Horizons February 2012
A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
What’s inside Member Spotlight — Wells Fargo .......................................... 2 Visitor guide touts local community ...................................... 4 Boulder Dash coming this spring .......................................... 11
Prestige Members Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor
Forsyth County Government
The City of Cumming
jTech Networks Georgia Power
DeKalb Office
Taubman
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta
www.cummingforsythchamber.org
A celebration coming A
t 11:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Forsyth Conference Center, Forysth County Schools and the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th annual Celebration of Excellence luncheon, one of the chamber’s largest community events recognizing how important it is to invest in the education of our youths. This event honors all community businesses and Partners in Education that help schools and students alike throughout the year. It also recognizes some of Forsyth County’s best and most influential teachers — by congratulating all of the Teachers of the Year. Last year’s event was attended by more than 350 people, and an even bigger turnout is expected this year. Last year, more than $1.6 million was provided to schools by community partners. This speaks volumes about the businesses and community leaders in Forsyth County! There are many chamber members who are also Partners
in Education. To name a few, BJ’s Wholesale Club sponsors students at Whitlow Elementary, while Chick-fil-A at Lanier Crossing invests in Haw Creek Elementary by providing monetary and food donations throughout the year. RBM of Atlanta-North donates $10,000 annually to Forsyth County Schools. It is important that all partners in the community be recognized for their dedication to supporting high-quality education of our future business leaders in Forsyth County.
The Celebration of Excellence aims to recognize what makes Forsyth County schools some of the best in the nation. The system and the entire community benefit from all of the wonderful community partners and inspirational teachers. A special thank you to our t i t l e s p o n s o r, N o r t h s i d e Hospital-Forsyth, for supporting this event. For more information or to become a sponsor of this outstanding community event, visit www.cummingforsythchamber.org or call (770) 887-6461.
Member Spotlight
Wells Fargo combines benefits of local, nationwide structure W
ells Fargo works hard to be the best bank in Forsyth County while offering all the benefits, conveniences and strengths of a nationwide financial services company. We l l s Fa rg o makes decisions locally, from loan applications to charitable giving, whenever possible. In Forsyth, the company’s 75 team members serve customers through seven bank stores and its business banking office at 106 W. Maple St. in Cumming. As a coast-to-coast financial services company, Wells Fargo provides not just banking but insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products through more than 9,000 stores, more than 12,000 ATMs, the Internet and other distribution channels. The company is the nation’s No. 1 retail mortgage lender, the No. 1 SBA lender in loan dollars and the largest agricultural lender. Fortune has named Wells Fargo among the world’s most admired companies. Its vision is to satisfy all the financial needs of its customers so that they can succeed financially. That’s why building long-lasting customer relationships are so important. Wells Fargo is proud to be lending to local businesses in Forsyth County who
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may not be able to find the financing that they need elsewhere. The company’s commitment goes beyond business. Supporting local communities is an integral part of the culture. Just in the last year, Wells Fargo has given to local groups including Forsyth County Community Connection, CASA for Forsyth County, Leadership Forsyth and more. Wells Fargo believes in promoting the long-term economic prosperity and quality of life for everyone in Forsyth County and beyond, giving not only money and volun-
teer hours but leadership for groups and initiatives. Its team members volunteer for the causes that matter most to them, and the Forsyth team members serve on boards of several organizations. Additionally, Wells Fargo is a proud member of The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s Chairman’s Cabinet. Wells Fargo is proud to serve Cumming and Forsyth County and hopes to continue helping its customers and the community for years to come. For more information, please visit www.wellsfargo.com.
