D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Trophy shop opens in Dawsonville May 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
Outdoor festival celebrates season By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
From face painting to flowers and fashion jewelry to fast cars, there was something for everyone at the ninth annual Spring Fling festival the first weekend in May. Presented by the Dawson County Arts Council, the festival brightened the parking lot at Dawson County Middle School on May 1 and 2. More than 40 vendors from across the Southeast See FESTIVAL | 10
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Pat and Larry Anderson, above, look at flowers recently during the Spring Fling in downtown Dawsonville. Left, Nathan Frazier, 8, celebrates winning two goldfish.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
There are many chamber events this month At the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, we would like to take this opportunity to update everyone on what your chamber has going on this month. Please join chamber members and other community members on May 13
for our monthly membership meeting and luncheon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road. Our speaker will be Steve Gooch, Georgia Department of Transportation board member. Gooch will speak on the Ga. 400 project.
You do not have to be a member to attend. Just let us know you are coming and we will set a plate out for you. We would also like to take this time to congratulate all of the students whom will be graduating
from high school or college this month. However, if you are a parent of a high school graduate, it could be a tough time to know your children are about to enter the world and possibly leave the nest; so our prayers are with you. If
you are a parent of a college graduate, congratulations! You are about to get a pay raise. Also, this month we would like to say a big thank you to all our veterans. See EVENTS | 3
Underwood
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MAY 2010
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Celebrities come to Dawson County part of the The Northeast Dawsonville Georgia Travel Pool Room was region, which in the local encompasses 17 news last week counties. when Brian Cheryl Smith Johnson, front is our tourism man for the representative AC/DC band, and liaison to and our Williams the State of Awesome Bill Georgia’s Department Elliott joined up for of Economic lunch and did a little Development. A few racing at The Pool months ago Cheryl put Room on one of out an alert that The Gordon’s “simulators.” History Channel was Larry the Cable Guy looking for folks with was also seen at the Pool Room and we hear extensive unorganized collections that might that our own Gordon fit the criteria for the Pirkle will be in an television series, episode of “Only in “American Pickers.” America” with the I immediately celebrity later this year. thought of Dell Conner, Earlier this year, the contacted him and put History Channel was him in touch with the spotted filming Dell proper scouts working Conner’s extensive colon the project. lections for a series Dell fit the criteria called “American and the filming was Pickers.” Air date for scheduled. The episode that episode is still is ready and we hope pending. an air time will be How does Dawsonville get noticed assigned soon. Another way commuand then picked to be on nities are identified is television? simply by reading artiGordon and the Dawsonville Pool Room cles in magazines, Web blogs and other social long ago established colorful reputations and media. Here in Dawson County we are in the I will leave it up to tourism business. For Gordon to fill you in on the last several years, how his notoriety came the chamber has about. arranged for writers to I can speak as to how Dell Conner and his col- come here for what we lections were chosen for call a Media Tour or Writers Tour. The History Channel. Over the next couple The State of Georgia is of months, Dawson divided into tourism County will entertain regions. several writers who speDawson County is
cialize in travel stories. They will come in small groups and experience the Kangaroo Conservation Center, Amicalola Falls State Park, the Len Foote Hike Inn and North Georgia Premium Outlets, just to name a few places. Of course they will enjoy our restaurants too, which is another important part of the travel experience. Their
articles will then begin appearing in both expected and unexpected places. In addition to submitting their work to the traditional print media, some of the writers use blogs and social media to publish their articles. This makes it easy to reach more people who never even knew about Dawson County as a travel destination. Such articles are easi-
ly forwarded to friends and family. Marty Williams, the chamber’s vice president of tourism said: “Last year a $7,500 investment in hosting one of our Writers Tours ended up producing media value of more than $300,000.” That is quite a return on our investment So remember to “keep
your hospitality smile on” as you never know who you might meet around town. I hope to see you at a chamber event soon. Won’t you join us?
of your world. Do you know what happened in your community last week? The Dawson Community News keeps you informed, so you always know what’s happening in your community.
