D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Home expo brings more than 30 vendors March 2010
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 “Old Jail” west of the square Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
Harlem Ambassadors entertain locals Shooting Stars ‘out of element’ By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
There was never any real reason to believe the Dawsonville Shooting Stars were going to win the game against the Harlem Ambassadors. But give the Shooting Stars credit, because they gave it their all Feb. 26 in the game that benefitted the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. “We were all out of our elements and they picked on us a little,” said Shooting Star Mike
Underwood. “We knew we were going to lose going in to it, but it was fun to be a part of.” The Harlem Ambassadors, a comedic professional basketball show team that travels the globe for fundraising events, entertained a gymnasium of more than 300 at Dawson County High School. Based in Colorado, the Ambassadors offer a unique blend of family fun basketball featuring high flying slamdunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy
routines. After watching the exhibition team for about 30 minutes before the game, players on the Shooting Stars questioned why they agreed to play. “Oh, they’re going to kill us,” and “Man, that guy’s tall,” were a few comments made as the Harlem Ambassadors took to the court. In the end, even with a 50 point head start, the Ambassadors still came out ahead. “They gave us a lot of points, but we think they gave Michele Hester Dawson Community News themselves a few extra points Mike Underwood was out of his element Feb. 26 when he was fouled several times by Harlem Ambassador Lade Majic See ENTERTAIN | 5 as a part of a charity basketball game.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Chamber events bring opportunity to laugh Your Dawson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a basketball event recently that brought the Harlem Ambassadors to our county. If you do not know about the Harlem Ambassadors; their mission statement
includes the following: “Our show is designed to be fun for customers of all ages and in addition to having a wholesome family entertainment product, we are also good citizens and willing role models for youth, promoting the values
of staying in school, staying off drugs and fostering racial harmony.” The chamber’s task for this event was to give wholesome family entertainment, have fun and, hopefully, bring a little laughter to the audience.
It truly was wholesome family entertainment, especially if you were watching from the stands. However, from inside the lines on the court, fun is a relative term. It could be fun throwing the other team down to the ground and sit-
ting on them until they say uncle ... if you’re not the “other team.” Also, it could be fun taking a local celebrity who will remain nameless, (I will give you a hint, he is a See LAUGH| 13
Underwood
2 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2010
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hire an accountant to help business One of the most important steps in making a business plan is to interview and select your accountant. You are in business to make a profit, so you need a professional to work with you on your road to success. We are in the midst of tax season, which means tax returns are on everyone’s mind, both business and personal. Yes, you can certainly do a tax return yourself, but chances are excellent that you will miss a deduction opportunity or not realize the laws have changed. For example, the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides some benefits that may apply to you or your com-
pany. Your tax preparer is up to date on these and other laws Williams and will insure that you and your company have every benefit you are entitled to. If you still think you can do it yourself, you can find all of your answers at www.irs.gov. However, the Web site is huge and will take the layperson hours and perhaps days to find the answer, which is all the more reason to use a local professional. Did you know that our
chamber has nine members in the accountant and tax preparer category? If you do not already have a professional selected to guide you with your company’s finances or your personal finances, I urge you to go to the chamber Web site today and set up an appointment with one of our members. Our chamber is set up as a 501c6 organization, thus we are not charitable, but your membership dues investment would be considered a business expense. If you sponsored a 2009 chamber event, check with your accountant as a portion of your sponsorship may be considered a business or advertising expense. (For a list of the 2010 chamber event spon-
sor opportunities, just contact the chamber office.) Since I mentioned the business directory on our Web site, this is a good time to remind everyone that the Dawson magazine also has the business directory and is our local quality of life publication for the community. This publication has a shelf life of at least a year and the next edition is being developed now. We will print 10,000 copies and we will also print 1,000 copies of the business directory as a standalone publication. If you have been considering joining the chamber, now is the perfect time and you will be included in the business directory section. Chamber members who
wish to have a bigger presence in the magazine may purchase an advertisement in the next edition. Heidi Watts of Great Southern Publishers is our advertising representative for the Dawson magazine. You may call Heidi at (678) 575-9526 to make an appointment to discuss your advertising options. In the meantime, I hope you have seen the Shop
Local signs at the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Ga. 400. Your board of directors and I urge you to continue to shop and do business locally. I hope to see you at a chamber event soon. Won’t you join us?
Senior services a priority From staff reports
While the current economy has forced governments to cut back on budgets, several counties have been pressed to prioritize community programs. Dawson County recognizes the needs of its senior population as a priority and continues to seek opportunities to not only keep the senior programs on track, but to enhance them whenever possible. Committed to providing and improving senior services in Dawson County, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners subsidizes
substantial portions of the transit program, homedelivered meals and dining and activities held at the Dawson County Senior Center. In February, 2,134 meals were delivered to seniors and 631 meals were served at the center. Dawson County seniors may also participate in a variety of classes and activities including exercise, tai chi, line dancing, Wii and painting. The center also offers nurse services, income tax assistance and transit services allowing seniors to seek and acquire medical
care, visit the grocery store, pharmacy, post office or the beauty shop. To ensure the continuation of these vital programs, Dawson County applies yearly for three grants on a competitive
basis, two of which require county subsidy, according to Dawson County Senior Accountant Kaye Molden. “Because of the economical downturn, much of our outside funding has been reduced,” Molden said.
