Horizons March 2014

Horizons March 2014

A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

Prestige Members Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor

Forsyth County Government

DeKalb Office

The City of Cumming

Georgia Power

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry

Taubman

Anchor Home Mortgage

Inspiring Smiles

Michael Williams Smithfield Farmland

jTech Networks

Kaiser Permanente

Lou Sobh Honda

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Annual Boulder Dash 5K and Now 10K

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lans are underway for the fifth Annual Boulder Dash 5k/10k on Saturday, April 26th, 2014. The Healthcare Association of Forsyth County (HCA) established this annual event as an opportunity for business and community organizations to challenge one another to shed a few pounds and get active. This year will feature a new course and a 10k option for runners!

The Boulder Dash is one of only two races run in a working, hard-rock quarry in the nation and is one of the most unique courses anywhere in the region. Last year more than 1,500 runners participated in this event. HCA is expecting well over last year’s numbers with the addition of the new 10k course.

Not a runner? That’s ok! Many participants walk the course and have a great time. Or plan to come and enjoy the Spring Fling, held at the finish line. The 2013 Spring Fling hosted more than 20 business and community vendors from Forsyth County. It’s an area filled with music, food, prizes and the awards ceremony. Make plans to join us for this fun community event!

A big thanks goes out to our title sponsors,

Northside Hospital-Forsyth and Bluegrass Materials Company. There are still sponsorship opportunities available. If interested please contact the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce at 770-8876461.

To register and get more information visit www.RunBoulderDash.com

Member Spotlight

Atlanta Gas Light - STRIDE STRIDE T

he polar vortex and numerous weather systems have wreaked havoc on the southeastern U.S. this winter. Georgians have experienced three crippling storms that highlighted the critical importance of longrange planning and preparation. Plunging temperatures, freezing rain and snow have tested utilities throughout the state, including Atlanta Gas Light (AGL). Thanks to the hard work of its employees and a plan approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) over five years ago, AGL was ready, keeping Georgians warm and helping to keep businesses open.

AGL designed its natural gas distribution system to meet the most extreme weather events the state has

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HORIZONS March 2014

experienced based on historic events. In 2008, the company began a new assessment of how it could best serve its current customers, recognizing that over the past 25 years customers have moved farther from the traditional natural gas supply points located mainly to the south of Atlanta. This assessment identified a critical need to expand the company’s natural gas pipeline infrastructure in order to move more gas on the coldest days of the winter and meet customer demand throughout its expanded service territory. AGL developed a 10-year reinforcement project called Georgia Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement Program or STRIDE, which was designed to improve the safe, reliable delivery of natural gas to customers on the coldest days of the year.

STRIDE was initiated in 2009 as a proactive measure to invest in system-wide improvements throughout the state. The first phase improved capacity and pressure in the cities of Atlanta, Cumming and Riverdale, and in the counties of Cherokee, Cobb, north Fulton, and Forsyth. The project also added a new supply point by tapping into an existing interstate gas line in Newnan, Ga. Construction of AGL’s Cherokee to Forsyth pipeline follows the company’s easement from Atlanta Road south of Cumming to its Cherokee liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility near Ball Ground, Ga. The project’s first phase started in June 2012 and went into service in October 2012.

In December 2013, the Georgia PSC approved the second phase of STRIDE, which invests $214 million in infrastructure improvements that improve capacity and boost pressure in Coweta, Fayette, Hall, northern Gwinnett and Forsyth counties. AGL also is proposing

to spend up to $46 million to extend its natural gas system into communities throughout the state that currently are underserved or not served at all. The company has seen positive results from its efforts.

STRIDE was initiated in 2009 as a proactive measure to invest in system-wide improvements throughout the state.

