Horizons December 2012

Horizons December 2012

A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

Prestige Members Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor

Forsyth County Government

jTech Networks

DeKalb Office

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

The City of Cumming

Georgia Power

Taubman

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta

Anchor Home Mortgage

Mark your calendar for the economic forecast E

ach year, real estate expert Frank Norton Jr. delivers his economic forecast to Cumming and Forsyth County at a meeting held by the Cu mm in g-Fo rsy th County Chamber of Commerce. Attendees can learn about Norton what to expect in 2013 and network with other business leaders.

The forecast will take place at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at the Lanier Te c h n i c a l C o l l e g e F o r s y t h Conference Center.

Norton, president of the Gainesville-based Norton Agency real estate and insurance firm, in known for giving accurate economic projections on communities across

Global business has a new address.

north Georgia. Norton became president of the Norton Agency in 1997 and today manages a network of 49 associated businesses. He also is widely known for his excellent marketing strategies and keen business intuition.

For the past several years, Norton has outlined growth and business trends for the community in his

annual economic forecast. These predictions are based on a wealth of data collected by the Norton Agency’s Native Intelligence Report.

Don’t miss out on this outstanding educational event. Registration is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Visit www.cummingforsythchamber.org to register for this event.

Mike Cottrell School of Business MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

University Center | GA 400 300 Aquatic Circle, Suite 232, Cumming NorthGeorgia.edu/mba (470) 239-3030

Register online for an Information Session on Nov. 27 or Dec. 11 at 7pm

Member Spotlight

AT&T keeping local families connected

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T&T is proud to serve and partner with the citizens and businesses of Forsyth County as an employer, communication service provider and supporter of many philanthropic endeavors — all which help to make their communities a well-rounded and robust place in which to live, work and play.

AT&T has more than 20,000 miles of fiber strand in Forsyth County alone, and about 90 percent of the county is now covered by AT&T’s wireless LTE service. Additionally, U-verse advanced TV is available to a majority of homes in the county.

Forsyth County is also home to more than 1,100 AT&T employees. And, they’re involved.

AT&T employees have been one of the top three volunteer teams (more than 100 people) during the annual United Way Day of Caring the past three years.

In addition to the company store at 906 Market Place Blvd. in Cumming, AT&T has two other in-county locations for engineers and technicians.

“AT&T has a long relationship with Forsyth County, not just from a service standpoint but from a community standpoint as well,” said Paul Chambers, AT&T regional director for external affairs and a 10-year veteran on the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

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HORIZONS December 2012

board.

“Our involvement with the United Way, The CummingForsyth Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts, the school system and other organizations give us strong ties to the community,” Chambers said. “We’re also very proud of our wire line and wireless networks here. Each features the latest technology available anywhere in the country.”

In first half of 2012, AT&T invested more than $770 million in Georgia alone — for wireless and wired networks, driving investment and innovation across the state to deliver superior 4G service and the best possible mobile Internet experience. Such network enhancements include the activation of new cell sites to improve network coverage, deploying faster connections to enable 4G speeds, and adding spectrum capacity to support additional traffic.

AT&T’s investment from midyear 2011 to mid-year 2012 increased 29 percent, continuing the trend in developing and delivering the strongest, most reliable network in Georgia.

“We have invested more than

$3.2 billion in our Georgia networks over the past three years, and we continue to heavily invest in significant infrastructure opportunities,” said AT&T Georgia President Sylvia Russell.

“Georgians have enjoyed thousands of upgrades to our wireless network in 2011 alone, and those enhancements will certainly continue. Of course, this development, expansion and the continued growing demand for our products and services also creates additional employment opportunities, which is good for AT&T and good for our statewide economy.”

This month, AT&T announced plans to invest $14 billion over the next three years to significantly expand and enhance its wireless and wireline IP broadband networks to support growing customer demand for highspeed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud services.

“This announcement is a criti-

cal step to bringing state-of-theart communications technology to consumers and business owners in Georgia,” said Russell.