Appraisal Advisor, LLC Industrial, Retail, Office, Land Martinn E. Winters Certified General Real Estate Appraiser Office: 706.265.2537 • Fax: 706.265.2539 mwinters@appraisaladvisorllc.com www.appraisaladvisorllc.com
of your world. Do you know what happened in your community last week? The Dawson Community News keeps you informed, so you always know what’s happening in your community.
Dawson Community News 514 Academy Ave., Dawsonville 706-265-3384 FAX 706-265-3276 ❑ $15 Local 1 Year Subscription ❑ $25 Local 2 Year Subscription
SUBSCRIBE TODAY MAIL CHECK & FORM TO: WEDNESDAY MAIL DELIVERY
NAME:_______________________________________________
P O BOX 1600 514 Academy Ave. Dawsonville, Ga 30534
ADDRESS:____________________________________________ CITY: ________________________________ ZIP:____________
National Expertise - Local Service
Dawson Community News (706) 265-3384
PHONE: ______________________________
OFFER GOOD WITHIN DAWSONVILLE MAIL LIMITS ONLY
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 3
MARCH 2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS March March 11: Join the chamber at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, for a very special luncheon as Teachers of the Year for Dawson County are recognized. Vicki Carlisle, Robinson Elementary; Teresa Conowal, Kilough Elementary & System Winner; Paula Cox, Dawson County Middle; Chris Gore, Dawson County High School; Pat Harris, Riverview Middle and Lisa Robin, Black's Mill Elementary. Two Sponsorships are still available at $100. Call Pam at the chamber if you are interested in being a sponsor, at (706) 265-6278. Special thanks to Kroger and Coca Cola of Gainesville for hosting the luncheon and a special thanks goes to Appalachian Community Bank as a $100 sponsor for the luncheon. March 17: Happy St. Patrick's Day! Amicalola Falls will have a traditional St Patty's Day lunch with corned beef, cabbage and such for lunch and the price is $8.49. March 18 and 25: 2-Part Series QuickBooks Series Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: SunTrust Bank, 6602 Hwy. 53 SE, Dawsonville, GA 30534. Series Cost: $199.00. Preregistration required/seating limited. QuickBooks is an indispensable accounting tool for the small business owner. This 2-part workshop provides participants with hands-on experience in the QuickBooks environment, including case studies that allow you to heighten your computer-assisted account-
ing skills through practical exercises. Appropriate for newcomers and experienced users of the software. The series consists of two, all day classes. For more information, call (770) 5315681. Contact the SBDC office at 999 Chestnut Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration March 23: Business After Hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. Location has yet to be determined. Special thanks to our cash drawing sponsors AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency- Kristie Myers, United Community BankJames Askew, Van Keith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville LLC- Ann Grizzle and Healthy Eating on the Run, Barbara Roberts. You must be present to win if your name is called.
April April 4: Happy Easter! Check out www.forresthillsresort.com, and www.amicalolafalls.com for their lunch specials. April 8: Lunch with the chamber will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville. Administrative Professionals will be recognized. Call Pam Hamalainen and let her know if you will be bringing your administrative assistant to the luncheon. Members and visitors -register online by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 8. Go to www.dawson.org,
click on "Chamber of Commerce," then "Events & Registration." The Early Bird Special for lunch is $12.50 if you R.S.V.P. before April 5. Lunch will be $15 after the drop date. Visitors are welcome to attend and pay $18 for lunch. April 17: United Community Bank Junior Board's fundraiser for Relay for Life. This year the junior board of director's is hosting a car show to raise money for Relay for Life. The car show is called the Relay Rod Run. It will be held in the bank's parking lot on Ga. 400. The show will take place from noon until 4 p.m. The cost is $15 per car for pre-registration, and $20 for day of registration. Cumming's Junior Board of Directors is taking part in the car show as well. Hot dogs, drinks, chips and dessert will be for sale. For more information, contact Kara Hewatt, business development officer, United Community Bank, at (706) 265-3232, ext. 1126 or e-mail kara_hewatt@ucbi.com. April 27: Join us at The Dawson County Humane Society as they host this month's Business after Hours from 5-7 p.m. Special thanks to our cash drawing sponsors: AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency- Kristie Myers, United Community BankJames Askew, Van Keith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville, LLC- Ann Grizzle and Healthy Eating on the Run - Barbara Roberts. You must be present to win if your name is called. For more information, call Kay Harris at (706) 265-9160.
Georgia launches Hire Work Ready for small business Small businesses eligible for hiring, training reimbursement ATLANTA — Gov. Sonny Perdue and Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO George M. Israel III recently announced the launch of Hire Work Ready, a new initiative designed to provide funding to small businesses that hire Work Ready certified employees. “Our state’s small businesses are the engine that drives our economy,” said Perdue. “To ensure our state’s longterm prosperity, it is imperative that we give them the tools necessary to not only weather the economic downturn, but emerge stronger and ready for growth.” Companies employing 50 or fewer people are eligible to receive $250 per certified Work Ready individual hired, up to $1,250 total, to assist with hiring and training costs. The funding for Hire Work Ready comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Georgia small businesses may apply for the reimbursement by visiting the Work Ready Web site (www.gaworkready.org) and following the Hire Work Ready link under the Employers tab to complete a short application. To be eligible, firms must participate in a Work Ready information session and be in good financial standing with the state. “Georgia Work Ready is one of our state’s strongest economic development tools
‘...Our state’s small businesses can enjoy all the benefits larger employers enjoy...’ George M. Israel III Georgia Chamber of Commerce president because it ensures we have the best possible workforce,” said Israel. “By hiring Work Ready certified individuals, our state’s small businesses can enjoy all the benefits larger employers enjoy — great productivity, lower training costs and higher morale.” The Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, which oversees Georgia Work Ready, estimates Hire Work Ready will encourage the hiring of 2,000 certified Work Ready people by more than 400 small businesses throughout the state. Georgia Work Ready is based on a skills assessment, certification and skills gap training for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. For more information, visit www.gaworkready.org.