Partners in Education
Georgia United teams with Otwell Middle T
he Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forsyth County Schools is proud to announce this month’s Partner in Education Spotlight: Georgia United Credit Union. The mission of Otwell Middle School is “Whatever It Takes — Teach, Inspire, and Motivate Every Child, Every Day.” Georgia United Credit Union continues to promote and encourage this mission statement. Not only is it a system Gold Sponsor Partner, but it partners with all our individual schools. Recently, the latest promotion
sponsored by Georgia United Credit Union was “Boost Your Schools’ Budget.” This promotion was open to all school systems in communities served by Georgia United. Every new account that was opened by a school system employee between August and December, 2011, qualified their designated school for a referral bonus. At the end of the year, all schools entered in this promotion were placed in a drawing for one grand prize of $1,000 and three runner-up prizes of $500. Georgia United Credit Union has contributed thousands of dollars towards programs that pro-
mote student success. It has sponsored activities and events in all Forsyth County Schools various departments. We value the partnership and the friendship of Georgia United Credit Union. On behalf of the staff at Otwell Middle School, Forsyth County Schools and the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce, we congratulate Georgia United Credit Union for its continued contribution in celebrating the successes of our students and educators. It’s community members like you that make our schools great and Forsyth County a great place to live.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Over 1,000 projected new jobs in 2011 T
he Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that, through a network of economic and community partners, the City of Cumming and Forsyth County have successfully participated in 16 economic development projects during 2011. Collectively, the projects are forecasted to create 1,016 new jobs, representing a 110 percent increase over last year’s job creation totals. The projects are also estimated to generate approximately $42.7 million in new capital investment. In 2012, our community will continue to attract new jobs and capital investment within the health care, technology, international and manufacturing industries. Companies who would like to learn more about our community’s economic development resources are encouraged to contact Randall Toussaint, Vi c e P r e s i d e n t o f E c o n o m i c Development, at (770) 887-6461 or rtoussaint@cummingforsythchamber. org.
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Tourism Development
Chamber visitor guide in all welcome centers
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s the first points of contact with more itors each than 13 million Georgia visitors nters greet year, our 11 state welcome centers spitality. travelers with true Southern hospitality. Year-round, travelers can receive maps and es, recreliterature on historical sites, activities, ion speation areas and attractions. Information cialists will assist with directions and give expert advice on things to see and do as well as places to stay throughout Georgia. This is the mission of our welcome centers, mber is and now the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber ur first included in that mission. We have our elcome official visitor guide in all 11 state welcome hways centers on the interstates and highways ted in coming into the state. We are represented vonia, Augusta, Columbus, Kinglands, Lavonia, ania, Plains, Ringgold, Savannah, Sylvania, point Tallapoosa, Valdosta and Westpoint Welcome Centers. sitor The information found in our visitor reat guide can help a guest find our great attractions, parks, shopping, lodging and age. where to dine at just a flip of the page. artWe use pictures from many of our partners across the county and venues to promote the wonderful assets we have to th offer here in Cumming and Forsyth County. Included in the brochure is history of our community, Cumming fairgrounds,, Lake Lanier, entertainment ideas,, g Forsyth Conference Center, Cumming Aquatic Center and the Forsyth and Cumming Parks and Recreation listings. Our hotels are great partners and are also listed in the brochure for quick reference. A select number of restaurants are listed as well with their phone number and address. We are very proud of the visitor guide and hope you’ll share the word about this document that is so important to our community.
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Month in Review
Regus kicks off new office, BAH A
big thank you to Regus Management group for hosting the first business after hours of the year! We had more than 120 people join us for this great event that also celebrated the grand opening of its new location at The Avenue Forsyth. Smokejack Southern Grill, Marlow’s Tavern and Jim N’ Nicks all provided great food for those in attendance. Regus Management Group is an international company that rents office space by the hour, day, week, etc. to fit anyone’s needs. It also offers a place for video conferencing, phone services and many other office solutions for businesses of any size. Visit www.regus.com for more information on its services. What a great event to kick off 2012! Thank you Regus for hosting us and congratulations on your new location!
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Month in Review Join us for a Power Networking Lunch T
he Member Power Networking lunches are back in full swing. The first lunch of the year was hosted by Mellow Mushroom, and there was a terrific turnout of more than 30. The restaurant allowed all who attended to sample its appetizers and provided dessert for a special treat. Mellow Mushroom just opened at The Avenue Forsyth, and we hope you’ll stop by and see their awesome new restaurant! The member power networking lunches meet every Tuesday (with a few exceptions for holidays) at different member locations in the community. This is a great opportunity for casual networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to join us for one sometime!
