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Nail Station offers therapeutic massage February 2010
Post Office Box 299 “Old Jail” west of the square Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber honors members at gala Event is biggest fundraiser
Cecil Bennett thanks the crowd for giving WalMart the Corporate Citizens Award.
By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Walking into the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Gala last month, guests saw they were in for a “Wonderful Night” with appetizers of caviar and others dressed for the red carpet. Chamber President Linda Williams called the event a roaring success. In its 19th year, the banquet not only serves as the chamber’s largest fundraising event of the year, but also as a time to recognize outstanding individ-
Photo/Frank Reddy
ual chamber members and businesses. The chamber presented awards for volunteer, ambassador, business leader, corporate citizen and entrepreneur of the year during the Jan. 22 ceremony. Volunteer of the Year award recipient Taylor Wallace admits he spends a whole lot of time traveling throughout the community asking other people for money in support of several local service organizations.
See GALA, Page 6
It’s time to adapt to the world around us The Dawson County Chamber Gala was a success this year, thanks to our members and supporters. A big thank you to all who attended and all who were kind enough to donate for the silent auction.
The first month of this year has flown by. We, at the chamber, have so many things we want to accomplish this year that would be relevant and beneficial to our members. One of our initiatives is
to host a luncheon quarterly for 15 of our members at no cost to the member. This would be our way of saying “thank you for your support of our Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.” The only thing we ask is
for your feedback. We would like to know how our chamber can support you this year, and be a relevant presence in Dawson County. So if you have any interest for a lunch in mid-
March, e-mail me at munderwood@firstcitizensbankofga.com. Now, moving on to another thought.
See ADAPT, Page 6
Underwood
Page 2 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
‘Shop Local’ effort continues in 2010 At your board of directors’ annual planning retreat, a plan was developed to boost our continuing “Shop Local” efforts. In addition to shopping we remind everyone, including ourselves, that there is a lot more to doing business than shopping retail. When you need a doctor, plumber, accountant, banker, decorator and more, start thinking local. Many of us have continued to use a hairdresser, dentist or attorney from somewhere else. We tend to be loyal by nature and it is difficult to break old habits. Start considering today if there is any real reason that you need to take your business outside of our community.
You will soon see signs around the county that will remind all of us to “Shop Here, Find it Here and Buy it Here.” We will also print and distribute window clings with a “Thank you for shopping here” message. Also planned is a “Shop Local” co-op page for future issues of the Chronicle. This co-op page will give members an affordable opportunity to advertise and promote doing business locally. Later this month our sales representative from Great Southern Publishers will be offering advertising opportunities in our next Dawson Magazine. This quality of life publication has a shelf life of
about one year. In addition to articles about local life and local businesses, it will also include a Business Directory that will feature chamber members only. In addition to the magazine, we will print a pocket size membership directory for distribution to members and non-members alike. We encourage everyone to consult their chamber directory first before selecting goods or services. We will notify members before the sales program begins and let you know the length of the campaign, and how to contact our sales rep-
resentative. February proves to be as busy as January. The events committee is pulling together the final details of the Harlem Ambassador Professional Basketball Show and it promises to be a very fun
family event. Mark your calendar for Friday, Feb. 26 and plan to be there when the Dawsonville Shooting Stars take on the pros. I hope to see you at a chamber event soon. Won’t you join us?
Williams
Week touts entrepreneurship By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
During National Entrepreneurship Week, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce plans to emphasize its shop local initiative more than ever. The week of Feb. 2027 is set aside for “educating our community to realize what we’re doing when we don’t shop local,” said Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams. “Our efforts will be to
promote our shop local initiative very highly in the weeks and months moving forward, and we will really stress it during National Entrepreneurship Week,” she said. According to its Web site, the week is “a celebration of the heritage of entrepreneurship in America and new opportunities for a new generation.” This year marks the fourth annual celebration of the week, which was established by the U.S. Congress in 2006. Timing of the week couldn’t be better,
Williams said. “It’s a good time for us to get everybody thinking in the vein of: ‘If I take my shopping and business to another county, I’m hurting the county where I live.’ We want people to
try and keep business here in Dawson and support local entrepreneurs and business people.” Added Williams: “In today’s economy, you’ll see many communities promoting this.”
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Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010 • Page 3
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Organizers host Relay kick off Williams shares survival story By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, shared her story of cancer survival Jan. 28 at city hall during the 14th annual Relay for Life Kick Off. Williams was originally diagnosed with cancer in 2002. She has since undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and continues to fight the disease. “I always went to the doctor with the attitude of: ‘Hey, I’m going into battle, and this chemo is my ammunition,’” Williams said. She spoke words of encouragement for those with cancer. “Take part in the decision-making process,” she said. “Get interested in reading and talking to professionals to get everything you can find. Educate yourself.” Suzanne Hendricks, community manager with the American Cancer Society of Dawson County, thanked Williams for her testimony. “We really do appreciate her being here,” Hendricks said, followed by applause.
