Edition Highlights: Community loses visionary in Cox Hollywood movie filming in Dawson Big Canoe hosts business after hours Voters approve Sunday sales
March 2012 Post Office Box 299 292 Hwy. 400, North Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Gala a success
Honors chamber members By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Passengers set sail aboard the USS Dawson March 2 to celebrate the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 accomplishments to honor individuals for their contributions to the community. Linda Williams, president of the chamber, said the evening’s award recipients represent individuals who rise to the top as volunteers and leaders in the community.
“Volunteers are who make this organization run,” she said. Peter Hill was recognized as the chamber’s Volunteer of the Year for his contributions to Leadership Dawson, a program he co-chairs. “As we go about our business in the chamber and our business in the community, the decisions we have to make are not always very easy, but they’re always interesting,” he said. “What I can say about the chamber and the See GALA | 3
Chelsea Thomas Dawson Community News
Vickie Hood accepted the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for CitruSolution during the chamber gala earlier this month. Hood and her husband, Jay, own the business.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Jennifer Baker
It’s time to start your economic engines “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” That’s a great analogy for Spring, but if it also describes your business, then my friend, you have got a problem. It’s easy to get fired up in the beginning of something, whether it is a new purchase, relationship or business ven-
ture. But as the newness fades, sometimes the fire goes. If you are feeling out of fire in your job, then it’s time to start your engines. Now is the time to venture out, explore new ideas, go where no man has gone before. Think big. If you open your mind, there are opportuni-
ties all around us. There are also tools all around us that can help get you there — like the upcoming “Max Money” class brought to you by your chamber of commerce and the Gainesville Small Business Development Center. The five-part series, that
begins May 2, is designed to “help you develop financial strategies that will propel your business to the next level.” Talk about starting your engines. Or, is there something specific you are looking for? Call the chamber — if we aren’t currently offering it, we’ll work
toward getting it for you. And one Baker more sign of growth you’ll see this spring is our upcoming Job Fair in April (date TBD). See ECONOMIC | 2
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president’s message
linda williams
Red Tape Watch initiative has begun Are there state regulations that are burdensome to your business? Are there regulations that consume an undue amount of time, thus making you less productive and less prosperous? Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston has initiated the Red Tape Watch initiative. This is designed to give business owners, particularly small business owners, an avenue of communication directly to the state about your experiences with red tape in state government. “As I have traveled the state this year and met with small business owners, I have heard over and over again of their experiences dealing with oppressive and
burdensome government regulations and red tape,” Ralston said. “This Williams is a situation we cannot tolerate as our state recovers from the economic downturn and positions itself to be even more competitive in economic development.” Speaker Ralston has charged the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation, created in 2010, with review of this situation. “Government needs to be reviewed often, and burdensome or onerous state regulations that are on the books that may be outdated or unnecessary should be
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Economic Just like the daffodils, our businesses are growing too. If firing up your engines is going to require a few more crew members, contact us and we’ll help you get involved. As you begin looking at ways to rev up your engines, one thing you may notice is that Dawson County is also starting its engines — its “economic” engines. Your Dawsonville City Council is currently working on a grant for a sewer project that will help local companies expand and add new jobs. Our county commissioners just celebrated the opening of the new Dawson County Government Center — a sign of growth to those around us. Etowah Water and Sewer Authority has unveiled new
‘Government needs to be reviewed often, and burdensome or onerous state regulations that are on the books that may be outdated or unnecessary should be cut.’
me informed as well about your experience with state regulations and local regulations as well. Working together we can make changes that move us in the right direction.
I look forward to seeing you at a chamber event soon. If you are not a member already, won’t you join us?
Sean Jerguson Representative
cut.” said Rep. Sean Jerguson who serves on the committee. “This process will help us identify opportunities to help create an economic environment that fosters job creation and is conducive to the growth of small businesses throughout the state. This is a great step in the right direction, as was passing the ‘Sunset’ legislation that allows us to review government agencies and bureaucracy periodically.”
