Horizons May 2012

Horizons May 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

Anchor Home Mortgage

Reduce traffic with vote O

n July 31, citizens of Forsyth County and eleven other counties in the Georgia Mountains Region (Region 2), will get to vote on a transportation referendum. This 12-county referendum will ask voters to consider a 1-cent sales tax to fund major road construction projects over 10 years.

Arguably, one of the most important projects to be funded is the widening of Ga. 400 from McFarland Parkway to Hwy. 20.

Congestion on 400 has become a major issue for residents, businesses and economic development prospects in the community. In a recent business climate survey, 31 percent of existing businesses said that the traffic has a negative impact on their ability to do business. About 22 percent noted that congestion had a negative impact on their ability to retain high quality employees.

The population of Forsyth County has grown 90 percent since 2000, and the total population is expected to exceed 200,000 by 2017. As the community continues to grow and

enjoy economic prosperity, infrastructure needs must be in place to ensure a sustainable economic future.

Other projects include widening parts of Ronald Reagan Boulevard,

Hwy. 9, Hwy. 369, Bethelview Road, Hwy. 371/Post Road, Old Atlanta Highway, and Brookwood, Pilgrim Mill and McGinnis Ferry roads.

Improvements to the intersection of Kelly Mill and Veterans Memorial Boulevard at Hwy. 20 along with the intersection at Hwy. 369 of Mount Tabor Road and Old Federal Road will be included as well.

Of the funds collected by the transportation referendum, 75 percent raised in the region will be spent on regional projects. The other 25 percent will be returned directly to Cumming and Forsyth County for local projects. In total, Forsyth County will receive about $340 million.

For more information about the transportation referendum, local projects or projects within the Georgia Mountains Region, visit www.connectgeorgiamountains.org.

Member Spotlight

Sawnee School of Ballet keeps serving art to the community T

he Sawnee School of Ballet is where dreams come alive!

Now celebrating its 22nd season under the direction of Joan Kall Stewart, the Sawnee School of Ballet hosts an outstanding faculty of professional instructors and is recognized in the community for its high standards of excellence.

Dance classes are graded appropriately for ages 3 through professional in preballet, ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary and hip hop.

Sawnee School of Ballet students have participated in prestigious summer intensive training programs such as: American Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey School of Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, South Carolina School of the Arts and

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t h e N YC R o c k e t t e s S u m m e r Intensive.

Students that have trained at the Sawnee School of Ballet have received scholarships in dance from B r e n a u U n ive r s i t y, B e l h ave n University, Ballet Magnificat, South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Georgia’s Governor’s Honors in Dance.

The Sawnee School of Ballet is the home base for the Sawnee Ballet Theatre, Inc., which is a nonprofit organization. Since 1992, The Sawnee Ballet Theatre has made significant educational and cultural contributions to the Cumming -Forsyth community.

Annually, Sawnee Ballet Theatre presents the full length production of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker.”

Some of their spring concerts have i n c l u d e d “ S l e e p i n g B e a u t y,” “Cinderella,” “Swan Lake” and “Les Sylphides” to name a few.

The Sawnee School of Ballet is now registering students for the Children’s Summer Dance Camps and the evening classes for advanced and intermediate dancers.

The Sawnee School of Ballet is at 433 Canton Road (Hwy. 20), which is just west of the square

in Cumming.

For more information, call (770) 887 -0756 or visit the Web site at www.sawneeschoolofballet.com.

Partners in Education

All American specializes in helping school

T

he Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forsyth County Schools would like to congratulate All American Specialties, Inc. for being the Partner in Education Spotlight this month.

All American Specialties is one of the premier providers of recognition awards and promotional products in the Southeast, with a 40-year reputation of top quality products, innovation and superior service as their cornerstones of doing business.

With their Forsyth showroom opening in 2010, All-American Specialties reached out to several schools in the district to form “win-win” partner-

ships, proving quickly that they are a true friend to and supporter of schools in Forsyth County.

Piney Grove Middle is one school that is thrilled to have Keith Williams and his All-American Specialties staff as a Partner in Education. The company sponsors Piney Grove’s quarterly PRIDE Awards for 30 outstanding students by providing fantastic award plaques for each, and it honors two Piney Grove teachers each month with a nice plaque for their “Making A

Difference” award.

