you could put a sign in the ground and people would come running because they wanted to buy your property,” she said. Oden said the company started from a grassroots effort to understand why the market was slowing after 2007. “We needed a way to interpret what was going on and read the market,”
Oden said. “We were making charts and graphs to figure out what we needed to know, and it turned into a product that others happened to find valuable.” Oden spoke about Dawson County’s market in particular. “Understanding these numbers is very important to knowing how your market stacks up to what the rest of the country is doing,” she said. Oden said that Dawson County’s residential housing market differed somewhat from the metro Atlanta markets. “Your sales have been building. You haven’t fallen off the cliff like many
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
others have. You’ve got pretty consistent sales,” she said. The chamber’s July business luncheon will be at noon tomorrow at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road. Bryson Payne with North Georgia Network will present a program to highlight the $34.5 million regional broadband project that is coming through Dawson County. Reservations received after the July 11 cutoff date will cost $15 for members. Visitors may attend for $18 per person. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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Summer membership drive is in full gear By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
The staff of Atlanta Sports Academy celebrated their grand opening June 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed the academy.
Community welcomes new sports academy By Frank Reddy freddy@dawsonnews.com
A new sports academy celebrated its grand opening June 3, welcoming students, parents and many from the community to the event. Representatives from the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce were also there, to welcome one of its newest members. Damon Dawson, founder of Atlanta Sports Academy, said the business hopes to “basically, give kids another opportunity. They may have been hurt in their senior year, they may have been under-recruited, they may not have had the GPA to get into the college they wanted to go to…” Dawson said. Added Dawson: “We allow them an opportunity to come here and better themselves as students, athletes and people…it’s a holistic approach.” Atlanta Sports Academy is billed as a post-graduate, academic-athletic program for those who want to earn athlet-
ics scholarships to an accredited fouryear college or university. The campus sits on 100 acres adjacent to the defunct Gold Creek Golf Club about five miles north of Dawsonville. One of Dawson County’s own has joined the academy. Dawson County High School graduate Preston Lewis signed with Atlanta Sports Academy on June 2. “I want to make it to the next level, and this would be a good opportunity to get me there,” Lewis said. A defensive lineman, Lewis has played on the Dawson County High School varsity team since his sophomore year. An honorary member to the academy was also named June 3. Atlanta Sports Academy Coach Ron Hill gave 10-year-old Kenny Stewart a jersey and football for his “bravery in the face of adversity.” The young Dawson County resident has been battling cancer for almost three years.
Diane Lemley, an individual member of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, was recently recognized for her work to recruit one of the chamber’s newest members. Kauffman Tire, at 783 Hwy. 400 South, joined the chamber at Lemley’s encouragement. Lemley approached Doug Ritson, manager at Kauffman Tire, during the chamber’s summer membership drive, which runs through Aug. 31. For her contribution to increasing membership, Lemley received two complimentary lunches to the chamber’s next membership lunch meeting, where she and Kauffman Tire will be recognized during the new member introductions. New individual and non-profit memberships are not included, but current individual and non-profit
members are encouraged to participate in the membership drive. A photograph of the recruiting member and the new business member will also be published in the Dawson Chamber Chronicle. There is no limit to the number of new businesses members can recruit. Members who successfully recruit new businesses to join the chamber will have their names entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to North Georgia Premium Outlets. The drawing will be held at the conclusion of the summer membership drive. According to the chamber’s membership committee: “No one can sell the benefits of membership in our organization better than you, the primary stakeholder in our organization.” For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Morgan Bennett Dawson Community News
Diane Lemley was recently recognized for recruiting one of the chamber’s newest members Kauffman Tire. Lemley is pictured with Doug Ritson, manager at Kauffman Tire.
