M AY 2021
contents Chairman’s Column page 2 Meetings & Events page 3 Small Business of the Month page 6 Member Announcements page 10 New Youth Leadership Hall Class page 11 Ribbon Cuttings page 14
Hackers Holiday Highlights page 16
save the date
Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap addresses a gathering of Chamber Members at Lanier RacePlex. With social distancing/ masks, Chamber in person networking events are in full swing. Attend the upcoming South Hall Business Coalition meeting on May 25 at Elachee Nature Science Center!
Friday, May 7 Vision 2030 Art in the Park Laurel Park Tuesday, May 11 Small Business Seminar via Zoom Tuesday, May 25 South Hall Business Coalition Elachee Nature Science Center
Meet the NEW Youth Leadership Hall Class on page 11. The 16th YLH Class graduated in April, and we now have 1,023 student graduates. Founded in 2006, the Chamber's YLH program is grooming our next generation of community leaders.
South Hall Business Coalition Tuesday, May 25 Elachee Nature Science Center
Come network in the great outdoors! featured member
New Members page 15
BUSINESS LINK
from the chairman
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 11
SMALL Business Makes BIG Impact Small business accounts for half of America’s workforce, and more new jobs come from small business than any other source. Small businesses are vital to keeping America running. Some 90% of the Greater Hall Chamber's membership is comprised of small business. Small business makes a BIG impact in many ways.
provide everything from fresh flowers or dry cleaning to web design services.
Along with the Greater Hall Chamber's community partners – Small Business Access Partners, Northeast Georgia SCORE, UGA Small Business Development Center and the Business Incubator at Brenau University – your Chamber is providing our small businesses vital resources. From Small Business Seminars to Social Media Brian Rochester Marketing Workshops, programs that can significantly Rochester & Associates impact business are available consistently throughout Chairman, Greater Hall the year. In 2017, the Chamber CERTIFIED Small Business Chamber of Commerce Partner program was implemented, and in the last four When we spend dollars locally, we create jobs locally and years, 112 businesses have been certified. Many of these keep our money close to home. Thriving small businesses partners have been certified for multiple years. create thriving communities. Neighborhoods, education and schools improve. Quality of life improves, drawing If you're not already taking advantage of these promore people to move into the community – and more grams, check out the events on the Chamber's website at small businesses to invest in it. It’s a virtuous cycle. GHCC.com/EVENTS, and sign up for one. See the list of upcoming Small Business Seminars on page 6, and conBeyond the direct economic effects of buying locally, sider attending the next one on May 11 as Terry Merck, small businesses offer a community character and are American Yazaki, gives tips on "How to Cross Train Your generally more shielded against economic distress. Workforce." Small businesses add diversity across a wide range of business – such as retailers that are focused on selling When small business succeeds, communities succeed – various types of goods and service companies that might making our community better in every way.