Small business owners who would like to participate in this may fill out a form to voice their concerns at www. house.ga.gov/redtapewatch. You will be given the option of speaking in person to the committee. I have spoken to Speaker Ralston personally about this initiative and he has asked me to personally encourage those of you who are being affected to participate in this opportunity. If you would, keep
incentives to get businesses up and out of the ground. The development authority is talking with potential new businesses daily to help get them to bring jobs to our county. And the chamber is busy lobbying to get bills introduced and passed at the state to increase our revenue potential. All around us, our county, Dawson County, is revving up its economic engines. If you are a new business just getting started, don’t let off the gas. If you’ve been around the track a time or two and are now coasting, then you need to fire those engines back up. Take a page from our hometown hero, “Awesome Bill” Elliott — it’s never too late to fire up the engines and drive to success. Jennifer Baker Chairwoman
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce 2012 Board of Directors James Askew United Community Bank
Gwen Kellar Chick-fil-A
Brooke Anderson (ex-officio) Etowah Water and Sewer Authority
Andrew J. Leavitt, PhD North Georgia College & State University
Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio) Development Authority of Dawson County, executive director Jennifer Baker (2012 chair) United Community Bank Mike Berg (ex-officio) Dawson County Board of Commissioners Carla Boutin State Farm Insurance Doris Cook Etowah Water and Sewer Authority James Grogan (ex-officio) Dawsonville City Council
Stephanie Mathis (2011 chair) Bank of the Ozarks Kristie Myers The Norton Agency Keith Porter (ex-officio) Dawson County schools Denny Putlak Denny Insurance Group Vernon Smith Lakeview Center of Dawson County Carol Tyger Ambassador representative Mike Underwood (2010 chairman) First Citizens Bank of Georgia
Kathy Fuller K.C. Fuller and Associates
Linda Williams (ex-officio) Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Peter Hill (2014 chair) Hill Design Associates Architects
Gloria Wyatt (2013 chair-elect) Northside HospitalForsyth
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calendar of events March March 17:The Veterans Affairs of Dawson County will be having a pancake breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. in the Community & Southern Bank community room in downtown Dawsonville. Tickets are $5 each.The money will go towards the group’s efforts to honor veterans and active military through Memorial Day Service, Veterans Day Celebration, Walk of Honor and Serenity Garden at Veterans Memorial Park and theTree of Honor at Dawson Community News. For more information, call Pam Hamalainen at (678) 432-3823.Tickets will also be available at the door.Thanks to Community & Southern Bank for being the location sponsor and to Walmart for being the breakfast sponsor. March 23: United Community Bank will be holding its annual spaghetti dinner, at the Ga. 400 branch, to benefit Relay for Life. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (706) 265-3232. March 24: Chestatee Regional Library will present the Great Dawson County Scavenger Hunt. Anyone interested in being a team, contact Stacey Leonhardt at (706) 344-3690. March 27: Small and home-based businesses will host Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. at the chamber office. Members interested in hosting can contact Pam Hamalainen at (706) 265-6278. There is enough space for 10 small/home-based businesses. Spaces will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.The hosting fee is $50, plus each member will provide a food tray. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors: Anderson Family Medicine – Dr. Larry Anderson,The Norton Agency – Kristie Myers and United Community Bank – James Askew. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn.
April April 12:The chamber luncheon will be at noon at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road. Administrative professionals will be recognized. For more information or to register, visit www. dawson.org. April 14: RacingToward Literacy Dinner and Dance hosted by Reading Education Association of Dawson County benefitting READ and its literacy projects.The event will be held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame/Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Highway 53 East. Music will be provided byThe BC Boys.The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. A donation of $30 per person will be accepted for admission. For more information, contact Sandy Lipkowitz at (706) 579-1771, readdawson@yahoo.com or call Fran Brodman at (407) 744-4229.
Community loses visionary in Cox By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
There’s no question that Dawsonville Mayor Joe Lane Cox loved his community. “He loved Dawsonville and he loved Dawson County,” said longtime friend Sandy Ward. “He was always so proud to be a resident here, so proud of the history and so proud to give back.” Cox died March 9 at the age of 72. First elected mayor in November 2003, he was serving his third term at the time of his death. Prior to being elected mayor, Cox served as Dawson County Sole Commissioner from 1981 to 1992. He also served as the county’s probate judge in the late ’70s for three years. Cox was sole commissioner when he presented what was then considered a controversial plan for
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Gala leadership group in particular is I’m honored to be part of it.” The chamber also presented awards for ambassador, business leader, and entrepreneur of the year during the ceremony. Brooke Anderson, general manager at Etowah Water and Sewer Authority, was named business leader of the year for his “cutting edge ideas and pursuit of excellence.” Anderson called the recognition a humbling experience that he shared with the authority board of directors and staff. “As we sit here tonight, we’re looking into the future…we’ll move forward to do our part to help this community grow, prosper so that our children and grandchildren can have a place to live, work and play right here at home in Dawson
zoning designations in the county. “People didn’t like that because they were being told what they could or could not do with their propCox erty,” Ward said. “But Joe Lane had a vision that controlled where the business areas, farming areas and residential areas should be in the county. He was a true visionary. He paved the road for so much of the development we enjoy today in Dawson County.” Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams said Cox had a gift “for seeing what was possible for our community if the right groundwork was laid in preparation.” “Dawsonville, our region and our state has lost a great leader,” she said. “He knew everyone needed
to accept the fact that growth would come no matter what we did or did not do. He said it was our responsibility as a community to prepare and guide the growth so that it would be of a positive and quality nature.” His work and vision were recognized many times throughout his political career locally, across the region and at the state level. Ward said Cox left many legacies, but was probably the most proud of having the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Ga. 400 named in his honor. “That really touched him. There was a ceremony and I remember him saying he was undeserving of such an honor. He was very proud of that legacy,” she said. City Councilman Calvin Byrd called his passing “a tremendous loss for the city of Dawsonville.”