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MAY 2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 13: Lunch with the Chamber at Lakeview Center, noon. Steve Gooch, Georgia Department of Transportation board member, will be the speaker. He will speak about the improvement project on the GA 400 and Hwy. 53 intersection. To pay in advance go to www.dawson.org and click on the Chamber of Commerce tab. Scroll down to Events & Registration and then select Membership Luncheon. Or call the chamber at (706) 265-6278 and pay with a major credit card. May 14: Chestatee Regional Hospital is hosting an Open House from 2 - 4 p.m. There will be tours of the Maternity Services Unit. Participants signed up for the tours will be eligible for some door prizes, one of which is a car seat. There will also be a Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony to highlight their two pediatric rooms on the Med/Surg/Peds floor. Along with the ribbon cutting there will be a magician to entertain the children that are in attendance. The magic show begins at 3:30 p.m. in the hospital main lobby, and the ribbon cutting is at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Christine Wilbanks, marketing director, Chestatee Regional Hospital at (706) 867-4305, Ext. 305. May 15: WEE Books of Dawson County is having a Barn Dance at the Kinsey Family Farm, 7170 Jot Em Down Road. Suggested donation is $25 per person. Ticket includes admission, barbeque dinner, wine and beer and square dancing instruction. For tickets, donations or information, call Judy Cahill at (706) 216-1931 or Marge Carey at (706) 216-4872. All proceeds benefit the WEE Books Program to bring an age appropriate book to every Dawson County pre-school child each month. May 21-22: Relay For Life will be held from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Dawson County High School track. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is raffling off a "Ribbon of Hope" quilt for Relay for Life.
Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278. May 22: Join the Veterans Affairs of Dawson County for a "Poor Man’s Supper” fundraiser at the Dawson County Senior Center from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $5 per plate. All proceeds will go to the fund for the Veterans Day celebration and the Veterans Walk of Honor.Tickets are available at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Etowah Water and Sewer Authority. For more information, call Pam Hamalainen at (706) 265-6278. Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the supper. May 25: First Citizens Bank of Georgia will host the monthly Business After Hours event from 5-7 p.m. The bank is at 70 Carlisle Road, off Ga. 400. For more information, call Chryl at (706) 216-5900. Special thanks to our cash drawing sponsors AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton AgencyKristie Myers, United Community Bank-James Askew, Van Keith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville, LLC- Ann Grizzle and Healthy Eating on the Run-Barbara Roberts. Remember, you must be present to win. May 31: Join the Veterans Affairs of Dawson County, Dawson County V.V.A. Chapter 970, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 247 at 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park for a Memorial Day Service as we honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Wayne Watkins, Georgia President of the Vietnam Veterans of America will be the Master of Services. Keynote speaker will be Bill Cain, Colonel, US Army (Retired) Deputy Executive Director, GMACC. There will also be a dedication for the Veterans Walk of Honor at the beginning of the service.
Lanier Tech has plans for the future By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Community leaders and officials with Lanier Technical College gathered last month to talk about the school’s ongoing and future role in Dawson County. Russell Vandiver, interim college president, said community input “could help set the tone for the next five years and beyond.” Vandiver said the school’s fiveyear strategic plan should “make good sense and outline exactly what we want to do and how we want to go about doing it.” Officials and board members with the school then asked community leaders to voice their opinions on school initiatives such as job training and economic development. “We feel like having input locally will make a difference,” Vandiver said. “We don’t want to do all the
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Events May 31 is Memorial Day and the Veterans Affairs of Dawson County, Dawson County VVA Chapter 970 and the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will host a Memorial Day Service as we honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The keynote speaker will be Bill Cain, colonel, US Army (Retired) Deputy Executive Director, GMACC. Veterans and their families are special people who really understand what sacrifice is all about. There are many in our community with sons or daughters in our armed forces ... protecting us as we speak. I am proud to say that I am
talking. We want to hear your input. We want to hear your thoughts about what direction we need to be going in throughout all of our campuses.” Along with its Dawson campus, Lanier Tech has locations in Forsyth, Oakwood and Jackson, as well as a Winder-Barrow campus. According to its Web site, Lanier Tech strives to “meet the changing educational and technological workforce development needs of the community by providing adult education and technical training...” Vandiver said providing that type of training “is what we’re all about. We’re trying to help to improve skills, arrange programs, do things that make good sense, so people can go out and get jobs.” Lanier Tech officials plan to hold further meetings around the north Georgia area as a strategic plan is finalized.
