Horizons January 2015
A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
Prestige Members
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Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor
Forsyth County Government
DeKalb Office
The City of Cumming
Georgia Power
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Inspiring Smiles
Lou Sobh Honda
2015: Letter from the Chairman
jTech Networks
Taubman
Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry
Kaiser Permanente
Atlanta Landscape Group
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s 2014 comes to a close we can see the signs of economic recovery continue to grow into a strengthening economy. In Forsyth County, our unemployment rate has decreased to 5.4 percent. We saw 23 new and existing companies create 1,047 new jobs and invest nearly $104 million dollars in new capital investment. With the economy in a steady upward turn, now is the time to seize the opportunities that recovery will bring. With your support, we will expand the reach of our economic development efforts. We will provide additional support to the fastest growing industry in our community – healthcare. Now is the time to make additional investments in resources to encourage more visitors to our community by targeting the lucrative amateur sports market. We have made important strides in this area, but there is more work to do and expanding those efforts will yield real economic opportunity for our retail and
hospitality industries. Economies are built on relationships and leadership. We are blessed to have both of these in Mark Bond, Cumming and Chairman, Forsyth County. Chamber Bd. of Dir. The Chamber is an integral part of facilitating those relationships and fostering strong leaders. Your Chamber is the sole economic development entity in our community. This streamlined approach to serving the needs of business clients gives us a competitive advantage. The partnership with the City, County and School System make us a strong player on a global stage. The Chamber will continue to work with leaders in Cumming and Forsyth County to concenter the process of business interaction with our local government to ensure it is clear to the region and the nation we have the most business-
friendly community in the country. Cumming and Forsyth County have already taken strong steps in that direction and I thank them for their continued support. We have opportunities for growth in 2015. While the Chamber is on sound financial footing, the new services will require greater resources. While our membership numbers have recovered from the impact of the recession, we still have opportunities for growth and increasing our market share, especially in healthcare, international business and small business. The Chamber is our venue to channel the incredible collective resources of great business people to create economic opportunity for everyone. The opportunity is what makes us remarkable and sets us apart from so many places around the world. As incoming Chairman, I look forward to working with each of you to expand that opportunity for everyone in our community to reach their potential and achieve more than we could imagine.
Member Spotlight
Hayes, James supports Forsyth For almost 60 years, Hayes, James & Associates, Inc. has provided civil engineering, land planning and surveying based on a foundation of excellent service. In 1957, Clarence Higginbotham and Eugene Edwin James formed the land surveying company, Higginbotham and James Mapping Corporation. Their company was the second survey and engineering company to be incorporated in Gwinnett County. In 1969, the firm incorporated as Hayes, James & Associates after Higginbotham left to become Gwinnett County’s first County Engineer. The Hayes, James & Associates corporate office is located in Norcross. The firm also maintains a location in Blue Ridge to better serve its clients in the north Georgia region. The firm’s current president, Mark Bond, is the 2015 Chairman of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Since 1989, Hayes, James & Associates have continued to expand their services to a variety of market sectors. Their talented staff professionals have successfully guided thousands of diverse projects from concept to construction. The staff maintains a high level of technical knowledge and proficiency through daily work experiences and continuing education. This assures that the engineering documents, surveys and land plans produced by
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HORIZONS January 2015
Midway Recreation Park
Water Reclamation Facility and numerous recreational parks. The Fowler Membrane plant project was the first water reclamation facility designed and developed by Forsyth County. Hayes, James & Associates was responsible for program management for the design, construction and operation of this urban water reuse system in Forsyth County with a value of approximately $27,000,000. The firm developed the preliminary design for the 2.5 MGD biomembrane reactor treatment system and assisted the county in the development of the Request for
the firm are of the highest quality. Hayes, James & Associates’ employees take pride in their ability to communicate and work well with people. Their clients include municipal and county governments and residential, industrial and commercial developers. Their knowledge, experience and commitment to service has allowed for success and long lasting relationships. This is evidenced by 22 consecutive years of work for Forsyth County government. Many of Hayes, James & Fowler Membrane Water Reclamation Facility Associates’ Proposals, selection of the Design/ Forsyth County projects were Build/Operate firm and contract designed to better the quality of life negotiation. Other duties included for county residents. Examples of the oversight of design 1and these include the Fowler Membrane
construction activities, review and approval of payment applications and permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Hayes, James & Associates also provided site civil engineering and construction phase services for Central Park, Chattahoochee Pointe Park, the Coal Mountain Park Miracle League Field and others. Additions and renovations were designed at Midway Park, Bennett Park and Sharon Springs Park. In addition to active recreation elements, many of these projects included passive recreation opportunities. In addition to the projects Hayes, James & Associates has worked on in Forsyth County, the firm is also a supporter of local economic development and quality of life. The company is a member of the Chamber’s Chairman’s Cabinet, the prestigious Investors Council and has sponsored various Chamber functions such as the Annual Dinner & Celebration and the State of the County Address. The company also supports numerous charities including the Relay for Life, the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, the Appalachian Children’s Center and the Norcross Cooperative Ministries.
