D A W S O N
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Instructor tutors GED hopefuls January 2010
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 “Old Jail” west of the square Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
Biden visits Dawson County VP brought broadband news By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
It’s been about a month since a Dawson County business had the honor of playing host for U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s announcement of federal stimulus dollars for local broadband Internet development. The aftereffects of the announcement continue, and could spur changes for some local businesses in the future. Biden’s announcement at Impulse Manufacturing on Dec.
Vice President Joe Biden announced Dec. 17 that $33.5 million in federal grant money will fund a regional fiber optic project through eight counties including Dawson.
17 included news that $33.5 million in grant money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will fund the North Georgia Network, a regional project that will create a 260-mile fiber optic ring through eight counties including Dawson. Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, initiated the North Georgia Network with the Lumpkin
Sara Guevara DCN regional staff
See BIDEN, Page 6
Looking forward to 2010 with the chamber Hello and Happy New Year to everyone. I am deeply honored and consider it a great privilege to serve as this year’s Chairman of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. I am looking
forward to 2010. The year 2009, from a business standpoint, was one of the hardest many of us have experienced. As they say (though I’ve often wondered who they are) “what doesn’t kill you
makes you stronger.” Well, let’s hope so. Most of us have survived and I am certain we have gained strength from the struggles 2009 threw our way. On a positive note,
Dawson County has great leaders in place throughout the county who will help by continuing to make Dawson County one of the strongest counties in the state. Dawson County is posi-
tioned in a great geographic area for continued growth when the economy does turn around. Growing our customer
See CHAMBER, Page 3
Underwood
Page 2 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
Annual event chance to honor, give thanks ❞
“It’s A Wonderful Night — A Black and White Gala,” is the theme of this year’s annual meeting. The gala is typically known as the outgoing chairman’s banquet. The program will honor the work of your 2009 chairman, Jay Walker, and his board of directors. Nominations have been received for awards in the categories of Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Leader of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. I hope you submitted your nominations in these categories and that you will be present when several special people are honored for their achievements and service to our chamber and community. Who will they be? Your incoming chairman for 2010, Mike Underwood, will be installed, as will Stephanie Womack who will serve as chairmanelect for 2011. Kathy Fuller will continue to serve as your treasurer. Your board of directors contributes many hours of their time in volunteer services to our organization. Without their expertise and professional contributions, we could not accomplish all that we do. This is a time to honor and thank each of them. The event committee began planning and preparing for the gala several months ago. I thank each of them for their enthusiasm and willingness to give of their
The event committee began planning and preparing for the gala several months ago. I thank each of them for their enthusiasm and willingness to give of their time and talents to make this event so special for all who attend.
time and talents to make this event so special for all who attend. The decorating team promises you an elegant atmosphere that will be worthy of your finest attire. The auction team is concluding the lineup of a variety of items for your consideration in the Silent Auction. If you haven’t contributed to the auction and would like to do so, please call the chamber office today with the details about your item. Your name or company name will be listed and recognized as a supporter of the auction in the program. The annual banquet and auction is one of our most important fundraisers of the year. With your support, we will be successful in supplementing our budget and thereby be able to continue with our varied chamber programs and projects. Most members are surprised to learn that the membership dues, while very important, only account for 18 percent of the total operating budget. Thus, fundraisers are crucial to our operation.
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I hope that you and your colleagues have made your reservations. If you haven’t, at this writing there are seats available. You may call the
chamber office today or go to www.dawson.org, click on Chamber of Commerce on the top bar and look for Event Registration in the drop down box. Individual reservations are $75 or a table for eight is $550. Your board of directors and I recognize that you are making choices these days with your own expenditures. Please consider the cost of attending as an investment in our organi-
zation, with the added benefit of a wonderful evening with friends. I hope to see you at the gala, and other chamber events soon. Won’t you join us?
Williams
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Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010 • Page 3
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S CHAMBER from 1
Chamber events January Jan. 14: Lunch with the Chamber will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road. Sam Olens, chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission will be the guest speaker. For more information, call (706) 265-6278 or visit www.dawson.org. Jan. 21: 6 p.m., public hearing will be held on the proposed Home Occupation Ordinance for Dawson County. The meetings will be held at city hall, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville. All business members who operate from their home are encouraged to attend. Jan. 22: The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s 19th annual Gala and Auction. The theme: “It’s a Wonderful Night.” The black and white gala event will be held at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road. Invitations have been mailed. Seating is limited, so RSVP as soon as possible. Jan. 26: Community Forum will be held from 35 p.m., at the Dawson County Library. Listen in as local leaders share information regarding their current and future projects. No official business will be conducted. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call (706) 265-6278.