among that number. My oldest son will soon be leaving for his second deployment going to Afghanistan. If you ever have a chance to be around these young hero’s who are protecting us, you would be amazed. They understand the job that they have been called on to do and willingly lay it on the line. If you want to know what sacrifice looks like, take a look at our veterans. Come and join us for the Memorial Day Service on May 31 at Veterans Memorial Park at the Walk of Honor, Hwy. 9 North, Dawsonville. Show them that we truly appreciate and support them all! See you there. Mike Underwood Chairman, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
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MAY 2010
Shelter welcomes chamber Local bank to hold next event
From staff reports
By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
It was hard for many who attended the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the local animal shelter to leave without a puppy or kitten. With real-life puppy dog eyes, the animals at the Dawson County Humane Society barked and meowed as if to say “pick me, pick me.” More than a hundred visitors toured the shelter near Rock Creek Park April 27. Kay Harris, shelter director, called the event a great success. The chamber would like to thank the humane society for holding business after hours and each member who donated door prizes for the evening. The chamber would also like to thank the monthly cash drawing sponsors: AFLAC Sharon Reagan; Anderson Family Medicine - Larry Anderson; Norton Agency - Kristie Myers; United Community Bank - James Askew; Van Keith Insurance - Ann Grizzle and Healthy Eating on the Run - Barbara Roberts. Remember you must be present to win the cash prize. Brenda Patterson, of Community and Southern Bank, would have left the
Census-takers to follow-up with residents
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Shelter employees Dezeree Cook, left, and Mayson Hulsey entertain two dogs April 27 when the Dawson County Humane Society hosted business after hours and invited chamber members to tour the facility.
Angela Harben holds one of the youngest animals at the local animal shelter.
Wayne Watkins holds one of the puppies at the shelter.
event $800 wealthier if she had been at the shelter when her name was
drawn as the cash prize winner. Instead, the cash prize
grows to $950 for the May event. The chamber’s next after hours event will be held from 5-7 p.m. May 25 at First Citizens Bank of Georgia, at the intersection of Ga. 400 and Carlisle Road. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Census-takers across the nation began knocking on doors May 1 to follow up with households that either didn’t mail back their form or didn’t receive one. An estimated 48 million addresses nationwide will be visited through July 10. Dawson County currently has a 75 percent rate of return on the mailed census forms, but achieving a complete and accurate census requires going door-todoor to count all the remaining households. If a 2010 census worker knocks on your door, here are some ways to verify that person is a legitimate census taker: • The census taker must present an ID badge that contains a Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. The census taker may also be carrying a black canvas bag with a Census Bureau logo. • The census taker will provide you with supervisor contact information and/or the local census office phone number for verification, if asked. • The census taker will only ask you the questions that appear on the 2010 census form. • The 2010 census taker will not ask for social security number, bank account number or credit card number and will never solicit for donations or contact you by e-mail. In most cases, census workers will make up to six attempts at each housing unit address to count possible residents. This includes leaving notifications of the attempted visit at the house or apartment door, in addition to trying to reach the household by phone to conduct the interview or schedule an in-person interview. For additional information, visit www.2010census.gov.
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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MAY 2010
Students create a business luncheon By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
For the Dawson Community News
Ashley Leshea Atkinson spent a day working at the library during Job Shadow Day, a collaboration between the high school’s vocational careers department and the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.
School, chamber join for Job Shadow Day By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County High School’s vocational careers department teamed up with volunteers from the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce last month for Job Shadow Day. Participating students got paired with business leaders who matched each student’s interest. Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams said “it gave students a glimpse of a day in the life of the working world.” Several dozen businesses and 45 students took part in the program.
Students observed workers at their places of business. Sophomore Colleen Echuck followed Cathy Brooks during the program April 16. Brooks is the government and community affairs representative with Dawson County. Echuck was surprised at the variety of tasks Brooks handled. “I couldn’t believe all the different things she does,” Echuck said. “I had no idea she did so much event planning.” Brooks and Echuck toured the county offices and a fire station. Williams said the job shadow program has been
successful in the past several years it’s been put on. “Chamber members have been supportive of it, inviting students into their business for a day,” Williams said. According to Williams, interested students at the high school “give teachers an indication of what type of business they think they would like to explore. “Teachers take a list of participating businesses and match them up with the appropriate students,” Williams said. “It’s a good learning experience for students.” Staff Writer Michele Hester contributed to this report.
Students at Crossroads School treated each other to a nice lunch last month as they took part in an annual two-day work-readiness event put on by school officials. Female students from the Dawson County alternative school cooked and served their male peers a hearty lunch. The next day, it was the guys’ turn. Principal Anthony Guisasola said the annual gathering “helped prepare kids for employment situations. “What we try to do is help them as much as we can to not feel awkward in social situations that might involve work,” Guisasola said. He added that some students stood up and spoke at the business luncheon. “We get them to talk about what they’re doing school-wise and work-wise,” he said. “We feel like
it’s a great opportunity for these students all around.” Surrounded by two dozen classmates, student Megan Jespersen prepared food in the kitchen. “We’re making a fancy-nancy lunch,” Jespersen said, smiling. On the menu? Lasagna, salad, biscuits and chocolate pound cake. The exercise taught students the parameters of a working environment, Guisasola said. “It’s a real-life situation, where they have to learn how to serve, how to work in a kitchen collectively,” he said. It goes along with the school’s general work-ready theme, he added. “It’s helping them, so that when they do get out in a work situation, they’re not uncomfortable,” he said. For more information about Crossroads School, visit www.dawsoncountyschools.org.