Partners in Education Business Relationships are Principle for Principals
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n Monday, December 9, 2014 the community’s business and educational leaders gathered for the Annual Principal for a Day Luncheon. The event was presented by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. During the month of November Forsyth County Schools’ principals provided community leaders with a unique opportunity to serve a s a principal in th eir schools for one day. The Principal for a Day
Luncheon allowed each of the principals and community leaders to reunite and reflect on their experiences. “At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, pediatrics is such a passion,” stated Linda Cole, Senior Vice President of Operations at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “The opportunity to get to go into where they are doing their work every day was such a unique and exciting opportunity.”
Stan Vangilder of Georgia Power and Kelly Mill Elementary Principal, Ron McAllister participate in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta “Cape Day.”
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In-Depth
Resolve to Get the Most Out of Your Membership
By Jimmy Lane, Director of Membership Services at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
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is the season of New Year’s resolutions. All through January gyms will be crowded but Chamber events should be too because, as I tell many new Chamber members, your Chamber membership is very similar to a gym membership- the value you get is a result of the effort you put in. I frequently tell people that if you visit your gym sporadically you most likely come out feeling tired and frustrated. The same situation is true when utilizing your Chamber membership. You cannot see results until you consistently make the Chamber a part of your business operations. Similar to a
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apart from the rest. While there are multiple exciting options from the Celebration of Excellence Luncheon highlighting Forsyth County Schools to the City of Cumming Christmas Parade and Jingle Jog, our team regularly advises businesses to focus on the community members each event attracts. Are these people your target Chamber members enjoy networking after hours. audience? Are the other sponsors organizations you Engagement Plan. This personal trainer, each Chamber offers is for want your business to be Chamber member has a plan will decide how businesses to participate associated with? A great personal Membership you can best use your in distinct, communityway to network is to show Services Executive budget and time to wide events. Sponsoring other Chamber members dedicated to helping that your business aligns receive the most value these locally-focused you reach behind the same your causes they do. Reach Chamber professional out to your members goals. So Membership Services spend time this season, Executive right away networking along with about what event at lunch your other sponsorships could best resolutions, every benefit your business. resolve to By the end of February Tuesday. get the most eighty percent of out of your Chamber sponsorship Chamber opportunities are sold membership. out for the entire year! The first Your Membership step is to Service Executive can spend some also put you in touch with time with your additional Chamber from your membership. annual events is a Membership Services resources to meet your Perhaps the most marketing tactic that Executive putting specific needs. Seeking can set your business unique opportunity the together a Member more one-on-one
HORIZONS January 2015
networking opportunities? Make a consistent commitment to attend the Chamber’s weekly Power Networking Lunches or monthly Business After Hours and Women Who Mean Business events. Looking to expand your business or obtain free consulting on your business plan? Schedule time with the Chamber’s Small Business Services Center. Interested in becoming involved with county economic development efforts? Consider joining our Chairman’s Cabinet. Resources are available for you to accomplish your professional goals. Dedicate the time and put in the effort to make the most of them. Finally, let it be known that your business is a part of the Chamber! A great deal of credibility comes with promoting your Chamber membership. Consumers know that you are serious about doing business and supporting our great community. We focus on helping our members to build, grow and succeed. Make that your goal in 2015 and contact us at 770-8876461!