Hendricks addressed the crowd: “I know by your presence here tonight that you all share my passion for hope in the fight against cancer,” She went on to explain the kick off ’s theme for 2010. “As you can see from looking around the room, our theme this year is celebrating birthdays,” she said. “At the American Cancer Society, we believe a world with less cancer is a world with more birthdays,” Hendricks said. She then announced the 2010 honorary chairpersons, which included Dawson County High School Junior Tori Overmyer and Robinson Elementary School first grader Chayton Williamson. Relay for Life Event Chair John Cronan later announced stats from the 2009 Relay for Life, which included 19 teams, 222 participants and 135 survivors. The organization raised $50,727. Cronan said the 2010 goal is $53,000. Relay for Life is scheduled for May 21-22 at Dawson County High School. A Luminaria Ceremony will be held
Photos/Frank Reddy
on May 21. Organizers of the Luminaria Ceremony will have a computer presentation with the names and pictures of those honored or remembered. For more information about the event, visit www.dawsoncountyrelay.com, call the American Cancer Society at (770) 2971176, ext. 23, or e-mail dawsoncountyrelay@gm ail.com. Those interested may also register online at www.dawsoncountyrelay.com to receive information about Relay for Life events.
Linda Williams shares her story of cancer survival Jan. 28 at city hall during the Relay for Life Kick Off. Below, Fay Williamson feeds grandson, Chayton, 7, a cupcake during the event. Chayton was selected as an honorary chairperson for the 2010 event.
Page 4 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
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Chamber events February Feb. 11: Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond will be the guest speaker at the membership luncheon. The event will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278. Feb. 20-27: National Entrepreneurship Week. Thank a local business owner for choosing Dawson County as the location for their business. Local businesses provide jobs and also stimulate the local economy. Find it and buy it in Dawson County. Shop a local entrepreneur often. Feb. 23: Business After Hours will be hosted from 5-7 p.m. by Northside Hospital at the Dawsonville Imaging Center, Dawson Commons. The cash drawing, currently at $350, is sponsored by AFLAC - Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine - Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency - Kristie Myers, United Community Bank James Askew, Van
Keith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville - Ann Grizzle and Healthy Eating on the Run Barbara Roberts. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. Feb. 26: The Harlem Ambassadors are coming to town. You don’t want to miss this fast moving, trick shooting, professional team. The local team is ramping up to give them a real challenge. The game will be held at 7 p.m. in the Dawson County High School gym on Perimeter Road. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Ticket prices will be $6 for students and seniors in advance; $8 on game day: $8 general public in advance and $10 on game day. Children under four will be free. Fans are invited to stay after the game and meet the players at the autograph session. For more information about the game, to join the local team or sponsor the event, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278. For more information about the Harlem Ambassadors, visit
www.harlemambassadors.com. Feb. 27-28: North Georgia Home Expo will be at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road. For more information, call Lori Lewis at (866) 5224055 or e-mail eo@dawsoncountyhba.com.
March March 3: You are invited to the chamber for one of the most unique ribbon cutting ceremonies ever. North Georgia Zoo/Wildlife Wonders will be at the chamber office at 11 a.m. for its ribbon cutting. They will be bringing wild animals and a petting zoo. You don’t want to miss this event. March 11: A very special luncheon will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, to recognize the Teachers of the Year for Dawson County. Members and visitors - register online by 5 p.m. Monday, March 8. Go to www.dawson.org, click on “Chamber of Commerce,” the “Event Registration”
Home expo planned for end of February By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Good news for those interested in homebuilding and landscaping. New product information, live demonstrations and do-it-yourself workshops can all be found under one roof later this month in Dawson County. The inaugural North Georgia Home Expo is scheduled for Feb. 27-28 at Lakeview Center, where landscaping, homebuilding, remodeling and realty businesses will gather. Event organizer Lori Lewis said those in the homebuilding business aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the event. “It’s basically for anyone,” Lewis said. “The whole community can enjoy it. It’s got a little bit of every-
or look for the e-mail reminder with a link to “Membership.” Event sponsors are welcome. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. March 23: Business After Hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Etowah Water and Sewer Authority. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors: AFLAC - Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine -
thing.” Lewis said holding the expo in Dawson County came in response to “lots of requests from local people who wanted us to do something like this.” According to Lewis, activities include live demonstrations, interactive features, innovative products, networking opportunities, door prizes, drawings, food and drinks. The event, which is put on by the Dawson Lumpkin Home Builders Association, runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 27, and noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Admission is $3. Children younger than 12 get in free. For more information, contact Lewis at (866) 522-4055, or e-mail eo@dawsoncountyhba.com. “We want everyone to come out and have a good time,” Lewis said.
Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency - Kristie Myers, United Community Bank - James Askew and Van
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
Keith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville - Ann Grizzle. For more information, call (706) 216-8474.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010 • Page 5
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Role-play event teaches empathy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County residents showed up Jan. 28 for a role-playing program put on by University of Georgia staff, which demonstrated what low-income families face in their daily lives. The second annual presentation of “Welcome to the State of Poverty,” which took place at Veterans Memorial Park gym, went well according to Nancy Stites, coordinator for Dawson County Family Connection. The non-profit agency co-sponsored the event, which was held in Dawson County for the second straight year. “I’m happy with what the UGA staff does here,” Stites said. “They do a good job with really getting you involved in the event.” Dawson County resident Elizabeth Mauldin had no trouble getting involved.
She attended the gathering because “it seemed like a fascinating idea, like something I might be able to learn from.” Fellow local Jennifer Herrera felt she could benefit from the learning experience as well. “It’s a chance to learn more about situations that some families face,” Herrera said. Groups who participate in the poverty simulation play the role of separate families with low incomes. Each are given “15-minute weeks” to decide how to feed and provide housing for their families. Family Connection asked the UGA College of Consumer Sciences Extension staff to come back after the positive response from last year’s event, Stites said. For more information about Dawson County Family Connection, call (706) 265-1981.
Photo/Frank Reddy
From left, Phil Cooper of Forsyth County, Anna Byrd, Elizabeth Mauldin and Jennifer Herrera, all of Dawson County participate in a poverty simulation Jan. 28 at Veterans Memorial Park gym.
❞
By Frank Reddy
It’s a chance to learn more about situations that some families face. Jennifer Herrera, Dawson County resident
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Hoops stars set to visit Dawsonville on Feb. 26 By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
A select team of Dawson County residents will go head-to-head against a nationally known, traveling team of basketball stars. The Harlem Ambassadors will arrive in Dawson County on Feb. 26 for a chamber of commerce fundraiser at the Dawson County High School gymnasium. Will Wade, an event organizer, said he hopes to find a few good local men and women “to come out,
have some fun, play a little ball.” Wade said watching the Harlem Ambassadors play makes the event well worth attending. “They do a great show, similar to the Harlem Globetrotters,” Wade said. “They’ve got guys that can just jump out of the gym. They are really amazing to watch. It’s a lot of fun.” Th e D aw so n C o u n t y Chamber of Commerce has organized previous events with the Harlem Ambassadors. In March 2006, they
played against the Dawsonville Shooting Stars, coached by high school varsity coach Thad Burgess.
The Harlem Ambassadors perform more than 200 shows a year all over the world. For more information
about the basketball team, visit www.harlemambassadors.com. The event begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Dawson County High School. Admission is $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 general admission. Children younger than 4 get in free. Tickets are available ahead of time at the Chamber of Commerce at a pre-game discount of $2 off. Contact the chamber at (706) 265-6278. To sign up to play basketball at the fundraiser, contact Will Wade at (706) 216-5942.
Page 6 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
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GALA from 1 He continued that pledge as he accepted the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award at the Lakeview Center. “Before I say anything, you can text the word Haiti to 90999 to donate to the Red Cross,” said Wallace, who sits on the local Red Cross and United Way board of directors He also has served on the local chamber of commerce board. Williams described Wallace as a man of true passion for what he
believes is important. “I have seen first hand the commitment he makes to projects he pledges to support. He is truly an empathetic person who works tirelessly to help his fellow citizens,” she said. Wallace said everyone in attendance was deserving of the award. “The thing that makes Dawson County so great is there are so many people that are concerned about helping other people. Just about everybody in this room does care about and wants to help the less fortunate,”
Wallace said. Lori Lewis, co-owner of Stelor Handyman Service and executive officer for the Dawson/Lumpkin Homebuilders Association, was selected as the chambers’ Ambassador of the Year. Vernon Smith, owner of the Lakeview Center, was named Business Leader of the Year. Small business owner Denny Putlak of Denny Insurance Group was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year, and WalMart, which has donated more than $200,000 to
ADAPT from 1 Even though I am not a Charles Darwin fan, he did have one quote that I think is pertinent to the economic downturn we now find ourselves in. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent, but rather the one most adaptable to change.” Has anyone experienced any change lately? Can I get a big amen? I read a recent local survey that was completed by Norton Native Intelligence from the North Georgia area that asked the question: “Will your spending habits in the near future resume back to normal or be permanently changed?” A significant majority, 78.5 percent, of the respondents stated “changed.” I think that this response is important for many reasons. Not the least is, we all have to learn how to live in this new economy. It was interesting in this survey the items that were
