Edition Highlights: Lanier Tech receives accreditation Officials shop for toys County employees recognized Community nearing GED goal Bank employee retires
January 2012 Post Office Box 299 292 Hwy. 400, North Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
County dedicates government center By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
A grand ceremony was held last week to dedicate the new Dawson County Government Center in downtown Dawsonville. Commission Chair Mike Berg praised the county’s current and former leadership for having the insight in planning to name the building a top-priority project in an extension of the 1-cent sales tax, which voters overwhelmingly approved in 2007. “Most of the cost of this facility here
is paid for by folks outside of Dawson County,” he said. “[It] is a plus to the board of commissioners because the board had the insight and had the right game plan, the right zoning ordinances, the right idea about creating business opportunity especially along the 400 corridor. Thank goodness for North Georgia Premium Outlet mall.” At $15.4 million, the cost to build the government center is one of the lowest per square foot in the state in more than a decade, according to See CENTER | 3
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Mike Berg, chairman of the Dawson County Board of Commissioners, cuts the ribbon Jan. 3 to dedicate the county’s new government center.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
JENNIFER BAKER
New year, new opportunities to use the chamber Another year has come and gone, and I hope for each of you it was a good one. But now it is time once more to look ahead and make our resolutions. As you make yours, may I suggest one for each of us to consider? Resolve to build your business on the back of
the Chamber of Commerce. In this economy, I think you’ll agree we can use all the help we can get. So why not help yourself by being an active member of the chamber? You see, the chamber is not just something you write a check to each year and then forget about. It is a ticket in the
door. It is a vehicle for growth and opportunity. It is a chamber of commerce — a business organization run and supported by businesses, for the sole purpose of promoting business. Got it? Good. Now take advantage of it. When you become a part of
the chamber, you are getting your ticket into Dawson County’s business community. Twice a month (luncheon and business after hours) you get exclusive access to our business owners and leaders, our elected officials from the city, county and sometimes state, and, best of all – a good time.
Additionally, you get the chance to support our new Baker members at ribbon cuttings throughout the month – an excellent chance to meet your See CHAMBER | 2
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
LINDA WILLIAMS
Happy New Year from the chamber Your 2011 and 2012 board members met in December for a day long planning session. Once again they are committed to serving you — the members. Let me or one of our board members know of any ideas or suggestions you may have as we begin 2012. I send a big thank you to Stephanie Mathis who has finished her term as your 2011 chairwoman. Under her leadership, we remain a strong organization continuing to work to make Dawson County a premier place to do business and rear a family. Thank you also goes out to Pat Anderson and Warren King who have both completed their terms of service on the board. As Jennifer Baker begins her chairmanship for 2012, we give her our support and we send a big welcome to new board members, Vernon Smith of Lakeview Center and
Lakeview Publishing and to Gwen Kellar of Chickfil-A. Just as Williams your board of directors conducted a review and planning session for our organization, I encourage you to look at your business plan and see if adjustments are in order. If you don’t have a business plan already (and many businesses do not) then consider developing one this year. It is a great way to assess what you are doing, what you should be doing, and where your business is headed. The SBDC in Gainesville (Small Business Development Center) can give you guidance on developing your plan at no charge. Give them a call at (770) 5315681. One item to evaluate is your market area. Are there potential
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Chamber neighbors and make a connection. And last but not least, your chamber provides several big events each year designed to let you shake hands and network while having a
‘If you don’t have a business plan already (and many businesses do not) then consider developing one this year. It is a great way to assess what you are doing, what you should be doing, and where your business is headed.’ customers that you could be reaching? Have you ever considered international trade opportunities? Did you know that 10,080-plus Georgia companies have exported $28.9 billion in goods? That means 86 percent of Georgia companies are involved in international trade in some way. As for me, I did not realize the number was that high. So, if you are not already in the international market, why not? The Georgia Department of Economic Development recently received a grant from the Small Business Administration and is now able to offer no or low cost online export services to small and medium
heck of a lot of fun. The bottom line is that the chamber, like so many other things in life pays you the most when you put in the most. It is the place to be if you want to meet the movers and shakers, grow your business and know what is going on in your business community. So in 2012, I encourage you to build your business on the back of
sized Georgia businesses. There is no cost to register for Georgia’s advance notices of international trade missions and trade shows. Simply go to http:// trade.georgia.org to register for these alerts. When a Georgia company partners with the state’s International Trade Office, it gains access to research, online assistance, training, financial opportunities and in-country market assessments. It also receives assistance with trade shows, international trade missions, in-country matchmaking appointments, connections with international buyers and trade opportunity alerts. Again, most of these trade services are offered
your chamber. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for many years to come. I wish each of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2012, and look forward to meeting you as I grow my business along the way. Jennifer Baker Chairwoman
free of charge. If you do not find answers to your questions on the Web site, you may call or e-mail Taube Ponce, senior international trade manager. Her contact information is (404) 962-4118 or
e-mail her at tponce@ georgia.org. To our members, I hope to see you at a chamber event soon. If you are not a member: “Won’t you join us?”
DAWSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Askew United Community Bank
Gwen Kellar Chick-fil-A
Brooke Anderson (ex-officio) Etowah Water and Sewer Authority
Andrew J. Leavitt, PhD North Georgia College & State University
Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio) Development Authority of Dawson County, executive director Jennifer Baker (2012 chair) United Community Bank Mike Berg (ex-officio) Dawson County Board of Commissioners Carla Boutin State Farm Insurance Doris Cook Etowah Water and Sewer Authority James Grogan (ex-officio) Dawsonville City Council
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 Vernon Smith Lakeview Center of Dawson County Carol Tyger Ambassador representative Mike Underwood (2010 chairman) First Citizens Bank of Georgia
Kathy Fuller K.C. Fuller and Associates
Linda Williams (ex-officio) Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Peter Hill (2014 chair) Hill Design Associates Architects
Gloria Wyatt (2013 chair-elect) Northside HospitalForsyth
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS January Jan. 12: Join the chamber at noon at the Lakeview Center for the first luncheon of the new year. The guest speaker will be Paul Gleeson, Consultant General of Ireland. For more information, contact the chamber at (706) 265-6278. Jan. 18: The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will be at Big D’s BBQ for the group’s first meeting of 2012. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. Members interested in joining the program may contact Steve Melching at (770) 893-1594 or (678) 360-3712. Jan. 24: Business After Hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors: AFLAC – Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine – Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency
– Kristie Myers, United Community Bank – James Askew. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn.
February Feb. 21: Information/slideshow meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at United Community Bank, 6372 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville. Travel with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce/Voyagers/Collette Vacations to Barcelona and Madrid. The getaway will be Nov. 3-10. For more information, contact the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
March March 2: Make plans to attend the 21st annual gala at the Lakeview Center. Invitations will be mailed out in late January. All ashore that’s going ashore. Special thanks to the gala sponsor, North Georgia College & State University.
Sunday sales vote set for March ballot By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
A referendum on Sunday package alcohol sales in Dawson County is set for the March 6 presidential preference primary. The ballot will also ask voters whether restaurants in unincorporated areas of the county should be allowed to serve distilled spirits on Sundays. They can currently serve only beer and wine from 12:30 p.m. to midnight on Sundays. Dawson County commissioners approved the ballot questions during a regular meeting Dec. 1. While he will not support Sunday sales personally, Commissioner James
Swafford said he believes the public has the right to decide the matter. “We can’t legislate morality,” he said. Commissioner Gary Pichon said the commission will need to hold public hearings on revising the county’s alcohol ordinance to include Sunday sales. In November, Dawsonville voters overwhelmingly approved Sunday package sales for stores in the city by a nearly 63 percent to 37 percent margin. Voters in the nearby cities of Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Oakwood have also approved Sunday sales. Most of the counties that border Dawson — Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin and Pickens — have not yet held a referendum on the issue.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
The new Dawson County Government Center on Shoal Creek Road opened Jan. 3 with a ribbon cutting celebration and dedication ceremony.
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Center county officials. State and local dignitaries gathered with hundreds of residents Jan. 3 for the center’s grand opening. Delivering the keynote address, Gov. Nathan Deal called the building a testament to a progressive community and one that is going to continue to prosper. “It is in this building that those core decisions, core functions of what we call self-government take place,” Deal said. “And how fortunate we are that we still have that ability to be able to come to a place and be able to do those things that keep us a free people.” The new 111,000-square-foot center brings all offices of county government under one roof and replaces the current courthouse, which was built in 1978. That structure is scheduled for demolition this spring to make room for a secure, judicial parking lot. During his address, Deal recalled cases he had tried as a young prosecutor in the county’s historic courthouse on the town square. “I was also there for the ribbon cutting of the other courthouse [in 1978],” he said. Those memories, Deal said, were the embodiment of Dawson County at the time. “A courthouse is a replica of the peo-
ple and the times,” he said. “They are the place where this idea of self-government, this concept of democracy and representation of the people and things the people hold to be true [happen].” Georgia’s Speaker of the House David Ralston also addressed the crowd. Ralston, who represents a portion of northern Dawson, said he continues to be impressed with how local leadership has responded to the county’s growth. “During this time, we have seen phenomenal growth here,” Ralston said. “I have always been struck with the positive, conservative way that not only the leadership but the people of this community have responded to that growth. “This building will be a part of their community way into future generations when we are all long gone. I’m honored to help you dedicate this building.” Berg said leaders were not always in agreement on whether to build the facility. “But the leadership of the board, the majority of the board, said this was the thing to do,” Berg said. “We looked beyond the end of our noses ... we created a vision.” Berg also touched on the legacy of the new facility. “All of us are going to work here and we’re going to be in a better place here, but it’s just a building,” he said. “The reality is this is really the citizens’ building, the citizens of Dawson County.”