Upcoming Member Power Networking Lunches: 1/31/12 — Quanto Basta 2/7/12 — J’s Southern Smoke 2/14/12 — Norman’s Landing 2/21/12 — Shane’s Rib Shack 2/28/12 — Stars & Strikes HORIZONS February 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. 8
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Member News Scott’s Auto Center No. 1 in Ga., in the top 10 nationwide
Tips on using the Member’s Only section of the chamber Web site
Scotts Auto Center was recently voted No. 1 in Georgia and in the top 10 in the nation by MotorAge. Congratulations and we are proud to have you in our community! For more information, visit www.scottsautocenter.net.
The Member’s Only section provides exclusive opportunities to chamber members: • Upload coupons (public and member-to-member coupons) • Change your online listing information • Change your login credentials • Upload media (video, logo, photo) • Pay an Invoice • View Your Online Referrals • Submit an Event to the Community Calendar This part of the Chamber’s Web site is a very valuable part of your membership. We hope you’ll log in and explore this section. After logging in, the quick links on the left side will direct you to different tasks. Most are fairly simple to take care of and can add a lot of value to your membership with us. Visit www.cummingforsythchamber.org and click on ‘Members Only’ to log in and get started!
Community Business Bank receives highest Bauer rating Community Business Bank received a Superior 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial Inc. The ranking is the highest a bank or credit union can receive from the organization, which is based in Coral Gables, Fla. According to a report from BauerFinancial, the superior rating is given to banks that are considered the best in the nation in terms of overall financial performance. Congratulations Community Business Bank!
Have a special announcement for your company? Submit Member News to: lnelson@cummingforsythchamber.org.
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SBSC News
2012 Small Business Awards Luncheon coming he Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, in an effort to support entrepreneurship in our community, is excited to host the 2012 Small Business Awards Luncheon presented by BB&T. This program offers well-deserved recognition to small businesses for their achievements and contributions to our community by providing the opportunity to showcase their company, share their story and be rewarded for their efforts. Join us Feb. 23 at the Forsyth Conference Center as we celebrate those who have made an impact in our community. This year the chamber has invited Debbie Liberty, the owner and president of Research Inc., who has over 20 years of experience in marketing and market research. Debbie has earned the prestigious PRC (Professional Researcher
T
Certification). The certification, awarded by the Marketing Research Association, signifies that she has met a stringent set of criteria and possesses the knowledge and practical experience in marketing research necessary to earn this esteemed credential. She has also attended the Burke Institute’s Advanced Moderator training program. Debbie has a BA in marketing from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Georgia State University. The luncheon will be held Thursday, Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Forsyth Conference Center, 7745 Majors Road. The cost of the event is $15 for chamber members and $30 for nonchamber members. For more information or to register for the luncheon, please go to www.cummingforsythchamber.org or call (770) 887-6461.
2012 Awards include: • Business Mentor of the Year • Entrepreneur of the Year • New Business Award • Small Business of the Year 1 to 9 Employees • Small Business of the Year 10 to 99 Employees • Small Business of the Year 100+ Employees • Heritage Award
Lace up shoes for Boulder Dash unners and walkers alike will be challenged by the third annual Boulder Dash 5K course as they dash through a quarry in Cumming at 9 a.m. April 28. Organized by the Healthcare Association of Forsyth County, an initiative of the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce, the course for Boulder Dash 2011, 5K Run/ Walk, will wind its way into LaFarge Aggregates and Concrete quarry. This is the third time the race will be held in the operational hard rock quarry. You can register online at www.BoulderDash5k.com for $25. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation and the “Envision a Fit Forsyth” program. In 2010 the proceeds were used to buy nine fitness and nutrition signs that have been placed on
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the Big Creek Greenway and in 2011 the proceeds went to the Forsyth County Parks Foundation. The race will start at Northside Hospital-Forsyth and will continue up Ronald Reagan Boulevard and into the quarry. At the finish line, LaFarge will host the Spring Fling inside the quarry property. Tents are available for business or race participants to unwind and celebrate the achievement. The Spring Fling will be complete live music, food and beverages, family activities and educational displays showing how the quarry operates. All participants who pre-register will receive a performance shirt at the finish line. This event is open to runners and walkers across the state. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact the chamber at cfccoc@cummingforsythchamber.org.