once important to these North Georgians that no longer mattered. Some of those things were: Keeping silver polished, driving a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles, watered yard and tasseled loafers, just to name a few. Now, these were the extremes, but the point is adapting to our changing environment is critical. I was on a 100-mile hike many years ago with my son and the Boy Scouts. The first day, our guide asked us to dump our backpacks so he could inspect the contents. This fellow removed so many items in my pack that I thought were important on a hike. You see, I had hiked with all this stuff before. However, he reminded me that I had never hiked in this altitude before. He insisted that if I wanted to complete this hike, I needed to get rid of a few
Photo/Frank Reddy
Kristie Myers accepts a gift basket as part of the Chairman's Award, given out by 2009 Chairman Jay Walker. loca l initiatives, was given the chamber’s
things. Well, I am glad that I did. As a matter of fact, before the hike was over, I wished I had dumped more. It is time to look at the extra baggage that we are carrying around from a financial standpoint and get rid of. It is a shame that it takes extreme conditions to get us to change; however, we must begin to do things differently if we want to survive and thrive during these times. Albert Einstein said: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” So what is it that we need to change? Or, more importantly, what are those items that we really don’t need? In closing, the main thing is that we make it to the finish line. Let’s check our pack and lighten the load to adapt to our changing environment. Boy, I am going to miss those tassels. Mike Underwood Chairman
Corporate Citizen Award. As outgoing chairman
of the chamber’s board of directors, Jay Walker also presented Kristie Myers with the Chairman’s Award for her efforts in promoting and dedication to the chamber. “This award means different things to different people. To me it’s someone that steps up to the plate and practices what they preach,” Walker said. Myers served as chairman of the board in 2008 and continues to play an integral role in the chamber today, using “proper ethics and proper business ethics in the decisions she makes,” Walker said.
• Congratulations to the Dawson County Finance Department for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. This is the second year in a row that the department has received the award. • 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. Please let the Chamber know when you have a special event so we may add them in our Chamber Chronicle.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010 • Page 7
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State park held after hours event By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce members and guests were treated to a beautiful sunset when Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge played host to the chamber’s business after hours event Jan. 26. Park Manager Bill Tanner welcomed the group and thanked Food Lion of Dawsonville, which co-hosted the event, and Bojangles for providing a dinner of sandwiches, snacks, fried chicken, biscuits and dessert. Tanner also spoke about several upcoming events the park has planned, including a
Valentine’s Day special and weekend buffets at the lodge’s restaurant. The chamber welcomed several new members at the event and gave away a variety of door prizes donated by chamber business members. The chamber would like to thank the following members for donating prizes: Kaleidoscope Window Designs, Longhorn Steakhouse, Amicalola Falls State Park, Lava Hair Salon, North Georgia Zoo, Anidawehi Spa and Wellness Center, Bojangles and Food Lion. The chamber’s monthly cash drawing was at $200 for the January event. Since Abe Fleming with WindNet was not
Photo/Michele Hester
Amicalola Falls State Park introduced members of the chamber to a few of its trained birds at the chamber's January Business After Hours event. in attendance to hear his name called, the cash prize grows to $325 for February. The next business after
hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 23 at Northside Hospital Imaging Center, located at 100 Dawson
Commons Circle, Suite 114, Dawsonville. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Chamber of Commerce launches shop local campaign From staff reports
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has announced a stepped up effort to encourage county residents to remember to shop local. The recent Dawson County Chamber of Commerce leadership retreat included discussions about the stress being felt by local businesses due to the weak economy. “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 Mike Underwood, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.
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 residents can make during these difficult times is to maximize their spending at county businesses. The chamber board believes a considerable amount of spending still goes outside the county. Many residents 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 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 business-to-business spending. The program will help
both chamber members and nonmembers. “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. The new campaign will feature the chamber’s well-known Scotty Dog — Dawson Says logo with the words: “Find it here! — Spend it here! — Buy it here!” The major elements of the program will include a series of press releases explaining the
campaign and tracking its benefits and progress, plus temporary high profile signage and in-store decals to remind residents that local business needs their support. Another key element will be a set of special cooperative advertising opportunities and discount programs featured in the Chamber Chronicle publication. The chamber Web site has also been enhanced to help county residents find local sources for the services and products they seek. Underwood stated the campaign will be kicked off within the next few weeks.