Jan. 26: Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, along with Food Lion, will host the first Business After Hours event of 2010, from 5-7 p.m. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors: AFLAC - Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine - Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency - Kristie Myers, R&D Caulking - Mike Downs, United Community Bank - James Askew, Van Keith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville - Ann Grizzle and Denny Insurance Group - Denny Putlak. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. The cash drawing is currently at $200. For more information, call (706) 265-8888. Jan. 28: The American Cancer Society invites all to join them for the Dawson County Relay for Life Kick Off. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at city hall, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville. Jan. 28: Welcome to the State of Poverty, Dawson County Family Connection will be hosting its second annual simulation of living in poverty. Participants will have a better understanding of some of the obstacles faced by families living in poverty. For more information or to participate, call (706) 265-1981.
February Feb. 11: Georgia Department of Labor
Commissioner Michael Thurmond will be the guest speaker at the chamber luncheon. The event will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville. Members and visitors, register online by 5 p.m. Feb. 9. Go to www.dawson.org, click on “Chamber of Commerce,” then “Event Registration,” or look for the e-mail reminder with a link to “Membership Luncheon.” 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. 26: Harlem Ambassadors are coming to town. See page 13.
March March 3: Nor th Georgia Zoo/Wildlife Wonders will be at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce office for one of the most unique ribbon cutting ceremonies ever. The event will begin at 11 a.m. There will be wild animals and a petting zoo. You don’t want to miss this event. Come and experience the excitement.
base is important to all of us. The more customer traffic we have, the more opportunities we have for sales. Those sales happen whether you own a retail store or you are service oriented and sell insurance or are a plumbing contractor. I believe 2010 is a year we turn back to the basics, the fundamental business principles of the past. The core business “blocking and tackling,” such as superior customer service, quality products and service, and a good sound business plan in an economic downturn is where our focus needs to be. That is what we are doing in the banking industry. There are several ways the chamber of commerce helps our local businesses in these down times and in times past. Just to name a few, the chamber helps create a unified voice in local, state and federal government. The chamber does this by acting as a liaison between concerned residents and governmental entities. The chamber is also a great source for community involvement. By attending chamber meetings, business after hours, and receiving the Chamber Chronicle, you will stay informed on the activities and issues affecting Dawson County. The chamber also provides newcomer and welcome packets. This includes, but is not limited to, brochures and literature on Dawson County, as well as the entire state of Georgia. These are available to new businesses and individuals at the chamber office. In addition, the chamber provides a new move-in service. Bags are prepared each month for new residents including promotional items provided by chamber business members.
The bags also include brochures, flyers and rack cards. And don’t forget about the chamber’s referral services offered. The chamber office receives thousands of phone calls, letters and visits each year requesting business referrals. Chamber members may also display their literature in the chamber office. Another big service provided is the involvement with tourism. The chamber promotes tourism by advertising Dawson County in statewide publications and at other welcome centers around the state. In addition to the chamber office, chamber employees and staff manage the welcome center. So as you can see, the chamber plays an integral part of the promotion of Dawson County. Plans for 2010 include a bigger promotion of the “Shop Local” campaign. It is so important that we promote local retail and service oriented businesses. As the local businesses do well, it helps us all through greater tax revenue for our county and in turn, the county is financially healthier. In closing, I look forward to working with chamber members and staff, serving as your chairman. The staff at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is second to none. Linda and Marty Williams, Pam Hamalainen, Barbara Fulmer and Robin Smith show their love for this county as they provide quality services our local residents and businesses can be proud of. May we all have a blessed and prosperous New Year. Mike Underwood Chairman 2010
Page 4 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
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Metzel wins cash drawing January event at Amicalola Falls By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