“Working alongside our state and local officials, the immeasurable benefits of our ongoing investments will provide the infrastructure needed to propel the state forward for years to come.”

As committed as AT&T is to the communities they serve, they’re equally committed to the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

AT&T advertises all of its external career opportunities on more than 30 job sites targeting the veteran community and their families.

While anyone can apply for the open positions at http://att. jobs/, AT&T is targeting military veterans for a number of reasons: • Military veterans are the leaders of tomorrow • Military veterans understand teamwork • They are able to adapt and are loyal • They bring significant technical capabilities as a result of their military training.

In 2011, AT&T attended more than 50 veteran career fairs

across the country and saw a significant increase in the number of new hires that self-identified as veterans post-hire. The company provides localized job notifications to all branches of the military through military transition offices, military alumni programs and career fairs focused on veterans.

And this year, AT&T leveraged even more aggressive plans to engage in a deeper and wider manner with the military veteran candidate community. The company is educating hiring managers and recruiters on the value of veterans, how to translate military jargon on resumes and the myths about veterans’ ability to integrate into corporations.

AT&T also created a program where veterans working in the company provide job search assistance to other veterans applying for AT&T jobs.

AT&T provides pay adjustments to deployed veterans if their military pay is less than their pay at AT&T, so that their income will not change while deployed. For more information on our veteran recruitment, please visit www.att.jobs/military.

Partners in Education

Project L.I.F.E. helps life transition for some

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n Oct. 31, Project L.I.F.E. held its fifth annual “Day in the L.I.F.E. …” presentation and tour for students, parents and educators wanting to gain more information about the program as well as prospective businesses interested in expanding the program to their facilities. The presentation was an opportunity for anyone interested in Project L.I.F.E. to hear directly from t h e i n t e r n s , t h e Vo c a t i o n a l Rehabilitation Job Specialist, employees of Siemens as well as other businesses that contract at the Siemens facility and partner with the program, such as CBRE and Ricoh.

Attendees toured the facility enabling the interns to demonstrate their job skills/duties at various sites.

Project L.I.F.E. is a non-paid, job skills training program for students

with developmental disabilities ages 18-22 utilizing the partnership of Forsyth County Schools, Vocational Rehabilitation and the business.

Currently housed at Siemens Inc., Project L.I.F.E. has seen a great deal of success among the interns and within the business itself. In fact, many will say that it has positively changed the culture, job performance and morale among the employees at Siemens Inc. To such an extent, they have adopted the program throughout the United States and overseas (now called LIFE at Siemens). In addition, See L.I.F.E. | 4

From left: Deborah Kelly, Project Life; Mary Patrick, Siemens; Helen Lane, Project Life; Wa y n e H a n c o ck , S i e m e n s ; S u s a n Darlington, For syth County Schools; Miranda Franklin, Vocational Rehabilitation

Professional DeveloPment.

ContraCt training.

Classes, Workshops, and Seminars, led by quality instructors, are delivered in your community.

You choose the topic, and we bring knowledgeable, engaging instructors to your place or ours.

Photo by Roby Barrow

North Georgia Continuing Education University Center GA400 at Pilgrim Mill Road (Exit 16)

northgeorgia.edu/ce

Your Solution is here. Now In Cumming.

HORIZONS December 2012

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Tourism

Upcoming Events Fourth annual Mingle Jingle

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012

Hosted by the Healthcare Association of Forsyth County

Northside Hospital-Forsyth Women’s Center Galleria 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Cumming, GA 30041

Presented by

5-7:30 p.m.

Pre-Legislative Session Breakfast

Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012

Hosted by the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce with the Lanier-Forsyth Rotary Club

Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd.

Cumming, GA 30041

7:30 a.m.

Presented by

2013 Business Awards Luncheon Presented by

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L.I.F.E. school systems such as Gwinnett and Fulton have adopted the Project L.I.F.E. program and have partnered with Siemens Facilities in their area as well as other collaborating businesses, such as Verizon.