Page 8 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010 • Page 9
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Page 10 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
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Nail Station now offers therapeutic massage By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Stress will begin fading away as you step in to The Nail Station in downtown Dawsonville. In operation about a year, owner Shannon Marburger recently expanded operations to include therapeutic massage to her already professional nail business. Last week, she held a ribbon cutting and regrand opening celebration to introduce licensed massage therapist Beth Boudreaux to the Dawsonville community and the new, larger studio just two doors down on East 2nd Street. A licensed nail technician trained in diabetic care, Marburger offers manicures, pedicures and nail enhancements in a relaxing and homey atmosphere with soft music, homeopathic candles and a focus on individual care. Clients can choose to relax in either a cozy, plush
Licensed Massage Therapist Beth Boudreaux begins a Swedish Massage as Angela Harben relaxes. recliner or stretch out on a chaise lounge for their pedicures, which include warm, aromatic water in a sanitized basin. Marburger strives to educate her clients and always follows the strict Georgia State Board Guidelines. After each use, all implements and tools are cleaned and sanitized, and each client
January totals Telephone referrals: 1,523 Walk-in visitors: 107
receives a new buffer and file, that are never re-used on another client. Marburger said these regulations are the key to healthy practices and will always be followed. With the addition of therapeutic massages offered by Boudreaux, who has more than eight years of experience, Marburger encourages the community to take advantage of quality services available in the downtown Dawsonville area. “Remember to shop local and keep our hard earned money here in Dawsonville,” Marburger said. Gift certificates are available. For more information or to make an appointment, call (706) 265-7920 or stop in, where you’ll be greeted with a welcoming smile and hello. The salon is located behind the Pool Room and next to the Kangaroo and Shirley’s Custom Sewing.
Photos/Michele Hester
Nail technician and owner of The Nail Station Shannon Marburger prepares to give client Bonnie Reese a manicure. The Nail Station had a ribbon cutting and re-grand opening ceremony Feb. 3.
Timothy A.Annis,D.C.
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1992 Dr. Bramblett Rd. Cumming, GA 30040
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Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010 • Page 11
New members Keller Williams - Silver City Group Carol Michaelson (706) 265-0933 2231 Dawson Forest Road, East Dawsonville, GA 30534 cmichaelson63@gmail.com Category: Real Estate Appalachia Grill Kristeen Fitts (770) 893-3389 3909 Steve Tate Road Marble Hill, GA 30143 appalachiagrill@yahoo.com Category: Restaurant J. Scott Stephenson, CPA, P.C. J. Scott Stephenson (770) 880-6741 11 Pearl Chambers Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 jss@jsscpaga.com Category: CPA J.M. & Marie Burt (770) 887-4947 2065 Wilkie Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 murraykburt@bellsouth.net Category: Individual Members Lanier Dental Group Hollie Long (706) 265-0005 6625 Hwy. 53 East, Ste. 440
Dawsonville, GA 30534 dawsonville@lanierdental.com Category: Dentists Senior Helpers Christian Saslo (678) 807-2220 329 Oak Street, Ste. 201 Gainesville, GA 30501 csaslo@seniorhelpers.com Category: Senior In Home Care
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Tax Help Doctor, LLC David Garrett (404) 542-5876 70 Comfort Lane Dahlonega, GA 30533 david@taxhelpdoctor.com Category: Tax Help Practical Strategy Consulting Christopher Duncan (678) 880-1196 8014 Cumming Hwy., Ste 403-214 Canton, GA 30115 dawsonchamber@practicalUSA.com Category: Copywriting Cindy Sedor, LMT Cindy Sedor (770) 757-6240 37 Danyelle Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 guest@windstream.net Category: Massage Therapist
Stephenson joins chamber The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed new business J. Scott Stephenson, CPA Feb. 3. Stephenson is an advanced certified QuickBooks Photo/Frank Reddy ProAdvisor, as well as a provider of accounting and tax services. Stephenson can be reached at (770) 702-3997, or visit his Web site at www.jsscpaga.com. From left are Angela Harben, Beth Boudreaux, Robin Smith, J. Scott Stephenson, Lori Lewis, Pam Hamalainen and Barbara Fulmer.
Property Investment Associates
Page 12 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
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Ambassador Program off to great start By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program is off to a great start for 2010, with one of the largest crowds in recent months at the yearly kickoff breakfast Jan. 27 at the North Georgia Premium Outlets food court. Several familiar faces were in attendance, in addition to a number of new volunteer recruits. Also new for 2010 are Carol Tyger and Lori Lewis as
the program’s co-chairs. The pair, known throughout the chamber and community as consummate volunteers, promises several changes in the coming months that will better suit the all-volunteer organization and the chamber at large. The ambassadors are an informed, select group of motivated, enthusiastic and articulate businessmen and women who serve as the liaisons to the chamber’s membership and represent the chamber at many civic and social functions. Their efforts include attending regularly scheduled cham-
ber programs, attending grand openings and ribbon cutting celebrations, obtaining possible new member leads and making personal visits to new and potential chamber businesses. They share with the business community the success stories of the chamber and effectively address the question: “What is the chamber doing for me?” By maintaining such twoway communications with the entire membership, the result is an improved ability to address the needs of its members and
the business community. In short, ambassadors are one of the most important public relations tools that the chamber has. The benefits to the individual who participates in the program include meeting new people, networking and promoting their business or employer. Other benefits include a monthly Ambassador of the Month acknowledgment for the individual volunteer who put in the most effort promoting the chamber the previous month. Kim Turner, a marketing
representative with Appalachian Community Bank, was named the January Ambassador of the Month. The Ambassador Program is currently seeking additional volunteers and encourages chamber businesses to have a representative in the program. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. for breakfast. The official meeting site for 2010 had not been determined as of press time. If you or an employee is interested, call the chamber office at (706) 265-6278.