Governmental Affairs
McKemie West, Editor • Email: kwest@ghcc.com 230 E.E. Butler Pkwy • Gainesville GA 30501 • 770-532-6206 • GreaterHallChamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
2020-2021 Executive Committee Chairman Brian Rochester Rochester & Associates Chairman-Elect Phil Sutton Kubota Manufacturing of America Treasurer Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power Vice Chair, Economic Development David Lee, Jackson EMC Vice Chair, Marketing Missy Burgess, Lanier Islands Vice Chair, Government Affairs Philip Wilheit, Jr. Wilheit Packaging
Vice Chairs, Education Andi Farmer Milton Martin Honda Lauren Armour Talley Lanier Technical College Vice Chair, South Hall Council Terry Merck, American Yazaki Vice Chairs, Membership Brett Fowler Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance Phil Bonelli, Regions Bank Vice Chair Community Development Haley Bower, Clipper Petroleum Chair, Vision 2030 Tate O’Rouke, Jackson EMC
Vision 2030 Executive Director Elizabeth Higgins Co-Chairs, HALLmark Paul Chambers, AT&T Mimi Collins, Longstreet Clinic Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost Senior Advisor Brian Daniel Carroll Daniel Construction Immediate Past Chair Carol Burrell Northeast Georgia Health System Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap
2020-2021 Board of Directors Christa Andrews, Corporate Storage Norman Baggs, The Times Neal Booth, Pinnacle Bank Chris Braswell, The Norton Agency Chris Brown, Delta Community Credit Union Whitney Brown, Stewart, Melvin & Frost Nick Bruner, Rushton Dan Carey, BB&T/TRUIST Tammy Caudell, Carroll Daniel Construction Sean Couch, Northeast Georgia Health System Shanna Cronic, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic Ashley Davis, Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing Larry Derby, Liberty David Dickerson, Law Office of David H. Dickerson Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville Drew Echols, Jaemor Farms Dr. Suzanne Erickson, Brenau University Josh Everett, New Leaf Landscape Services Jim Grier, Mayor, City of Lula Emily Hayes, Milton Martin Toyota Tracy Hoeltke Herter, Netchex Richard Higgins, Chair, Hall County Commission Anna Jacobs, AccessWDUN Ben Jarrard, University of North Georgia Logan Jones, Wilheit Packaging Brooke Kalinauskas, Conditioned Air Systems Jay Kilroy, Willis Investment Counsel Geoff Lee, Craton, Inc. Dr. Kate Maine, University of North Georgia Ward McCamy, Bank of America Tim McDonald, Lanier Technical College
JD Mealor, Regions Bank Ashton Meeks, Starke Family Office Mike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch Sheri Millwood, Oakwood City Council Caitlin Mincey, Mincey Marble Manufacturing Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Lakeview Academy Terry Morrisey, Intelligent Energy Chris Nish, Cottrell James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont Bill Orr, Mayor, Town of Braselton Dr. Jeff Payne, North Georgia Eye Clinic Todd Pennington, McGarity’s Business Products Michele Piucci, Peach State Bank & Trust Col. Stas Preczewski, Riverside Military Academy Brad Puryear, Mansfield Energy Derek Reyes, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta Vanesa Sarazua, Hispanic Alliance Georgia Will Schofield, Hall County School System Mulham Shbeib, Mar-Jac Poultry Dr. Anne Skleder, Brenau University Terry Spicer, King’s Hawaiian Bakery Margaret Spratlin, Longstreet Clinic Kevin Strada, The Atlanta Falcons John Turner, Northeast Georgia Health System Roy Turpin, Mayor, City of Gillsville Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Dr. Jeremy Williams, Gainesville City Schools Darryl Workman, South State Bank John Wright, Fieldale Farms Mike Zeiler, Bitzer US, Inc. Nancy Jo Zimmer, JP Morgan Chase Bank
Greater Hall Chamber Staff Executive Kit Dunlap, President & CEO Gerri Collins, Executive Assistant Economic Development Tim Evans, Vice President Nikki Chandler, Vice President Existing Industry Amanda Lewis, Project Manager Madison Hopkins, Project Manager Finance & Operations David Umberson, Vice President, Finance & HR
Congressman Andrew Clyde, 9th District Georgia, recently visited the Greater Hall Chamber. (L-R) Chamber Chairman Elect Phil Sutton, Kubota Manufacturing of America; Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging; Congressman Andrew Clyde; Rob Fowler, Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; Jimmy Adams, Corporate Storage/The Adams Companies; Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost; Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda. 2
May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Membership Development Mandy Lathem, Vice President, Events Christen Wilbanks, Vice President, Sales Kara Tate, Vice President, Sales & Programs
Government Affairs Madison Hopkins, Project Manager South Hall Council Kara Tate, Vice President, Sales & Programs Community Development Robin Halstead, Vice President VISION 2030 Elizabeth Higgins, Executive Director Marketing & Communications Kemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant Greater Hall Chamber Welcome Center Robin Halstead, Manager
Education & Leadership Andi Tippens, Vice President The mission of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is to improve the overall business climate for member growth, promote community development, facilitate political action, and enhance the quality of life.