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Education
“We found a bank that understands our business.”
Collaborative project to broaden opportunities here Dale McCord, M.D. Atlanta Oncology Assoc.
Janice McKenzie-Crayton Big Brothers Big Sisters
Fred L. Aycock, CEO Remington Medical
Learn more about our banking success at gacommercebank.com or call 770-887-9220
Visit our new Location in Cumming! Mathis Airport Par k w
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Bro okw ood Ro ad
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orth Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College celebrated the beginning of construction on a new instructional facility in our community. Slated to open in fall 2012, University Center | GA 400 is being constructed on property near Ga. 400 at Pilgrim Mill Road. The instructional center will offer a range of two- and fouryear undergraduate programs, graduate programs and professional development opportunities. Additionally, North Georgia’s MBA program, currently in the Cumming City Hall building, will move to the new facility. The University System of Georgia has identified the Cumming and Forsyth County area as an “underserved region” of the state for higher education, and Cumming officials have been seeking to expand higher education opportunities for the fast-growing community for years. University Center | GA 400 site will not be residential and is expected to alleviate some of the capacity pressure at the existing campuses of North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College. With nearly 6,100 students, North Georgia is nearing capacity at its Dahlonega campus and Gainesville State’s capacity has exceeded 100 percent on the Oakwood campus since 2000. In fall 2011, more than 1,500 students from Forsyth County were enrolled at both schools — 782 at North Georgia and 806 at Gainesville State. More information about University Center | GA 400 is available online at www.universitycenterga400.org.
Pe ac htr ee Pa rkw ay
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Carrie Garmon Branch Manager
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2555 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 Hours: 9am to 5pm M-F
Welcome New Members • A Minor Touch, LLC • All About Floors, Inc. • ARCADIS U.S., Inc. • Aspire Landscaping • Couponizer Company • Extreme IFC, LLC • Frazier & Deeter, LLC • Junk King • Kauffman Tire • Lewis Carlyn • Max Solutions, Inc • Mazda of Roswell • Medicity • Metro Brokers – Krejci
• NES Rentals • Perfect GatheringsCatering • Preferred Risk Insurance Services, Inc. • Solar Energy USA • Spencer Pest Services • State Farm • SwimKids of Georgia • Trivia Pages Exposed • Turner Construction • United Futbol Academy, Inc. • Vision Metals • Young Life Forsyth
Save the Date HCA Boulder Dash 5K When: Saturday, April 28 Where: Start line at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, finish line at the Lafarge quarry What: A 5K and fun run event for the whole community to join in
Member Thank Yous
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s a nonprofit organization, the Chamber’s work would not be possible without the support and contributions made by many dedicated companies and individuals in Forsyth County. The Cumming-Forsyth Chamber would like to show sincere appreciation and gratitude to the following sponsors and volunteers who supported Chamber programs and events.