County,” he said. Small business owners Jay and Vickie Hood were awarded entrepreneur of the year. “I’m totally blown away. This is a total surprise and shock. We put our heart and soul into everything we do,” said Vickie Hood, who owns CitruSolution, a carpet cleaning business with her husband. Steve Melching was selected as the chamber’s Ambassador of the Year. The gala was the last official order of business for 2011 chamber board chair Stephanie Mathis, who passed the chairmanship to Jennifer Baker for 2012. “It’s been a great year and I’ve made a lot of good memories,” Mathis said. As outgoing chair, Mathis presented Doris Cook with the chairman’s award for her involvement not only in the chamber but throughout the county.
“This is one of the best things that’s happened to me in a very long time,” Cook said. Cook serves on the chamber’s board of directors, the Dawson County School Board, Family Connection and Dawson County Against Substance Abuse, to name a few. In its 21st year, the gala is an annual event that serves not only as a time to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses, but also as the chamber’s largest fundraising event of the year. The chamber would like to thank event sponsors North Georgia College & State University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Forsyth, Wanda G. Stephens Prime Property, the committee to re-elect Sheriff Billy Carlisle and State Senator Steve Gooch. The chamber would also like to thank all the businesses and individuals that made donations to the gala’s silent auction.
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Library prepares to host countywide scavenger hunt By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnews.com
Chelsea Thomas Dawson Community News
Chamber members Dr. Larry Anderson, from left, and Tommy Hosea stand with guest Laurel Mackenzie at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce business after hours last month.
Business after hours event at Big Canoe By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnew.com
Big Canoe’s Clubhouse at Lake Sconti opened its gates to the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s membership last month as it hosted Business After Hours. Chamber members and guests were treated to views of the mountains at sunset. Linda Williams, chamber president, thought the event was a great opportunity for members to network, while enjoying Big Canoe’s facilities. “We enjoyed coming here and we thank you for having us,” Williams said. “I heard so many people looking out the windows and being in awe at God’s handiwork.” Big Canoe Marketing Director Gordon Breen said their staff welcomes Dawson County chamber members and was delighted to host the meeting. “Big Canoe is a community, but it is also a vacation resort. It is the natu-
ral choice for events,” he said. “With soaring mountain views, we are a facility that is flexible and can assist any size group.” Jim Sanfilippo, chamber member and marketing director for Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, thinks business after hours events are great for networking. “I think it’s always a great place to meet other business people in the community,” he said. At the end of the event the chamber’s cash drawing for $550 was announced, but the recipient wasn’t in attendance. The money will roll over to next month’s meeting. The drawing is sponsored by chamber members who contribute monthly to the pot. Chamber members must be present to win the cash prize. Other awards were raffled from various local businesses and organizations. The event was hosted by Big Canoe POA and HOA and Smoke Signals.
The local library will present its annual Great Dawson County Scavenger Hunt later this month. The event will act as a fundraiser for the library while letting participants explore the county, participate in community outreach and interact with local businesses. The event will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 24. “The scavenger hunt basically gives people an opportunity to learn about the community in a fun and intricate way and it helps support the library in the process,” said branch manager Stacey Leonhardt. The winning scavenger hunt team also has the opportunity to win $1,000. To register a four-member team, the fee is $100. A car and a digital camera are needed. According to Leonhardt, the scavenger hunt is also a great way for longtime residents to learn something new about the community. “We had several teams comment last year that they didn’t know we had a recycling center or what Lumpkin Campground is all about,” she said.
‘The scavenger hunt basically gives people an opportunity to learn about the community in a fun and intricate way and it helps support the library in the process.’ Stacey Leonhardt Library manager
For those who want to be involved, or want their business to be spotlighted, sponsorships are also available. For $200 an event sponsor will have their logo and company name displayed on all
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
publicity and their business will be designated as a location for the hunt. “Anyone who is a sponsor is a stopping ground for the scavenger hunt. Those sponsors get to say what they want participants to do when they are there,” Leonhardt said. For a company who does not want to be a stopping point, but still wants to support the event they can be a prize sponsor for $25. Leonhardt anticipates the event will have a great turn out and will exhibit great community pride. “[Participants] will definitely be getting a work out, getting around in the community and know what we are all about,” she said. Visit the Dawson County Library for more information or go to www.chestateelibrary.org. All proceeds help purchase books and materials for the library.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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Senior center to get elevator By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Riley Mason, 8, Bailey Mason, 11, Charli Shepeard, 12, and Dustin Ray, 12, representing Etowah Water and Sewer Authority took a plunge in the lake Feb. 18 for childhood literacy.
Lake plunge raises $3,500 for literacy By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
The water in Lake Lanier was a brisk 49 degrees when dozens of supporters took a polar bear-style plunge for preschool literacy in Dawson County. The second annual WEE Books Leap for Literacy, held Feb. 18, raised an estimated $3,500 that will be used to provide about 100 local preschool children with books. “We want to thank everybody for coming out and sponsoring us today,” said Bob Inman, a WEE Books Community Action Team member. “It’s a real credit to our community to see the turnout we had.” Students, teachers and staff from Robinson Elementary School contributed nearly $900 to the total. They were recognized for the donation
after four faculty members jumped into Lanier. Team and individual awards were given for best leap, most creative costumes and funniest performance, among others. Dressed as the popular children’s book character Little Red Riding Hood, Robinson Assistant Principal Kim Bennett said WEE Books plays a vital role in preparing children for school. “We believe in literacy and we believe in getting books in those children’s hands before they come into our school system, so we are so thankful for the work they do,” she said. The organization serves about 700 local children, who receive a free, ageappropriate book each month until their fifth birthday. The group’s goal is to reach 80 percent of local preschoolers.