meetings
events
VISION 2030 Art in the Park Join Vision 2030 Public Art volunteers, family and friends on Friday, May 7 (6-9pm) for Art in the Park at Laurel Park. This is a free event with live music, food trucks, drinks and artwork to purchase. Hall County Parks & Leisure and Vision 2030 Public Art are celebrating the recent addition of Hammock Hollow installed at Laurel Park. To commemorate the collaboration, a ribbon cutting will take place followed by a "Block pARTy" where original artwork will be for sale, all for less than $100. The free ART IN THE PARK event at Laurel Park, 3100 Cleveland Highway in Gainesville. Info: Elizabeth Higgins, ehiggins@ghcc.com
113th Annual Meeting & Gala The Annual Meeting & Gala presented by the Greater Hall Chamber Board of Directors and Chairman Brian Rochester, Rochester & Associates; Chair-Elect Phil Sutton, Kubota Manufacturing of America, and President & CEO Kit Dunlap, is Thursday, May 13th at the Chattahoochee Country Club. The Annual Meeting & Gala celebrates a year of success and will recognize Annual Business Award Recipients.
• Small Business of the Year • Family Business of the Year • Community Service Award • Distinguished Citizen Award • W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award
Sponsored by AT&T, King's Hawaiian, Northeast Georgia Health System, Carroll Daniel Construction, Georgia Power, Jackson EMC, Rochester & Associates and Wilheit Packaging. This event is currently SOLD OUT. Info: Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mlathem@ghcc.com
Hall County Community Workshops Citizens are invited to share their hopes for the next generation of growth in Hall County at two upcoming community workshops. The workshops are part of Hall County Government’s process to update its zoning and other development regulations and combine them into a Unified Development Code (UDC). The events offer citizens the opportunity for citizens to give feedback and learn how these updates will regulate new construction. A UDC also controls how development looks and works, including things like building materials, parking, and landscaping. The community workshops are scheduled for Monday, May 10 (6-8pm) at North Hall Community Center and Tuesday, May 11 (6-8pm) at Mulberry Creek Community Center. Learn more at hallcountyudc.com
calendar
May
June
Healthcare Committee
Healthcare Committee
Wednesday, May 5
Wednesday, June 2
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 7
Friday, June 11
Economic Development Council
Economic Development Council
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Jackson EMC
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Lanier Technical College Ramsey Conference Center
Art in the Park
Vision 2030 Public Art Event 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Laurel Park
Tuesday, June 8
Small Business Seminar
Tuesday, May 11
Grow With Google 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Small Business Seminar
How to Cross Train Your Workforce 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 9
Human Resource Council
Ambassadors Council
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Break Water Grill | Flowery Branch
Tuesday, June 15
Vision 2030 Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 12
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Human Resource Council 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 16
Thursday, May 13
9:00 a.m.