It took more than two years, but the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce finally gave away its cash prize. Alan Metzel, who owns Peach Brandy Cottage with his wife Caroline Christie, was the lucky winner of $3,300 Dec. 10 as United Community Bank played host to the chamber’s monthly Business After Hours. The cash drawing has been growing since October 2007 when Chasity Wysotski, of Prudential Georgia Realty, won $1,700. A surprised Metzel said the couple would probably make a few improvements at the wedding facility with their winnings. Sticking with a celebratory theme, local winemakers helped chamber members and guests ring in the holidays and upcoming new year by offering tasting selections of their Georgia wines during the event at the bank. With close to a record number of chamber members and guests, the room quietened as Chamber President Linda Williams and Jay Walker, outgoing chairman of the chamber board, announced a num-
Alan Metzel, far right, was the winner of the chamber’s grand prize cash drawing of $3,300 during the December Business After Hours at United Community Bank. ber of door prizes before the grand prize drawing. For guiding the chamber in 2009, United Community Bank President James Askew presented Walker with a gift basket full of breakfast goodies. Askew said the chamber is stronger with Walker’s input and leadership. “I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for Jay Walker since I’ve known him,” said Askew. “He not only manages one of the county’s largest businesses, he is a tireless volunteer. My Mama always told me to leave things better than you found them. Jay passed her test.” Mike Underwood will
be sworn in as chairman of the board on Jan. 22 at the chamber’s annual banquet. The chamber’s next after hours event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge. Food Lion will cosponsor the evening’s affairs, which will conclude with a new cash prize drawing. With Metzel taking home the cash last month, the January pot will start at $200. The winner must be present to win. The chamber would like to thank the following contributors to the monthly cash prize drawing: Sharon Reagan with AFLAC, James Askew at United Community Bank,
Photos/Michele Hester
Kara Hewatt, left, and Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams draw names for door prizes during the December Business After Hours at United Community Bank. Larry Anderson of Anderson Family Medicine, Mike Downs of R&D Caulking, Denny Putlak with Denny Insurance Group, Kristie Myers of the Norton Agency and Ann Grizzle with Van Keith Insurance. The chamber would also like to thank you United Community Bank, AFLAC, CitruSolution of Dawson and Lumpkin counties, Food Lion, Bella Sol Salon, Ashlyn’s Attic, Paul
Thomas Chocolates and Forrest Hills Day Spa, among others, who
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
donated door prizes for last month’s business after hours event.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010 • Page 5
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M E M B E R S
Manufacturing plant named in top 10 michele@dawsonnews.com
For the second consecutive year, Nordson in Dawsonville was named one of 2009’s top manufacturing plants in the nation. The plant was ranked in the top 10 in Industry Week magazine’s annual competition, which salutes plants on the leading edge of manufacturing and encourages managers and work teams to emulate the honorees by adopting world-class practices, technologies and improvement strategies. Industry giants like General Electric and Boeing have also received the award in the past. The Dawsonville plant, which ranked in the top 20 in 2008, produces products used in the manufacturing of adhesives for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products and in food, beverage and consumer product labeling. Jim DeVries, vice president of Nordson’s North America adhesive dispensing system, described the recognition as a “fantastic accomplishment and a commitment from everyone in the company for continued improvement.” The award, he said, came in the company’s toughest year. “In spite of 2009, we learned a lot of valuable lessons,” he said.
❞
By Michele Hester
In spite of 2009, we learned a lot of valuable lessons. Jim DeVries, vice president of Nordson
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Nordson Corporation is one of the world’s leading producers of precision dispensing equipment that applies adhesives, sealants and coatings to a broad range of consumer and industrial products during manufacturing operations. Developement Authority of Dawson County Executive Director Charlie Auvermann said that citizens need to remember that Nordson adds to the national effort to promote products “Built in America,” and provides jobs for Dawson County and helps keep resident’s property taxes lower than they might otherwise be. “The development authority ... is very pleased that Nordson continues to call Dawson County home,” said Auvermann. Headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, Nordson has more than 4,100 employees worldwide, and direct operations and sales support offices in 32 countries.
Photos/Michele Hester
Nordson Quality Control Technician Kevin McGrath looks for inconsistencies in a machine applicator body at the Dawsonville plant. Left, Cedric Titus, a machinist, moves the sharp edges for a machined applicator body. Right, Tracy Manders assembles a machined applicator body.