The weather in recent weeks has tested AGL’s system, but infrastructure improvements have proven to be a wise investment, and they allow the company to continue meeting its obligation of service to its natural gas customers when they need it most. Prior to the STRIDE infrastructure improvements, more than 157,000 customers were estimated to be at risk of losing service during extreme weather events lasting many days. Due to the hard work of AGL’s employees and the benefits of the long-range STRIDE construction program, the system performed as it was designed, and AGL was able to reliably deliver natural gas to more than 1.5 million customers throughout Georgia without significant disruptions.

AGL’s work is not done, but the company is confident in the results it has seen, and it will continue to make significant investments in its infrastructure to better serve its customers.

Safety continues to be AGL’s number-one priority, and a part of being safe means always being proactive in the company’s efforts to prepare for growth.

Partners in Education

Forsyth County Schools Salute Dental Town D r. Michael Hansen and Dental Town recently donated six iPads to two elementary schools in F o r s y t h C o u n t y. S a w n e e E l e m e n t a r y a n d Chattahoochee received three iPads each. Dental Town is instrumental during Dental Health Month to encourage kids about proper teeth care. They have worked closely with the Student Support Department in screening and helping kids maintain proper hygiene in their brushing and flossing. Dr. Hansen has been setting the highest standards of excellence in pediatric dentistry since 2001! Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Forsyth County Schools would like to give a big thanks to Dr. Hansen and Dental Town!!

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

HORIZONS March 2014

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In-Depth

You’re Taking Care of Your Employees, But Are You Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family?

By: Guy Arledge

“

according to a study by the Health Insurance Association of America, one-third of all people between the ages of 30 and 64 will become disabled sometime during their lives.

“

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HORIZONS March 2014

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ou have likely paid attention to the needs of your employees and their families by p r ov i d i n g a c c e s s t o h e a l t h insurance and other employee benefits. You consider this your responsibility – something that “comes with the territory” as the owner of a business – and you can feel a certain measure of pride in knowing that you’re taking care of the people who work for you. But ironically, and all too often, business owners don’t take the time to take care of themselves and their families.

If you stop and think about it, the primary reason that you built your bu s i n e s s w a s t o p r ov i d e a livelihood for yourself and a base of financial security for your

family. But unless you’ve taken the proper steps, just how secure should you feel?

Hopefully you’ve worked with your broker to take care of life insurance needs. Often overlooked, however, is the need to replace lost income in the event you become disabled. According to a study by the Health Insurance Association of America, one-third of all people between the ages of 30 and 64 will become disabled sometime during their lives. When business owners become too sick or too hurt to work, they not only face losing their personal income, they face the risk of losing their businesses as well.

T h r o u g h o u r C h a m b e r ’s participation in the Healthy

Business Alliance®, you can enjoy discounts on several plans offered by the Principal Financial Group® that address income protection needs that you might have.

Depending on the product chosen, chamber members receive ten to thirty percent discounts for individual disability insurance for business owners. The Principal® also offers disability plans for business succession planning, overhead expense, buy-out, loan protection and key person policies as well.

For more information, contact your local Chamber member insurance broker or Purchasing Alliance Solutions at (800) 7828254. Don’t leave yourself and your family unprotected!

Free Home Colon Cancer Screening for the month of March. E-mail Colon@HCofAmerica.com for more info.

Best Hemorrhoid Treatment in GeorgiaNo Surgery Required The Hemorrhoid Centers of America, directed

by Alan L. Goldman, M.D., FACS, focuses on non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment and curing anal fissures. Every year they help thousands of patients avoid painful and unnecessary surgery. There is no longer a reason to suffer from the pain, bleeding, swelling, and itching from hemorrhoids. You can get the relief you deserve today with a quick, effective, painless office treatment. Through the use of the CRHO’Regan Banding system they treat all grades of hemorrhoids quickly and effectively. No anesthesia is required and you can return to work the same day.

“If I had known how quick and easy this procedure would be I would have done it years ago. Thank you so much. This has changed my life. Thank you Dr. G.” Dr. Goldman founded The Hemorrhoid Centers of America in 2006. He is the most experienced physician in the United States when it comes to the non-operative treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures. He is a Board Certified Surgeon who now dedicates his practice to help patients avoid surgery.