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Bank of the Ozarks CEO sees promise By Crystal Ledford DCN regional staff
The CEO of one of America’s top performing banks said he sees great potential in Georgia. George Gleason, who is also chairman of Bank of the Ozarks, made a visit recently to north Georgia along with the bank’s board of directors. Bank of the Ozarks, headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., has 113 offices in seven states including Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, North and South Carolina and Texas. In April, it was named the top performing bank in the nation with assets of more than $3 billion by the ABA Banking Journal, the flagship monthly magazine of the American Bankers Association. Bank of the Ozarks obtained
Chestatee State Bank, which had two locations in Dawson County and one in Forsyth County, in Gleason December 2010. Gleason said Chestatee State was one of seven FDICseized banking sites obtained by Bank of the Ozarks over the past 15 months. Six of those have locations in Georgia. In total, the bank has 30 locations with about 300 employees in the state. “We hope to have two to three times as many offices in Georgia over the next few years,” he said, noting that the state has traditionally been real estate-driven in regards to
banking. “There are challenges, but the real estate business here is still good.” And that’s a good fit for Bank of the Ozarks, one of whose main strengths is in real estate lending, Gleason said. “We may be the largest bank in the country that came through the real estate market crash unscathed,” he said. “Now everyone got a few bumps and scratches, but we were able to make it basically unharmed.” Gleason said the transition from Chestatee State has gone well and he hopes to add at least one more site in Forsyth County over the next few years. “We’ve been received very well and have kept the majority of those customers,” he
said. “We’re also seeing new business.” In general, Gleason said the banking industry in Georgia and the nation is currently “a challenging climate.” “The economy is modestly better but not significantly better,” he said. “I think the industry as a whole is facing a challenging road ahead with the host of new regulations coming down from the federal government.” But he believes Bank of the Ozarks’ track record is proof it will be able to weather any challenge. “In 32 years, we’ve never had a quarter that we weren’t profitable,” he said, something he attributed to “conservative credit principals” that allow the bank to maintain high levels of capi-
tal to create new acquisitions and loans. As far as services to customers, Gleason said Bank of the Ozarks is a full-service institution providing a full line of deposit and lending products. He said it also has a “strong mortgage presence in Arkansas” and a “very, very strong trust and wealth management unit,” both of which will be built in this state over time. Gleason said he believes the economy in Georgia will stabilize sooner rather than later. “Georgia has a strong $450 billion-a-year-economy. I think it will surprise everybody how quickly it rebounds,” he said. “Georgia has so many positive things going for it.”
Businessman honored for customer service From staff reports
Local entrepreneur Chris Gaines has been designated an Allstate Premier Service Agent for 2011. An exclusive Allstate agent, he owns The Gaines Agency in downtown Dawsonville. According to a news release, the designation is being presented to Gaines for his commitment to putting the customer at the center of his agency’s work. Less than one third of Allstate’s nearly 12,000 agency owners across the country receive the desig-
nation. The Premier Service Agency designation is awarded to Allstate agency owners who have consistently demonstrated excellence in delivering an accessiGaines ble, knowledgeable and personal customer experience, and in achieving outstanding business results. The Gaines Agency, LLC is located at 29 Main Street in Dawsonville and can be reached at (706) 2652070.
• Congratulations to Margie Weaver. She was recently named 2011 Senior Center Director of the Year. • Improve your skills . . . take an online class this summer. For more information, visit www.dawson.org. • Are you certified Work Ready? For more information, visit www. gaworkready.org. • Past issues of the Dawson County Chamber Chronicle can be found on the chamber’s Web site, www.dawson.org. • Remember to shop local. Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
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Trusted experts delivering the latest in cardiac care Northside is home to a team of talented and experienced professionals specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular services. From leading diagnostic services to angioplasty and pacemaker implantation, Northside’s experts deliver leading cardiac care right in your community. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
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Northside earns certification By Crystal Ledford DCN regional staff
Northside Hospital-Forsyth recently earned recognition for its treatment of stroke patients. Both the Forsyth site and Northside’s Sandy Springs campus have been awarded full two-year certifications as Advanced Primary Stroke Centers by the Joint Commission. Katherine Watson, a spokeswoman for Northside, said only about eight hospitals in the greater metro Atlanta area are certified as Advanced Primary Stroke Centers. “We applied to the Joint Commission for the designation. There is a book of standards you must follow that is entirely separate from the normal accreditation standards,” she said, noting both locations were first certified in 2009. “[After two years] you have another unannounced on-site survey to renew [the certification].” Both Northside locations received the recognition after undergoing on-site evaluations and demonstrating compli-
ance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, according to a release from the hospital. Skip Putnam, CEO of NorthsideForsyth, said in a statement that he and other leaders were pleased that both campuses achieved the distinction. “[This certification] celebrates the hard work of our staff and recognizes our commitment to excellence and to providing the best possible care to our patients and our community,” he said. Watson said the certification shows that Northside “has the critical elements to meet [stroke victims’] unique and specialized needs.” Stroke is the nation’s third leading cause of death and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., with almost 5 million stroke survivors alive today. Besides the stroke certification, both Northside sites also received a full two-year certification for hip and knee replacement services, and NorthsideAtlanta received additional certification for high-risk obstetrics.