4 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2010
Shop local campaign kicks off By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has announced a campaign to encourage county residents to keep consumer dollars in the city and county. According to chamber ambassador co-chair Carol Tyger, ambassadors will visit chamber members and give the business a window decal to display prominently in their windows. The decal promotes the campaign. Added Tyger: “Chamber members will benefit by encouraging Dawson County residents to shop local. It will also let visitors from out of our county know that we are committed to keeping
business in the county, especially during these hard economic times.” Chamber board of directors Mike Underwood said it’s a timely measure. “We are very concerned that many of our local businesses are hurting and need help. Our organization needs to do whatever we can to supply that help,” said Underwood. The discussions led to a renewed “Shop Local” campaign. Shop Local was originally kicked off in 2008, but Linda Williams, president of the chamber, agreed that the program needed to be refreshed to address the current situation. Williams noted that the greatest contribution citi-
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Lori Lewis, left, and Carol Tyger display one of the shop local decals.
zens can make during these difficult times is to maximize their spending at county businesses. The shop local decals
display the “Dawson Says” logo with tag lines, ‘Shop local-find it here! Spend it here! and Buy it here!’
Decals are available from any chamber ambassador or by visiting the chamber office. The chamber board believes a considerable amount of spending still goes outside the county. Many citizens do not give much thought to the consequences for local businesses by not shopping locally. Williams referred to a study by the Small Business Blog called the “3/50 Project” that found for every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 returns to the community in taxes, payrolls and other local expenditures. For spending at national chains, $43 returns to the local community. If the $100 is spent online nothing comes
back home. The chamber will step up efforts to convince local residents and visitors to spend their money in Dawson County, as a first choice. The effort will support and increase retail sales, business services and bu s i n e s s - t o - bu s i n e s s spending. The program will help both chamber members and non-members. “When non members see what we’re trying to do and how it might benefit them, they will consider joining our organization to help promote all Dawson County businesses. A rising tide lifts all boats. That’s what we need to have happen with local spending,” said Williams.
Dawson FBLA wins at region competition From staff reports
For the Dawson Community News
Dawson County’s Logan Porter, far right, served as a Region 9 Officer this year. As part of his duties, he assisted in conducting training workshops and the awards program with his team of region officers.
Dawson County FBLA students attended the Region 9 FBLA competition at Woodland High School on Jan. 26. The following students competed in a variety of business subject areas, where they put their skills and knowledge to work earning them the opportunity to represent Dawson County High School at the state FBLA conference. The state conference will be held in March in Atlanta. Business Communications - first place Brittney
MacDonald Business Math - first place Grant Shope, second place Chris Bywaltz and third place Clay Glover Computer Applications third place Megan Welch Desktop Publishing Team - second place team Logan Porter and Brittney MacDonald Introduction to Technology - fourth Place Chloe Beacham Personal Finance - fifth place Lyric Baty Spreadsheet Design second Place - Lyric Baty Word Processing II third place Audra Vaughters
Job Interview - third Place Audra Vaughters Public Speaking I - second place Cody Hall Public Speaking II - first place Kayse Redmon Future Business Leader
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
- second place Logan Porter Monopoly Team Finalist (moving on to state from fall competition) - Team of Lyric Baty, Erin Pruitt and Kris Sewell.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 5
MARCH 2010
Library use surges in Dawson County Locals seek free media By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
More than half of Dawson County’s residents now hold a library card. It stems from a 10 percent increase in library visits from 200809, said Stacey Leonhardt, Dawson County branch manager. In addition, Internet use at the library is up 24 percent, and children’s programs are see-
ing gradual increased attendance as well. Leonhardt credits lean economic times for the surge of patrons. “We’re hearing more and more that people are not purchasing books as much as they used to, because they’re trying to cut their budgets everywhere they can,” Leonhardt said. She attributed the rise in free Internet use at the library to residents “getting rid of their home Internet service, because they’re cutting costs.” Added Leonhardt:
“People will also check out lots of DVDs recently as a form of visual entertainment.” Children’s programs are seeing increased numbers too. “People are trying to find free things they can do with their kids,” she said. For more information about the Dawson County Library, call (706) 344-3690, or visit www.chestateelibrary.org. The next Dawson County Library Board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 19 at the Dawson County Library.
FROM 1
Entertain: Benefits chamber also,” joked Shooting Star Coach Will Wade. Lade Majic, coach for the Harlem Ambassadors, kept both the spectators and her opponents laughing at her team’s antics during the game, which was put on by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. “We all had a lot of fun,” said Wade. “We got to laugh at ourselves and laugh a lot at each other.” Underwood, who serves as chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, was one of several volunteer players who became targets of laughter during the game. Underwood, Associate Magistrate Judge Tony Tarnacki and Dawsonville City Councilman Calvin Byrd were awarded best Attitude honors by Wade for “being such great sports.” “I don’t know how many times I got fouled, but they were on me, for sure,” said Underwood. Karen Spencer, Stephanie Sosebee, Billy
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Rory Cunningham, president of the Dawson Lumpkin Homebuilders Association, talks to a visitor at the North Georgia Home Expo Feb. 28. The event was presented by the association to show what building and improvement companies are available locally.