Ambassador Spotlight By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Coming to Dawsonville from the rather large city of West Palm Beach, Fla., Lori Lewis made it her goal to be involved in her new community. “There it was big, you were just like a number because there were so many people,” she said. Lewis moved to the area about three years ago and opened Stelor Handyman Service with her husband. Committed to achieving her goal, Lewis joined the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce as a way to meet people and garner some exposure for the company. She also volunteered with the Dawson County High School Tiger Touchdown Booster Club and joined the local homebuilder’s association. Both organizations also joined the chamber and have reaped similar
Lori Lewis named Ambassador of the Year results. “The chamber’s definitely paid off for us,” she said. Last year, Lewis took an additional step and became involved in the chamber’s Ambassador Program. Ambassadors serve as a liaison between the chamber and its membership. The group regularly attends scheduled chamber events, such as new business grand openings and ribbon cuttings, and volunteers at chamber functions. Being an ambassador, Lewis said, has paid dividends toward her goal. “Last year, I’d volunteer to do sign in and registration at the monthly luncheons and it allowed me to meet so many people and put faces to
Photo /Frank Reddy
Lori Lewis, center, is shown with Carol Tyger and Denny Putlak. names,” she said. She is always one of the first to volunteer at chamber events and rarely misses a new business ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration. For that commitment, Lewis was selected as Ambassador of the Year
at the chamber’s annual banquet on Jan. 22. She will serve as co-chair of the program in 2010 with Carol Tyger. The pair looks forward to a new year for the ambassador program, which they say will get back to basics for 2010. The group held its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 27 at the food court of the outlet mall. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. The next meeting location had not been determined as of press time. Anyone interested in joining the chamber’s Ambassador Program, should call the chamber at (706) 2656278. Lewis said you will be glad you did. “It’s a great way to network, a great way to showcase your business,” she said.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010 • Page 13
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GED course readies inmates for exam By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Twice a week, inmates file into a garage-sized classroom in the Dawson County detention center, where GED instructor Bill Wood teaches them what they’ll need to pass the exam. With his help, they’re working toward a formal education, one that might land them a job and get them back on their feet once they’re “on the outside.” The GED outreach program at the detention center is overseen by Lanier Technical College’s Adult Learning Center, which provides instructors. Dollars raised by a local organization pay for inmates to take the exam, which certifies the taker has high school-level academic skills. Kathy Davis, the adult learning center’s lead instructor, said the Reading Education Association of Dawson County, or READ, raises $95 for each individual to take the test. “We are one of many organizations READ assists, and they are instrumental in everything we do here,” Davis said. Davis added that students currently in
the program are on track to rival last year’s record number of 16 graduates. A ceremony is held in June at the detention center for those who went through the preparation program and passed the exam. The test consists of five subject areas: reading, writing, science, social studies and math. When teaching the subjects, Wood puts it in perspective for his students. “It’s like anything else, how easy it is depends on how much effort you put into it,” Wood told a class of seven inmates Jan. 21. Some of them wore bright orange suits, others had striped scrubs. Wood had just announced that all of the inmates passed the test with flying colors. Spontaneous applause and a shared smile or two spread around the room. “Guys, don’t let this be the end of your education,” Wood said, his back to a dryerase board. The students watched him, listening. “This is just the beginning on a long road.” Keith Head, 24, responded: “I’m going to go to Lanier Tech or somewhere once I get a job.” Jesse Walls, 21, said he’s also going to
Photo/Frank Reddy
Inmates Jesse Walls, center, and Keith Head, right, listen as their teacher explains an algebra problem Jan. 21 at the Dawson County Detention Center. try and get into college when he’s out. Taking the GED preparation program was a no-brainer, Walls said. “You have this great opportunity of bettering yourself for when you get out,” he said. Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce said getting a GED is more important now than it’s ever been. “With the increase in unemployment,
the competitors are all out there trying to get the same job you’re applying for,” Williams said. “If you don’t have your GED or high school diploma, you’ll be at the bottom of the list every time.” In inmates, Davis said rates of recidivism, or repeated unlawful behavior, are reduced once they get a GED. “They are able to get out and probably go to a job, or it’s much easier to find one,” she said. Community support, Davis said, is key. “This is only possible because we have funding and we have teachers willing to work for little or nothing,” she said. “We also have a good detention center with good personnel, who see the benefits of the education.” Davis said the positive attitude of inmates is also a big part of what makes the program successful. “I really think they want to make the best out of a bad situation,” she said. According to Head, taking the class was a step in the right direction. “I figured I needed to make a change. You’ve got a lot of time to think about your future when you’re in here.”