By the time the interns graduate from

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Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 Forsyth Conference Center 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd.

Cumming, GA 30041

Project L.I.F.E., they have met the criteria of “job ready” -meaning they meet a high level of standards in areas such as time on task, following instructions, productivity, communication skills and time management. Many of the students have been hired within Siemens or from the businesses that contract with Siemens at their facility — although this is not a requirement of any business that partners with Project L.I.F.E. However, Siemens and other businesses see this as an oppor-

He’s making a list, and we’re on it G

uess who is visiting Cumming on Saturday, Dec. 1?

Santa and all his

friends!

T h e s eve n t h a n n u a l Cumming Christmas Pa r a d e , p r e s e n t e d b y Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Market Place Boulevard in front of Community Southern Bank and march toward Hwy. 20.

Prior to the parade, the Jingle Jog 5K will take place on Market Place Boulevard at 9 a.m. This run/walk is a great way to get ready for all the deals the merchants will offer on parade day. After the parade join Santa at the Celebration of Lights at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Along with title sponsor Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Wal-Mart is a gold sponsor for the parade. Hansgrohe, North Georgia Promotions and Inspirational

Smiles are all silver sponsors.

This year’s bronze sponsors include American Proteins, Home Tec Exterminating, AV Excellence and Happy Dogs Play and Stay. The parade Web site is sponsored by Green Lake Studio and Jeff Mason Advertising and Design, Inc. created this year’s graphics.

Almost 50 floats, bands and groups will be a part of this year’s event. Businesses participating include Chickfil-A at Lanier Crossing, Dental Town, Sawnee Ballet Theatre Inc., Moohan Martial Arts of Cumming, The Learning Experience, Rooter Plus and Lenny’s Sub Shop, just to name a few.

Scout troops, marching bands and local dignitaries will all be part of the festivities. Come out to see who will win the beautiful ribbons and prizes this year!

For more information please visit www. marketplacechristmas.com or call (770) 887-6461.

tunity to hire someone that understands the demands of the job and has had prior training through the internship program.

As Forsyth County Schools look toward the future, they would like to expand the program to other businesses in and close to Forsyth County. They foresee a great deal of growth over the next few years among the student population who could benefit from Project L.I.F.E. There is no cost to the business except to provide a location within the

facility where interns can receive instruction, pre and post job training assignments, receive evaluations and feedback and store materials and equipment. Businesses interested or wanting to know more about Project L.I.F.E. can contact Susan Darlington, Transition Coordinator for Forsyth County Schools at 770-887-2461 ext. 202327 or Wayne Hancock, Health and Safety Manager at Siemens, Inc. at wayne.hancock@siemens.com.

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Month in Review

Many successes to celebrate

Chamber President and CEO James McCoy presents the Charles F. Welch Award to Doug Sorrells.

Tiffany and Ethan Underwood 6

HORIZONS December 2012

The Infinity Show Band entertains the crowd.

Teri Simmons, Antje Abshoff, Martina Stegmeir and Claudia Mueller

Month in Review

during annual chamber dinner Doug Sorrells accepts the Charles F. Welch award.

Linda Cole, chair-elect, and David Seago, chair Brooke and Geoff Duncan

Tim and Nancy Perry HORIZONS December 2012

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Looking For That “Top Employee” To Round Out Your Team? classifieds reach throughout the local market, plus some. Employment ads can be placed in multiple print and online products.

Our newest offering “Top Ads” allows the placement of your employment ad on the homepage of forsythnews.com.

Call Linda at 770.205.8946 to find out how affordable and effective these ads can be.

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HORIZONS December 2012

HORIZONS December 2012

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Month in Review Women Who Mean Business Monica Ricci, founder of Catalyst Organizing, LLC, speaks on “Later Never Comes: Overcoming Procrastination” during a recent Women Who Mean Business empowerment lunch.