Home expo a success More than 30 vendors set up booths
‘...We were real happy with the number of people we had...’
By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Lade Majic Thurmond, Jason Knight and TJ Day were the Shooting Stars’high scorers. “It was just a great show,” said Marty Williams, vice president of the chamber. “We had a lot of great volunteers that made it such a success and I think everyone got their money’s worth and went home happy.”
Organizers call last month’s inaugural North Georgia Home Expo a huge success. The expo featured more than 30 local vendors from the residential building industry who showcased a variety of new construction and remodeling exhibits Feb. 27 and 28 at the Lakeview Center in Dawsonville.
Jim Hamilton Homebuilders association member Sponsored by the Dawson Lumpkin Homebuilders Association, the expo is expected to be held each year around the same time due to the success of the first event. “We may have had more people come out on Sunday, and we were real happy with the number of
people we had on Saturday,” said Jim Hamilton, a member of the association that volunteered throughout the weekend. Display booths ranged from vinyl siding and windows, to landscaping and roofing possibilities. Developers and builders also showcased residential neighborhoods available in the area, while home improvement stores offered ideas for spring renovations. Rory Cunningham, president of the builders association, said he was pleased with the turnout and happy to be a part of showcasing local businesses to the community.
6 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2010
Office honors ‘legendary’ woman By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County officials wanted to give something back to a longtime daycare director, who for 30 years oversaw operations at a building now being used as the election office. To honor Leila Chappell, they named the building after her. Nearly 50 people gathered Feb. 19 outside the new elections office as county officials removed a tarp from the front of the building to reveal its new name. It was a shock to Chappell. “I was very surprised, and I was honored,” she said Feb. 22. “I can leave this world now feeling my grandchildren can go by there and know that their
grandmama worked there for 30 years.” County officials congratulated Chappell for the honor and welcomed her to take part in the ribbon cutting. Kevin Tanner, county manager, gave the Feb. 19 crowd a brief glimpse at Chappell’s work history with the county. “Mrs. Chappell is legendary among the young people in Dawson County,” Tanner said. Chappell worked for seven years as a kindergarten teacher with Head Start. She later became director of the county-run daycare center, a position she held for 32 years. The daycare building, which was renamed for Chappell, was secured by a grant pioneered by Joe Lane Cox, who was Dawson County’s Sole
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Dawson County officials honor Leila Chappell, center, for her daycare service to the county. The new board of elections office on Academy Avenue was named for Chappell Feb. 19 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Commissioner at the time. “Many people in Dawson County came up through their younger grades with Mrs.
Chappell,” Tanner said. “She touched a lot of lives here and a lot of people are better people because of the work she did.”
Chappell said Feb. 22 the work was always a pleasure. “Those were the happiest days of my life,” she
said. “I’ve always loved children, and I enjoyed working with them. They were my babies.” Her 30-plus years in the building that is now the election office were wellspent, she said. “I’ve got a lot of memories there, and I’m glad the board of elections inherited a good building.” Mike Berg, Dawson County Commission chairman, said Feb. 19 that the building is “a fine facility...and it’s a credit to the folks who worked on it to improve it so that the elections board could get in there and serve the citizens.” The former election office on Memory Lane was vacated in January after the U.S. Department of Justice approved the county’s request to combine precincts.
Spring Fling will be May 1, 2 From staff reports
Have a fling in Dawsonville this spring. The Dawson County Arts Council once again plans to throw a party like no other. Come enjoy the arts council’s ninth annual Spring Fling Festival, May 1 and 2. Events will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days at the Dawson County Middle School complex located between Hwys. 9 North and 53 in downtown Dawsonville. Locals may know the Art Center as the “Old Rock School.” The festival will feature gardening plants and accessories, juried arts and crafts, children’s fun area, food and entertainment.
The garden themed art in the garden will feature live plants from many vendors; such as master gardener Dave Rusk. Rusk will be returning for his ninth year at the event. He brings painted benches, windows, gates and watering cans, along with some of his favorite plants. There will be handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, handmade outdoor furniture and plenty of artists to help you get into the Spring Fling mood. There will be an antique and classic car show for the auto buffs, the Mountain Art Bike Ride for bikers, and a fun run for all runners, all in one funfilled weekend.
The festival is free, as is parking at the event. The Bowen Center for the Arts is housed on the Dawson County Middle School Complex grounds. The Bowen Center will be featuring the Georgia National Water Color Exhibit during the fun-filled weekend. The Water Color show features dozens of watercolors by artists from across the country with their colorful abstracts, gorgeous portraits and aweinspiring landscapes. For more information, visit www.dawsonarts.org, or call the Bowen Center for the Arts at (706) 216-2787.