These are just two ways that Keith Williams and his staff are helping to support the students and staff at Piney Grove in fine fashion.

“Keith Williams and his staff at All American Specialties have been awesome supporters of our students and staff at PGMS,” said principal Terri North. “Through their wonderful generosity we have been able to recognize and honor our students and staff who are going above and beyond in very

meaningful ways. Their innovative ideas have also been great in helping us to showcase our kids and all their talents throughout the school. They are an outstanding business partner in every way!”

It is great to have businesses like All American Specialties join the Forsyth community who have much to offer, set their standard of service at such a high level and are so willing to support our schools in generous ways.

Thank you to All American Specialties for your generosity and investment to our future leaders of Forsyth County!

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Tourism

Economic Development

Chamber planning trip to Germany I

n December, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will host a nine-day discovery excursion to Germany. The trip will provide participants with an opportunity to explore Germany’s history, culture, shopping markets and economic development opportunities.

The trip is open to all members of the community. It will feature: Three nights in the traditional Alpine Village of Oberammergau Two nights in the heart of the Black Forest Tours and shopping expeditions in such historic cities as Munich, Nuremberg, Wurzburg and Rothenburg.

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will host an information session about the trip on April 24. The session will take place at 6 p.m. at the U.S. headquarters of the German manufacturer Hansgrohe, 1490 Bluegrass Lakes Parkway, Alpharetta. To register for the information session or to learn more about the trip, please contact Randall Toussaint at rtoussaint@cummingforsythchamber.org.

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Much to see and do at Cumming Playhouse T

he Cumming Playhouse is located in the the Cumming Public School at 101 School St. in downtown Cumming.

The Cumming Public School was built in 1923 to serve first-11th grades offering a first time diploma in Cumming. The school burned and was rebuilt in 1927.

After reopening it still served as the school and then served as the Forsyth County Board of Education until it was acquired in 1999 by The City of Cumming. It was placed on the historic register in 2000 and dedicated in 2006.

Linda Heard and the City of Cumming saw the great potential the school had, with its beautiful tongue-andgroove pine flooring, vaulted ceilings and exposed beams in the school auditorium.

This area is the 184-seat Cumming Playhouse that opened in July of 2004.

Patrons have enjoyed plays and various concerts since then.

Heard, director of the Cumming Playhouse, was instrumental in its birth and without her great imagination and hard work, this great venue would not be here in Cumming.

Some of the great shows

t h a t h ave b e e n a t t h e Playhouse are “Smoke on the Mountain,” “The Miracle Worker,” “Big River” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The Cumming School boasts a beautiful display of playbills on the walls of all the past shows, a must-see if you haven’t been.

For a list of upcoming shows, visit the Web site at www.playhousecumming. com or call (770) 781-9178.

The Bell Research Center is also located in the Cumming School. This center serves the area with collections that focus on local history and genealogy and includes materials on Americans of European, African, Native and Hispanic descent. The center is open, and there is no charge to visit. If you have questions about your family and want the answer, visit www.bellresearchcenter.com or call (678) 455-7216 and make

your appointment to go and see the curators at The Bell Research Center in downtown Cumming.

The Historical Society of Forsyth County is located in the school as well. The society has a collection of photographs, documents, genealogies and more. The members of the society are there to assist you and are happy to help you find out more about your family tree. For more information, please stop by, call (678) 455-7260 or visit its Web site at www.historicforsyth.com.

Schedule a tour of the Cumming Public School to see the school rooms set up as they were back when the school was still serving the students in the community.

Many citizens that were students at the school, have donated items and they are displayed throughout the school.

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Month in Review

Barbecue with Sen. Saxby Chambliss D

uring a Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce barbecue luncheon April 12, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss spoke on a variety of issues important to the community. The event was held at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.

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Month in Review

Business After Hours

Member Power Networking Lunch ‘Cue Barbecue in Cumming

MRI Imaging of Cumming

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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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In-Depth

Put Forsyth first by shopping locally D

id you know purchases of taxable items in Forsyth County generates sales taxes that will stay here in the county? These taxes fund a number of things, including public safety, transportation and park improvements. Shopping outside of the county sends valuable tax dollars elsewhere, funding that community’s projects rather than ours.