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Check us out on @ Facebook.com/NorthCumming 1715 Friendship Circle | Suite 100 | Cumming, GA 30028 Phone: (470) 253-7349 | Fax: (470) 253-7352 11077_1_nCummingDentistry112814Horizons
HORIZONS January 2015
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Month in Review Cumming Christmas Parade
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HORIZONS January 2015
Month in Review Mingle Jingle
L to R: Darren Jackson, Jackie Johnson and Ketna Ghia L to R: Robin Ralph and Beth O’Donoghue
Business After Hours
December’s Business After Hours was jointly hosted by Keller Williams Realty Community Partners and Digitel Corporation / JTech Networks. Santa delivered a flat screen TV to be raffled off at the event to one lucky winner!
HORIZONS January 2015
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HORIZONS January 2015
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Tourism
2015
The 2015 Economic Forecast Breakfast E Another Successful Year of Holiday Cheer
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he Cumming Annual Christmas Parade was held on December 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. The parade’s presenting sponsor was once again Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta- Forsyth. The Children’s Ambulance was there to lead the parade down Marketplace Boulevard. The rain stopped and the sky turned blue just to kick-off the ninth annual Christmas parade down Marketplace Blvd. The Cumming Police Department and all the volunteers made it a successful event each and every year, especially in rougher weather! Several floats came away as winners: Forsyth County Family YMCA won “Best Overall Float” for the second year in a row, the Girl Scouts won “Most Creative Float Idea,” Moohan Martial Arts won “Most Original Float Idea,” Sawnee Ballet won “Best Use of a Christmas Theme” and Honorable Mention goes to Corner Stone Schools and their marching band!
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HORIZONS January 2015
ach year, real estate expert Frank Norton, Jr. delivers his economic forecast to Cumming and Forsyth County at a meeting presented by Title Sponsor, Community & Southern Bank and hosted by the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and the Lanier Fo r s y t h R o t a r y C l u b. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Norton’s expectations for 2015 and network with other business leaders. The forecast will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at the Forsyth County Conference Center, located at 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, GA. Norton, president of the Gainesville-based Norton Agency real estate and insurance firm, is known for
giving accurate economic projections on communities across North Georgia. Norton became president of the Norton Agency in 1997 and today manages a vast network of associated businesses. He is also 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 NonM e m b e r s . Vi s i t w w w. cummingforsythchamber.org to register for this event.
Frank Norton, Jr.
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.
Education
Business Leaders Meet with MBA Students ast semester students in L the Cottrell MBA program at the University of
North Georgia (UNG)’s Cumming campus discussed issues from leadership to operations management as a variety of guest speakers brought real business cases to the classroom. “One of the benefits of exposing MBA students to topics like organizational culture or corporate fraud is that they have a chance to think and talk about the values that they want to exhibit,” said Dr. Wendy Walker, assistant professor of management in the Mike Cottrell College of Business at UNG. “Making these decisions ahead of time, while also discussing and practicing how to deal with the obstacles that can arise in the workplace, can make leaders feel more confident about creating the culture that they think is right for the organization.” In late October of 2014, the Cottrell MBA program hosted Aaron Beam during its annual Dinner and Dialogue event sponsored by the BB&T Center for Ethical
Education
Business Leadership. Beam, co-founder and former chief financial officer of HealthSouth, spent three months in federal prison after admitting to authorities that he and other HealthSouth leaders had committed corporate fraud. To prepare for the event, MBA students taking courses in accounting and leadership reviewed business cases in the areas of ethical decision making. “Integrating business practice and theory through these types of events has a huge impact on learning,” said Donna Mayo, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business. “We believe by partnering with the business community to bring business leaders into our classrooms, we can create stronger graduates and stronger ties with the university that will result in stronger communities.” Visit https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=vKeG39-stsA to view a video summary of this event.
UNG faculty and students pose for a photo with Aaron Beam. Aaron Beam discusses his relationship with former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy.