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Local community banker retires By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
A prominent fixture in local banking retired last month after more than 40 years on the job. Senior Vice President Jimmy Bruce’s last day at United Community Bank in downtown Dawsonville was Dec. 31. The Dawson County native was hired as a teller trainee in 1969 at the then Dawson County Bank after graduating from the University of Georgia that same year. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after college, and then bank management called and offered me a job,” he said. “I never planned to be a banker, but it fit me.” Friends and colleagues say his
choice to enter the banking industry was the ideal fit. “Jimmy is one of the most respected members of this community,” said Jeff Tanner, who worked with him at the bank. “He helped build the customer base at Dawson County Bank and is the reason United Community Bank is so prominent in Dawson County today.” Bruce is optimistic it’s his time to retire. “I don’t have any specific plans. I’d like to do some traveling out west and there’s a couple of projects in the yard I’d like to do,” he said. The bank held a reception for Bruce on Dec. 30 and invited the community to help him celebrate his retirement.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Lt. Col. John Cagle shops with 8-year-old Brandon Campbell during the Dawson County Sheriff’s Shop with a Cop event last month.
Shop with a Cop spreads holiday cheer By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
For the Dawson Community News
A celebration was held last month to commemorate Jimmy Bruce’s more than 40 year career in local banking. He retired at the end of 2011 after 43 years on the job.
Chaplain Mike Owens believes he met the spirit of Christmas at Walmart last month during the fourth annual Dawson County Sheriff’s Shop with a Cop event. “Her name is Amy and she is the spirit of Christmas personified,” said Owens. Officers spent a couple afternoons last month Christmas shopping with 50 local children, whose families needed assistance during the holiday season. “This is the fourth year I’ve been privileged to do this with the sheriff’s office,” Owens said. “This has been very special, because this is the first child that has refused
to shop for herself until she had every member of her family something, even extended members.” Each child received a $100 gift card to spend from a Walmart grant, private donations and funds collected during a recent motorcycle run. Maj. Greg Rowan looks forward to the
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
event each year. “This is just an opportunity for us to give back to the community in a good way,” he said. “They have certain needs and this is a way to meet those needs, whether it’s for themselves or for their families. “It makes their Christmas brighter, and that’s what important to me.”
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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Plunging into cold waters for charity Book benefit will be at War Hill Park By Chelsea Thomas cthomas@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Wee Books Program welcomes wild costumes and lots of nerve for its second annual Leap for Literacy next month. The Polar Bear Plunge-style fundraiser benefits early childhood literacy efforts and is set for 10 a.m. Feb. 18 at War Hill Park. “Last year was our first event of this kind and it was a success,” said Wee Books President Lionel Graves. “We raised an estimated $1,500 last year and we are hoping to double profits.” In addition to gaining exclusive bragging rights for completing the plunge, participants have the chance to rally together with a team to contribute to Wee Books, who seeks to encourage kids from birth to 5 years old to read. Leap for Literacy participants will also enjoy casual entertainment and skits. Last year, Will Wade, Pete Hill and Doug Powell of Dawson County’s Rotary Club earned funniest routine honors for their festive garb and humorous skit. “We had Rotary Club and Dawson County officials put on skits last year for participants before they jumped into the lake, which made it amusing,” Graves said. This year’s skits are currently being prepared. “Celebrity judges,” or prominent Dawson County residents, will evaluate the routines and jumps off the ramp to decide on winners. Joe Whetstone, co-owner of Jan’s
‘We raised an estimated $1,500 last year and we are hoping to double profits.’ Lionel Graves
Wee Books president Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Paramedic Brian Fox and Battalion Chief Milton Keller were among a dozen Dawson County Emergency Services personnel who volunteered last month to shop for toys. The department collected nearly $9,000 in a boot drive in early December to buy presents for local families.