Representative shares information U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall addresses the crowd at the chamber’s recent Real Estate Roundtable, hosted by Hansgrohe.

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HORIZONS December 2012

SBSC

Economic Development

Forsyth County truly making a comeback A

s 2013 approaches, countless communities are still striving to recover from the impact of the economic downturn of 2007. Many communities remain challenged by struggling real estate markets and fiscal uncertainties.

However, in the midst of such national challenges our community’s local economy continues to recover at an accelerated pace.

This year our community’s real estate market continued to demonstrate its resiliency. According to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners’ 2012 Permit Count Report, Forsyth County issued 1,809 single family residential permits between January and October of this year — surpassing the total number of single family residential permits issued in 2011 by more than 600 permits.

“What a difference a year makes,” said Tim Hopkins, associate broker at Keller Williams.

“We’ve seen several positive trends over the past year in the Forsyth residential market. Inventory is down 30 percent, which has shifted us back to a seller’s market at the lower price points. New construction has flourished in the southern part of the county, buying up virtually all of the lots we had sitting since 2008. Prices have started to stabilize and interest rates are still at near historical lows.”

In 2012 the local business sector continued to thrive as well. “Last year our community’s economic development projects generated approximately $43 million in new capital investment,” stated Randall Toussaint, vice president of economic development at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. “This year, we are on pace to surpass last year’s totals. Since January of this year we have participated in 16 economic development projects that are forecasted to bring our community up to $67 million in new capital investment.”

The health of our local economy has had a posi-

‘This year, we are on pace to surpass last year’s totals. Since January of this year we have participated in 16 economic development projects that are forecasted to bring our community up to $67 million in new capital investment.’

Randall Toussaint

Chamber vice president of economic development tive impact on our community. For instance, although the climate of the national economy has generated feelings of uncertainty among business owners, the strength of our local economy has caused many local proprietors to move forward with plans of expanding their businesses.

According to Suzanne Browne, regional project manager for existing industries at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, “in 2012 Forsyth County’s business expansion activities accounted for nearly 40 percent of the total number of expansion projects in our 13-county region of Georgia.”

These projects have generated more than 750 new jobs, causing the local unemployment rate to fall to 6.4 percent in September 2012, as compared to Georgia’s unemployment rate of 8.6 percent, and the national rate of 7.6 percent.

In 2012 the community also was designated by America’s Promise as one of the Best Places in America for Young People.

Your input is needed W

ith the year winding down, business owners have started to look at what’s around the corner and the chamber’s Small Business Service Center is no different.

Recently the chamber conducted a survey in an effort to improve the services we provide to our members and the community. The survey will help to determine levels of need within our business community. You can find the survey on the Small Business Services Center page on the chamber Web site, www.cummingforsythchamber.org.

We want to hear from you about your needs now and into the future. We believe the information we gather in this survey will assist the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce with realigning its priorities and services to our current and future members. Thank you for your participation in this effort.

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Much thanks to dinner sponsors

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HORIZONS December 2012

Membership Information Member News

Metcam teaching event Ad firm wins top award

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ocal branding and design firm Jeff Mason Advertising & Design Inc. won the prestigious Golden Flame Award for their video on Axor Stark for international company Hansgrohe at the International Association of Business Communicators Golden Flames Gala held Oct. 25 at the Fox Theatre. The Golden Flame Awards program is a yearly event held by the International Association of Business Communicators Atlanta chapter to recognize excellence in communications and highlight the achievements of local professionals and companies in a variety of categories, including print media, electronic media, graphic communications and media relations.

M

etcam’s Manufacturing Day, held Oct. 5, drew a substantial and engaged crowd of attendees interested in learning more about manufacturing. Attendees included students f r o m n e a r b y L a n i e r Te c h n i c a l College as well as leaders from Forsyth and Fulton County Schools.

Participants took tours of the Metcam facility led by key production employees. Attendees also watched a demonstration of the CAD software that generates related part drawings. A raffle was conducted for prizes and a tool kit was awarded to one of the attending Lanier Tech students.