Charter status is secured By Frank Reddy freddy@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County school system has joined the ranks of 13 others in Georgia that have received greater flexibility to govern local education. Among other aspects, that flexibility could allow officials to examine new classroom settings, sizes and times. They could also broaden curriculum choices and expand opportunities for students at various skill levels. The Georgia Department of Education recently voted to approve Dawson County Schools’ petition for a five-year charter, a designation that grants greater autonomy from the state. “It’s a done deal,” said Superintendent Keith Porter. “[The Department of Education] has offered us
their congratulations.” Porter said the district will begin training immediately. “We want to make sure we have everything in place so that we can have our boards functioning at the beginning of next school year,” Porter said. “It will be an ongoing training.” He added that achieving charter system status is a milestone. “It’s just another example of the way that our school system and our community pull together to do extraordinary things,” he said. “It confirms to me the commitment our stakeholders have in doing things that are innovative and creative within our school system.” The charter designation lasts for five years, at which time the state commission can review it for renewal.
Stephanie Griffin Dawson Community News
WALMART DONATES TO VETERANS GROUP
The Dawsonville Walmart recently donated a 42 inch flat screen TV to the Dawson County Veterans Affairs Committee. The committee raffled the TV to raise funds for veteran initiatives. Pam Hamalainen, president of the group, left, and Walmart Assistant Manager Carrie Brooks drew the winner July 2 at the county’s Sparks in the Park event. Also pictured is Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams. The winner of the TV was Don Sailor of Gainesville.
Event informs about health care reform By Frank Reddy
freddy@dawsonnews.com
An information session regarding health care reform, which was held last month, was a success, according to Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. Williams said those who attended the May 17 event at United Community Bank, “said they learned something.” Speaking at the event was Ken Bohrer, a 25-year veteran of the health care industry. Williams said Bohrer “had a lot of good information, and he had excellent handouts of the timeline that is set out right now for things to happen, for employers to be aware of … their responsibilities.” Sponsored by the University of
Georgia and the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, the event was aimed at helping business leaders to better understand the complexities of health care reform, key components and projected trends. Said Williams: “The main thing we learned is that this health care reform is an ongoing effort, and my suggestion was that we take another look at it in another year or two and see where we are at that time. “And of course,” she added, “It’s all under discussion and still could be changed. It’s a living document that’s growing and in which direction we don’t know.” Bohrer’s experience in the health care industry includes health plan operations, sales and marketing, provider contracting, traditional benefit plan design and consumer-driven plan application.
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Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
EWSA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Etowah Water and Sewer Authority invited customers to its Hwy. 53 location June 23 in celebration of the utility’s 25th anniversary. General Manager Brooke Anderson, left, and founding board member Ben Overstreet read through a book, which highlights the water and sewer provider’s growth to mark the occasion.
MEMBER RENEWALS Special thanks to the following members that renewed memberships last month:
Jacky Jones Ford North Georgia Sales Center Inc. Paradise Valley Resort
NEW MEMBERS Huck’s Apple Barn Dawn Pruett (706) 429-0065 3862 Dawson Forest Rd. Dawsonville, GA 30534 dawn@huckleberryholler.com Category: Agri-tourism Fajita Grill Arthur Marcias (706) 265-1331 384 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Restaurants
Kauffman Tire Inc. Douglas Ritson (706) 531-1311 786 Hwy. 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 contact@kauffmantires.com Category: Tires, Wheels and Accessories Blocker Insurance Agency Donna Blocker, (706) 265-7517 6625 Hwy. 53 East, Suite 400 Dawsonville, GA 30534 donna@blockerins.com Category: Insurance Agency
MONTHLY TOTALS Walk-in: 548
Telephone: 2,231 Newcomer packages: 22
Property Investment Associates
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Lanier Tech moves into leased space
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
The Dawson County Chamber Ambassadors recently presented Diane Lemley, third from left, with a gift card for being selected Ambassador of the Month for June. Also pictured, from left, Pam Hamalainen, Angela Harben and Carol Tyger.