Family Daycare Center, joins Dawson County Government and Community Affairs Director Cathy Brooks and Ted Bearden, SergeantAt-Arms for the Rotary Club of Dawson County as this year’s judges. Lake Lanier’s water temperatures will be a chilly venture for participants, but remembering that all proceeds benefit charity will help volunteers leap forth. With safety in mind, Leap for Literacy will have emergency workers suited up on scene. Overall, in 2011, Wee Books surpassed its goal of distributing 650 books to local children. Graves said that a total of 716 books were sent to children, which is 250 more than the group recorded giving in 2010. This year, Wee Books seeks to increase its book giving once again. Volunteers can register at one of four scholarship levels: $100 per leaper, $50 per ramp run, $10 per toe tap and $250 per leaping team (up to four members). For more information, call (706) 216-0173.
Drive puts presents under trees for kids By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
The success of a boot drive last month enabled Dawson County Emergency Services to donate thousands and help provide Christmas to local children. Capt. Jamerson Kerby organized the campaign, which raised nearly $9,000 for KARE for Kids. The local nonprofit, volunteer group provides Christmas for Dawson County children in need. “You can just look at your own kids and try to imagine if your kid didn’t have Christmas,” he said. “And not only the kid, but those parents. “It’s got to hurt the parents pretty bad to not be able to provide their
kids with Christmas.” The department routinely holds boot drives to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Give Burns the Boot. “The boot drives are always a good source of money, and some of the money comes back to the county,” Kerby said. “With this, 100 percent of what was collected stays in the county and helps local children.” KARE for Kids provided holiday assistance to more than 725 kids in 2011. The group provides specifically requested toys for the children, as well as clothing, a winter coat and new shoes. “It’s the time of year we need to do more things like this,” Kerby said.
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County employees recognized at luncheon By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnew.com
Several county employees were recognized during the month of December for their service and commitment to Dawson County in 2011. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office held a luncheon Dec. 21 to honor the department’s employees of the year and pay tribute to employees reaching milestones in their careers. Each year, the sheriff’s staff members are asked to nominate a co-worker as the department’s overall employee of the year. Bob Bolz, who oversees the department’s training division, was named the sheriff’s overall employee of the year. “What everyone kept saying about Bob is since we
hired him, he’s taken our training division another step higher than it was. We’re now able to do a lot more training in-house than we were,” Carlisle said. Also recognized were: Patrol Officer of the Year Sgt. Nick Sarisky, School Resource Officer of the Year Cpl. Steven Swofford, Communications Officers of the Year Kris White and Kristi Hudson, Detention Officer of the Year Cpl. David Lingerfelt, Investigator of the Year Jeremy Thompson and Sheriff Services Officer of the Year Sgt. Doug Boyle. Sheriff Billy Carlisle said the men and women selected as employees of the year for their divisions went above and beyond during 2011. Dawson County Emergency Services recognized its out-
standing employees of 2011 during a dinner on Dec. 3. Capt. Douglas Wofford was selected as Volunteer of the Year, while Capt. Jason Dooley was announced as the department’s paid Career Employee of the Year. The department also honored several past members of the Dawson County Emergency Services team with lifetime achievement awards. Lifetime achievement awards were given to Harold Reece, Junior and Juanita Garrett, Lyman Smith and Charles Finley for their contributions to emergency services. In general government, Shannon Harben received the top honor in part for his contribution in saving the county Michele Hester Dawson Community News nearly $320,000 through Veteran volunteer firefighter Douglas Wofford, right, was internalizing fleet maintenance named Dawson County Emergency Services Employee of the in the last two years. Year by Director Billy Thurmond, also pictured.
Community nearing GED goal From staff reports
Dawson County is closing in on becoming a Certified Literate Community. In order to be designated a Certified Literate Community the county must serve 1,638 adults with level completions or GEDs in a 10 year period, according to Reading Education Association of Dawson Director Sandy Lipkowitz. “In just three years the Adult Education Center has reached 944 adults who have successfully obtained their GED or passed level completions,” she said. “This is 58 percent of our goal.” The tests are administered through Lanier Technical College’s adult education program. “Most of the classes are taught by volunteers who are concerned about our community and its citizens,” Lipkowitz said.
‘Most of the classes are taught by volunteers who are concerned about our community and its citizens.’ Sandy Lipkowitz Director, READ
Additional volunteer instructors and administrative personnel are needed, she added. Lanier Tech recently named Pat Story as the center’s interim lead instructor, replacing Rick Brownlee who has transferred to the Hall County Adult Education Center to assist with the reorganization effort in that county. For more information, call (706) 2651690.