Every dollar spent on taxable items in Forsyth County generates three cents of sales tax that stays in the county: • 1 cent funds the county’s LOST • 1 cent funds the county’s SPLOST • 1 cent goes to the county school system Along with other revenue sources, both LOST and SPLOST revenues have declined significantly. As of September 2009, SPLOST VI collections are approximately 12 percent under projections. Voters approved SPLOST VI in 2008, to fund transportation projects as well as library, recreation, cultural and public safety improvements. You can help make those projects a reality by making purchases in Forsyth County.

Every purchase you make in Forsyth County is an investment in your county’s future. You have a choice of where you eat, shop, and do business. Choose Forsyth County!

Search for local businesses using the chamber’s business directory.

Top 10 reasons to buy local 1. Keep our community unique — Locally-owned businesses cater to the cultural base of the neighborhood it serves.

2. Encourage local prosperity — Research indicates that entrepreneurs and experienced workers are more likely to live and invest in communities that preserve the characteristics of locally-owned businesses.

3. Put your taxes to good use — Local business anchors the neighborhood infrastructure and supports the city and county tax base.

4. Buy local, support yourself — A good deal of the dollars spent with local businesses is used to make purchases from other local entities, creating a domino effect that can preserve a neighborhood even in an economic slowdown.

5. Create more good jobs — Local businesses provide jobs for residents in the community that they live in.

6. Get better service — Local businesses tend to hire people with some knowledge of the products they are selling and provide better customer care by giving special attention to each customer they serve.

7. Reduce environmental impact — Locally-owned businesses are usually found in thriving neighborhoods or city centers as opposed to developing on the border. They, along with local residents, are more likely to purchase local, resulting in less travel and reduced air pollutants.

8. Buy what you want, not what someone else wants you to buy — Product selection is based on what the community wants, and local businesses provide the consumer a more interesting array of products that satisfies the unique needs of the neighborhood.

9. Support community groups — Local businesses on average support nonprofits at a higher rate than big businesses and encourage entrepreneurial growth.

10. Invest in the community — Local business owners live in the community they serve; this lessens the possibility of moving and increases their assets in the future of the community.

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Small Business Services Center

When considering cloud computing W

i t h a l l t h e hy p e around cloud computing, you’ve certainly heard about t h e c l o u d - b a s e d o ffi c e applications being offered

by Microsoft, Google and Apple. All are promising cheap, easy and convenient computing … but are they really all they’re cracked up to be?

The most important thing you need to know is these are relatively new technologies with new features being added on a weekly or monthly basis. Like any

new technology, there are things that will not work as well as a mature desktop application hosted on your machine.

Google Apps is a platform for those businesses that need simple, inexpensive cloud-based collaboration software. However, if your company has been using Microsoft Office for y e a r s , y o u h av e a b i g i nv e s t m e n t t o c o n s i d e r since all those documents will change when switched to Google Apps. Therefore, most companies will want

to stick with Microsoft Office 365 rather than go through the pain of having all their documents slightly “off.” We suggest you actually read Google’s data security policy, which may sway your decision elsewhere.

Then we have Apple’s iCloud. While this is a cloud-based service, it doesn’t compare to Office 365 or Google Apps since it’s geared towards organizing, storing and accessing media (music, videos and pictures.) While they do

have some applications for e-mail and calendars, it’s not designed to replace an office productivity suite.

The “cloud war” is far from over. These are new technologies that are changing rapidly; what might be a good choice today, could be a second rate choice next week. So which one should you choose? That depends on your own unique situation. No two companies are alike, which is why it’s important you take a common sense approach to solvi n g y o u r organi zat i on’s

needs.

JTECH Networks was one of the first Microsoft Office 365 Certified partners in Atlanta. It currently has hundreds of users that are on Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365 and can guide you accordingly.

Jay Ryerse and his staff are devoted to providing reliable, proactive computer and network support to local businesses in Forsyth County and metro Atlanta.

Online @ www.facebook. c o m / J T E C H n e t wo r k s o r www.JTECHnetworks.com.

Chairman’s Cabinet

Why join ranks of Chairman’s Cabinet?

T

he Chairman’s Cabinet is a group of like-minded businesses and individuals who have chosen to invest at a higher level in the chamber.