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Thank You
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HORIZONS January 2015
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Upcoming Events January 6
January 13
January 8
January 27
January 13
January 27
Pre-Legislative Session Breakfast 7:30 a.m.; Forsyth Conference Center Business After Hours5 p.m.; The Villas at Canterfield Women Who Mean Business 7:30 a.m., Dream Dinners
770-888-8036 14
HORIZONS January 2015
Member Power Networking Lunch Noon; Buffalo’s Cafe Economic Outlook Breakfast 7:30 a.m.; Forsyth Conference Center Member Power Networking Lunch Noon; Mia’s Ristorante
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 5-7 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.
• Please visit our Event’s Calendar at www.cummingforsythchamber. org to see a full list of events, more information and registration.
928 Market Place
Horizons 2015 Officers
Board of Directors
Mark Bond, Chair
Mike Sobh
Pat Malaney
Mike Wathen
Pam Bowman
James Suh
Bert Durand
Andrew Shannon
Johnston & Associates
Erik Christensen
Bob Russell
Scott Jordan
Bruce Hagenau, First Chair-Elect
Becky Brown
Marc Morris
Matt McClure
Rex Adams
Carter Barrett
Hayes, James & Associates, Inc.
Ann-Margaret Johnston, Past-Chair
Motovario Group USA Hansgrohe
Metcam
Doug Jenkins, Second Chair-Elect Georgia Power
Chris Etheridge, Secretary/Treasurer Frazier & Deeter, LLC
Lou Sobh Honda
North Georgia Accounting Consultants, Inc.
Kevin McDonough
The Law Offices of Kevin J. McDonough
Bluegrass Materials Company United Community Bank Atlanta Landscape Group The Talmadge Group Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Kaiser Permanente Wells Fargo BB&T
Bank of North Georgia Community Business Bank
Ex-Officio
Chamber Staff
Paul Chambers,
Rep. Mark Hamilton
James McCoy
John Decker
Blake House
Rep. Mike Dudgeon
R.J. Pete Amos,
Mary Helen McGruder
Sen. Michael Williams
Judge Phil Smith
Sen. Steve Gooch
Jon McDaniel
Rep. Geoff Duncan
Doug Derrer
Rep. Kevin Tanner
PB Consulting Services
AT&T
Childress Klein Properties Chairman Forsyth County Commissioners
Ford Gravitt,
Sawnee EMC
Sawnee Mountain Foundation Superior Court Judge
Mayor City of Cumming
David Seago, Chair
Forsyth County Public Library
President & CEO
Randall Toussaint
Vice President of Economic Development
Alex Girrbach
Director of Operations
Laura Stewart
Director of Communications & Events
Jason Mock
Director of Small Business Services
Anna Barlow
Director of Tourism Development
Jeff Pruitt
Lynn Jackson
Northside Hospital-Forsyth
Forsyth County Development Authority
University of Georgia Mike Cottrell College of Business
Jay Ryerse
Nelish Patel
Darla Light, Chair
Jeff Tweed
Brian Pounds
Dr. Jeff Ross
Tracy Moon
Dr. Joanne Tolleson
Maggie Schmitz, Sherri Klug
Walter Sears
Dr. Jeff Bearden,
Community & Southern Bank
Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics
Terry Smith
Derek Brooks
Bill Cupp
Dr. Donna Mayo
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Dr. Page Barden Inspiring Smiles
Carter Patterson
Forte Data Systems, Inc.
Forsyth Conference Center Digitel Corporation/JTech Networks Cumming United Methodist Church
Drew Walker
A.C. Smith Poultry Company
Hampton Inn
Fisher & Phillips, LLP
Brandywine Printing, Inc.
CELEBRATE! with
Forsyth County Manager
Forsyth County Board of Education
Jimmy Lane
Director of Membership Services Membership Services Executive Administrative Assistants
Lanier Technical College Superintendent Forsyth County Schools AGL Resources
Heroes Among Us. Sawnee EMC wishes to thank the following employees for their heroic actions while on the job. Each hero received a Georgia EMC “Life Saving Award.”
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Greg Estes, Jeremy Bearden, Jason Pitts, Destin McCormick and Avery Tinsley HORIZONS January 2015
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We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people chooseNorthside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care. Visit us online at www.northside.com
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HORIZONS January 2015