HCA has six offices to serve you; Atlanta, Cumming, Holly Springs, Lawrenceville, Marietta, and Roswell.

Call us at 770-442-3117 or visit us at HCofAmerica.com to schedule an appointment.

HORIZONS March 2014

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Month in Review

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The 2014 Economic Outlook Breakfast was a sold-out event!

Frank Norton, Jr. shares insights with the crowd.

South Forsyth High School’s jazz band played for guests at the Celebration of Excellence.

Teacher of the Year Finalists: Lisa Robinson, Kristen Deuschle and Julie Auten

HORIZONS March 2014

Month in Review

Buster Evans, James McCoy and Freda Hardage award VFW representatives the 2014 Gold Partner of the Year.

2014 Celebration of Excellence

Automation Direct received this year’s Don Hendricks Partner Award.

2014 Teacher of the Year, Kristen Deuschle HORIZONS March 2014

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Economic Development

SBSC

Chamber Seeks to Recruit Retail & Restaurants

I

n January 2014 the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce announced that it would implement a strategic economic development plan that would increase the commercial segment of Forsyth County’s tax digest to 25 percent. The plan, which is entitled “Business First” placed a specific focus upon recruiting more retailers to our community.

In February of 2014 the County Chamber of Commerce commissioned an analysis of the local retail market. The findings of the study were included in the organization’s “Retail Opportunity Gap Report.”

“The report was very enlightening” stated Randall Toussaint, Vice President of Economic Development at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

“For instance, the study revealed that in 2013 our community’s residents spent nearly $60 million in fullservice restaurants outside of our market. We do not take this statistic lightly. This year, as a part of our Business First Campaign, we are proactively engaging retailers and restaurants regarding the opportunity to expand within our community.”

The Retail Opportunity Gap Report also noted that Forsyth County is underserved in several target areas, including: • Women’s clothing stores • Men’s clothing stores • Children’s/ Infants Clothing stores • Shoe stores • Jewelry stores • Department stores • Foodservice and drink places As a part of the Chamber of Commerce’s new retail recruitment strategy Jason Mock, the organization’s Director of Small Business Services, will serve as the project manager for retail recruitment projects.

“Retailers often search for high growth markets that have high levels of consumer expenditures” stated Mock. “Forsyth County is a very attractive market to retailers because we are continually ranked as one of

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HORIZONS March 2014

the fastest growing and most affluent communities in the nation.”

According to a recent demographic report published

by Nielsen’s Claritas database, between 2010 and 2014 Forsyth County’s population grew from approximately 175,511 to 189,340 – resulting in a growth of 7.9 percent. By comparison, during the same time period the population of the United States grew from approximately 308,745,538 to 314,861,807 – resulting in a growth rate of only 2 percent.

Additionally, over the next five years the nation is forecasted to grow by 3.3 percent, whereas Forsyth County is projected to grow by approximately 10.5%.

According to the same report, the average household income in the United States is estimated to be $69,637.

By comparison the average household income in Forsyth County is estimated to be $102,775. Experts forecast that this amount will increase to $106,147 by 2018.

In the coming months Mock will participate in several retail conferences. He will also host a series of red carpet tours for retail brokers and developers.

The Chamber of Commerce’s target areas for retail recruitment include such areas of the community as: • The Taubman mall site • Downtown Cumming • Lakeland Plaza • McFarland Parkway • Peachtree Parkway • Post Road • Aquatic Circle/ Pilgrim Mill Road To recommend a restaurant or retail store that you would like to see in our community, please visit the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/CummingForsythChamber. For more information about the Business First Plan’s retail recruitment strategy please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 770-887-6461.

How to Network: A Headshake in a New Digital World

D

o you know what it takes to be a great networker in today’s world? Have you ever thought about all the different networking tools at your fingertips? Have you ever asked yourself: “Do I attend a meeting?”, “Do I network online?” and if so, “Do I use Facebook, LinkedIn or other tools?”