• Shop chamber members first. • Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you. • Are you certified Work Ready? To learn more, call (706) 265-6278. • Funding for Dawson County and Georgia is in our hands. The U.S. Census is only 10 short questions. Be sure to mail it back and be counted. Please let the Chamber know when you have a special event
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 7
MARCH 2010
Shop at Home in Dawson County Find it here! Spend it here! Buy it here!
www.byrdstephens.com 5711-A Highway 53 East Dawsonville, Georgia (706) 216-3259
DISHAROON AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
6135 Hwy. 53 E.
We Don’t Just Sell Flowers, We Sell...
Dawsonville
1-800-568-2817
of Dawsonville
Big Green Egg Sold Here
GAS HEATERS • GAS LOGS
GRILL TANK REFILL $10 Only on Saturday 8am - 12pm OPEN MON-FRI 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. SATURDAY 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.
706-344-1GAS 236 Hwy., Dawsonville Locally Owned and Operated
706-216-3296 Gainesville 770-536-6734 Dawsonville 706-216-1906
C HAM B E R MEMBER YOU Can ADVERTISE HERE... Call Jennifer Lyness at
706-531-1366
PROPANE SALES, SERVICE & REPAIR
IN TOWN ON INKJET & LASER JET CARTRIDGES WE ALSO CARRY MANY SIZES OF BOXES & PACKING MATERIALS AT LOW PRICES
$1 OFF $3 OFF
BRING any laser injet cartridge. IN THIS any laser cartridge. AD FOR HOURS: MON- FRI 10-6 INK X-CHANGE
Sometimes Saturdays
AFTER HOURS SERVICE AVAILABLE PACKING & SHIPPING SERVICES AVAILABLE
HP • LEXMARK DELL • CANON DAWN OR CHRIS
706-216-8753 706-265-0073 • 706-265-3172 J.D.
DAWSON INSURANCE
Complete Collision Repair Facility
1680 Hwy. 53 E. Dawsonville, GA 30534 “Locally Owned & Operated” 706-265-2118
FARM • HOME • COMMERCIAL
LOWEST PRICES
. So E 9 AR Y. QU HW FF S 58 T O S JU
Most Everything to Build Anything. Contractor & Walk-ins Welcome. We Deliver.
“Quality Service at a Quality Price”
770-887-3126
Terry & Wanda Stephens Proudly Support
6104-A Hwy. 53 E. Dawsonville www.dawson-insurance.com
Authorized shipping center for UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL Mailboxes, Notary, Fax, Copies, Shredding, Office Supplies, Business Services • In the Walmart Center next to Five Guys • 143 Power Center Drive #120, Dawsonville, GA. 30534 706-216-MAIL (6245) • us795@pakmail.org
770-216-2666 770-216-2666
Best Rates Locally!
Two Locations To Serve You Convenient, Security, 24 Hours Climate Control Available
5040A Hwy. 53 East 706-216-4470 706-216-1490
135 Jack Heard Rd. 706-265-4470 216-4064
8 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2010
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 9
MARCH 2010
EXTEND YOUR ADVERTISING MARKET in our D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Chamber Chronicle is the monthly newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. The editorial content includes Chamber News and goals of interest to the business and residential community. The Chamber will keep the community informed about ribbon cuttings, business expansions, chamber functions QUICK TAKES and events, community events and the benefits of Chamber membership through Chamber Advertising offered only to Chronicle. Chamber members. Delivery...Dawson Community News Subscribers, All Dawson County Chamber Members Size...10� X 9.5� Frequency...Monthly 2nd Wednesday of Every Month Deadline: Monday One Week Prior to Publication
The Chronicle is mailed to all subscribers of the Dawson Community News, plus all Chamber members. Additional copies are available at the Chamber office.
Dawson Community News A Community Newspaper Serving Community Needs
Call Jennifer Lyness at 770-887-3126 for rates
10 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2010
Tree committee honors county facilities staff By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
File photo
Kristopher Killion, 18, cleans up at RIC Rack Thrift Store last month. The location is the first stop on the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Spring Tour of Businesses.
Tour of businesses begins this month From staff reports
Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors have begun a new program to tour local businesses during spring this year. Ambassador Program Co-chair Carol Tyger said: “Ambassadors are on the move ... visiting businesses will give them a chance to go behind the scenes and discover what makes them a special part of our overall business community.” Ambassadors plan to visit RIC Rack during the month of March as the first stop on the spring
‘Visiting businesses will give them a chance to go behind the scenes...’ Carol Tyger Ambassador program co-chair business tour. Tyger said those wishing to have their business on the tour should call the chamber office to sign up. The number is (706) 2656278.
Each Arbor Day, the Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee recognizes individuals in the community who go above and beyond in their efforts to preserve trees. When the Dawson County facilities staff planted a Willow Oak Tree at Rock Creek Park for the annual Arbor Day celebration Feb. 19, they had no idea the tree they planted would be dedicated in their honor. “They take care of our trees and make sure they live and prosper,” said Dave Hinderliter, chairman of the Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee, as he addressed a crowd during the ceremony. “It’s been an honor to work with them.” Other recipients include Jim Kinsey with Kinsey Family farms, who donates a tree each year for the event, the Dawson County Woman’s Club, which works throughout the year on gardens they created at the park, Ben
For the Dawson Community News
The Dawson County facilities maintenance staff was named Tree Preservationist of 2009 by the Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee on Feb. 19 during the annual Arbor Day celebration at Rock Creek Park.
Overstreet, Dawson County Humane Society and George David. This year, Hinderliter said the committee wanted to honor the facilities staff for all they do to make the park so inviting and beautiful for the community. “We thank you for taking care of our trees,” Hinderliter said.