“The feedback from the commun i t y wa s ve r y p o s i t ive ,” s a i d Metcam Environmental Health and

Carabba’s holiday bonus Safety Manager Sue Max, MPH, CHMM. “The Lanier Tech students were especially impressed with the equipment in the new robotic manufacturing cell. We look forward to hosting more school groups in the future.”

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his holiday season give the taste of Italy and get a taste for yourself with a Carrabba’s Gift Card. Carrabba’s is extending a special holiday offer to help in stocking-stuffing this season. For every purchase of $100 in gift cards Carrabba’s will add a $20 Amore Bonus Card for you. For more information contact Jaimie Cullinan, Carrabba’s proprietor at (770) 292-9104.

Russell signs large contract New owner at ballet school

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ussell Landscape of Tennessee just signed a contract with Lake Providence at Del Webb in Nashville, Tenn.

With more than 820 homes and an extensive common area, this property became the biggest and largest individual annual maintenance account that Russell Landscape has ever signed with nearing almost one million dollars annually.

“We did this presentation two weeks ago to a 15 person Board of

S

Directors. But the planning of this contract started three years ago,” said COO and partner Bob Russell.

awnee School of Ballet Inc., a long-standing business in the Cumming/Forsyth community, has changed ownership after 22 years. As of Nov. 1, Courtney Palubiak Bromwich, who has been an instructor with the school for a total of eight years, has assumed the role of owner and director of the school.

“I look forward to continuing the same spirit and core principals that have driven this well-established school for so long in addition to applying new and fresh ideas that will hopefully grow the studio and the dancers’ passion for dance,” Bromwich said.

Former owner and director, Joan Kall Stewart, now serving as the director emeritus for the school, will continue to teach at the school and serve as the artistic director of Sawnee Ballet Theatre, the nonprofit performing company housed out of Sawnee School of Ballet.

HORIZONS December 2012

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And While You're in Town

The City of Cumming

Upcoming Events Dec. 1

Cumming Christmas Parade — 3:30 p.m., Market Place Boulevard

Dec. 4

Women Who Mean Business — 7:30 a.m., Chamber Events Facility

Dec. 13

Business After Hours — 5 p.m., Snap Technology Inc.

Here are just a few great ideas:

Dec. 18

Pre-Legislative Session Breakfast — 7:30 a.m., Forsyth Conference Center

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Tacos & Tequilas

Happy holidays from the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce!

Dec. 6

Mingle Jingle — 5 p.m., Northside Hospital-Forsyth

Dec. 11

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, TBA

Invites You to Experience Even More of our Fair City!

• Go for an indoor swim at the Cumming Aquatic Center! cummingaquaticcenter.com

Jan. 22

Economic Outlook Breakfast — 7:30 a.m., Forsyth Conference Center

• Enjoy an evening of culture and refinement at the Cumming Playhouse!

Key to the events

• Please visit our Event’s Calendar at www.cummingforsythchamber.org to see a full list of events, more information and registration.

Member Power Networking Lunch — Meets every Tuesday at noon at a different location and includes casual networking for 20-35 other business professionals.

Business After Hours — Meets the second Tuesday of every month from 5-7 p.m. at a different host location every month. The purpose is networking and to experience new businesses in the community.

Women Who Mean Business — Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. This is a specialized networking group of over 50 female business professionals. Join them for breakfast.

cummingplayhouse.com

• Stop and shop for early Christmas gifts at one of our numerous shopping centers throughout the city! cityofcumming.net