113th Annual Meeting & Gala
Issues Committee
6:00 p.m. | Chattahoochee Country Club
Thursday, June 17
Tuesday, May 18
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Vision 2030 Board Meeting
Chamber Executive Committee
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 22
Wednesday, May 19
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Lanier islands
Issues Committee
South Hall Business Coalition
9:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 24
Thursday, May 20
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Chamber Executive Committee 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Chamber Board of Directors
Tuesday, May 25
South Hall Business Coalition 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Elachee Thursday, May 27
Chamber Board of Directors 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lanier Technical College Ramsey Conference Center
INFO
GHCC.com/events May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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small business development
Small Business of the Month The Trophy Case
Small Business Success Seminar Tuesday, May 11 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | via Zoom
"How to Cross Train Your Workforce"
Terry Merck American Yazaki
(L-R) Judy Robinson, Chase Forrester and Irene Miller at The Trophy Case in Gainesville. Serving the Greater Hall County area for nearly four decades, they offer a wide variety of products and awards such as trophies, plaques, name tags and plastic signage. Owner, Chase Forrester commented, “We are so grateful to be chosen as the Chamber’s Small Business of the month and are eager to continue to serve our community in helping others turn victories into memories & pieces of history!” The Trophy Case, 266 College Avenue SE, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-535-1589. trophycasegainesville.com
Funding Programs for Small Business The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been hard at work administering many funding programs to assist small business. Restaurant Revitalization Fund - Provides assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other food service businesses impacted by COVID-19. Shuttered Venue Operators Grant – This grant program provides emergency assistance for eligible venues. Paycheck Protection Program - This forgivable loan helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. It was extended an additional two months to May 31, 2021. 6
EIDL - This loan provides economic relief to small businesses and non-profit organizations currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Some loans approved prior to the week of April 6, 2021 will be eligible for an increase based on new loan maximum amounts announced March 24, 2021. SBA Debt Relief - Provided to existing SBA loan borrowers whose businesses have been impacted by COVID-19. To find out more about these COVID-19 relief options, visit sba.gov
May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Join long time Greater Hall Chamber supporter, Board Member and South Hall Council Chairman Terry Merck, American Yazaki Corporation, to learn how to successfully cross train employees to work various positions within your company. Cross training can ease staffing shortages and improve employee morale. Terry will share his "Training Skill Matrix" and discuss how it was created, how it functions, its advantages, how it is linked to employee pay, and why it is successful. Info: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com Thank you sponsors
Upcoming Seminar Tuesday, June 8 Small Business Seminar
"Reach Customers Online with GOOGLE" Presented by Demming Bass, Google Trainer 9:00 am | Via Zoom No Charge for Chamber Members This Official Grow With Google Marketing Webinar is Designed to Grow Your Business! • Create a Free Google My Business profile • Improve Your Website's Visibility • Advertise through Google via Smart Campaigns Walk away with free tools, a proven plan and strategies to implement immediately! You'll also receive up to $150 in Google Matching Ad Credit (first-time users only) to immediately market your business with the lessons learned.
Info
Small Business Seminars are held monthly on topics of interest to small business. Check the Chamber's online calendar at GHCC.com/ EVENTS for up-to-date info or contact Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
Become a Chamber 2021 CERTIFIED Small Business Partner by participating in six (6) Small Business Seminars this year. CERTIFIED Partners Receive
• Certificate of Completion • Certified Small Business Door Decal
• Recognition at a Chamber Board Meeting
• Announcement in the Business Link
Small Business Seminars are sponsored by AccessWDUN, Caldwell Electrical Contractors, Gainesville Mechanical and The Times.
economic development
Annual Agribusiness Awards
South Hall Business Coalition Kathryn Richardson (left), Corporate Sales & Events Manager, Lanier RacePlex, with Chamber South Hall Council Chairman Terry Merck, American Yazaki Corporation, and Kit Dunlap, Chamber President & CEO, at the South Hall Business Coalition meeting in April. Over 60 attended the event at Lanier RacePlex to learn about the venue and its full line of 2021 events. Lanier RacePlex offers elevated experiences, whether it be a private or corporate party, spectator drift event, kart racing league, or festival on the 60-acre property. lanierraceplex.com Join the South Hall Business Coalition on Tuesday, May 25 (9-10am) at Elachee Nature Science Center for a light breakfast and news on what's happening by Sarah Bell, new President & CEO! This outdoor, in-person event will require face masks and social distancing. $5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Questions? Kara Tate, 770-532-6206 x 103. Email: ktate@ghcc.com. Register online: GHCC.com/EVENTS
Gainesville North Parking Deck
City of Gainesville and Carroll Daniel Construction officials gathered for the ground breaking of the Gainesville North Parking Deck, a 400-parking-space deck at 100 Brenau Avenue in Downtown Gainesville.