Page 6 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
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BIDEN from 1
Prior to an announcement regarding federal stimulus funding Dec. 17, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden toured Impulse Manufacturing in Dawson County with company president Ron Baysden and Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Chamber Chronicle readers Do you have a recent success story to share about your business? Did you, an employee or your business recently receive an award, increase sales, secure a new contract, complete an expansion, buy new equipment or anything else that would encourage other business owners? We want to hear your Good News stories and share them with our Chamber Chronicle readers! Perhaps you have an innovative idea to share about what you are planning that will make 2010 better. Let us hear from you. Call the chamber of commerce at (706) 265-6278, or e-mail editor@dawsonnews.com.
❞
Sara Guevara DCN regional staff
County Development Authority. Federal dollars will fund $33.5 million of the project. Auvermann said the North Georgia Network is moving right along, and will progress greatly into 2010. “It is moving ahead as rapidly as possible,” Auvermann said. “We expect funding to start flowing pretty quickly. We expect to be able to start design and engineering work in the next few months, and from there we’ll go to bid for the various mechanical parts and begin purchasing equipment.” Rep. Amos Amerson, who is the liaison between state government and the North Georgia Network agency, said funding of the network is “the biggest thing to happen to North Georgia in several generations. “It will provide more opportunities for high-tech companies to locate in North Georgia and provide higherpaying jobs to people who live in North Georgia. It’s a winwin for everybody.” According to Amerson, the federal government is providing about 75 percent of the dollars needed to fund the network. During his visit, Biden said companies like Dawson County’s Impulse Manufacturing, among others, will benefit from the network. “Right now, Impulse is relying on slow Internet access that can’t handle customer requirements all the time,” Biden said. “E-mails bounce back to the customer. This forces major customers...to look around at other businesses. They may take their business elsewhere.
It will provide more opportunities for high-tech companies to locate in North Georgia and provide higherpaying jobs to people who live in North Georgia. It’s a win-win for everybody. - Rep. Amos Amerson
❞ Well, with broadband access that’s all going to change.” Impulse Manufacturing President Ron Baysden said the business could indeed benefit from faster and better Internet speeds. “So much information has to be transmitted,” Baysden said. “We’ve got to get away from slow mail to make it happen, and there’s just so much data moving that it curtails the ability to handle the markets.” Before finishing, Baysden added his gratitude for the vice-presidential visit. “We are so excited that we were picked for this announcement,” Baysden said. “There has been much talk about helping businesses, particularly the small, family owned business, and here today we’re going to see some of this talk turned into some real action.”
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010 • Page 7
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High-speed networks heading for the hills By Jessica Jordan DCN regional staff
Gov. Sonny Perdue visited North Georgia College & State University Jan. 5 to award a $2.5 million grant from the OneGeorgia Authority to pave the way for the area’s electronic super highway. Perdue, who is chairman of the OneGeorgia Authority, presented the check to local governments in Dawson, Lumpkin, Union and White counties. The funds augment the $33 million in federal stimulus funds U.S. Vice President Joe Biden announced on Dec. 17 that will support a 260mile broadband Internet network throughout 12
counties, including Forsyth. The state grant accompanies public and private contributions to complete the local 20 percent match required to tap the federal funds, said OneGeorgia Executive Director Nancy Cobb. David Potter, president of North Georgia College & State University, said the school’s partnership with local governments and private electrical membership corporations facilitated the $42 million project. “This project holds the promise of transforming our region’s economic base and prospects for the future,” he said. “... This initiative, I think, represents the coming of age for North Georgia.”
Potter said the increased connectivity will allow the university to expand its online distance learning courses in nursing and foreign languages. The governor said the network will benefit health care and businesses, as well as 82 public schools and six other colleges. Perdue, who has promoted high-speed Internet access throughout the state since 2006, said the North Georgia Network initiative means jobs and infrastructure for a more prosperous rural North Georgia. He said broadband Internet connectivity is to the 21st century what electricity was to the 20th century. The network lays the foundation for business
leaders to see the mountainous areas of the state as viable locations from which to do business worldwide. “This year we’ll see some impact from the j o b s ,” P e r d u e s a i d . “That will be minor compared to the longterm jobs we’ll see.” Greg Richardson, a managing partner of the Alpharetta broadband consulting firm Civitium, estimates the initiative will bring 800 fiber optic cable-laying jobs to the area over the next two years. Although it is not clear how long it will take stakeholders to process grant agreements with the federal government, Richardson said work on laying the cable could begin by April.