February totals Telephone referrals: 1,091 Walk-in visitors: 122
‘They take care of our trees and make sure they live and prosper.’ Dave Hinderliter Chairman of the Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee
Timothy A.Annis,D.C.
Dr.Timothy A.Annis 66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105 Dawsonville,GA 30534
(706) 216-4875
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 11
MARCH 2010
MEMBER RENEWALS Big Canoe Property Owners Association Couch, Inez and Bob Dawson Community News Dawson County Family Connection Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits Northside Hospital Forsyth SleeveCo, Inc. Southern Professionals Inc. The Blue Bicycle BB & T Bennett Landscape, Inc. CMIT Solutions ACCARES Wholeness Center State Farm Insurance Company, Roger Slaton ANH Collision Specialist LLC Barry, Charles and Carol Brooksher Feed and Farm Supply Comfort Keepers Compton, Robert M. Dawson Vision Wanda G. Stephens, Prime Property Wild Birds Unlimited Anna B. Williams Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan GA Church of the Apostles Donald III, Norman H. Etowah Water and Sewer Authority Harder, Betty Mark Heard Fuel Company North Georgia Premium Outlets The Outside World Tim Couch PC CPA United Community Bank Victory Custom Homes, Inc. Power Realty Partners Mill Creek Environmental Services, Inc. McEver Signs and Graphics. Alden Trace Apartments Bader & Associates K.C. Fuller & Associates LLC Wendy's Coleman, Wilma Harmon, Dendy and Judy
King, Nancy and Warren McClure, Aline Ms. Stelor Handyman Services LLC Dawsonville Family Medicine Lava Hair Studio Hillcrest Orchards AFLAC Dawson Family Physicians Ryan's Best Bank Lakeview Center of Dawson County LLC Dawson Pediatrics, PC Gainesville State College Hill Design Associates Architects Inc. Crystal Falls Lake & Golf Club Living 400 Floor Covering, Inc. Ballard, Peggy Bastuba, Jim & Phyllis Longhorn Steakhouse of Dawsonville Graves, Jane & Lionel McClure, Cliff & Arlene CitruSolution of Dawson and Lumpkin Co. Bethel United Methodist Church Chestatee Regional Hospital Dawson County Tax Commissioner Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks and McKinnon Keller Williams Realty Legacy Group-Polman McCubrey, Ev and Donna Baling, Bill and Fran Stowers, Fred and Dru Mario Hair Studio Infratec Consultants Inc. Painted Lady Enterprises Forrest Hills Mountain Resort Kennison Photography Comfort Inn Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry First Baptist Church of Dawsonville Goodson's Pharmacy Impulse Manufacturing Inc. MPH Systems Specialties Inc. Taco Bell of Dawsonville
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Property Investment Associates
12 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2010
AMBASSADORS CORNER
Trio picked as March ambassadors By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Three locals have been selected as Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors of the Month for March. Their backgrounds are varied — as well as the work they do. Despite that, all seem to agree that being a chamber ambassador is “all about promoting and helping people understand what the chamber does and how it can help them.” Angela Harben, who is an administrative assistant and office manager at K.C. Fuller & Associates, said being in the chamber of commerce has its perks, but being an ambassador means “you have to make it a big priority,
because you’re a representative of the chamber for the people you meet.” Harben, an Ellijay native, is married to Shannon Harben. They live in Juno, and they attend Juno Baptist Church. “One of the things I’ve always wanted to do since I was a little girl is be really involved in a community, so I’ve been given that opportunity as a chamber member and an ambassador,” she said. Harben said the secret to doing good business is “being a people person and putting your arms around people and treating them like family.” Denny Putlak, a fellow ambassador of the month for March, agreed. “That’s our slogan,”
Putlak said. “Treat your customer like they’re family. We live by that. If you treat everybody as if they’re a family member, then you know you’re doing the right thing. Everything else will fall into place beyond that.” Putlak owns Denny Insurance Group, an independent agency that sells all lines of insurance, personal and commercial. A 20-year insurance veteran, Putlak has been a member of the chamber of commerce since moving to Dawson County in 2006. “The key to doing good business in Dawson County, or anywhere for that matter,” Putlak said, “is getting plugged into the local community, and
Sierra Logging Company LLC Stephanie Joyce 6625 Hwy 53 East Ste 410-188 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (770) 783-0100 Logging
From left, Denny Putlak, Kara Hewatt and Angela Harben were selected as the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors of the Month for March.
the chamber ambassador program gives you that opportunity.” The third in the March ambassador trio, Kara Hewatt, echoed those remarks. “The ambassador pro-
sjoyce@sierralogging.com
Protection linda@kkdesign.us
By Michele Hester
Ink X-Change Dawn Kimble 58 Hwy 9 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-8753 Ink & Cartridge cdkimble@windstream.net
Cindy Sedor, LMT Cindy Sedor 37 Danyelle Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 (770) 757-6240 MassageTherapist quest@windstream.net
Dawson County Teachers of the Year will be honored tomorrow during the chamber’s monthly luncheon at the Lakeview Center. Each spring, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce sets aside one luncheon to honor the school system’s teachers of the year. Teachers to be recognized are: Vicki Carlisle, Robinson Elementary; Teresa Conowal of Kilough Elementary and Systemwide Teacher of the Year; Paula Cox of Dawson
K & K Design Inc Linda Kiker 54 Miners Way Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 429-0027 Automotive/ Fire
gram is a chance to meet members of the community,” Hewatt said. “It’s an honor, because the chamber wants people to be ambassadors who are going to represent the chamber well.”