After numerous fundraising efforts collected nearly $43,000, county commissioners voted in February to cover the remaining balance to install an elevator at the Dawson County Senior Center. “The seniors are going to be so happy. I’m so happy for them,” said Margie Weaver, center director. County Manager Kevin Tanner recommended using an estimated $17,000 being held in the county’s capital project fund to construct the elevator. Opened in 1992, the intention was to have an elevator in the senior center from the beginning. “Early on it was planned that there
would be an elevator at the senior center to access the basement area from the upstairs,” Tanner said. The basement of the senior center is used on a daily basis for various programs, though many seniors cannot physically use the stairs. “They have to physically get into a car and be driven around to either go up or down to the other level. So this is a much needed project,” Tanner said. A community-backed fundraising campaign for the elevator began in 2009 and resulted in the collection of $42,832. “What a great community we have,” Tanner said. Local architect Duane Roof also volunteered to work with the county on a preliminary design at no cost.
Ambassadors tour elections office Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors toured the Dawson County Board of Elections office at 96 Academy Avenue. From left, Carol Tyger, Steve Melching and Glenda Ferguson, chief registrar and Chelsea Thomas Dawson Community News election supervisor, look at informational pamphlets. Chamber Ambassadors are a select group of business men and women who serve as liaisons for the chamber’s membership. The group represents the chamber at many civic functions and its efforts include attending chamber programs and business grand openings, as well as obtaining possible new member leads.
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Chamber honors teachers of the year By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
The county’s top teachers were celebrated last week during the chamber’s monthly luncheon. The chamber honors the Dawson County School System’s teachers of the year annually to show appreciation for their commitment to educate the community’s future leaders. “The people that we’re honoring here today are truly in a calling they’ve chosen. This calling is to produce a finished product,” said Roger Slaton, an active chamber member who serves on the Dawson County Board of Education. “They all come with a desire to be better, a desire to come out of
school a better being. It’s the very essence of what makes our community what it is.” Principals from each of the county’s schools introduced their teacher of the year and talked about the qualities that set those teachers apart. Patience, positive, passionate, helpful, professional, inspiring, dedicated, cheerful and innovative were just a few of the words used to describe the teachers selected among their peers for the designation. Black’s Mill Elementary Kindergarten teacher Kerri Whitmire was named the county’s system-wide teacher of the year. A fourth-generation educator, Whitmire followed in
the footsteps of her grandmothers, mother, aunts, sister and most of her first cousins, who were all teachers. “I’m very honored to be here today. I’m honored that God called me to be a teacher. It’s just a blessing to go to work every day,” she said. Also recognized were: Amy Swafford, Robinson Elementary; Sandra Tankersley, Kilough Elementary; Debbie Boyd, Riverview Elementary; Patrick Johnston, Riverview Middle; Rick Land, Dawson County Middle; and Deneen Trammell, Dawson County High. Whitmire will be eligible for statewide teacher of the year, which will be announced in May.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Dawson County School’s System-Wide Teacher of the Year Kerri Whitmire, left, receives a plaque from Beth Buursema during last week’s chamber luncheon.
Veteran’s Affairs pancake breakfast set for March 17 By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnews.com
Veteran’s Affairs of Dawson County will be offering a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. March 17 at the Community and Southern Bank conference room in downtown Dawsonville. The breakfast offers all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage for $5. In past years, Veteran Affairs has asked for donations to support the Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day celebrations, but this year they are trying to raise funds through public fundraisers. Proceeds from the breakfast will go toward the two celebrations. “It encourages our veterans when the public
attends events like the pancake breakfast,” said Veterans Affairs President Pam Hamalainen. “Dawson County has been great for the past eight years and it’s amazing the support we have been getting here.” Breakfast tickets can be purchased at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce or from any Veteran’s Affairs member. Vice-President Donald Brown thanks the generosity of Walmart for donating the breakfast materials and Community and Southern Bank for providing the use of their community room. For more information about Veterans Affairs or to purchase tickets, contact Hamalainen at (706) 265-6278 or Brown at (706) 2657613.