Sara Guevara DCN regional staff
Gov. Sonny Perdue listens as North Georgia College & State University President David Potter talks about the North Georgia Network fiber optic initiative.
Chamber members prepare for ‘Wonderful Night’ Annual event set for Jan. 22 By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
Organizers are finishing preparations for the annual Dawson County Chamber of Commerce gala, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Lakeview Center. “It’s coming along good,” said Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams. “It’s a
little more challenging to put together, since it’s earlier this year.” Williams said work on the annual event, which is usually held in February, is being done by a special committee which continues to meet regularly to prepare. “They’re working hard at making Lakeview Center reflect our theme,” she said. This year’s theme is “It’s a Wonderful Night-a Black
and White Ball.” The gala gives guests the chance to sport their “Sunday best or better,” Williams said. The gathering gives the chamber a chance to honor members in the categories of business leader, volunteer and entrepreneur of the year. Staff will also present the chairman’s award. Ceremonies begin with live music, and guests can mingle for about 30 minutes before dinner is served. Williams said that dinner reserva-
tions come with two complimentary drink tickets. A silent auction will also be held at the event. “We will ask members that would like to showcase either their product or service or just want to get their name out there, they can donate items,” Williams said. Proceeds from sales of the items will go into the chamber’s general operating budget. Williams said the gala is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. “It’s through the gen-
The following businesses have donated items for the auction at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce gala: Lava Hair Studio, Painted Lady Enterprises, Paul Thomas Chocolates, Byrd’s Mini Storage, Sojourn Tours, Platinum Scissors, The Nail Station, Mario’s Hair Studio, Scrubs & Things, Dawson County Library, Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Dawson County Arts Council, Gainesville State College, Uncle Shucks, CitruSolution, Fastsigns and Brogdon CPA. erosity of our members that it’s successful,” she said. “We hope to have another wonderful event this year.” Members can buy a
single-seating ticket for $75 or a table for eight for $550. For more information, call (706) 265-6278 or visit www.dawson.org.
Page 8 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010 • Page 9
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Page 10 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Davis tutors GED hopefuls United Way By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Kathy Davis heads up Lanier Technical College’s Adult Learning Center, where she and fellow staff help those seeking to prepare for the GED. Adult learning center instructors teach math, english and reading skills and evaluate each student’s progress. Davis, a Forsyth County resident, has been working for Lanier Tech since 2003. She is lead instructor and oversees volunteer instructors in the progam. She said helping students study for the diploma takes a caring individual. “You’ve got to care about the
Davis
one,” she said. Anyone 16 or older who is not currently in high school is eligible to pursue their GED. Preparation classes at the center include reading comprehension, essay, science, social studies and math. “Most of our volunteers who teach these classes live right here in the community,” she said. “These volunteers just want to come and offer the knowledge they have acquired over the years.” For more information about the Adult Learning Center at the Dawson County Campus of Lanier Technical College, visit www.laniertech.edu, or call (706) 265-1690.
people here,” she said. ‘You’ve got to have the knowledge they need in order to pass the test, but the main thing is the attitude and the desire to help people that come
to you. “They’re not a number,” she added. “They’re a person, and they have a need.” Davis said the center administers the GED test every other month at the Dawson County Campus of Lanier Technical College. The fee to take the exam is $95, “but we have assistance for that if it’s a problem for any-
Relay For Life kick-off end of month From staff reports
The Relay for Life kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Dawsonville Muncipal Complex. It is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Dawson County’s local Relay for Life chapter. Those interested in participating can contact the local American
bered. For more information about the event, visit www.dawsoncountyrelay.com, call the American Cancer Society at (770) 297-11767 ext. 23, or e-mail dawsoncountyrelay@gmail.com. Those interested may also register online at www.dawsoncountyrelay.com to receive information about Relay for Life events.