These questions and many more will be answered at the March SBSC Lunch & Learn.

You will hear from two individuals that know the ends and outs on how to network. As a small businesses owner, Bruce Longmore, the owner and operator of Lenny’s Sub Shop, is involved in a number of networking organizations across Forsyth County.

Additionally, Melanie Romanaux, owner of Somedia Solutions, will join us. Melanie has helped contact clients all across the country by using social media.

On Wednesday, March 20th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. learn how to enhance your networking skills through meeting face to face and social media tools.

March’s SBSC Lunch & Learn will take place at the University of North Georgia – Cumming Campus. The event is free for Chamber Members. For more information or to register for this event please contact the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce at 770-887-6461.

Community

T

2014 Chamber Community Guide To Be Published

he Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce announces the much anticipated 2014 Cumming-Forsyth Community Guide, featuring the best of what the Cumming-Forsyth region has to offer and a range of information all newcomers and business leaders will find indispensable.

This stunning, four-color guide will be distributed to chamber members, county offices, schools, libraries, builder’s offices, newcomers, business leaders, banks, realtors and all advertisers. Our new Chamber magazine editorial captivates the reader providing a colorful account of area attractions, cultural arts and valuable local information.

This unique publication will provide the reader with an informative and invaluable resource to newcomers and those moving to the Cumming-Forsyth region. From finding electricians and plumbers to discovering local economic information, newcomers and community leaders will find the information they are looking for in this publication.

Area businesses are featured in editorial and through professionally designed high-gloss advertisements that show off the best in the city and make it easy for the reader to find the resources they need.

This unique publication will provide the reader with an informative and invaluable resource to newcomers and those moving to the Cumming-Forsyth region.

About 365 Degree Total Marketing/Great Southern Publishers, Inc.: The Chamber has partnered with 365 Degree Total Marketing, a premier publisher of visitor guides, newcomers guides and regional magazines throughout the Southeast. For more than 25 years, 365 Degree Total Marketing has produced and distributed millions of these publications to heighten appreciation and increase enjoyment for communities.

For more information about the 2014 Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Community Guide, contact long-time Chamber friend, Nelson Smith at 404-625-4153.

Tourism Forsyth County Slugfest By: Bill Moats

E

ach spring and into the summer, kids of all ages grab their gloves, balls and bats and head to the baseball field. Eight years ago, the idea of a fundraising baseball tournament to benefit the Forsyth County Miracle League was born. Since its inception, the Forsyth County Slugfest Tournament has contributed thousands of dollars to organizations like the Miracle (L to R): Lynn Jackson, administrator, L e a g u e a n d t h e S p e c i a l Northside Hospital-Forsyth; Bill Moats, Slugfest Tournament director; and Melissa Olympics. To date, the Slugfest Sugg, Manager, Northside Hospital-Forsyth Tournament has donated more Women’s Center. than $175,000 to local charities including: Northside Hospital-Forsyth, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Special Olympics, the Miracle League, the Humane Society, Family Haven and the Will to Live Foundation.

The financial contributions have helped these organizations support the services that they provide to the community. For example, Northside HospitalForsyth has used the donations to purchase additional equipment and supplies for the Women’s Center’s evacuation and emergency response preparedness, educational videos and DVD players for patient use as well as an interactive newborn simulator. This simulator helps Women’s Center nurses and technicians maintain their neonatal outcomes during critical cases.

Each March, thousands of players and fans converge on Forsyth County for a weekend of competitive baseball. This year’s event will take place March 8-10th.

Three years ago, the tournament welcomed more than 200 teams to the county, and in 2014, the tournament has grown to 300 teams. The economic impact to county businesses is estimated at more than $400,000 and more than $30,000 in tax revenue over the course of the weekend.