North Hall Middle School FFA members with Annual Agribusiness Award Recipients (Back, L-R) Scott Glover, Glo-Crest Dairy & Mountain Fresh Creamery (Farmer of the Year); Phil Hulsey, Popular Top Jerseys (Ag Hall of Fame); Natalia McNew and Christine Wages of Cargill Inc. (Outstanding Agribusiness); Will Schofield, Superintendent, Hall County Schools (Friend of Agriculture); Congressman Andrew Clyde. Thank you Jaemor Farms for hosting the event and Jackson EMC for sponsoring the breakfast program.
For Lease
Downtown Gainesville Office Space 204 Green Street | Gainesville 30501
• Free standing office building in Gainesville CBD adjacent to the Chamber • +/- 2,800 Square Feet • Downstairs: Reception Area, 4 Large Offices, Conference Area, Kitchenette • Upstairs: 2 Large Rooms/Offices, Work Stations • Two Blocks to the Hall County Courthouse • Walk to the Downtown Gainesville Square • Parking Available • Easy to show Brent Hoffman Berkshire Hathaway | Georgia Properties Commercial Division 770-533-6721 Direct 770-536-3007 Office BrentHoffman.com brent@brenthoffman.com
May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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• Count on Tools, Inc. (COT) Vice President
member news Tim McDonald heads Lanier Tech Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier announced that Lanier Technical College Executive Vice President, Tim McDonald is the new President of Lanier Technical College. McDonald has served as the college’s Executive Vice President since 2015 and was previously the Vice President of Economic Development, and Dawson Campus Dean. Prior to assuming these roles, McDonald taught Machine Tool Technology, now Precision Manufacturing. He also worked as a machinist with Windsmith, now Peerless-Windsmith, and Chandler Equipment Company prior to his tenure with the college. Tim McDonald McDonald has a degree in Machine Tool Technology from President, Lanier Technical College, a BS in Mechanical Engineering Lanier Technical College Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University and a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University. He is an active member of the Greater Hall Chamber and serves on the Gainesville and Hall County Economic Development Council, the Chamber Board of Directors and the Workforce Development Task Force. laniertech.edu
Membership Campaign Success 78 New Members Join the Greater Hall Chamber The Chamber's 2021 Membership Campaign brought in 78 new members with over 54 volunteer recruiters working hard to sign up new members. Thank you to our many Chamber supporters who made the campaign a success! TEAM Chiefs of Commerce Chasing Commerce 2021 and Fabulous! Executive Order The Masked Bandits
TEAM CAPTAIN Jessica Palacios, Cardinal Ridge Group Nancy Jo Zimmer, JP Morgan Chase Michele Piucci, Peach State Bank Darryl Workman, South State Bank Matt Waters, United Community Bank
TOP MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS Casey Ryals, Hall County Farm Bureau Michele Piucci, Peach State Bank Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber Andi Tippens, Greater Hall Chamber Amanda Lewis, Greater Hall Chamber Chris McCall, McCall Properties Julie Taylor, HUB International Margaret Spratlin, Longstreet Clinic
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May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Curt Couch announced that the Hall Countybased precision component manufacturer received the 2021 CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY Service Excellence Award in Automation & Handling Equipment. This is the seventh time COT has received the award honoring companies excelling in the crucial area of customer service. The award is based on responses from actual customers. In addition to precision components and SMT spare parts manufacturing, COT also maintains a strong position in the hand tool industry, offering the highest quality hand tools in the world with PB Swiss Tools. cotinc.com
• Joy Griffin, former president of United Way of Hall County and chief administrator at Carroll Daniel Construction, has joined Gainesville City Schools as Director of Marketing, Communications & Public Relations, a new position within the school district. A Gainesville native, Joy has held leadership positions in the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville, the Greater Hall Chamber, and Vision 2030. gcssk12.net • Experience Lake Life at Lake Lanier Olympic
Park's one-day festival on Saturday, May 22 (9am-2pm). Try out paddleboarding for the first time, master your casting technique, hop on a jet ski, and enjoy live demonstrations on the water. Family friendly and free to attend. Food trucks, beer and wine tent, vendors, outfitters, clubs, and more. Details: elarsen@ gainesvillega.gov or call 1-855-536-1996.
• Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville has opened a new, inpatient hospice unit specializing in support for patients and their loved ones. The unit expands services offered by Hospice of NGMC, providing a comforting atmosphere where patients who are unable to remain at home can receive skilled care exclusively from hospice-trained staff. nghs.com/hospice • The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier’s 23rd
Annual Rubber Duck Derby presented by Northeast Georgia Health System is May 15th (11am-3pm) at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. Enjoy family fun, live music, food trucks, games, children's activities and the much anticipated Duck Race (2:30pm).
ADOPT ducks at RubberDuckDerby.com for a chance at $20,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize. Brenda Bohn, 770-3613720 or bbohn@bgclanier.org • The Greater Hall Chamber has a position
opening – Vice President Finance & Administration. Full time position, and experience is required. Responsible for managing financial activities, cash receipts and disbursements, payroll and 401K. Provide HR support for employees. Maintain financial and physical assets and investment properties. Coordinate IT inventory and support. Send resume: resumes@ghcc.com
• Stephen Starke has joined Peach State Bank & Trust as senior vice president of the new Braselton Loan Office. Starke is a longtime local banker with over 30 years of experience in commercial lending, most recently serving as commercial credit manager/senior vice president for Entegra Bank. He's active in the community, having served as a board member of Lakeview Academy and South Hall Kiwanis Club and on the Chamber’s Beautification Committee. peachstate.bank
• Jimbo Floyd, President, Turner Wood &
Smith, and Trey Wood, Executive VP, were named to Insurance Business America’s Top Producers list, highlighting the bestperforming insurance professionals from around the country. To qualify as a Top Producer, producers must have achieved at least $1 million in commission revenue in 2020, with at least 50% commercial P&C business and demonstrated year-over-year growth from 2019. twsinsurance.com
• The Chamber's 2021 Industrial Directory with manufacturers, processors and distributors in Gainesville-Hall County and over a dozen facts and statistics about each is now available in PDF or bound-book formats. $33.00 (includes tax, shipping and handling). Info: Nikki Chandler, 770-532-6206 x 108, or nchandler@ghcc.com
Got news?
Email: kwest@ghcc.com
community development
New Youth Leadership Hall Class
The Greater Hall Chamber announces the 17th class of Youth Leadership Hall (YLH) with 80 students representing all 12 public and private high schools in Gainesville-Hall County. Initiated in 2005, the program now has 1,023 student graduates. A program for high school juniors and seniors, YLH seeks to provide an investment in the community’s future leadership by fostering interest in the community and inspiring students to become the leaders of tomorrow. Cherokee Bluff High School Annie Cobb Brandyn Peterson Emma Cooper Gracie Strickland Isidro Maldonado Lane Masaschi M'Kaylah Jackson Natalia Waxter Chestatee High School Anna Grace Edmonds Bailey Godfrey Bowen Corley Bralin Garcia Habram Alcantar Isabelle Brock John Sykes Ruby Estrada East Hall High School Audrey Griffin Carter Gillespie Eli Irvin Erin Hood John Salyers Kevin Gonzalez Walker Barrett
Gainesville High School Anna Toms Ashley Thompson Callie Patterson Caroline Reisman Chandler Baudin Jason Le Olivia Nordholz Samuel Holt Sarah Ellen Toms Tennent Slack Johnson High School Alex Valenzuela Axel Soto Dayanara Calderon Jasmine Muñoz Jennifer Castrejon Jocelyn Romero Andrade Joshua Guerrero Tristan Nguyen
Lakeview Academy Cameron Hewatt Chloe Echols Elizabeth Payne Garv Gaur Maggie Abboud Flowery Branch High School Sara Nivens Bella Brick Lanier Christian Academy Charlotte Garrand Arianna Winfrey Ella Grace Lawler Haylie Ramsey Grecia Galarza Parker Pruitt Mason Lackey