• Thanks to our sponsors, many chamber members who contributed to the auction, and volunteers who made the 21st annual gala a success! • Improve your skills … take an online class. For more information, visit www.dawson.org. • Are you certified Work Ready? For more information, visit www.gaworkready.org. • Past issues of the Dawson County Chamber Chronicle can be found on the chamber’s Web site, www.dawson.org. • Remember to shop local. Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
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Home Instead Senior Care serves Dawson By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnews.com
Home Instead Senior Care offers one-on-one, around the clock personal assistance to seniors. The five-year-old company services Dawson, Gainesville, Hall, Forsyth and north Gwinnett counties. Their licensed caregivers are professionally trained to assist with personal care, meal preparation, transition, housekeeping and transportation. However, Home Instead caregivers can only offer non-medical assistance under Georgia law, meaning they can remind clients about medications but not issue them. “We cover three basic levels of service,” said Chris Nish, community services manager. “The first is companionship, where we sit with our clients. A lot of that is for our patients who have dementia and Alzheimer’s.” Home Instead takes pride in specialized Alzheimer’s training for their caregivers. “We are training our caregivers to help Alzheimer’s patients remember by building photo books and stuff like that,” Nish said. Home Instead caregivers also act as “home helpers.” “The main ways are through offering transportation and getting groceries. We can help with that for the seniors who would rather stay at home,” he said. However, Nish said a lot of their clients still enjoy getting out with friends and just like to have transportation provided for daily outings “like a hair appointment or going to play cards.” “We actually have a group of men we drive around who call themselves the ‘R.O.M.E.O.’S’ for ‘retired old men eating out.’ They are just characters,” he said.
For the Dawson Community News
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
David Rigg, franchise owner, cuts the ribbon at Home Instead Senior Care in downtown Gainesville. Home Instead serves Dawson and other north Georgia counties.
Ian Cowie, left, presents Clark Beusse with a scrap book of mementos outlining his 30 year career during Beusse’s retirement celebration last month.
The third level of service Home Instead provides is for people who have “recently had an incident like recovering from having surgery or being discharged from the hospital.” According to Nish, Home Instead is different from other senior care services. “In our hiring process we are very thorough. We do full background checks and all our caregivers are licensed and bonded. We also have a slightly larger office staff than our competitors in this area, which allows us to better match our clients and caregivers,” he said. Also, Home Instead is available to client’s needs 24/7 at (770) 534-5880. “If you call us there is going to be someone answering it. We will take care of that need right there,” he said. For more information, visit www. homeinstead.com/678. According to Nish, the company accepts long-term health insurance, private pay or veteran benefits, but does not accept Medicaid or Medicare.
Agent retiring after 30 years By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County’s longtime extension agent Clark Beusse marked the end of his 30 year career last month when friends and family joined him to celebrate his retirement. His last day on the job was Feb. 29. “I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been an excellent career,” he said. “Anytime you can find a job where you’re making a living financially and at the same time find satisfaction in serving others and you enjoy it, what more could you want?” During the 20 years he’s served Dawson County, which followed about a decade in Forsyth and Cherokee counties, Beusse has been active on numerous boards and committees. “I wanted to be involved. As an extension agent, my job is to look at the needs of the county,” he said. “An extension agent needs to get involved in the county to look for things ... you can do to help.”
He was instrumental in developing a leadership program through the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. Linda Williams, chamber president, said Beusse has left a legacy through his contributions to the community. “There are so many people in this room that have grown as leaders by going through Leadership Dawson, and we thank you for that,” she said. Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in Madison County, Beusse knew at a young age he wanted a career in agriculture. He later graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in animal science, followed by a master’s in public administration. As for retirement, Beusse and his family are sticking around. “This is home, so we’re not planning to go anywhere,” he said. The county’s new extension agent is Clark MacAllister of Rockdale County, who will be stationed in Dawson County, but will also be responsible for Lumpkin County due to budget cuts.
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february member renewals Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation Anderson Family Medicine BB&T Barry, Charles & Carol Burnsed, Herb & Karen Cartridges on Wheels N. GA Christ Redeemer Catholic Church Clint Smith Comfort Keepers Compton, Robert M. Crystal Falls Lake & Golf Club Living Dawson County Farm Bureau Dawson County Rotary Club Dawson County Tax Commissioner Dawson Eye Group Dawson Pediatrics, PC Dawson/Lumpkin Home Builders Assoc.Inc. Dentistry for Children Great Southern Publishers, Inc. H & R Block
Hill Design Associates Architects, Inc. Impulse Manufacturing, Inc. Liberty Tax Service LPL Financial Martin, Larry & Pam McClure, Aline McEver Signs and Graphics North Georgia Sales Center, Inc. Prudential Georgia Realty Shaw Automotive and Core Supply State Farm Insurance, Carla Boutin Tax Help Doctor, LLC The Blue Bicycle The Wells Team of Keller Williams Tim Couch PC CPA Townley Portable Toilets Inc. True, Dave & Judy Weddings and Wellness Enterprises Wellspring Counseling North Georgia Whelchel, Zane
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Correction The members listed in last month’s Chamber Chronicle, renewed their memberships in January.
new members The Wells Team of Keller Williams Community Partners Randy Wells (770) 313-5792 671 Lumpkin Campground Road, Suite 100 Dawsonville, GA 30534 thewellsteam@kw.com Category: Real Estate
Atlanta Motorsports Park Jeremy Porter (404) 933-3436 20 Duck Thurmond Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Jeremy@100mphlunch.com Category: Private Motorsports Club
Clint Smith (678) 316-8863 1371 New Bethel Church Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 clsmith@clintsmith.org Category: Individual Member Wildwood Christian Academy Darlaine Ward (770) 893-3300 695 Whitley Road, South Marble Hill, GA 30148 darlaineward@wildwoodchristi- anacademy.com Category: Private Christian School
monthly totals Walk-in visitors: 291 Telephone referrals: 2,009
Property Investment Associates
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ambassador spotlight
Chick-fil-A sponsors Ambassador breakfast Chick-fil-A Dawsonville, owned by Tony and Gwen Keller, sponsored the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador breakfast in February. The Kellers are actively involved in numerous organizations throughout the community. Gwen Keller was recently selected to serve on the chamber’s board of directors for 2012. Tony Keller serves as a member of the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority board.