Cancer Society or Relay for Life Dawson County for more information. The Relay for Life event is scheduled for May 21-22 at Dawson County High School. A Luminaria Ceremony will be held on May 21. Organizers of the Luminaria Ceremony will have a computer presentation with the names and pictures of those honored or remem-
December totals
fundraiser is set for Jan. 14 By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
Local restaurants will be participating in a dining-out fundraiser that gives back a percentage of money spent Jan. 14. According to local board member Kara Hewatt, “Dine the United Way” is a first for the Dawson County organization, which supports 13 health and human service agencies locally. “United Way in other counties have tried it, and I don’t know if they’ve done it on this scale before, because we’re asking a lot of restaurants to participate,” Hewatt said. She added that final numbers on participating restaurants had not come in as of press time, but the organization has asked 19 restaurants to
donate between 10 and 25 percent of profits for the daylong effort. “It brings business to these restaurants,” she said. “We’re hoping to bring them support and advertising through this. “It doesn’t just help United Way. People get to go out and enjoy themselves, have some family time together and support United Way at the same time,” she said. Taylor Wallace, a fellow board member, agreed. “We thought it would be a good way for restaurants to help out our campaign, which ends Jan. 31,” Wallace said, adding that the organization is “a little short” of the planned $100,000 community-wide goal. For more information, visit www.unitedwayforsyth.com/dawson_cou nty.php.
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Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010 • Page 11
New members Blue Pay Processing LLC Chrissie Hartman (770) 670-7950 3599 Marconi Drive Ste. 203 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Category: Credit Card Processing chartman@bluepay.com www.LanierToday.com J.T. and Dawn Trinkle (770) 561-7946 P.O. Box 68
Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Advertising and Promotions contact@jht1.com Keller Williams Legacy Group Mary Catherine Warholic (770) 597-2919 671 Lumpkin Campground Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Real Estate buyga@realestatewarholic.com
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Special thanks to the following members that renewed in September Keller Williams - Silver City Group
• Congratulations to Etowah Water and Sewer Authority employee Dolly Pendley for being named manager of the year and Sonny Simmons for being named employee of the year. • Congratulations to Nordson in Dawsonville for being named one of 2009's top manufacturing plants in the nation for the second consecutive year. • 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.
Property Investment Associates
Page 12 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
C H A M B E R
M E M B E R S
Chamber names top ambassadors By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
As 2009 came to a close, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program recognized its top volunteers during a breakfast Dec. 15. Ambassador co-chairs Denny Putlak and Carol Tyger presented awards of appreciation to Kim Turner, Susan McBerry, Lori Lewis, Ed Combs and Clint Bearden. “It’s all volunteer,” said Putlak. “They’re not getting paid, yet they go out and try to welcome new members and current members
to the community and at the chamber events. It’s a benefit to the chamber and the community and shows what big hearts they have.” One of the five will be named the chamber’s Ambassador of the Year at the annual banquet Jan. 22 to be held at the Lakeview Center. The 2010 Ambassador of the Year will then serve as the chairman of the ambassadors during the next year. Also recognized during the ambassador’s December meeting was Bernie Meehan, who received the inaugural
Spirit Award. Meehan joined the ambassadors mid-year and immediately stepped up to the plate by volunteering at various chamber functions in the short time since joining. “The Spirit Award was created this year to honor someone who maybe was not with the program the entire year, but came on strong,” said Putlak, adding the award is designed to encourage the recipient to continue with the program. “Bernie has always stepped up when we ask for help. She always says yes,” Putlak said.
Photo/Submitted
Chamber names top ambassadors of 2009.
Ambassador Spotlight By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
In a week and a half, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will announce its Ambassador of the Year from a slate of five volunteers recognized by the chamber in December. The top ambassador will serve as a chairperson for the Ambassador Program in 2010. Carol Tyger and Denny Putlak cochaired the program in 2009 and offer a few words of encouragement to those who will fill their shoes later this month. “When ambassadors volunteer to help out at luncheons, Business After Hours and other events, they get the huge opportunity to meet and greet everyone as they arrive, which helps them network their businesses,” said
Carol Tyger and Denny Putlak Tyger. “That’s how I encourage people to volunteer. Being ambassadors increases the networking opportunities.” Both Tyger and Putlak said they hope to see the program, which has about 15 volunteers, grow and prosper in the year to come. “I want to encourage them to continue to personally reach out to both chamber members and non chamber members in the community and continue to make those connections,” said Putlak. “In this age of twittering, facebook and e-mail, those personal con-
Photo /Submitted
Denny Putlak, left, and Carol Tyger. nections mean so much more.” Earlier this year, Putlak and Tyger instituted a new initiative in the ambassador program in which each ambassador would make personal, face-to-face contacts throughout the community and document the meet-
ings. The team also incorporated a monthly sponsorship into the group’s breakfast meeting, which gave chamber members an opportunity to showcase their business in a short presentation for the group. “Their $75 sponsorship helped defray the cost to provide food for the meetings and also helped supplement the monthly active military care package we started sending last year,” Putlak said. Breakfast sponsorships are now available in 2010. To register to sponsor an ambassador breakfast or for more information about the program, call (706) 265-6278. And be sure to be at the banquet on Jan. 22 to see who will be named the chamber’s Ambassador of the Year.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010 • Page 13
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Basketball stuntmen to put on a show By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
One Dawson County resident is asking local basketball wizards to unite for a fundraiser exhibition game of hoops against a nationallyknown traveling team of athletic stuntmen and women. 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, having 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.” The Dawson County 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. To sign up to play basketball at the fundraiser, contact Will Wade at (706) 216-5942.