Through a variety of exclusive eve n t s , t h e s e bu s i n e s s l e a d e r s have been able to contribute towards the economic development and quality of life in F o r s y t h C o u n t y i n a p o s i t iv e way. T hey have alig n ed th em-

selves with the various initiatives of the chamber in a way that brings them recognition and prestige in the community as difference makers.

B y j o i n i n g t h e C h a i r m a n ’s Cabinet, you join the group that is responsible for the very foundation of Forsyth County’s economic prosperity. Whether it be the Propel Initiative, an International Roundtable, a

Hawks game event, or economic outlook, rest assured there is a place to serve and value to be had.

“I upgraded my membership from a basic level to Chairman’s Cabinet because I wanted to invest more into the community by supporting the positive initiatives the chamber was driving. I wanted to be known for giving back to the community knowing

that other businesses would see my community involvement and support me as well. Joining the Chairman’s Cabinet has been one of the best business decisions I have made.” Shawn Lafave — North Georgia Promotions If you are interested in getting more information about our Chairman’s Cabinet, please contact Jeremiah Dickerson or Jimmy Lane at (770) 887-6461.

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Get the Personal Banking Service You Deserve.

HCA

County secondhealthiest in state T

he 2012 County Health Rankings were released this month and Forsyth County has been named the secondhealthiest county in Georgia. This is an improvement from 2010 and 2011 where Forsyth County moved up one spot.

The rankings are based on a model of population health that emphasizes the many factors that, if improved, can help make communities healthier places to live, learn, work and play. Building on the work of America’s Health Rankings, the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute has used this model to rank the health of Wisconsin’s counties every year since 2003.

Forsyth County ranks can be contributed to many factors including high percentage of adults with some college education and a high percent of adults with an income twice the federal poverty level.

The County Health Calculator (www.countyhealthcalculator.org) stated if 5 percent more people attended some college and 2 percent more had an income higher than twice the federal poverty level we could expect to save 40 lives, prevent 558 cases of diabetes, and eliminate $3.7 million in diabetes costs every year in Forsyth County.

Another factor that has helped Forsyth County achieve such a high ranking is the partnership the county has with Northside Hospital-Forsyth.

Since 2002, when Northside Hospital acquired Georgia Baptist Medical Center, health care has been a top priority for this community and is one of the fastest growing industries in Forsyth County. With this growth Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta was able to open a pediatric outpatient location serving more than 50,000 children younger than age 18 in Forsyth County.

Georgia Commerce Bank is now open in Cumming.

2555 Peachtree Parkway • 770-887-9220

Carrie Garmon Branch Manager

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David Hogan Commercial Lender

Linda Bagwell Senior Mortgage Consultant

Membership Information Welcome New Members • Algae Energy, Inc. • All American Construction • Amelia Bay • Artisan Millworks LLC • Atlanta Dog Trainer Pet Resort LLC • Atlas Air & Heat • Auto Connection • Chattahoochee Health Resources • Community Foods • Dentistry for Children • German American Chamber of Commerce

• Holiday Inn Express • Hotel Equities • Medicus Solutions, Inc. • Metro Fire Protection, Inc • MTR Fleet Services • North Georgia Party Rental • Parisa Abolfathian • Snap Technology Inc • TCMI, Inc. • WebsitesYouControlYourself. com • Woodmen of the World

Member Thank Yous • Elizabeth Combier • The Office of U.S. Senator, Saxby Chambliss • Bank of North Georgia • Central Park Community Center • CUE Barbecue • Forsyth Conference Center • Fowler Park Event Facility • Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta • Hansgrohe Inc.

• Healthcare Association of Forsyth County • Tim Hopkins • Jim ‘N Nick’s • Marlow’s Tavern • Mia Ristorante Italiano • MRI and Imaging of Cumming • Outback Steakhouse • The Foster House

Member News Metcam becomes certified supplier for global office environments firm Metcam, a fabricator of sheet metal components and assemblies for OEMs, announced recently that it has been certified as a finished goods supplier for Steelcase, a global office environments manufacturer. Metcam was first qualified by Steelcase in June and has successfully met all measurable performance requirements since that time.