• Congratulations to all Dawson County residents on our new government center in downtown Dawsonville. It came in under budget and was paid for primarily by outsiders doing business here. Now that is good business. • Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the annual Chamber Gala scheduled for March 2. Additional details will be announced soon. Nominations are open for the 2011 awards. For more information call the chamber at (706) 265-6278. • 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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Lanier Tech receives full accreditation By Dallas Duncan DCN regional staff
After a five-year process, Lanier Technical College received full accreditation last month. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges voted Dec. 6 to make Lanier Tech one of 800 regionally accredited colleges in the South, joining institutions such as the University of Georgia, Emory University, Georgia State University and Georgia Tech as well as most of the state’s technical schools, according to a news release. “Two years ago when I got this position, the first thing I said was, ‘We are going to get this done.’ ... I went around to all the faculty and asked them to be cheerleaders for this. You don’t get this done unless everyone is on board, “ college President Russell Vandiver said. “We’ve been working extremely hard on it. ... It’s a pretty difficult process to go through.” The college worked for five years on the accreditation application, which it submitted this year. The new accreditation focuses on academic quality. The Council on Occupational Education has, since 1988, accredited Lanier Tech for career development. Vandiver said the academic accreditation will enhance the career programs as well. “The (academic accreditation) is a validation, a superb statement that shows the college is doing everything in a very high-quality way,” said Dave Parrish, director of marketing and public relations at Lanier Tech. Vandiver said he hopes being academically accredited will make Lanier Tech part of “the dinner table conversation” for high school students looking to continue their education.
“I think it definitely will have an impact on dual enrollment,” he said. “If you’re a high school student with dual enrollment, those credits you’d be building up could be accepted by a higher institution.” The lengthy accreditation process included preparing an initial application, a candidacy phase, visits by the accreditation group and reports on the college’s progress. Lanier Tech had to improve several areas following a visit made during the candidacy phase. Vandiver said the primary issue was balancing the number of part-time and full-time faculty. “We grew 40 percent in four years. When you grow like that, you have to have the faculty,” he said. The college hired more adjunct and part-time professors to support new classes and programs but did not have a comparable amount of full-time faculty in the mix. The academic accreditation was granted after some adjustments were made to show the college was meeting its challenges. The accreditation comes on the heels of Lanier Tech and other technical colleges switching to the semester system from the quarter system. That helps make the transition of students from Lanier Tech to other colleges — and vice versa — more seamless, as the credits will be more likely to transfer. The academic accreditation applies to credits earned beginning in January of this year. All five campuses in Dawson, Forsyth, Jackson, Barrow and its main Oakwood campus, are now academically accredited. “From a college standpoint, it means we’re right on the cutting edge of where we want to be,” Vandiver said. “It’s a confirmation you’re doing things right.”
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Dawson County School Superintendent Keith Porter presents an AdvancED District Accreditation Quality Achievement plaque the school system received to Will Wade, school board chairman, last month.
School system receives district achievement By Michele Hester Dawson Community News
The AdvancED Accreditation Commission has determined the Dawson County School System meets the Accreditation Standards for a Quality School System. Superintendent Keith Porter read the commission’s resolution and presented the school board with a plaque to mark the achievement during the board’s meeting last month. “Last year, we went through a SACs visit that came out extremely, extremely well. A lot of people put in a lot of hard work in that,” Porter said. AdvancED Accreditation is a component of the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation Quality Achievement Accredited school systems are expected to meet seven standards, including having a research-based curriculum and a comprehensive assessment system, fostering effective communica-
tion among stakeholders, and a process for system improvement, including monitoring schools and departments to ensure standards are being met. “One thing we are very proud of is they said there is a strong sense of partnership in the system for putting kids first,” Porter said. “That’s what we are all about and they realized that fact, and our board of education is a big part of that.” Chairman Will Wade accepted the plaque on behalf of the school board. “This is an assessment of our entire system. That means the teachers, principals, the parents that are involved, and even quite frankly our kids, because all of us are working together,” Wade said. “That’s what makes Dawson County beautiful. I’m proud to be a part of it.” The accreditation was effective June 21 and entitles the school system to all the services and privileges of regional, national and international professional recognition as a quality system.
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‘Outstanding citizens’ nominations wanted From staff reports
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond in their duties to their church, community, school or civic organization? If so, the Dawson Community News would like to hear about these ‘Outstanding Citizens’ of Dawson County. Nominations are being accepted for the Jan. 25 edition of the news that will include a special section to pay tribute to Dawson County’s Outstanding Citizens of 2011. “There are people in the community who go above and beyond and don’t receive any recognition. Those are the people we are looking for and believe deserve to be honored,” said Stephanie Griffin, Dawson Community News editor. Last year’s ‘Outstanding Citizens’
included a teen who volunteers with several service organizations, the founder of a ministry that targets remote river basins around the world and provides the people of the areas with necessities and a local man who continuously touches the lives of children in the county as a teacher, coach and mentor, among others. “We hope the community can help us find some of these special residents who often times fly under the radar,” Griffin said. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 11. Nominations can be e-mailed to editor@dawsonnews.com or faxed to (706) 265-3276. Please include your name and contact information along with the person you are nominating.