Chick-fil-A also offers free events throughout the year for the community, such as family nights featuring BINGO, Disney character meet and greets, back stage tours for scouts, daddy/ daughter dates and spirit nights for local schools. The restaurant, located at 797 Highway 400 South, Dawsonville is open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. For more information, call (706) 265-4997.
ambassador of the month
Griffin enjoys volunteering The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce wants to congratulate Stephanie Griffin who was named Ambassador of the Month at the group’s February breakfast meeting. Chosen for her participation and involvement in various chamber activities during the previous month, Griffin joined the Ambassador Program in January. “I’m really enjoying volunteering in the community where I am raising my family,” she said. “I look forward to being even more involved in the Griffin future.” A native of Forsyth County, Griffin has lived in Dawson County nearly five years. She and her husband, Chris, have a 4-yearold daughter, Kenadie. “I honestly believe Dawson County is the best place there is to live, work and play,” she said. The ambassadors are an informed, select group of motivated, enthusiastic and articulate businessmen and women who serve as liaisons to the chamber’s membership and represent the
‘I honestly believe Dawson County is the best place there is to live, work and play.’
chamber at many civic and social events. Ambassadors accumulate points for the contacts they make and for documenting the work they do in the community on behalf of the chamber. Griffin is the editor of the Dawson Community News, which publishes the Chamber Chronicle monthly. She can be reached at (706) 265-3384 or sgriffin@dawsonnews.com.
Chamber issues information on T-SPLOST From staff reports
The 2012 TSPLOST is an opportunity for all Georgians to take control of their future by choosing to make significant investments in transportation projects that are vital both to the economy and quality of life throughout the state. The vote for this 1 percent regional sales tax will take place in each of Georgia’s 12 regional commission districts in July. Local officials in each region have developed a list of transportation projects that can be funded by the additional revenue generated — and only projects on this approved list will be funded. Projects include roads, bridges, transit, freight and passenger rail, ports, airports and bicycle and pedestrian facilities as determined by each region. Regions where voters do not approve the transportation tax will not receive the additional funds to pay for proposed projects in their area of the state. Regional roundtables made up of county commission chairs and mayors were formed in each of Georgia’s regional commission districts. Each group worked with the public and the Georgia Department of Transportation to create a list of transportation projects for their region. Those projects have been vetted both by GDOT and voters through public hearings. Lists were finalized on Oct. 15. All Georgians could benefit from the TSPLOST referendum
— one of the most important economic development opportunities in our state’s history, according to the chamber. If passed in all regions, it would pump up to $19 billion in direct investment into the state’s economy over the next 10 years while connecting communities, reducing congestion and improving road safety. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration estimates that every $1 billion spent on roads and bridges supports 28,000 jobs and generates up to $2.5 billion in direct and indirect economic activity. All funds generated through the 2012 TSPLOST would stay in the region in which they were raised and be distributed in two ways: 75 percent would go to the regional projects on the approved list (85 percent in metro Atlanta) — many of which have been on the drawing boards for years but lacked the funding to go forward, while the remaining 25 percent (15 percent in metro Atlanta) would be returned to the region to be used for local projects chosen by city and county officials. Cities and counties will receive these extra funds in direct proportion to their population and the number of road miles in their jurisdiction. A citizens’ accountability committee in each region will ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. If passed by a region’s voters, the TSPLOST will be in effect for 10 years.
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MARCH 2012
Expo highlighting local nonprofits follows meeting
Williams celebrates 65th birthday The chamber’s vice president of travel and tourism was surprised to arrive back to work from lunch on Feb. 20 and find his chamber friends waiting to help him celebrate his 65th birthday.
By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnew.com
The Dawson County Homeowners Civic Association held its annual membership meeting at the end of last month at the library to discuss updates affecting local members. The Mike Brown Citizenship Award was presented to Helen Taylor by president Jane Graves. “This [award] goes to someone who has done all that and then some in the county. She has participated and been a member of many organizations. She is wellknown and respected,” Graves said. Graves called Taylor, a member who has lived in Dawson County for nearly three decades, a “treasure” to the community. The association is a non-partisan advocacy group that provides a vehicle for individuals and groups to address community concerns with elected or appointed county officials. Following their meeting, several nonprofit organizations showcased their group’s work and volunteer needs in the community opportunity expo. It was free to the public. Gina Pendley, Director of Community Awareness for Georgia Mountains Hospice, had a table overflowing with informational pamphlets and promotional materials. “I think the volunteer expo was a great idea,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of people in this area, especially those who have moved and retired here, know about volunteer opportunities, even if they want to become involved.” Amy Cox helped represent the Dawson Community Food Bank located on Hugh Stowers Road and she agrees that the exposure the expo offered was great for the organization. “No one really knows about us. “We want to let people know
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Chelsea Thomas Dawson Community News
President Jane Graves, left, of the Dawson County Homeowner s Civic Association awarded Helen Taylor the Mike Brown Citizenship Award at its annual membership meeting Feb. 25.