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Crossroads students chop lemons in preparation for the school’s business luncheon. From left, Cassey Everett, Julie Foster and Megan Jespersen.
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Taste of Italy comes to Dawson County By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County residents with a taste for foreign cuisine can venture over to Nix Bridge Road for some Italian desserts. Eatery owners Robert Roberti and wife, Sylvia, opened Amedeos Italian Cookie Co., on Nix Bridge Road last month after many years of making cookies at their home. Robert Roberti said they were popular among friends. “We would give them out as gifts every year, and people were so impressed with our cookies they kept asking us: ‘Hey, why don’t you open a business?’” he said. Specialties at the shop include tiramisu, cannolis and other Italian pastries. Roberti said the shop will soon offer gelato, or Italian ice cream as a summer treat. “We’re counting on that Nix Bridge boat traffic to come in and try some of that,” he said, adding that the shop will offer five flavors of gelato.
‘You can’t get stuff like this anywhere else.’ Robert Roberti Owner of Amedeos Italian Cookie Co. Amedeos sells wholesale and retail, offering a line of snack cookies that will be packaged and sold in stores all over north Georgia. “We’re looking to try and get into grocery stores and gourmet food stores,” he said. Roberti said he and his wife’s favorite thing about operating the shop is “the reaction of our customers when they come in ... how our cookies put a big smile on their face.” Added Roberti: “It’s super unique, especially to the area of Dawsonville. You can’t get stuff like this anywhere else.” For more information, visit www.amedeositaliancookies.com.
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Chamber of Commerce members and employees of Amedeos Italian Cookie Co. on Nix Bridge Road gathered April 14 for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The cookie eatery offers tiramisu, cannolis and other Italian pastries. For more information, visit www.amedeositaliancookies.com.
Berg elected president in ’13 By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County’s influence at the state level escalated last month when Commissioner Mike Berg was elected third vice president of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. The designation means the Dawson County Board of Commissioners chair will serve as the group’s president in 2013, the same year ACCG celebrates its 100th birthday. Berg calls the April 27 installation “an honor and a privilege” and a plus for Dawson County.
“For Dawson, it allows us more clout in lobbying, more face time with legislators, the governor, the committees Berg and those folks that make decisions that affect the county,” he said. Formed in 1914 with 19 charter county members, today ACCG serves as the consensus building, training and legislative organization for all 159 county governments in the state. Berg has been involved with
the association for many years, dating back to his service as a commissioner in Gwinnett County. “But I’ve been very involved the six years I’ve served Dawson County,” he said. Berg’s worked with the association to change annexation law and also served on the group’s water committee, in addition to the association’s board of managers and executive committee. “ACCG does a great job training commissioners for their role in county government and it’s an honor to be selected to serve 159 counties and over 800 commissioners,” he said.
• Congratulations to Mike Berg for being named 3rd vice president of ACCG. • Congratulations to Wanda Goodson for being appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue to serve on the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. • Congratulations to Doug and Pam Mayer of Substantial Lion Studio, who were featured in the Georgia EMC Magazine this month. • Shop chamber members first. • Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you. • Are you certified Work Ready? Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 7
MAY 2010
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MAY 2010
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Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Business owner Byron Arceneaux talks about some of the trophies sold at Tri-Star Trophy on May 5.
Trophy shop opens in Dawson County By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Hans Meier, a wooden puzzle artist and vendor at Spring Fling on May 2, gave about 100 wooden puzzles he cut with his jigsaw to kids at the festival at Dawson County Middle School.
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Festival and artists set up booths offering nature-inspired works. Proceeds from the festival benefit several youth and adult programs held at the Bowen Center for the Arts. Funds also help the
council maintain a art gallery at the center. Organizers said they were pleased with the turnout at the festival, although the threat of rain Saturday seemed to keep visitors away at first. “The plant vendors really did good,” said Carol Tyger, president of the arts council. “A couple of the plant ven-
dors had to replenish their stock up to four times.” Other weekend events included a car show, bike ride and fun run.