Ambassador of the Month is Diane Lemley From staff reports
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program recently recognized its June Ambassador of the Month. Diane Lemley, who joined the volunteer organization about 18 months ago, received a gift certificate for her numerous contributions to the chamber during the month of June. An elite group of volunteer chamber members who act as liaisons between the business community and the organization, ambassadors attend ribbon cuttings, grand opening celebrations and volunteer at chamber functions to promote the chamber. Lemley was also responsible for recruiting Kauffman Tire, which joined the chamber last month at her encouragement. “I enjoy working with the community,” Lemley
‘I enjoy working with the community.’ Diane Lemley
Ambassador of the month
said. She and her husband Larry Lemley moved to Dawson County in 2002 after owning a lake home in the area since the early 1970s. The couple has two married sons and three “grand doggies.” For more information on the ambassador program, call (706) 265-6278.
Students who returned for summer quarter July 6 at the Dawson campus of Lanier Technical College are attending class at a new, temporary location. With the exception of automotive technology classes, which are held in the evening at Dawson County High School’s automotive lab, all Lanier Tech Dawson campus courses are being taught at 516 Allen Street in Dawsonville. Lanier Tech will utilize the former Crossroads Alternative School building until the college’s new campus is constructed on property neighboring Dawson County Middle School. The college will also continue to offer the state’s Work Ready assessments at the temporary location. Based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses, Georgia’s Work Ready Initiative helps meet the needs of business by effectively generating the right talent for the right jobs. “We’re so fortunate to have the space to lease from the school board, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to lease the space during our construction,” said Tim McDonald, dean at the local campus. McDonald anticipates holding classes at the temporary location for about a year. He said the temporary move will not affect Lanier Tech’s adult education classes that are held at the Dawson County Adult Learning Center on Hwy. 9 North . The move also will not affect dual enrollment students from the local high school. “We built our summer schedule based on being at our new, temporary location,” McDonald said. About 150 students attend the Dawson campus, which offers studies in business administration, certified nursing assistant, residential plumbing, electrical construction, automotive technology and welding. Along with the local campus, which opened in October 2005, Lanier Tech has locations in Forsyth, Oakwood, North Fulton and Jackson County, as well as a Winder-Barrow facility. McDonald said a ceremony to break ground on the new permanent facility in Dawsonville could come as early as August. For more information, call (706) 216-5461.
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Manufacturer to be on national news From staff reports
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Suzanne Franklin owns Jungle Paradise, off of Hwy. 9 South. She oversees the daylily gardens that surround her property.
Daylilies inspire woman By Frank Reddy freddy@dawsonnews.com
A local woman’s passion for botany has bloomed into an obsession with one of nature’s most diverse flowering plants. In short, Dawsonville’s Suzanne Franklin says daylilies “fascinate” her. Her fascination started with a few plants in her backyard nearly 20 years ago. Since then, it’s spread across the family’s Mill Creek Drive property leaving little else in its wake. “I’ve got other plants too…hundreds and hundreds of different plants” she said. “I just enjoy flowers so much.” Franklin owns Jungle Paradise, off Hwy. 9 South. The combination park and flower garden surrounds the fam-
ily’s home and beyond. Franklin also takes people on tours in her “jungle cart.” “People can come here anytime they want to. It’s free of charge, but don’t bring a shovel,” she said, laughing. Many of the flowers, however, are for sale on Franklin’s property. They also include daffodils, azaleas, wildflowers, camillias, perennials, tropical and a variety of rare flowers. The daylilies are in full bloom right now. “Right now is the best time to come out and see us,” she said. “It’s peak season.” Jungle Paradise is located at 929 Mill Creek Drive, Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 265-2130 or (678) 410-6830.