we are here,” she said. The Upper Etowah River Alliance, who was likewise represented at the expo, is also looking for volunteers. However, alliance representative Lori Forester used their table at the expo to share what they are already doing. “We do canoe trips through Dawson Forest a couple times a year. We also do educational programs in the schools, things like teaching students about animals in our watershed,” Forester said. Other nonprofit organizations that were represented at the expo include: R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Association of Dawson County), Dawson County Woman’s Club, Dawson County Arts Council, Dawson County Humane Society, Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, Keep Dawson County Beautiful, Dawson County Homeowners Association and Civic Club, American Cancer Society, NOA (No One Alone) and Dawson County Chapter 970 Vietnam Veterans of America.
Program announces bid to aid unemployed From staff reports
In January, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development announced policy changes to the Georgia Work Ready program. The Work Ready assessment will now be offered only to unemployed individuals or individuals looking to apply for a job listed on workreadyconnect.org. The Governor’s Office of Workforce Development makes workreadyconnect. org available free of charge to individuals and companies that recognize Work Ready as part of their hiring process. Work Ready Communities are now encouraged to focus on improving high school graduation rates and to drive citizens who have not received a high school degree to take the General Education Development, or GED test. “After five years of implementing and assessing the Georgia Work Ready program, findings conclude the need for positive changes,” said executive director Tricia Pridemore. “In this time of limit-
‘In this time of limited budget, our goal is to tailor the program to get unemployed Georgians back to work.’ Tricia Pridemore
Executive director, work ready program ed budget, our goal is to tailor the program to get unemployed Georgians back to work.” GOWD works with macro-level workforce and employment issues to help Georgia be competitive economically in the southeast, the nation and across the world. Locally, the Work Ready assessments are administered at Lanier Technical College. For more information about becoming Work Ready, call Lanier Tech at (706) 265-7515.
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Voters approve Sunday sales
Pravin Patel stands outside his motel where a movie will be filmed next week. Michele Hester Dawson Community News
By Michele Hester
‘Camera Ready’ designation brings movie to Dawsonville By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
When Dawson County received a “Camera Ready” designation last year, the hope was that it would place Dawsonville in the spotlight for producers looking to film in Georgia. Beginning next week, the local community will be able to see firsthand how the designation is paying off when scenes for a major motion picture starring Clint Eastwood begin shooting at a downtown motel. Pravin Patel, owner of Amicalola Lodge, confirmed the motel on Hwy. 53 west of downtown will be the backdrop for several scenes in “Trouble with the Curve.” The baseball drama will feature Eastwood as an ailing scout who travels to Atlanta with his daughter to see a hot prospect. “I’m so lucky. It feels like I won the lottery,” Patel said. The film is also set to star Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman. Georgia’s Camera Ready Communities program connects film and TV productions with skilled county liaisons all over the state to provide local expertise and support. The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office launched the Camera Ready Communities program in 2010 to train and certify Georgia counties to work effectively with production companies and provide local, one-on-one assistance in every aspect of production,
MARCH 2012
from location scouting and film permits to traffic control, catering and lodging. Marty Williams, vice president of travel and tourism with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, is Dawson County’s Camera Ready liaison. “We’ve been lucky with some smaller films, but this is our first major motion picture to be filmed in Dawson County. It will have a great economic impact for this county,” Williams said. Patel said dozens of movie execs toured the motel in early February and rented out the motel for the duration to prepare for the film. Construction crews also renovated four rooms, added a patio and built a canopy over the office entrance. “They’re making one of the rooms bigger and are doing some work on the ceiling,” Patel said. Local authorities said they were contacted several weeks ago in preparation for the filming that will take place for 10 days in mid-March. According to Patel, producers told him they would also film scenes in Athens and Macon. Patel said the producers told him the Dawsonville stay will be the longest of the movie’s filming process. He’s excited and proud they chose his motel. “I’ve owned this motel for 20 years, and I’ve been thinking about retiring, so we put it on the market to sell,” he said. “After this movie and all the renovations, I think we’ll have an easier time selling it.”
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Voters in Dawson County approved two separate measures involving alcohol sales on March 6. The first allows for package sales at stores, while the second allows restaurants and bars to sell liquor by the drink. Sunday drink sales passed by 2,690 votes, or about 64 percent, to 1,508 votes, or about 36 percent, while package sales passed by a similar margin - 2,644 votes, or about 63 percent, to 1,566 votes, or
about 37 percent. Dawson County Commission Chair Mike Berg said passage of the two measures could be a boost for local businesses and restaurants. “The public decides if they want to have this and they decided they do,” he said. “It would be a shame if the other counties around us were able to do this and our county wasn’t.” Dawsonville voters approved Sunday sales in November. Of the county’s 12,625 registered voters, about 34 percent, or 4,249, participated in the election.