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce joined with Tri-Star Trophy business owners Byron and Michele Arceneaux May 5 to commemorate the store’s opening in downtown Dawsonville. According to Byron Arceneaux, the business specializes in trophies, awards, plaques and
engraving. “We carry many unique types of trophies that you won’t typically see at trophy shops,” he said, adding the business also creates logos and images on shirts, towels, mouse pads and gifts. According to the Web
site, the company’s goal is “to bring customers a great selection of high quality products, fast service and great prices.” For more information, call (678) 707-6007 or visit www.tristartrophy.com.
Timothy A.Annis,D.C.
April totals Walk-in visitors: 359 Telephone referrals: 2,203
Dr.Timothy A.Annis 66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105 Dawsonville,GA 30534
(706) 216-4875
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 11
MAY 2010
Chamber offers insurance From staff reports
A product is now available that allows member businesses to save more money on their health insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is now offering a product called Blue Essentials. Blue Essentials is designed for businesses that either have never offered their employees group health insurance or no longer can afford their premiums. Blue Essentials plans offer deductibles of $1,000 or higher and reductions in certain benefits. However, employees would still receive $20 office visit copays and 80 percent coinsurance reimbursement for in-network covered items. Furthermore, employees will have the peace of mind that they have coverage through Georgia’s largest and most recognized health insurance company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. Best of all, insurance plans are available at reduced premium rates to eligible business members of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.
Through the group “buying power” of MemberCare Alliance of Dawson County, the chamber is part of a statewide network of over 130 chambers of commerce offering these insurance products to chamber member businesses. The MemberCare Alliance of Dawson County program includes a variety of discounted insurance products, including: group term, voluntary and dependent life insurance, group dental insurance, group long term and short term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, group vision and long term care insurance. All these products are, of course, available through participating chamber-member insurance agents. For more information on any of these insurance offerings, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278, one of the participating chamber-member insurance agents, or Purchasing Alliance Solutions Inc, (the company that developed the MemberCare Alliance of Dawson County program) at (770) 579-1214 or (800) 782-8254, Ext. 3012.
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
MEMBER RENEWALS Around Back At Rocky's Place Atlanta Gear Works BROGDON, CPA Bryant Contracting Inc. Chattahoochee Insurance Agency Darlow, Marcia and Doug David Wallace and Associates, PC Dawson County Woman’s Club Discovery Point No. 50
Duncan Pipeline Inc. Glazing Rubber Products Inc. Kelo Company Inc. Kristie Myers, The Norton Agency Mountain Wireless Perfect Gatherings Catering Pet Watch Inc. SunTrust Bank
NEW MEMBERS AmeriVap Systems Inc. Wendy Richardson (404) 350-0239 31 Successful Way Dawsonville, GA 30534 wendy@amerivap.com Category: Industrial Steam Cleaning
Tri-Star Trophy Company Byron Arceneaux (678) 707-6007 527 Cicero Trail Dawsonville, GA 30534 awards@tristartrophy.com Category: Trophy's and Awards
MRX Professional Services Merrill Rackley (706) 974-8978 P.O. Box 11627 Big Canoe, GA 30143 bcflyfishman@yahoo.com Category: Legal Aid/Courier
Property Investment Associates
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MAY 2010
AMBASSADORS CORNER
Showcasing chamber of commerce Ambassadors What are Chamber Ambassadors? The ambassadors group is comprised of local professionals, active and retired, that are charged with the responsibilities of bringing community attention to the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the members it serves. You will see the ambassadors at the registration tables for both the Monthly Chamber Luncheon and Business After Hours. They attend ribbon cuttings, the annual gala, golf tournament, business expo, reverse raffle and many other chamber events. The ambassadors are very active in the “Shop Local” Campaign with emphasis on passing out window decals to all chamber members. They are available to assist the chamber staff and are represented on the board of directors of the chamber. Recently, the group has begun to tour a
local business every month, which gives them a chance to go behind the scenes and discover what makes the business a special part of Dawson County’s overall business community. The Ambassador’s Mission Statement mirrors the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Mission statement: The Ambassador Group, under the direction of the Membership Development Committee, is responsible for bringing community attention to the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the members it serves, by their county involvement, knowledge about the chamber services, member retention and participation in programs and activities of the chamber. The ambassadors’ next meeting is at 8 a.m. Wednesday June 2 at the Comfort Inn on Beartooth Parkway, Dawsonville.