‘Evidently we were highly recommended as being leading edge and a good spot to showcase that kind of story.’
Impulse Manufacturing will be featured in an upcoming segment on the CBS Evening News that focuses on jobs in manufacturing. The news syndicate was “looking for a manufacturing company in the south that was high tech in its processes and equipment,” according to an e-mail Jan Baysden distributed by the Dawson County Spokeswoman for Chamber of Commerce. Impulse Manufacturing The high-tech metal fabricator uses lasers and robots for cutting and welding metal, according to company presi- story,” said Jan Baysden in an e-mail. Impulse Manufacturing was also the dent Ron Baysden. backdrop in December 2009 when The company makes parts for Blue Vice President Joe Biden visited Bird buses, Yamaha golf carts and Dawsonville and announced more Carrier Corp. than $183 million in broadband proj“They wanted to know a lot on how ects in 17 states. it affected unemployment in America One of those grants will help fund and what needed to be done to rethe construction of more than 135 grow manufacturing in this country. Evidently we were highly recommend- miles of fiber optic lines to bring highspeed Internet access to rural areas of ed as being leading edge and a North Georgia. good spot to showcase that kind of
Film crew seeks lake homes to shoot footage From staff reports
Georgia is a prime location for film making and Dawson County was recently designated as a “Camera Ready County.” This means Dawson County is notified of location requests by film companies who want to shoot movies in the area. The state film division is currently working with a project called “Careful What You Wish For” and it is set on a lake. They want to shoot footage in the late fall or winter and want it to look
green. Another criteria is that they need two homes sitting next to each other with pines or other evergreens around. Not subdivisions, but two homes sitting on their own by the lake, but next door neighbors. If you own property that fits the criteria, or know of someone who does, and would be interested in having your property considered for the project, call Marty Williams, the county’s “Camera Ready” liaison at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 265-6278.
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New booster seat law now in effect By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Lily Creek Lodge, a bed and breakfast just a few miles north in Dahlonega, played host to the chamber’s Business After Hours event in June. The next after hours affair will be from 5-7 p.m. July 26 at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce office on Ga. 400.
Cash drawing up to $1,125 By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
A bread and breakfast just south of Dahlonega opened its doors to Dawson County Chamber of Commerce members June 28 for the group’s monthly Business After Hours affair. Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains is Lily Creek Lodge, a 12 room cottage on Auraria Road, just a few miles north of Dawsonville. With European antique furnishings and art, Lily Creek Lodge offers modern comforts and amenities on acreage that is a wildlife sanctuary and the home of many flora and fauna found only in the mountain ecology. The lodge is open year round. For more information, call (706) 8646848. The chamber’s next Business After Hours event will be held from 5-7 p.m. July 26 at the chamber’s new location
on Ga. 400. Several local small businesses and home-based businesses are co-hosting the event. Membership director Pam Hamalainen said a couple co-hosting opportunities are still available for the event, which will also features the chamber’s monthly cash drawing at the end of the night. Representatives from the Kangaroo Conservation Center were not present at the June event to hear their name called, so the cash drawing will be $1,125 at the July event. The chamber would like to thank its cash drawing sponsors: Anderson Family Medicine — Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency — Kristie Myers and United Community Bank — James Askew. Remember you must be present to win if your name is drawn. For more information, call (706) 265-6278.
A new state law took effect July 1 that will keep children in car safety seats until their eighth birthday. Signed into law in May, the new requirement is designed to reduce the risk of children suffering injury and death in automobile accidents in Georgia. “This is to keep smaller kids that the state felt are still too small to be just riding in a seatbelt that is designed for adults safe,” said Capt. Tony Wooten with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. Local groups dedicated to child safety are currently mobilizing to get the word out to parents about the new requirement and offering booster seats to families needing them. Katie Strayhorn, chairperson of the Child Fatality Review Panel in Dawson County, said the group, in conjunction with Georgia State Patrol, will be at the Dawson County Health Department from 9 to 11 a.m., July 28 offering child seat safety checks. At the event, certified child passenger safety specialists will check car seats and booster seats for proper installation. Wooten said Dawson County SafeKids will provide booster seats to
Morgan Bennett Dawson Community News
Lanier Swafford, chief of Dawson County Emergency Services, secures his son, Bailey, into his car seat.
families who cannot afford them. “Booster seats are not that expensive, but if anyone needs one, we’re going to try to provide those,” he said. Fines begin at $50 for violating the new law, though local law officers said enforcement comes second to making sure motorists have knowledge of the new law and know why it was enacted. “At this time, it’s about making sure people understand the new law and that it’s there to keep kids safe,” Wooten said. The current law will replace previous requirements that said children must remain in a car seat or booster seat until they are six years old.