EWSA offers incentive By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnews.com
Following the release of a new commercial development incentive, the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority announced it is now looking to promote residential incentives. The authority’s board of directors recently voted to wave tap and meter fees for residential development during the 2012 calendar year. The incentive will reduce costs associated with a typical 3/4 – inch residential meter from $3,330 to $2,480. The board believes that in order to better entice commercial developers to build in Dawson County they should simultaneously invite more residential development because “businesses often look at ‘rooftop counts’ to support their decision to open a business,” according to a press release. “We believe this incentive will help the Development Authority, the
Chamber of Commerce and others to attract new businesses and residences to Dawson County,” said Brooke Anderson, the authority’s general manager. “This incentive will also help the local home builders. I think there are a lot of people that live in Dawson County that work in homebuilding, construction and residential,” he said. Anderson said he also believes it will help “existing residences with poor water quality wells or wells going dry.” The only condition for the incentive is the water meter must be purchased prior to Dec. 31, 2012. In addition to the incentive, the authority is introducing the “Refer a Friend Program,” which would reward a current authority customer with a $50 gift card for referring someone to purchase a water meter. “This will allow our customers to become our best advocates and encourage development within Dawson County,” Anderson said.
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MARCH 2012
Club hosts career day for high school By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Party High Balloons opens in Dawson
Cindy Dean, owner of Party High Balloons, held a grand opening ribbon cutting celebration Feb. 20 at the chamber of commerce office. Dean supplied the black and silver balloon decorations for a surprise birthday party held prior to the event for the chamber’s vice president of travel and tourism Marty Williams.
Easter egg hunt returns By Chelsea Thomas
cthomas@dawsonnews.com
The Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by KARE for Kids, will be next month at Veterans Memorial Park. In addition to the Easter Bunny being on site at the April 7 event, there will be inflatables, face painting, Wayne’s Trains and a Krystal eating contest. “It is a good family day where the kids get to play and have fun,” said KARE for Kids volunteer Robin Smith. The event, which was formerly known as the Moss Easter Egg Hunt, is one of the biggest of its kind in Georgia. KARE for Kids, a local organization that provides for Dawson County’s children in need, hopes the family atmosphere draws crowds. This year there will be 20,000 eggs spread across the lawns with “one or two pieces of candy and a
toy inside each,” according to Smith. “It takes a couple months preparing for the Easter egg hunt to get everything together,” she said. Different age groups have separate hunts. For example, toddlers have a separate, designated area to hunt away from 12-year-olds. However, it is stressed that parents are not allowed to help their children during the hunt unless they are in the 0-1 age category. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. and carnival-like lunch items will be available for purchase. The “dash for eggs” will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. Officials suggest participants arrive at least 30 minutes in advance with a basket in hand because of the large crowds. For more information visit kareforkids.us/egghunt.html.
Juniors and seniors caught a glimpse of various occupational options last month during the high school’s annual career day. Hosted by the Dawson County Rotary Club, more than 30 volunteers showed up early Feb. 16 to speak to classes about their jobs and to answer questions from aspiring teens. Representation from numerous vocations filled the school’s hallways – from accountants to small business owners to community servicemen. Rotarian Jane Graves spoke to seniors about how her career has been an everchanging one. In addition to working in the oil industry for more than 10 years, she was also a Mary Kay Cosmetics Director for 20 years. She gave students the advice to “find your niche, be true to yourself and go for your dreams.” Lava Hair Studio owner Karen Covington asked students: “What’s a goal that comes from your heart?” She shared how she got into hairstyling and why it is meaningful to her, explaining that doing something you find important is necessary to being content. Accountant Carol Tyger advised all students to “intern or work in the field you think you want to go into” for numerous reasons, including building up their resumé for future job applications. Whereas some upperclassmen admitted they were still unsure what they wanted to do, others said they already knew. Senior Jake Baudin originally thought about being a lawyer, but recently decided he wanted to be a fiber optic welder instead. “I was looking up careers that are going to be skyrocketing in the near future and supposedly this area is going
Chelsea Thomas Dawson Community News
Banker James Askew and accountant CarolTyger spoke to Cynthia Brookshire’s Advanced Placement senior statistics class during career day last month.
to become a new silicon valley and when that happens there will be a really high demand for fiber optic welders,” Baudin said. Likewise, senior Amber Clark already knows she wants to become an elementary school teacher and eventually a school principal. “I love interacting with little kids. It’s a lot of fun for me because I get a lot out of it seeing people grow and knowing I was a part of that,” Clark said. “I want to be a principal because I feel like it is something to work up to.” Clark, who is attending Berry College in the fall, believes she is skilled for the job because she likes administrative duties and is “kind of bossy.” For the students who are still unsure of what occupation they want to pursue after graduation, career day helps them get a taste of the different fields. “It is nice to see all the aspects of careers that are out there and what you could do,” Baudin said. “It’s nice to hear people’s stories; it gives a real life perspective.”
16 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MARCH 2012
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