Meet the Ambassadors: Jane Alvarez, Sun Trust Bank Ed Combs, Re Max 400 North Inez Couch, Amicalola Falls Bob Couch, individual Marcia Darlow, Southern Select Bill Goode, Victory Custom Homes Angela Harben, Kathy Fuller CPA Kara Hewatt, United Community Bank Diane Lemley, individual Lori Lewis (Co-Chair), Stelor Handyman Services Susan McBerry, Community and Southern Bank Bernice Meehan, Best Bank George Parson, Rapid Refill
Mandy Power, BB&T Bank Denny Putlak, Denny Insurance Group Derek Ruffner, East Edge Climbing Gym Tommy Tallant, United Community Bank Jay Thomason, H&R Block Carol Tyger (Co-Chair), individual Kim Turner, Community and Southern Bank Alycia Volk, individual Annette Walden, Painted Lady Enterprises May Ann Witcher, Georgia Farm Girls
Are you Work Ready? By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce encourages its members and the community to prove they are “Work Ready.” Work Ready is based on a skills assessment, certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. The goal is to generate a workforce that meets the needs of local businesses. Linda Williams, president of the chamber and the local Work Ready leader, was the first person in Dawsonville to take the three-part assessment, which tests real world skills. A group of leaders in the county began working
over a year ago to achieve the state’s Work Ready designation, which was created to ensure that Georgia’s workers have the best skills, easy access to training and world-class job opportunities. Since the initiative began, 254 individuals have taken the assessment in Dawson County. Williams said to reach the county’s goal, individuals in each population bracket must be represented. “We’ve only had 11 people in the private sector take the assessment and the goal is 98,” she said. The majority of those certified have been at the high school, which encourages students to take the assessment in preparation for graduation
and entering the workforce. Williams said 100 percent of the 2009 senior class took the Work Ready test, which “played a big part toward us getting the community certified work ready.” Dawson County received a grant through the Governor’s Office of Workplace Development to help the county achieve its work ready status. The funds help cover the $25 gift cards from Kroger or Wal-Mart Dawson County residents receive for successfully earning a Work Ready Certificate. Call the chamber at (706) 265-6278 for more information or to make an appointment to take the assessment.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
ARTS CENTER TOUR Diane Lemley, left, and Carol Tyger look at paintings at the Bowen Center for Arts last month when the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors toured the center in an effort to thank staff and volunteers for the service to the community. If you would like the group to tour your business or organization, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 13
MAY 2010
Ga. 400/53 to get traffic relief Chamber to hold candidate forum
By Michele Hester michelehester@dawsonnews.com
Proposed improvements to the intersection of Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53 will not displace any current businesses, according to transportation officials. Georgia Department of Transportation representatives were at Kilough Elementary School on April 15 to give the public a look at preliminary drawings of the proposed improvements to the county’s busiest intersection. The plan that would convert the crossing to a two-legged continuous flow intersection. Construction, at an estimated $7 million, could begin within the next 18 months. Steve Gooch, who represents the 9th District of the state Department of Transportation board, said most of the funds for the project would come from Washington, with the state paying the remaining 20 percent. “We may only have to come up with $2 [million] or $3 million, so that would work great,” he said. The at-grade intersection would be a first for Georgia and is designed to move left-turning vehicles out of the main flow of traffic by utilizing a series of access roads and longer left-turn lanes. The changes also include sidewalks on both sides of Ga. 400 on Hwy. 53. Project manager Robert Murphy said the majority of comments he received about the project were positive. “They want to know when it will be finished,” he said. Murphy also said some comments involved other problematic intersections, such as Lumpkin Campground and Kilough Church roads. “We agreed we would take a look at that, and if it’s warranted, we would go ahead and try
By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Jim Young (far right), manager at Ingles in Dawsonville, explains the need for a traffic signal at the Hwy. 53 entrance to the shopping center with state department of transportation design consultants.