Lanier College & Career Academy Jake Hinesley Kirsten Edwards Landon Roberson Mason Douglas Viktoria Jackson North Hall High School Adam Oxley Allie Lazenby Anderson Kennedy Anna Reeves Carina Shanks Cates Greene Sydney Baumgardner Riverside Military Academy Alfonso Garcia Christian Jones Cody Bian Tomis Hamilton Troy Bian West Hall High School Caden Pritchard Edwin Arrellano Emma Yancey Julio Valle Julissa Salas Vu Nguyen
FORTY YEARS YEARS 1/4 Page Ad 4.91" x 10 MVC - RUSHTON
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF TRUST
At Rushton, we proudly celebrate 40 years of building long-term, trusted relationships with our clients. As one of the region’s largest accounting and business advisory firms, we offer the capabilities of an international firm grounded in personal service. We are here to help you reach your financial goals in all phases of business and life.
Santino Sengson Skylar Dillon For more on Youth Leadership Hall, contact Andi Tippens, Chamber Vice President of Education, 770532-6206 x 113, email: andi@ghcc.com, or visit GHCC.com/education
RushtonandCompany.com May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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Foothills Area Health Education Center
Gateway Domestic Violence Center
Foothills Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is a community-driven, non-profit organization serving Northeast Georgia and is supported by federal, state, and local funds. AHEC's mission is to partner with communities to recruit, train and retain healthcare professionals and to improve their supply and distribution in medically under-served areas, ultimately improving the health of all citizens. Foothills is one of six AHEC centers in Georgia's network and one of 178 AHEC centers nationwide.
In the early 1980s, a group of concerned community leaders took notice of incidents of domestic violence across the country and decided to act locally. They founded Gateway House, now known as Gateway Domestic Violence Center, in October 1982. Over the years Gateway’s programs have grown and so have its facilities. But one thing that has never changed is the commitment to make a positive impact on the fight against domestic violence in Hall County. Through crisis intervention, comprehensive support services and community collaboration, Gateway Domestic Violence Center helps create an environment for safe, healthy, self-sufficient growth and violence prevention. Foothills AHEC serves 31 counties in Georgia.
The organization focuses on meeting the healthcare workforce needs of the Northeast Georgia region through academic and community partnerships. AHEC exposes youth and adults to careers in healthcare by offering outreach presentations, camps, conferences, and resources in collaboration with educational partners. The organization supports health professions students during community-based training with clinical placement assistance, preceptor development, housing, and/or travel support. AHEC is making North Georgia a better place to work by providing incentives and continuing education. Visit the AHEC website with a wealth of information for anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare: foothillsahec.org
VP Finance & Administration Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
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How can you get involved? Volunteer to help with a program. Grab an item on the needs list – like toys or cleaning supplies. Make a donation. Donations enable Gateway to provide services to domestic violence survivors and their children in our community and are tax deductible. Learn more at gatewaydvcenter.org
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In 2020, Gateway housed 150 women and children in the emergency shelter totaling 5,206 nights of shelter for victims of domestic violence. Gateway's long-term transitional housing program supported 46 women and children with the average length of stay at 23 months. 100% of the transitional housing residents secured safe housing upon leaving Gateway, and 93% said they can better manage their own safety.