H. Ford Gravitt Mayor

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HORIZONS December 2012

Lewis Ledbetter Councilman

Quincy Holton Councilman

Ralph Perry Councilman

John D. Pugh Councilman

Rupert Sexton Councilman

Horizons 2012 Officers

Board of Directors

David Seago, Chair

Jerry Bowman

Tim Hopkins

John Kieffer, Past-Chair

Cris Burgum

Lynn Jackson

The Avenue-Forsyth

Northside Hospital-Forsyth

Conservation Resource Solutions

Drew Walker

Shawn LaFave

Royce Owens

Georgia Power - retired

Cumming Station LLC

Russ Wheeler, First Chair-Elect Hansgrohe

Linda Cole, Second Chair-Elect,

Cardinal Logistics Management

Keller Williams Community Partners

Alliance National Bank

North Georgia Promotions

Chuck Button

Scott Jordan

Tracy Moon

Scott Kuhn

Todd Moran

Bert Durand

Rep. Mike Dudgeon

Fran Forehand

Hon. Phil Smith

Sen. Jack Murphy

Alex Girrbach

Mimms Enterprises

Lipscomb, Johnson, Sleister, Dailey, & Smith LLP

Bruce Hagenau

Jim Boff

Stan Vangilder

Bobby Thomas

Sen. Steve Gooch

Laura Stewart

Rep. Amos Amerson

Jason Mock

Metcam

Kevin Garmon

Walmart

Bank of North Georgia

Dekalb Office

Ann-Margaret Johnston, Secretary/Treasurer

John Deruki

Cindy Mills

Tim Perry

Billy Wells

Bruce Longmore Lenny’s Sub Shop

North Georgia College & State University

Randall Toussaint

Doug Derrer

Mike Caspar

Rick O’Brien

James McCoy

Mary Transue

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Johnston & Associates, Inc.

Rep. Mark Hamilton

Mary Helen McGruder

BB&T

Bryan Properties

Chamber Staff

Dr. Buster Evans

Fisher & Phillips LLP

Jacobs Engineering Group

Deruki Construction

Ex-Officio

John Rasper

Citizen’s Bank

Bob Russell

Russell Landscape

Terry Smith

A.C. Smith Poultry Co.

Wells Fargo

Superintendent, Forsyth County Schools

United Community Bank

Ethan Underwood

Chairman, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners

Gainesville State College

Georgia Power

Georgia Power Dept. of Economic Development

Sawnee Mountain Foundation

Forsyth County Manager

State Court Judge

Chair, Forsyth County Development Authority

Paul Chambers

H. Ford Gravitt

John Hall

Bill Cupp

Blake House

Dr. Joanne Tolleson

Tom Cleveland

Jon McDaniel

AT&T

AGL Resources

Chair, Forsyth County Board of Education

UGAForever.com Outlet StOre

Mayor, City of Cumming

Sawnee EMC

Forsyth County News

President & CEO

Vice President of Economic Development

Director of Operations

Director of Communications & Events

Director of Small Business Services

Anna Brostrom

Director of Tourism Development

Lanier Technical College

Jimmy Lane, Jeremiah Dickerson Sales Executives

Forsyth County Public Library

Maggie Schmitz, Sherri Klug Administrative Assistants

LEONARD’S FARMERS MARKET

Wholesale & Retail • Meat & Produce “Locally Owned and Operated and Serving Cumming since 1961”

®

NoW oPeN! tHe ULTIMATE SOurCe FOr uGA MerCHANDISe

WItH Over 400 IteMS IN StOCk!

Open Thursday & Friday 10-5 • saTurday 10-4 1230 SAMpLES IndUSTrIAL dr. (SUITE 200) (off ronald reagan 2 miles North of the Avenue)

678-208-6348

• Freshest Fruits & Vegetables • Top Quality Meat • Free Range Turkeys • Beef Tenderloin $1299 and Bone-in Prime Rib $799 lb.

• Large Selection Rubs and Sauces

304 Atlanta Hwy. Cumming, GA • 770-887-3121 Prices good thru Christmas.

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Trusted experts delivering the latest in cardiac care Northside is home to a team of talented and experienced professionals specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular services.

From leading diagnostic services to angioplasty and pacemaker implantation, Northside’s experts deliver leading cardiac care right in your community. Visit us online at www.northside.com.

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HORIZONS December 2012