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AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Chamber names 2011 Ambassador of the Year Lemley to co-chair 2012 program Michele Hester Dawson Community News
By Michele Hester
Tim Couch, left, along with John and Mimi Siebel, enjoy the low country boil at last month’s Business After Hours.
mhester@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce announced its 2011 Ambassador of the Year on Dec. 14 during the group’s annual end of the year breakfast. Chamber membership director Pam Hamalainen said only a few points separated the winner, Steve Melching, and runner-up Diane Lemley. The pair has agreed to cochair the Ambassador Program in 2012 with a No. 1 goal of expanding the program. “Diane and I plan to expand the role of Ambassadors this year by getting them more involved in chamber events [by] utilizing the many ‘goodwill’ talents of the current team of ambassadors,” Melching said. Another goal, he said, is to increase the number of ambassadors “to spread the good news on the many worthwhile chamber events and maximize the chamber experience for members.” The pair is currently preparing activities for the group in 2012. “For the New Year, Diane and I look forward to growing the ambassador team and supporting the chamber with their full schedule of events and activities,” he said. “And to all you future ambassadors, join us ... it’s a win-win for you and for Dawson County.”
State park to hold event in January By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Diane Lemley, left, and Steve Melching, right, will co-chair the chamber’s Ambassador Program in 2012. Chamber membership director Pam Hamalainen announced Melching as Ambassador of the Year for 2011.
‘Diane and I plan to expand the role of Ambassadors this year by getting them more involved in chamber events [by] utilizing the many ‘goodwill’ talents of the current team of ambassadors.’ Steve Melching
Ambassador of the Year The ambassadors are an informed, select group of motivated, enthusiastic and articulate businessmen and women who serve as liaisons to the chamber’s membership and represent the chamber at many civic and
social events. The program is currently seeking new volunteer members. For more information about the program, contact Melching at (678) 360-3712 or the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Each winter, guests from across the nation visit Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge to take in the mountain resort during one of the most beautiful times of the year. Staff will welcome members of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce to see what all the fuss is about Jan. 24 when the park plays host to Business After Hours. Amicalola Falls holds the monthly event every January. Guests are invited to stay at the lodge. The event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. The lodge is offering a 30 percent room rate discount for chamber members who would like to enjoy an evening at the lodge the night of the event. For more information or to make a reservation, call Inez Couch at (706) 265-8888. The last Business After
Hours in 2011 was held at the Ga. 400 branch of United Community Bank in early December, and chamber members enjoyed an evening of networking over a low country boil of sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes and shrimp. Bank president James Askew said it was an exciting end to the year for the chamber. The evening closed with the chamber’s monthly cash drawing, sponsored by the bank, AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson and The Norton AgencyKristie Myers. Doug Klesius with Wellspring Counseling North Georgia won the drawing, but was not present to accept the winnings. Now the cash drawing pot grows to $500 in January. Remember you must be present to claim the cash prize.
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Salon touts specialized Chairwoman looks forward to new year skills, affordable price By Chelsea Thomas
Praises outgoing leader for service
cthomas@dawsonnews.com
By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
As the New Year begins, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce welcomes Jennifer Baker as chairwoman of the board of directors for 2012. Outgoing chair Stephanie Mathis said the chamber is in good hands under Baker’s leadership. “I can say from experience, having worked with Jennifer for the past five or six years, she is a strong leader with the chamber’s best interests at heart,” Mathis said. “She has strength of character and follow-through to insure that a job not only gets done but gets done right. I believe in her and look forward to continuing to work with her in 2012.” Baker understands she has big shoes to fill following in Mathis’ footsteps. “I’m so fortunate to have had Stephanie serve as our chair ahead of me. Not only is she a great friend, but she’s an incredible leader and mentor and has helped me to grow into this position throughout the year,” she said. Baker points to the chamber’s growth in 2011 and commends Mathis for her role in developing membership goals. “In a tough economy, I think that was a huge accomplishment on her part,” Baker said. “She also took an active role in finding ways for the chamber to become more efficient and save money - another tough feat in this economy. I owe her a debt of gratitude for all she has done for myself and the chamber.” Mathis said she is grateful for the year she spent at the helm. “With 2011 behind us and my days as chairman over, I am thankful for a successful year. We have faced some new challenges, as the struggling economy has left no one untouched,” Mathis said. “This year reinforced what I already knew: We have a strong board, a hard-
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Jennifer Baker, left, 2012 chairwoman, praises outgoing 2011 chairwoman Stephanie Mathis for her leadership.