Official to speak at luncheon Chamber hosts ribbon cutting By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond is scheduled to be the guest speaker at tomorrow’s Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Thurmond, who was elected as the state’s first African American labor commissioner in 1998, has a staff of more than 4,000 and oversees the following divisions and offices: employment services, unemployment insurance, workforce
development, rehabilitation services, safety engineering and workforce information and analysis. The Georgia Department of Labor has 53 local career centers and 53 location rehabilitation programs throughout the state. The luncheon will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road. Pre-registration is suggested for planning purposes; however, the chamber will accept walk-ins on Feb. 11.
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.
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed new business LanierToday.com Feb. 3. LanierToday.com is a local Web site, which focuses on the surrounding areas. For more information, visit the Web site, or Photo/Frank Reddy call (706) 2162288. From left are J. Scott Stephenson, J.T. and Dawn Trinkle, Angela Harben, Lori Lewis and Pam Hamalainen.
Page 14 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
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Work Ready offers additional incentives By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Dozens upon dozens of individuals in Dawson County are officially “Work Ready,” according to Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams. She also serves as the county’s Georgia Work Ready coordinator. Still, for Dawson County to be considered a true Work Ready Community, additional participants in all sectors of the population are needed to take the assessment. To encourage more test takers in the program, more incentives are available for participants, including gift and gas cards. Individuals can take home as much as $300 for taking the three part examination, which is administered free through Lanier Tech. The program offers a $100 prepaid card mailed to your home to assist you with job search expenses and a $200 pre-paid card for improving your level. Designed to help get residents back on their feet, the Work Ready program is an effort the state is making in response to the growing unemployment and unprecedented economic issues. Additionally, the chamber is also giving $25 gift cards to either Wal-Mart or Kroger for successfully completing the test. Recipients must provide proof they live in Dawson County, according to Pam Hamalainen with the chamber. By taking part in Be Work Ready, Georgia’s unemployed job seekers gain a valuable competitive advantage for their job search — a Work Ready Certificate. The certificate validates an individuals’ skill and knowledge levels to
potential employers, while free, online skills gap training helps individuals improve their Work Ready Certificate level. Possession of the certificate shows potential employers that a job applicant has demonstrated skills in the areas of applied mathematics, locating information and reading for information. Skills that are considered crucial by most employers. “The Work Ready Certificate is good evidence that a job candidate has them,” Williams said. In addition, the portfolio issued with the certificate helps employers place new hires in jobs where they are likely to succeed. To obtain a certificate, job seekers must successfully complete the three Work Ready assessments at or above a Level 3. Each assessment takes about 45-55 minutes to complete. Applicants who successfully complete the assessments will receive a Georgia Work Ready Certificate from the Office of the Governor, identifying the skill levels they have demonstrated. Scores provide information about the level of skill an individual has attained in a specific skill area. Each Work Keys assessment has a score level range. Higher score levels indicate your ability to perform more complex skills. Hamalainen insists the program is not just for the unemployed. Several local business professionals have also taken the assessment, including a number from Dawson County Government. Hamalainen said local employees are encouraged to take the assessment to help further their careers. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
M E M B E R S
January Membership Renewals Best Western D.D.P. Enterprises, Inc. Holly Theatre Community Center, Inc Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc. 400 North Board of Realtors Crown Mountain Women's Health Duplicating Products, Inc. Harris Family Dentistry McGarity's Business Products Rushton & Company, LLC. Gordon and Jeanette Brand Chestatee State Bank Chocolate Moose Dawson County Sheriffs Office Dawson Eye Group Dawsonville Hardware Co., Inc Edward Jones FORESTAR GROUP, Inc Georgia Power Company H & R Block Lanier Technical College Lanier Technical College, Dawson Campus Mill Creek Environmental Services,Inc. North Georgia College & State University Northview Orthopaedics and Open MRI Norton Real Estate Pelfrey Electrical Contractors Prudential Georgia Realty (Chasity Wysotski Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation State Farm Insurance, Carla Boutin Substantial Lion Glass Studio, LTD Townley Construction Company, Inc. Townley Portable Toilets Inc. Tim and Margaret Webb Chestatee State Bank Appalachian Community Bank Dawson County Republican Party Jan & Kay Grimes Mills Fuel Service
Appalachian Community Bank Abba House Healthy Eating on the Run Henry & Violet Byrd Alexander, Almand & Associates, LLP Christ Redeemer Catholic Church Dawson County Rehabilitation Center Dawson/Lumpkin Home Builders Association, Kangaroo Conservation Center Lakeview Publishing.com Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Dawson Northeast Georgia Medical Center & Health Carol A. Tyger YES Grading, Inc. Keller Williams-Silver City Group Atlanta Gas Light Company Derucki Construction Company Pamela Bradfield Steven Leibel, P.C. 400 Jewelry & Loan John Seibel Photography Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation Bearden Funeral Home Chick-fil-A Disharoon Automotive, Inc. Forsyth County News Frank A. Kruse III, DOS Gainesville Welding & Rendering Equipment Georgia Softworks, Inc. Joseph Hirsch ImageltEverywhere Mountain Home Rentals of GA, LLC RIC Rack Steve and Marge Carey Dawson County Chapter 970 V.V.A. Evans Garbage Service, Inc. Tom and Jeanne Foley Home Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC Hometown Appraisals, Inc. Larry and Pam Martin Metal Roofing Sales, Inc.