For more information or to get i nvo l v e d w i t h t h i s g r e a t tournament, please contact Bill Moats at bmoats7705@ bellsouth.net. Further details about the event may be found at www.leaguelineup.com/slugfest.

HORIZONS March 2014

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Thank You to Our Economic Outlook Sponsors

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HORIZONS March 2014

Member News 10 Years Solving Computer Problems – JTECH Networks

A

fter working in different areas of the tech industry, Jay Ryerse broke out on his own and created JTECH Networks in 2004. His goal was to provide affordable computer and network solutions to the greater Forsyth County area’s small and medium sized businesses that otherwise would not have the means for a full-time engineer on staff.

Initially working out of his home office, he assisted residential customers and small businesses with their computer and network problems.

Today, Jay and his staff of thirteen employees work from the JTECH office in downtown Cumming to provide both onsite and remote support to their local customers. Those customers have grown to include users in over 34 states, all supported by JTECH engineers.

“Over the years, our philosophy has changed from ‘break-fix’ to ‘proactive support’. Anybody can put a laptop in their car and call themselves a computer tech.

We’ve raised the bar to a point where our customers find value in avoiding problems. Our staff takes pride in preventing problems before they cause downtime for our clients,” said Jay Ryerse.

“Several years ago, we invested heavily in tools that allow us to automate support. Our tools manage everything from updating security patches and preventing viruses to oversight of data backup. By watching over a network 24 hours a day, we can identify and prevent potential problems before they ever affect a client. From our customers’ perspective, we have found that they experience fewer problems

University to Host 2nd Annual Scholarship Ball

T

he University of North Georgia will host its second annual Scholarship Ball on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Forsyth Conference Center. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner and a program starting at 7:30 PM, followed by music and dancing. The Ball will honor Cumming Mayor Ford Gravitt with the UNG Presidential Leadership Award. Tickets are $100 per person and $1,000 for a reserved table of eight people. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit University of North Georgia student scholarships.

and spend less money.”

As added security for JTECH’s growing number of medical clients, the entire staff of JTECH Networks has gone through HIPAA Workforce Training. With Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, and A+ certified engineers on staff, JTECH Networks can support your business, regardless of whether you’re a PC or a MAC. Jay believes that it’s important to “shop local and support local” and that we must give back to the community in which we are blessed to serve. All the JTECH employees live locally. In Jay’s words, “We all live here, shop here, work here, and play here.”

Cumming Home Ministries Receives a $1,000 Grant from Wells Fargo

D

avid Allen of Wells Fargo has been recognized by Wells Fargo for his contributions to the local community, specifically for his volunteer service to Cumming Home Ministries. Along with receiving a volunteer service award from the bank, Allen also won $1,000 for the non-profit, which provides transitional housing for homeless men across Forsyth County.

“I’m honored to receive this award from Wells Fargo and I’m thrilled that it comes with $1,000 for Cumming Home Ministries,” said Allen.

This is not the first time Allen has been recognized by Wells Fargo for his service in the community. In 2012, he was named Volunteer of the Year by the Atlanta chapter of Wells Fargo Volunteers.

In its 35th year, the Wells Fargo Volunteer Service Award program continues to recognize and reward team members’ volunteer efforts with contributions from Wells Fargo to the nonprofit where they volunteer. In 2013, 197 team members from around the world, including Allen, were awarded more than $500,000 for their organizations.

HORIZONS March 2014

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Upcoming Events March 4

March 13

7:30 a.m., North Georgia Vein Institute

5 p.m., Comfort Suites

Women Who Mean Business-

March 4

March 18

Noon, Pueblos Mexican Cuisine

Noon, TBD

Member Power Networking Lunch-

Key to the events

Business After Hours-

Member Power Networking Lunch-

March 5

March 20

9:00 a.m., Scientific Games Inc.

11:30 a.m., UNG Cumming Campus

Manufacturing Society Tour

SBSC Lunch & Learn-

March 11

March 25

Noon, Allesio’s

Noon, Olde Atlanta Windermere

Member Power Networking Lunch-

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.