Dawson County resident Will Wade is helping organize a charity basketball tournament at Dawson County High School Feb. 26. File photo
Authority recognizes staff members
National bulletin touts DCHS
Etowah Water and Sewer Authority Employee Dolly Pendley was named manager of the year by fellow staff last month. Pendley, a 13year employee of the authority said the key to success is "being self-motivated and down-to-earth." Fellow employee Sonny Simmons was named employee of the year last month. Simmons has worked for the authority's operations department for 20 years.
By Frank Reddy
A career and technical program at Dawson County High School recently received national attention in an education newsletter that promotes academic performance. The high school’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program has played a role in helping raise the school’s graduation rate in the past nine years, according to adviser Neil Harrison. November’s article featured in the “High Schools That Work” newsletter contained information about Harrison and the program. Harrison said the strength of the program,
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Photo/Frank Reddy
frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
We want to give them a chance to study what they want to do for the rest of their lives ... what they may be interested in. Neil Harrison, DCHS adviser
which helps students shape a career pathway, lies in the motivation it creates for young people. “It gives our students something tangible to shoot for,” Harrison said. “We want to give them a chance to study what they want to do for the rest of their lives ... what they may be interested in. “The bottom line is, no matter how much education they get, it
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needs to be preparing them for some sort of career choice,” he added. DCHS offers students seven CTAE programs with a total of 15 recommended career pathways. The programs are agriculture, automotive service technology, business education, engineering and technology, family and consumer science, healthcare science technology, marketing and management.
Page 14 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
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Youth show the spirit of the season By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Wal-Mart and KARE for Kids to give Christmas to 23 local youth last month in the sheriff’s annual Shop with a Cop event. Now in its fourth year, the annual shopping trip is just as much anticipated by the officers as it is by the children participating. “It’s fun to go out and watch the kids. Especially the ones that are as thoughtful as can be and spend all their money on their family,” Wooten said. “That always touches you when you give a kid $100 to buy whatever they want and they spend it every bit on someone else.” Megan Norris, 17, did just that. For her Christmas is more about giving than receiving, the
Dawson County Sheriff's deputy Stan Harrison watches as Billy Cronan, 13, demonstrates a karate move from a video game he planned to buy before Christmas. Sisters Jadin and Tianna Cronan also participated in the fourth annual Shop with a Cop event.
teen said, as she stood in line to buy presents for everyone in her family. “Well, I got myself a pair of pajamas, but I’m probably going to give them to my sister,” Norris said. “That’s what Christmas is about.” Selfless attitudes like Norris’ is what makes Shop with a Cop so rewarding, said sheriff’s Lt. Tony Wooten. Children are recommended to the program by KARE for Kids, a local non-profit agency that provides Christmas to Dawson County children in need, and other agencies in the county. Wal-Mart, KARE for Kids and the sheriff ’s office made the shopping trip possible by donating the gift cards. Angela Voyles, the mother of four sons between the ages of seven and 14, said she doesn’t know how she would be
able to give her children Christmas without Shop with a Cop. “This really means a lot to us, and so much to my boys,” she said. Hunter Voyles’ big blue eyes lit up as the 9year-old held up his gift card and beamed. “I’ve never had $100 to spend before,” he said. Community policing programs, such as Shop with a Cop are part of Sheriff Billy Carlisle’s ongoing effort to create meaningful youth programs in Dawson County and give back to the community, Wooten said. “This gives the kids an opportunity to see the police are not bad, even if the only other contact they have with the police has been negative,” Wooten said. “And our officers have so much fun interacting with the kids and seeing how excited they get.”