Robertson/Loia/Roof, P.C. Strickland General Agency, Inc. World Wide Manufacturing Company, Inc. Children's Dentistry of Dawsonville Dawson County Farm Bureau Dawson Insurance Agency Duncan Exterminating Co. Alice Gordon NOA (No One Alone) R & D Caulking, Inc. Allen Insurance Group Herb and Karen Burnsed Bill and Harriet Burt Chestatee Regional Library System City of Dawsonville Dawson County Arts Council Dawson County Board of Commissioners Dawson County Board of Education Dawson News & Advertiser Digital Interiors, Inc. Economic Development Corporation First Citizens Bank of Georgia Frank & Mary Bob Fox John F. & Margaret A. Jordan KARE For Kids, Inc. Karl Hamalainen, Ceramic Tile & Marble Marketing Incentives McDonald's Bob Miller Kenneth and Jo Ann Newell Pediatric Health Care of North Georgia, P Shaw Automotive and Core Supply Southern Southeastern Inc. Helen Taylor The American Legion Post 247 Uncle Shucks Wal-Mart No. 3874 First Citizens Bank of Georgia
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010 • Page 15
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Work gets under way at courthouse $15.4 million facility to replace one from 1977 By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Tractors began moving dirt within moments of Dawson County officials breaking ground on a new courthouse and government center Jan. 28. The $15.4 million project, paid for with a 1cent sales tax, will bring all of county government under one roof. It is expected to be completed in about 18 months, officials said. The 111,000-squarefoot facility will face Shoal Creek Road and will be built in the parking lot of the existing courthouse, which will eventually be demolished. “Every citizen of this country and of Dawson County has a spirit of liberty. No one can question that,” said Northeastern Judicial Chief Superior Court Judge Andrew Fuller. “Nothing represents that spirit of liberty more than our justice system. The focal point of a community has been, and I think will always be, their courthouse.” Joined by the circuit’s Superior Court and Juvenile Court judges, as well as circuit prosecutors, county and court
staff and residents, Fuller thanked voters for approving the project and allowing justice to be served in the most efficient manner. “We want to sincerely, and heartfelt, thank the leaders of Dawson County and the Dawson County citizens for giving us the opportunity to have a new courthouse facility,” he said. Commission Chairman Mike Berg said he was pleased with the turnout for the ceremony. “The larger-thanexpected crowd shows the interest of the community to want to build a facility for the future,” Berg said. “This is a joint effort of so many people working together.” The county’s current courthouse, which was built in 1977, served the community well, said Court Administrator Reggie Forrester. “It certainly fit the needs of this county when it was constructed, but we’ve grown and continue to grow,” he said, noting most of the county’s judicial and government offices need more space. “To meet the growth of the county, we really need the space so we can operate efficiently and effectively.” District Attorney Lee
Photo/Michele Hester
From left, Court Administrator Reggie Forrester, and Northeastern Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judges Andrew Fuller, Bonnie Oliver and Jason Deal listen as county officials describe the new courthouse and government center, which is expected to be complete in about 18 months. Darragh and his staff are looking forward to having additional space and room to grow in the new building. “I can say, on behalf of the district attorney’s office, we are very much looking forward to the new facility, so that all of us have an adequate and effective space to work in and provide prosecution services for the citizens of Dawson County,” he said. For Sheriff Billy Carlisle and his deputies, who serve as court securi-
ty, the new courthouse serves many purposes, primarily the safety of those using the building. “The way we are doing it right now — we have to take inmates outside and we have to mingle them in with the general population,” Carlisle said. “With this new courthouse, we’ll have a tunnel built from the jail into the courthouse, and the prisoners will never go outside. It’s really going to work out better for everyone.”
Architects working on the project say the $139per-square-foot construction price is “the lowest in the state in the past 12 years for a building of this type,” Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner said. He said he is confident the community will be happy with the end result. “We started out with a construction budget of $30 million and after it was all said and done, and with the economy and with all the other
things we were able to do, it came in at less than $16 million,” he said. “So we’re thankful for that and that we’re able to move forward.” Savings realized in the courthouse project will also allow the county to pay off debt from when the law enforcement center was built, without having to borrow any additional funds, Tanner said. “Which gives the county some breathing room in these difficult times,” he said.
Page 16 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • February 2010
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