to improve those intersections,” he said. Jim Young, manager at the Ingles in Dawsonville, attended the public meeting and talked to design consultants about the need for a traffic signal at the Hwy. 53 entrance to the shopping center. “It’s hard enough to turn left out of the center now, and the entrance to Kroger is the same way. There needs to be lights at both places,” said Young, who added he thought the other proposed improvements would work to clear congestion. DOT has considered several options for the intersection, including an estimated $40 million flyover that would have elevated Ga. 400 traffic over Hwy. 53. James Askew, president of
United Community Bank, which sits in the Ingles shopping center, said he is pleased with the preliminary plan. “This at-grade intersection is 100 percent better than any of the other options they brought to us over the years,” Askew said. Murphy said right of way acquisition is expected to begin with fiscal year 2011, provided funding remains in place for the project he said DOT is aggressively pursuing. Gooch will discuss the project as guest speaker tomorrow at the chamber’s monthly luncheon. The luncheon begins at noon and is held at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road. For more information about the luncheon, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Voters have an opportunity to meet local, regional and state candidates seeking public office July 9 when the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce sponsors a candidate forum at Dawson County Middle School. With 10 candidates on the ballot for Dawson County Clerk of Superior Courts and a contested race for the county’s District 3 commission seat, organizer Charlie Auvermann said there is no better gallery to meet and compare the candidates. “This is going to be a great opportunity for local citizens to meet the people running for office, get to talk to them in person and listen to them answer questions in front of the other candidates,” Auvermann said. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for candidates to meet personally with voters and pass out literature on their campaigns. The formal question and answer session follows at 6 p.m., beginning with the candidates having a few minutes to introduce themselves to the public. Questions will then be asked by a moderator. Candidates for each respective office will be asked the same questions and have an opportunity to respond. Auvermann said candidate answers will not be open for debate. “Due to time limits and the number of candidates, we’re not going to let the folks argue with each other,”
he said. Auvermann said the chamber’s government and community affairs council is still working to iron out the event to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible, while providing the most information to the voters. The chamber holds similar forums prior to major elections and worked hard this year to make sure the date selected was secured early. “There is a great deal of interest in the elections this year,” said Linda Williams, president of the chamber. “We wanted to make sure we got our date early and are working to insure that all candidates know to mark July 9 on their calendars.” Williams said invitations are being sent to the gubernatorial candidates, all candidates running in regionally important races and all candidates for local offices. Given the large number of offices and candidates that have to be factored into this year’s election, Auvermann expects the evening to be “full of lively interaction.” “This is your best opportunity to understand their positions on critical issues,” he said. The forum falls just over a week before the July 20 general primary. “The general primary is really our most critical event for most candidates,” Auvermann said. The last day for voter registration is June 21. The general election is Nov 2. For more information about the scheduled forum, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
14 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MAY 2010
Cadet program taking shape By Frank Reddy
Superintendent Keith Porter agreed. “In participating school Young cadets could soon be systems, this program has marching down the halls of increased graduation and Dawson County High School. attendance rates and Officials with Dawson decreased disciplinary County schools took a big step infractions among student last month in bringing a Junior Sweatte cadets,” Porter said. Reserve Officers’ Training Hiring Sweatte, Porter Corps program to the high school. said, “allows us to move forward.” Earlier this month, the school Sweatte signed a 12-month conboard voted unanimously to hire a tract with the school system, funded senior U.S. Army instructor to head primarily by the U.S. Army. Dawson JROTC at the high school, a local County Schools will contribute plan that’s nearly a decade in the $26,000 annually, while the Army making. pays $52,600. Lt. Col. Johnnie “Chip” Sweatte Porter said it’s money well-spent. will come on board this summer to “We’re excited about the opportugather materials and set up a high nities it will provide our kids,” Porter school classroom in preparation for said. “This is something that can benyoung cadets. efit any student at the high school.” Sweatte, who is a former recruiting The process of obtaining a JROTC operations officer with North Georgia unit at the high school has taken College & State University, said there nearly eight years. Porter said local are some important lessons to be school officials have applied annulearned in JROTC. ally for the designation. “It’s primarily focused on responArmy officials rate applications sibility, time management and com- based on facilities available, community service,” said Sweatte April mitment of the school system and 16. He said the program should not geographic location. be confused with ROTC, which Neighboring Forsyth and “familiarizes a young man or woman Lumpkin counties have JROTC prowith the military, allowing them to grams for high school students. contract with the military at some The need for JROTC in Dawson point.” County is strong, according to He said Dawson County High Porter. School’s JROTC “will be taught by “There have been a substantial military staff...but we don’t recruit number of students who have for the Army. Students get a familiar- shown an interest,” he said. ization with the chain of command, Sweatte said he’s excited for the and they’re responsible for roll call, students that plan to get involved. and they wear a uniform.” “It’s going to be fantastic for Students in the program will be them,” he said. “We’d like to motirequired to wear uniforms one day vate these guys and gals to be the each week. After-school programs best citizens possible. That’s really for cadets include color guard, rifle what it boils down to.” team and a Raider Team, which comSweatte is a longtime Dawson petes athletically with other schools County resident. He graduated from in the state. North Georgia College & State Sweatte said these types of activi- University in 1980 and was on ties “set young people up for success active duty in the Army for 22 as they go out into the future.” years.
frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Dawson County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Gary Pichon cuts a ribbon to celebrate the reopening and dedication of War Hill Park April 22.