Chamber to honor teachers
NEW MEMBERS Cedar Hills Enrichment Center Kat Stratton 5735 Dawsonville Hwy. Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 887-0051 Enrichment Center kat@discovercedarhill.org
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Hewatt, a business development officer at United Community Bank, considers herself “a people person.” “I love being around people, and that’s what my job entails,” she said. Hewatt grew up in Jacksonville, Fla, and moved to the north Georgia area about 10 years ago. She graduated from North Georgia College & State University, and decided to stick around. She is married to Russell Hewatt, who works at Chestatee State Bank. “The chamber does so much for the community,” Hewatt said. “They have so many distinguished representatives, and I’m proud to be involved and to give of my time.”
East Edge Climbing Gym Derek Ruffner 228 Holly Circle Dawsonville, GA 30534, (912) 536-6209 Retail, dr.ruffner@gmail.com
michele@dawsonnews.com
County Middle; Chris Gore of Dawson County High School; Pat Harris of Riverview Middle and Lisa Robin of Black’s Mill Elementary. The luncheon begins at noon. The cost will be $15 for chamber members and $18 for visitors. Last month’s guest speaker was Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. He oversees the state’s employment services, unemployment insurance, workforce development, rehabilitation services, safety engineering and workforce information and
analysis. Thurmond, a Democrat, has said he is considering a run for lieutenant governor. In January, Cobb County Commission Chair Sam Olens, who is running for attorney general, was the guest speaker. Olens was the fourth individual running for office this year to speak to the chamber in recent months. Gubernatorial candidates Nathan Deal, Karen Handel and John Oxendine have also addressed the group. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 13
MARCH 2010
February’s after hours a ‘great time’ By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Tom Quintrell and Lade Majic of the Harlem Ambassadors show the referee he made a bad call in Friday night's game between the Ambassadors and the Dawsonville Shooting Stars.
Chamber members gathered Feb. 23 at Northside Imaging Center for the month’s business after hours event. A name was drawn for the monthly cash prize, but Christine Wilbanks wasn’t present. The money pot increases to $500 for next month’s event. Northside Imaging Center Mammographer Terry Johnson said the gathering “was a great time.
“We had a lot of positive response from the public, so I was very pleased with the way everything went,” Johnson said. “We got a chance to show off some of the things we have here.” Johnson said the office, which is a division of Northside Hospital, specializes in digital radiography, or routine x-rays, and digital mammography. Johnson said it was the first time the business has had the opportunity to play host to the after hours event.
After hours is advantageous, Johnson said, “because you get to meet some of the other business people in the community. They get to see what you offer and what you do there.” Added Johnson: “It’s good networking. It’s very relaxed. You feel at ease talking with people and getting to know them.” Next month’s business after hours is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. March 23. As of press time, the location had not been determined. For more information, visit www.dawson.org.
FROM 1
Laugh: ‘We were all winners’ local councilman for a city that begins with the letter D), and making him look like Steve Urkel showing off his “tidy whities”....if you’re not the “celebrity.” It might not be as much fun if you’re on the receiving team. Nah, we were the receiving team and it was definitely fun, lots of fun. It was kind of like being in an old “wrestling” match WWE style and we were Ricky Steamboat and the Harlem Ambassadors were Andre the Giant. We all knew who would win that match. Yet, even though the Harlem Ambassadors had the highest score, we were all winners.
I was told by someone who was at the event that “it was fun just to laugh again with everything that is going on.” It was fun to laugh again, and laugh we did. I have heard it said that laughter can add years to our life span. Now, whether or not that is true is still debatable. However, one thing is for sure, laughter may not add years to your life, but it will add life to your years. I am learning (that’s a story in itself, because it seems I am always learning), not to take myself so serious, because the reality is, no one else is. I might as well lighten up, which is not a bad
idea for all of us. However, some of us are carrying pretty heavy burdens right now, but laughter and joy can lighten that load for us. The writer James puts it this way: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” So today, I am going to try and laugh a little more, and who knows, in the process, it might bring a smile to someone else. Well, it’s that time again. Dr. Ben-Gay is waiting for me in the next room ... can’t be late to pick him up. See you next time. Mike Underwood Chairman
Massage therapist offers unique healing services By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Cindy Sedor enjoys helping others feel better. A licensed massage therapist specializing in deep tissue, Swedish and hot stone massage, Sedor said her true passion is a light touch technique that allows the body to connect itself and come back into a balanced state. Craniosacral therapy can help relieve a full spectrum of pain, dysfunction and illness, including migraines and
headaches, chronic neck and back pain, brain and spinal cord injuries, TMJ syndrome, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, ADD/ADHD and many other conditions. “ I wo u l d l i ke t h e community to know that my business is unique, a s I h ave a m e d i c a l background as a respiratory therapist prior to going to massage therapy school,” Sedor said. “I love working with people to help them achieve their optimal health.” Sedor said services c o u l d b e n e fi t a ny o n e
seeking stress relief and pain relief, as well as general well being. “Because the work is so gentle, craniosacral therapy can be effective for all ages, from newb o r n s t o e l d e r s ,” s h e said. Sedor offers massage and craniosacral therapy a t P h y s i o t h e r a py Associates, located at 6 0 0 2 H w y. 5 3 E a s t , Suite 100, Dawsonville. She can be reached at (770) 757-6240 or (706) 265-8790, or visit www.iahp.com/cindysedor