Member Power Networking Lunch-

C O M P U T E R

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

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HORIZONS March 2014

Horizons 2013 Officers

Board of Directors

Ann-Margaret Johnston, Chair,

Nelish Patel

John Rasper

Bill Cupp

Jon McDaniel

Bruce Longmore

Bob Russell

Darla Light

Mary Helen McGruder

Hampton Inn

Johnston & Associates

Linda Cole, Past-Chair

Dekalb Office

Lenny’s Sub Shop

Russell Landscape

Lynn Jackson

CHOA

Terry Smith

Northside Hospital-Forsyth

John Hall, First Chair-Elect,

Shawn LaFave

Forsyth County News

Connie Sanders

North Georgia Promotions

Fran Forehand, Second Chair-Elect, GA Power

Chris Ethridge, Secretary/Treasurer Frazier & Deeter, LLC

A.C. Smith Poultry Co.

Wells Fargo

Tracy Moon

Bert Durand

Fisher & Phillips LLP

United Community Bank

Jeff Pruitt

Ethan Underwood

Forsyth Conference Center

Lipscomb, Johnson, Sleister, Dailey, & Smith LLP

Royce Owens

Pete Amos

Mimms Enterprises

Chairman, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners

Bruce Hagenau

Metcam

Paul Chambers

AGL Resources

Chair, Forsyth County Board of Education

Dr. Buster Evans

Superintendent, Forsyth County Schools

Jay Ryerse

Jtech Networks, LLC

Mark Bond

Hayes, James & Associates, Inc.

H. Ford Gravitt

Mayor, City of Cumming

Blake House Sawnee EMC

AT&T

Forsyth County Public Library

Ex-Officio

Chamber Staff

Carter Barrett

Rep. Mark Hamilton

James McCoy

Kevin Garmon

Rep. Mike Dudgeon

Randall Toussaint

Drew Walker

Sen. Jack Murphy

Alex Girrbach

Derek Brooks

Sen. Steve Gooch

Laura Stewart

Pam Bowman

Rep. Geoff Duncan

Jason Mock

Mike Wathen

Rep. Kevin Tanner

Anna Barlow

Thom Smith

Rep. Sam Moore

Jimmy Lane

Walter Sears

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry

Sawnee Mountain Foundation

Charles Banks

Doug Derrer

Daniel Shaffer

Forsyth County Manager

Hon. Phil Smith State Court Judge

Bobby Thomas

Chair, Forsyth County Development Authority

Dr. Joanne Tolleson Lanier Technical College

Jen Bruno Hansgrohe

Chris Stockhoff

Anchor Home Mortgage

PNC Bank

Snap Technology, Inc

Brandywine Printing

PB Consulting Services

Kaiser Permanente

BB&T

Matt McClure

Bank of North Georgia

Community Business Bank

Bannister Creek, LLC

Alliance National Bank

President & CEO

Vice President of Economic Development

Director of Operations

Director of Communications & Events

Director of Small Business Services

Director of Tourism Development

Director of Membership Services

Jeff Tweed

Membership Services Executive

Maggie Schmitz, Sherri Klug Administrative Assistants

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Dr. Sara Woolley Au.D.

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Call Today! 770.781.2376 6130 Southard Trace • Cumming, GA 30040 Visit us online: www.audiologyhears.com 4572_1_audiologyHears022814

- All Major Insurances

Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open:

81 Northside Dawson Drive, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3500 | Cumming, GA 30041

(770) 886 - 3555 | www.npobgyn.com

HORIZONS March 2014

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Georgia’s most trusted hands behind every surgery The latest diagnostic services and treatments are only as good as the team performing them. At Northside, our skilled doctors and nurses perform more surgeries than any other hospital in Georgia. We provide a level of experience, knowledge and compassionate care you won’t find anywhere else. Visit us online at www.northside.com.

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HORIZONS March 2014