working and dedicated staff and a loyal membership that truly represents the tapestry of Dawson County businesses.” Mathis said she is proud of the chamber accomplishments and looks forward to continued success. “As the premier business organization in Dawson County, I encourage anyone who is not a member, if your new year’s resolution is to grow your business, join us,” she said. “Let the chamber be a part of your new year.” Baker is also looking forward to the year ahead. “I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to chair the board in 2012,” she said. “I hope I can continue the standard of excellence so many have set before me, and at the same time improve the level of service and financial stability our members have come to expect from us.” A graduate of Gainesville State College, Baker was raised in southwestern New York before moving to Georgia and starting a career in banking. She is currently employed at United Community Bank’s 400 location as vice president, deposit manager and has served on the chamber’s board for the last four years. She and her husband, Daniel, live in Cumming with their 21-month-old son Jake and two dachshunds, Fudge and Rocky.
In mid-October the new high fashion Blur Hair Salon opened at the Dawson 400 Center, located beside Ingles. Marketing stylish cuts and colorings, owner and leading hair stylist Ginny Hemphill decided to name the salon “blur” after she heard the term used in 2010 during a Redken show in Las Vegas. “The stylists were teaching a new technique and kept using the word ‘blur’ to describe blending colors and styles. Six months later I woke up and decided that if I ever had a salon I would call it ‘blur.’ It just stuck with me and I created a color technique to go with it,” Hemphill said. Prior to opening Blur Hair Salon, Hemphill had studied to be an English teacher. During her third year at Columbus State University she decided to be a hair stylist instead. After hands-on experience in a salon and training at Lanier Technical College she became a Redken artist through a corporate salon. She worked for them for six years by “traveling and teaching hair stylists in Georgia.” Being aware that the economy is causing people to “pinch their pennies,” Blur Hair Salon is now offering numerous specials to encourage potential customers to
Chelsea Thomas Dawson Community News
Ginny Hemphill, owner of Blur Hair Salon, cuts and styles Dawson County High School student Carly Glaze’s hair. Glaze’s family visits the salon frequently for their hair care needs.
come visit. The salon has a $99 smoothing system hair treatment available, which can be priced at $179 by other national salons, according to Hemphill. They are also offering women’s haircuts for $30, which are usually priced at $40, and men’s haircuts for $15, which are regularly $30. There is also a special for 20 percent off coloring. One of Hemphill’s main motivators is seeking to really understand what her clients want, which Hemphill calls the science of “clientology.” “I have trained the girls to break down what their clients are really asking for.” Hemphill said. “It’s important to learn to dissect what people are
really asking for.” An additional perk to visiting the salon is that Hemphill is the only educator in Georgia representing celebrity hair stylist Sam Brocato. Blur Hair Salon now carries his full line of coloration products, which Hemphill believes deliver superior color and conditioning with less ammonia than other professional products. Overall, her salon really is represented by its name, she said. “The name of ‘Blur’ has to do with everything you do as a stylist. If you are cutting hair you are blurring layers. If you are coloring hair you are blurring color. Even as a hair stylist you are blurring science and art,” she said.
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Locals graduate training program From staff reports
For the Dawson Community News
A group of local, young thespians will perform a showcase at the 2011 Junior Theater Festival at Cobb Galleria later this month.
Theater group invited to showcase talent By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Arts Council will be well represented this month at the 2011 Junior Theater Festival at Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. The invitation only event brings together more than 3,000 students, teachers and Broadway professionals to raise their voices in celebration of on-stage and backstage excellence in musical theater. Nearly three dozen area elementary and middle school students have been selected to perform a musical for a panel of distinguished theater professionals during the showcase that runs Jan. 14 and 15. Director Nathan Gerrells said the group will present a 15-minute selection from “Godspell, Jr.” While “Godspell, Jr.” has been performed by the council’s youth theater group in the past, the showcase will
feature a new crowd of actors and actresses. “This is a new group than the one that performed this a few years ago, a lot of new performers,” Gerrells said. The panel evaluates each group’s music, acting, dance and overall performance. Performers representing the Dawson County Arts Council were rewarded for their performances during last year’s festival. Kealy Ford received the Freddie G Outstanding Broadway Junior Slam award, while Sean Newman was one of eight students named to the Junior Theater Festival Technical Theater AllStars. Local performers were also handpicked to perform selections from Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS for all 2,200 festival attendees at the Disney Musicals New Works showcase.
The Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development recently announced Dawson County had four graduates in the 2011 Region 2 Multi-Day Training Program. Class participants represented a number of professional and non-professional economic development fields, including elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators and social service providers from 13 counties in north Georgia. “One of the goals for the multi-day regional academies is to encourage multi-county cooperation,” said Corinne Thornton, director of the Georgia Academy for Economic
Development. “Many times the participants discover the issues facing their community are the same as those facing other communities in their region, and can then combine limited resources to address the issue.” The academy provided each of the graduates an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional and state levels. Created in 1993 by then-Gov. Zell Miller’s Development Council, the academy assembles a cross section of economic development professionals and resources to provide this training in all 12 service delivery regions in Georgia.
For the Dawson Community News
Larry Anderson, James Grogan, Doug Powell and Vic Wallace of Dawson County were recognized at a ceremony Nov. 8 for graduates of the Georgia Academy of Economic Development.
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Board appoints new clerk Treatment coordinator appointed to state board By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
The coordinator for Dawson County Treatment Court was recently appointed to serve on the state’s Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Robert “Bob” C. King to the 10-member regulatory practice board in November. Charged with protecting the health, safety and welfare of the people of Georgia, the board enforces education and training requirements established by law for licensure in each profession. “It’s quite an honor and validation to be asked by the governor to serve on this important board,” King said. A licensed clinical social worker in Florida and Georgia, King is active in the counseling profession at the state and national level, continuously presenting at the Georgia Drug, Driving Under the Influence and Mental Health Court Conference, as well as the National Association of Drug
King
Court Professionals. He’s also passionate about his work with the treatment court, which has had 47 graduates in the drug court division and 70 participates complete the DUI track since its creation
in 2006. Northeastern Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Jason Deal presides over the hybrid court. “Bob is the backbone of the Dawson County Treatment Court. He is passionate about the drug court model and I’m excited that he will bring that vision, experience, and passion to the board,” Judge Deal said. King attended the State University of New York where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work from Barry University. He and his wife, Lauren, have one daughter, Grace. The family lives in Dahlonega. The board meets monthly in Macon.
A longtime employee has been appointed clerk for the Dawson County commission. Danielle Yarbrough assumed the position previously held by Davida Simpson, who accepted a role with the county’s finance department. Simpson will replace Sherry Boatfield, who is transferring to the county’s human resources department as director. All personnel changes took effect Jan. 1. Commission Chairman Mike Berg congratulated the women on their promotions. “Danielle brings many years of county experience and a wealth of knowledge,” he said. Yarbrough has been employed with the county since 1999, when she became a 911 dispatcher for the sheriff’s office. A year later, she was promoted to administrative assistant for then Maj. Kevin Tanner and was responsible for human resources and accounts payable for the sheriff. Shortly after Tanner was named county manager, Yarbrough became his administrative assistant in that office. “Danielle’s background with the county and her education has well prepared her for the responsibilities of the county clerk,” Tanner said. “This change will also aid in
Yarbrough
Simpson
Boatfield
cost savings for the county by combining the positions of administrative assistant with county clerk.” The clerk is responsible for keeping records, maintaining and updating county codes, recording official minutes and corresponding on behalf of the commission. She will continue in her duties as Tanner’s administrative assistant. Simpson served as interim clerk beginning in June 2007 and received a full-time appointment in September of the same year. Berg said Simpson’s transfer is a good fit for the county. “Davida has done an outstanding job for the board of commissioners in the role of county
clerk,” he said. In her new role, Simpson will oversee purchases and provide necessary support within county government to ensure the lowest possible costs while maintaining top service.
High-speed Internet coming to mountains By Aaron Hale DCN regional staff
North Georgia is one step closer to the high-speed Internet that Vice President Joe Biden promised would come with federal recovery funds. Parts of eight counties whose access to high-speed service has previously been blocked by the mountains will have it in early 2012, said Bruce Abraham, the presi-
dent and chief executive officer of North Georgia Network. Abraham’s organization is behind a $42 million project to bring broadband to north Georgia. Most of the project is funded with federal money sent to Georgia through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project consists of a 260-mile fiber optic ring that should be completed by the
end of January. Construction broke the barrier of the mountains, crossing Clayton Mountain and the Appalachian Trail last month. According to a news release, the North Georgia Network cooperated with environmental groups and state and federal agencies to cross the protected natural areas. “We’re very environmentally conscience because that’s
a national landmark across there,” Abraham said. “We took extremely careful precautions, and everybody was pleased with the way we approached the crossing.” The North Georgia Network is a nonprofit organization seeking “to improve economic development and education” in the area, according to a news release. The fiber optic ring is supposed to benefit schools, governments, hospitals and
industries in north Georgia. The project directly benefits Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, Union and White counties. More lines will spur off the fiber optic ring, creating a 1,000-mile network. Abraham says more than 500 miles of the network have already been built. The total project will connect to lines in Atlanta in two directions.
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