14 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2010
DAWSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Askew United Community Bank P.O. Box 159 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-3232
Keith Porter (ex-officio) Dawson County Schools P.O. Box 208 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-3246
Rhonda Tower Tower Automotive 6198 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-1321
Brooke Anderson (ex-officio) Etowah Water & Sewer Authority 1162 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-6168
Mike Berg (ex-officio) Dawson County Board of Commissioners Chairman 78 Howard Avenue East Suite 100 Dawsonville, GA 30534
Carol Tyger (Ambassador representative) 131 Robert Houser Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-7006
Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio) Development Authority of Dawson County Executive Director P.O. Box 299 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-8761 Jennifer Baker United Community Bank P.O. Box 159 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-3232 Calvin Byrd (ex-officio) Byrd's Mini Storage 5040A Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-4470 Kathy Fuller - Treasurer K.C. Fuller & Associates P.O. Box 1096 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-4806
Peter Hill Hill Design Associates Architects 436 Academy Avenue Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 531-9998 John Jordan (Individual Member) 119 Winterhawk Cove Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-2527 Warren King (Individual Member) 1038 Chestatee Point Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-4306 Kristie Myers - 2008 Chairman Norton Agency Ga. 400 and Settendown Road Settendown Village (706) 429-6800 Denny Putlak Denny Insurance Group 42 Grant Road East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-1750
Mike Underwood (Chairman) First Citizens Bank of Georgia P.O. Box 809 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-5900 Jay Walker - 2009 Chairman Kroger 6625 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-5500 Linda Williams (ex-officio) Dawson County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 299 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278 Stephanie Womack 2011 Chair-elect Chestatee State Bank 6639 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-2265
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 15
MARCH 2010
Locals tie the knot ... again
For the Dawson Community News
Chamber members, from left, Barbara and Joe Fulmer, Karl and Pam Hamalainen and Marcia and Doug Darlow, all renewed the wedding vows at the historic courthouse in Dawsonville Feb. 12. Magistrate Judge Lisa Thurmond performed the ceremonies.
Magistrate court offers free services By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
It’s the second year that Chief Magistrate Judge Lisa Thurmond has conducted vow renewals and weddings as a free Valentine’s Day gift for lovebirds looking to tie the knot for the first or second time. Couples like Rupert and Catherine Cartwright showed up for the Feb. 12 vow renewal ceremony at the historic courthouse in downtown Dawsonville.
The Cartwright Family renewed vows alongside daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa and Roy Fouts who have been married 36 years now. The Fouts also renewed vows. “Roy asked me to do this, because he saw it in the paper, and when I mentioned it to momma, she asked daddy,” Vanessa Fouts said. “We figured we’d make it a family activity.” Her father, Rupert Cartwright, said they had been planning to renew their vows for a while. “We’ve been
wanting to do this for some time now,” he said. Wife, Catherine, said when they got married 57 years ago the only person there for the occasion was the justice of the peace who conducted the affair. Their daughter and son-in-law didn’t have a big ceremony for their wedding either. “It was really great to be able to do this,” Vanessa Fouts said. “The whole thing was all very exciting.” Thurmond married two couples and held seven vow renewals Feb. 12. “It’s something that’s really a win-win for everyone,” Thurmond said. “I enjoy doing it,
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Catherine and Rupert Cartwright embrace as Judge Lisa Thurmond conducts a vow renewal ceremony Feb. 12 at the historic courthouse.
and it’s something special for the people who come.” Cathy Brooks, spokes-person for Dawson County, said Thurmond truly enjoys the ceremony.
“Last year was the first time we did it,” Brooks said. “It was Judge Thurmond’s first year in office, and she wanted to give something back to the community. She wanted to
do a feel-good thing for the community.” Catherine Cartwright feels pretty good about it. “This will be a very memorable Valentine’s Day,” she said.
16 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
“A very special thanks goes to Chestatee State Bank. A talented group of truly service oriented people who creatively take dreams and make a fantastic reality possible. They have always helped us pursue our passion which is taking care of you. With a leader like Mr. Philip Hester, you know its going to be a win-win situation.” Dr. Matthew Dunford & Dr. Michelle Morrow Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry “We have been banking with Chestatee State Bank since 1998. They have truly made banking more efficient for us, by providing the most up to date banking technologies, including remote deposit and a variety of user friendly online banking interfaces. Their customer service is just as extraordinary. They have always met all of our needs, and more. It has been a blessing to have been partnered with Chestatee State Bank for the last 11 years.”
MARCH 2010
“Chestatee State Bank provided personal service from their President, Philip Hester, my initial business loans and second mortgage, reliable banking service for business and personal accounts and friendly, prompt service on all occasions. Their Financial Advisory services and ancillary banking services have been handy and useful, their staff friendly and courteous at all times. I have used them exclusively for my business over the past 7 years since our start up.” Dr. Gary Berliner Chestatee Emergent Care
Drs. Craig and Wendy Harris Harris Family Dentistry
Main Office, Hwy. 53 & 400 • (706) 216-BANK With locations in downtown Dawsonville, Keith Bridge Commons-Cumming & Marble Hill