• Becky Brown • Bob Russell • Brooke Smith • Bruce Longmore • Jane O’Gorman • Paul Casteel • Putnam Smith • Ruben Boling • Steve Bloom • Thom Smith • Torri Westmoreland
• Comfort Suites of Cumming • Hampton Inn of Cumming • Holiday Inn Express • Lenny’s • Marlow’s Tavern • Mellow Mushroom • Regus Management Group • Smokejack Southern Grill • Ted’s Montana Grill • United Futbol Academy
Small Business Services
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f you’re a small business owner or dreaming about owning your own business but have questions and not sure who to ask then contact the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Services Center for help. The Small Business Services Center strives to provide small and emerging businesses with resources necessary to succeed. This is accomplished through educational opportunities via classes, roundtable discussions, business coaching and mentoring, while providing a network for small businesses to support and learn
from one another. Consider the following; Forsyth County continues to be ranked as one of the fastest growing county’s in the nation, 63 percent of Chamber members h av e 1 0 o r f ew e r employees and more than 70 percent of the state’s growth potential comes from the small business community. The SBSC Advisory Council has launched the Small Business Tool Kit. If you would like a copy of the kit or more information about the Small Business Services Center, contact Jason Mock at jmock@cummingforsythchamber.org or at (770) 887-6461.
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Upcoming Events Jan. 31
Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Quanto Basta
Feb. 2
Real Estate Roundtable — 11 a.m., Chamber Event Facility
Feb. 7
Women Who Mean Business — 7:30 a.m., Chamber Event Facility Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, J’s Southern Smoke
Feb. 17
Celebration of Excellence — 11:30 a.m., Forsyth Conference Center
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Feb. 21
Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Shane’s Rib Shack Business After Hours — 5 p.m., location TBD
Feb. 23
Small Business Awards Luncheon — 11:30 a.m., Forsyth Conference Center
Feb. 28
Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Stars & Strikes
April 28
Boulder Dash 5K — Northside Hospital-Forsyth and Lafarge (www.boulderdash5k.com)
Horizons
A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
2012 Officers
Board of Directors
David Seago, Chair
Linda Cole
Bob Russell
Mike Caspar
Jim Boff
Billy Wells
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Russell Landscape
Walmart
Chair, Forsyth Co. Commission
North Georgia College & State University
H. Ford Gravitt
Fran Forehand
Mayor, City of Cumming
Georgia Power
Jon McDaniel
Vice President of Economic Development
Alex Girrbach
Georgia Power - retired
John Kieffer, Past-Chair
John Derucki
Cumming Station LLC
Deruki Construction
Russ Wheeler, First Chair-Elect
Bruce Longmore Lenny’s Sub Shop
Hansgrohe
Royce Owens
Scott Jordan
Mimms Enterprises
BB&T
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Ann-Margaret Johnston, Secretary/Treasurer Johnston & Associates, Inc.
Bank of North Georgia
James McCoy
Mary Helen McGruder
President & CEO
Sawnee Mountain Foundation
Randall Toussaint
Ethan Underwood
Tim Perry Citizen’s Bank
Bobby Thomas
Dr. Buster Evans
Forsyth County Public Library
Terry Smith
Chair, Forsyth County Development Authority
Superintendent, Forsyth County Schools
Doug Derrer
Tom Cleveland
Mary Transue
Chair, Forsyth County Board of Education
Gainesville State College
A.C. Smith Poultry Co.
Cris Burgum The Avenue-Forsyth
Chuck Button Jacobs Engineering Group
John Rasper Dekalb Office
Todd Moran
Lynn Jackson
Conservation Resource Solutions
Northside HospitalForsyth
Tim Hopkins
John Hall
Keller Williams Community Partners
Forsyth County News
Chamber Staff
Lipscomb, Johnson, Sleister, Dailey, & Smith LLP
Kevin Garmon Linda Cole, Second Chair-Elect,
Community Directors
Forsyth County Manager
Dr. Joanne Tolleson Lanier Technical College
Blake House Jerry Bowman
Bill Cupp
Cardinal Logistics Management
AGL Resources
Paul Chambers Cindy Mills
AT&T
Sawnee EMC
Ann Crow
Judge Phil Smith
Forsyth County Board of Education
State Court Judge
Director of Operations
Lindsey Nelson Director of Communications & Events
Jason Mock Director of Small Business Services
Anna Brostrom Director of Tourism Development
Jimmy Lane, Jeremiah Dickerson Sales Executives
Maggie Schmitz, Sherri Klug Administrative Assistants
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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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