Metcam is the only sheet metal fabricator in the Southeast to earn certified finished goods supplier status from Steelcase. Congratulations Metcam for another great honor!

Purchasing Alliance Solutions preparing to launch new program Purchasing Alliance Solutions will soon be launching the “Healthy Business Alliance.” This is a new chamber program offering a wide array of employee benefits and business solutions to help businesses of all sizes bring down the cost of medical care and manage their businesses more efficiently.

One of the first components of the program is to add more health insurance choices for small businesses. These options will continue to be made available through local independent insurance brokers.

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Upcoming Events April 26

Real Estate Roundtable — 11 a.m., Fowler Park Community Center

April 28

Boulder Dash 5K — 9 a.m., Northside Hospital-Forsyth and Lafarge

May 1

Women Who Mean Business — 7:30 a.m., Location TBD

Business After Hours — 5-7 p.m., Windermere G&CC, hosted jointly with FastSigns of Cumming

May 15

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Longhorn Steakhouse

May 22

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Rooster’s Cafe

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Slope’s BBQ

May 3

June 5

State of the Community Luncheon — 11:30 a.m., Forsyth Conference Center

Women Who Mean Business — 7:30 a.m., Location TBD

May 8

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, TBD

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Rick Tanner’s Grille & Bar

NEW! Konica Minolta bizhub C654 • Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, HP, Samsung and Oki Data MFPs & printers • Managed Print Services • Managed IT Services • Avaya, Mitel and ShoreTel unified communication phone systems

Norcross

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770.734.5300 Gainesville

Athens

June 12

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Good Grub Subs Business After Hours — 5-7 p.m., BJ’s Wholesale Club

June 19

Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Smokejack BBQ

June 21

Jazz in June — 5:30 p.m.

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

Key to the events 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 5-7pm 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 7:30am. This is a specialized networking group of over 50 female business professionals. Join them for breakfast.

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

Tracy Moon

Scott Kuhn

Todd Moran

Bert Durand

North Georgia Promotions

Chuck Button

Scott Jordan

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

Lindsey Nelson

Rep. Amos Amerson

Jason Mock

Metcam

Mike Caspar

Kevin Garmon

Walmart

Bank of North Georgia

Dekalb Office

Ann-Margaret Johnston, Secretary/Treasurer

John Deruki

Cindy Mills

Tim Perry

Rick O’Brien

Billy Wells

Bruce Longmore Lenny’s Sub Shop

John Rasper

Citizen’s Bank

North Georgia College & State University

Randall Toussaint

Doug Derrer

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Johnston & Associates, Inc.

James McCoy

Mary Transue

BB&T

Bryan Properties

Rep. Mark Hamilton

Mary Helen McGruder

Jacobs Engineering Group

Deruki Construction

Chamber Staff

Dr. Buster Evans

Fisher & Phillips LLP

Alliance National Bank

Ex-Officio

Bob Russell

Russell Landscape

Terry Smith

A.C. Smith Poultry Co.

Wells Fargo

United Community Bank

Ethan Underwood

Chairman, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners

Superintendent, Forsyth County Schools

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

Mayor, City of Cumming

Sawnee EMC

Forsyth County News

Lanier Technical College

Forsyth County Public Library

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

Jimmy Lane, Jeremiah Dickerson Sales Executives

Maggie Schmitz, Sherri Klug Administrative Assistants

Customized Training to Fit Your Needs

Your employees are the key to your organizations success and productivity.

The Professional Development Program at North Georgia College offers a wide range of training solutions to benefit your organization and make the most of your training dollars.

No matter how large or small your business, if you need specialized training for your employees, let us customize something for you.

• Day, evenings or weekends – we schedule training for your employees when it is convenient for you.

• At our location or yours, we will accommodate your schedule and location requirements.

• Free initial consultation.

• Designed for whatever format you may need: courses, workshops, seminars or online.

• We will match our expert instructors with your training needs to create successful training outcomes.

For more detailed information, contact Brooke Smith at 706-867-2736.

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Still the #1 place to celebrate a birthday A birthday. It’s a day we celebrate our entire lives. Northside would be proud to be part of your baby’s special day. No one is more prepared or has more experience. We’ll make the big day a celebration from day one. Visit us online at www.northside.com.

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