Lake park gets makeover War Hill dedicated to residents By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
New sand, upgrades to the campsites and a complete overhaul on the handicap accessible pier were unveiled last month as county officials rededicated War Hill Park to the citizens of Dawson County. The park, which sits on Lake Lanier at the end of War Hill Park Road, reopened for the season April 1 after a year and a half-long remodel. “The campground has been full every weekend since the park opened this year,” said Director of Dawson County Parks and Recreation Lisa Henson, at the dedication ceremony. “And day use has probably quadrupled.” The county has a lease
‘The campground has been full every weekend since the park opened this year.’
agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to care and upkeep the park, and in 2008, received a county-matching $80,000 land and water conservation grant to make the improve- Lisa Henson Director of ments. “We are grateful for the parks and recreation opportunity for the next 25 years to manage this park and hopefully continue to see it grow and prosper through some other and said other Corps of projects and expand it into Engineer parks in the even more than it is county are also viable candidates for revitalizatoday,” she said. County commissioners tion in the future. “We hope that eventualare now looking into an additional grant that ly these jewels that are in would be used to resur- our county that sit on this face all roadways and lake are going to be taken care of by the county for parking areas in the park. Warren King, chairman the citizens of Dawson of the county’s park board County ... for the kids of directors, compared the now and future generaimprovements to a magnet tions,” he said.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 15
MAY 2010
Local history attracts fame By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
It was a star-studded month for the city of Dawsonville. It began earlier this month when Larry the Cable Guy showed up at the Dawsonville Pool Room after a long day in the woods filming footage for a television show. Dawsonville’s Gordon Pirkle acted as a tour guide for the camera crew and the Blue Comedy Tour star, taking them to a makeshift model of a moonshine still in the woods and later to the well-known eatery. Pirkle will co-star in the television show they were filming, “Only in America,” a History Channel documentary series. Pirkle said the episode will have a “whole lot of Dawsonville history...all the good stuff.” It’s set to air in early fall. Larry the Cable Guy is the host of “Only in America.” According to the History Channel’s Web site, the show covers “the different lifestyles, jobs and hobbies that celebrate the American experience.” Marty Williams, vice president of tourism for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce said it will be a “boost for the economy...once the footage gets out there it will definitely have a positive economic
Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Dawsonville Pool Room employee Terri Parker, above, poses for a picture with Larry the Cable Guy during his visit to the area last month. He was filming footage for a show that airs on The History Channel. Michael Garrett took the picture of the two. Gordon Pirkle and AC/DC front man Brian Johnson pose for a picture outside Thunder Road USA. The two were getting footage last month for a television show.
impact here.” Larry the Cable Guy, real name Daniel Whitney, said coming to town was a good experience. “I love Dawsonville,” he said, while signing autographs inside the Pool Room. “I feel right at home here. These people are good. It’s a good place.” Added Larry, “I wouldn’t mind coming back sometime for a longer visit.” He wasn’t the only celebrity recently enamored with the town’s charm. AC/DC front man Brian Johnson showed up at Thunder Road USA later in the month. Johnson, a big fan of NASCAR, is a part-time race car driver as
well. He’d just finished a race at Road Atlanta before he came to town. “We heard about this museum here,” said Johnson on Monday. “I just had to come see it.” A television crew came with Johnson and got footage of him interviewing Pirkle about local history. Johnson called the racing museum “the Vatican in the valley. It’s like almost religious for me, being here and seeing all this. It’s just glorious. Incredible what you guys have here in your backyard.” AC/DC is widely known for 1980s rock singles like “Back in Black” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Pirkle said it all started
Larry the Cable Guy autographs Angela Jenkins’ T-shirt during his Dawsonville Pool Room visit last month.
when he got a phone call from England last week. Johnson’s manager told Pirkle about Johnson’s racing enthusiasm and his desire to visit the museum while in north Georgia. Last month, Pirkle got a phone call from an employee of the History
Channel, explaining the details of Larry the Cable Guy’s visit and when he’d be in town. Then, they asked if Pirkle wouldn’t mind spending a little time in front of the camera. “Of course, Dawsonville’s known for racing,
so they wanted to show its history from moonshine days to present,” Pirkle said. He said he enjoyed working with Larry the Cable Guy. “He was great. Real nice guy,” Pirkle said. He added that at one point during a film shoot off Hwy. 136, a school bus was stopped on the highway letting kids out. “Larry the Cable Guy goes and gets on the school bus and started talking to the kids, joking with them. Boy, I bet they were thrilled about that,” Pirkle said. Pirkle spent nearly 15 hours following the film crew Thursday. “By the end of it, I was whooped. I’m still whooped. That was a long day, but I’ll never forget it. It was something else.”
16 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com
MAY 2010
THANK YOU DAWSON COUNTY! Scenes from our 12th Annual Customer Appreciation
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