The car or booster seat must • Be in the rear seat • Be appropriate for the child’s weight and height • Meet all federal standards • Be installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions
The following exemptions apply • Children under age 8 whose height is at least 4 feet 9 inches. • A written statement from a physician that a physical or medical condition prevents placing or restraining the child as required by law.
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Compton takes over at Kilough By Frank Reddy freddy@dawsonnews.com
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Rising NASCAR star and Dawsonville native Chase Elliott watches a ball hit the target to sink him in the dunk tank at Sparks in the Park.
Fireworks spark record crowd By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Early estimates say Dawson Day Sparks in the Park brought more than 6,000 people to Rock Creek Park July 2 for the county’s annual Independence Day celebration. “That’s good news for Dawson County,” said Marty Williams, vice president of tourism at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. “I talked to several people who were not from Dawson County and that means dollars are being spent on gas and on food to help the county.” Presented by the Dawson County commission and the Dawson Community News, officials said the third annual event “was even bigger and better than last year.” “Events like Sparks in the Park truly capture community spirit,” said Cathy Brooks, county spokeswoman. “It’s a great time for families and friends to come together.” In addition to the fireworks display, park visitors were able to take part in various activities, including dance contests and inflatables, as well as a dunk tank and rock-climbing wall.
Caroline Levy, 8, of Cumming, turns a back flip on the bungee ride.
There was also a wide variety of festival food, ranging from snow cones to barbecue. Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner said the free event would not be possible “without the generous support of all of our sponsors that donate both their money and time.” “I believe everyone who attended had a great time. I would like to personally thank (the sponsors) for another great year,” he said.
As Tracey Compton celebrates her 20th year with the Dawson County School System, she’s taking on a new role. The Dawson County Board of Education recently voted unanimously to promote the Kilough Elementary assistant principal to the position of principal in the wake of administrator Lois Zangara’s decision to retire. Compton said working with Zangara at the helm has taught her many lessons, lessons she’ll use as a reference point as an elementary school principal. “[Zangara] has taught me not to be reactive,” Compton said. “She’s very calm in the worst storm.” That’s one of the key attributes a leader should possess, Compton added. “A leader sets the tone … if they react negatively when there’s a problem, what kind of example does that set for the rest of the employees?” A detail-oriented person at heart, Compton said her predecessor has helped her to see “the big picture. “She has helped me to broaden my perspective,” Compton said. Through her many years as a teacher and an administrator, Compton has learned many lessons. “It’s all about genuine relationships,” she said. “Knowing the students, knowing the parents. I don’t believe you can really serve a child unless you have a relationship with them.” Continued Compton: “It’s like a family. You know the children by name, you know most of the parents by name. You visit them in the hospital, you visit them at home.” A Forsyth County native, Compton and husband, Jeff, have one son, Casey, 16, who attends Dawson
File photo
Tracey Compton was recently promoted to principal at Kilough Elementary School.
County High School. In her 20-year career with the Dawson County School System, Compton worked as a teacher at Dawson County Middle School for 11 years, a fifth grade teacher at Kilough for one year and as assistant principal for eight years. Superintendent Keith Porter places much faith in Compton’s abilities. “Through the years, she has been one of the most decorated teachers we’ve ever had in the Dawson County School System,” Porter said. During the 2010-11 school year, she was selected as the state assistant principal of the year. She also was awarded the Philip Wright Award for her work with special education at Kilough. During her time at Dawson County Middle School, she garnered awards for Georgia Math Teacher of the Year and Georgia Science Teacher of the year. She holds a specialist degree in educational leadership. “It’s more than a job,” Compton said. “It’s a way of life.”
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