Photos/Michele Hester
Hunter and Brad Voyles looked at toys in December at the Dawsonville Wal-Mart with Dawson County Sheriff's Lt. Tony Wooten during the department's annual Shop with a Cop event.
Olens to speak at luncheon From staff reports
He is also vice chair of the Metropolitan North Lunch with the Chamber is Georgia Water Planning scheduled for noon Jan. 14 at District, a 16-county planLakeview Center, where ning entity dedicated to Atlanta Regional Commission developing comprehensive Chairman Sam Olens will be regional and watershed-spethe guest speaker. cific plans for the district. Olens is also the chairman Olens The Lakeview Center is of the five-member Cobb located at 2057 Dawson County Board of CommisForest Road, Dawsonville. sioners. For more information, call the He was elected Chairman of the chamber at (706) 265-6278 or visit Atlanta Regional Commission in visit www.dawson.org. Dec. 2004.
Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010 • Page 15
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Dawson County Chamber of Commerce 2010 board of directors James Askew United Community Bank P.O. Box 159 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-3232 Brooke Anderson (ex-officio) Etowah Water & Sewer Authority 1162 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-6168 Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio) Development Authority of Dawson County Executive Director P.O. Box 299 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-8761 Jennifer Baker United Community Bank P.O. Box 159 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-3232 Calvin Byrd (ex-officio) Byrd's Mini Storage 5040A Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-4470 Kahty Fuller - Treasurer K.C. Fuller & Associates P.O. Box 1096 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-4806 Keith Porter (ex-officio)
Dawson County Schools P.O. Box 208 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-3246 Mike Berg (ex-officio) Dawson County Board of Commissioners Chairman 78 Howard Avenue East Suite 100 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Peter Hill Hill Design Associates Architects 436 Academy Avenue Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 531-9998 John Jordan (Individual Member) 119 Winterhawk Cove Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-2527 Warren King (Individual Member) 1038 Chestatee Point Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-4306 Kristie Myers - 2008 Chairman Norton Agency Ga. 400 and Settendown Road Settendown Village (706) 429-6800 Denny Putlak Denny Insurance Group 42 Grant Road East Dawsonville, GA 30534
(706) 216-1750 Rhonda Tower Tower Automotive 6198 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-1321 Carol Tyger (Ambassador representative) 131 Robert Houser Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-7006 Mike Underwood (Chairman) First Citizens Bank of Georgia P.O. Box 809 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-5900 Jay Walker - 2009 Chairman Kroger 6625 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-5500 Linda Williams (ex-officio) Dawson County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 299 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278 Stephanie Womack 2011 Chair-elect Chestatee State Bank 6639 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-2265
Page 16 • Dawson Chamber Chronicle • January 2010
“A very special thanks goes to Chestatee State Bank. A talented group of truly service oriented people who creatively take dreams and make a fantastic reality possible. They have always helped us pursue our passion which is taking care of you. With a leader like Mr. Philip Hester, you know its going to be a win-win situation.” Dr. Matthew Dunford & Dr. Michelle Morrow Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry “We have been banking with Chestatee State Bank since 1998. They have truly made banking more efficient for us, by providing the most up to date banking technologies, including remote deposit and a variety of user friendly online banking interfaces. Their customer service is just as extraordinary. They have always met all of our needs, and more. It has been a blessing to have been partnered with Chestatee State Bank for the last 11 years.”
“Chestatee State Bank provided personal service from their President, Philip Hester, my initial business loans and second mortgage, reliable banking service for business and personal accounts and friendly, prompt service on all occasions. Their Financial Advisory services and ancillary banking services have been handy and useful, their staff friendly and courteous at all times. I have used them exclusively for my business over the past 7 years since our start up.” Dr. Gary Berliner Chestatee Emergent Care
Drs. Craig and Wendy Harris Harris Family Dentistry
Main Office, Hwy. 53 & 400 • (706) 216-BANK With locations in downtown Dawsonville, Keith Bridge Commons-Cumming & Marble Hill