935 Green Street, GaineSville 30501 callriverSidepharmacy.com 770.532.6253 • Fax 770.532.6592
May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Full Time Position | Experience Required • Manage financial activities of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce • Processes all cash receipts, disbursements, payroll and 401K • Manage financial and physical assets of the Chamber • Manage the Chamber office building and investment property • Provide Human Resource support for Chamber employees • Coordinate IT support and maintenance • Manage the Chamber Welcome Center and staff Send Resume:
resumes@ghcc.com Human Resources | P. O. Box 347 | Gainesville, GA 30503
education
leadership
Youth Leadership Hall The 16th Class of Youth Leadership Hall graduated in April with an outing at Station 300 complete with lunch, bowling, laser tag and more! (L- R) Ben Filchak, Deep Roots Landscape; Kate Everett, Chestatee High School; Holden Turner, Flowery Branch High School; Ashley Alcantar, West Hall High School; Mike Zeiler, Bitzer. Thank you program sponsors: CJ Green, The Norton Agency, Carroll Daniel Construction, Jackson EMC, Georgia Power and Station 300 Bowling. Youth Leadership Hall's new class kicks off the year in August.
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Volunteer Leadership Special appreciation to the following Leadership Hall Graduates for their time and talents while serving on the 2020-21 Youth Leadership Hall Program Advisory (PAC) Committee: Andi Farmer, Chair, Milton Martin Honda Lauren Armour Talley, C0-Chair, Lanier Technical College Andrew Thomason, Carroll Daniel Construction Anna Claire Dover, Northeast Georgia Health System Ben Filchak, Deep Roots Landscape 1st Lt. Bonner Burton, Hall County Sheriff’s Office Blythe Hammons, Gateway Domestic Violence Center CJ Greene, The Norton Agency Graham Williams, The Stoke Capt. Jason Smith, Hall County Sheriff’s Office Katherine Porter, Porter Fireplace and Insulation Lee Towns, Lee Towns State Farm Agency Les Salter, Lanier Technical College Marcus Neville, Midtown Alliance & Hall Co. Sheriff's Office Marianne Southerland, Truist Mike Zeiler, Bitzer US Nikki Chandler, Greater Hall Chamber Sam Latimer, Rushton Terry Spicer, King’s Hawaiian
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WE HAVE A SOLUTION FOR EVERY DATA NEED! May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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ribbon cuttings
The Arts Council Pavilion
Modern Woodmen of America
Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America is a full-service financial planning company that assists clients in savings, retirement planning, retirement distribution, estate and small business planning. Participating in Modern Woodmen's Ribbon Cutting (L-R) Matt Waters, United Community Bank; Charlie Hawkins, The Norton Agency; Bernie Flores, HomeStar Financial; Burns Marlow, Hulsey Oliver Mahar; Chris Pruvis, First Citizens Bank; Bill Rhodes, Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles; Nicole Pleasant, First Citizens Banks; Peter Truong, Evan Davis and Brian Copeland, Modern Woodmen; Melinda Spurlin, McQueen Agency. Modern Woodmen of America/Truong Financial Services, 340 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Suite 640, Gainesville GA 30501. 678-997-3111. modernwoodmen.org/ptruon
Founded in 1970, The Arts Council has grown from a three-room office to an organization with multiple venues. The latest addition is a new pavilion on the campus of The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center on Spring Street in Downtown Gainesville. The new venue is named The Gladys Wyant Performing Arts Pavilion in honor of Gladys Wyant who has served as executive director for the past 37 years and retires this summer. theartscouncil.net
Teston & Burruss
Your CBD Store
Amanda Truelove-Buice, General Manager, Jamie Buice, and Owners Tracy and David Kayne, cut the ribbon for Your CBD Store in Gainesville. Your CBD Store carries USDA-certified organic products such as oils, topicals, water-solubles, edibles, vapes and more. Your CBD Store’s national health award winning products help their customers’ overall well-being. It is changing their way of living and improving their quality of life. Visit Your CBD Store and receive a free sample! 1110 Dawsonville Highway, Suite C, Gainesville, GA 30501. 678-943-8879. BotanicalWellnessInc.com
Promote your company with a FREE Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. 14
May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Jason M. Burruss and Clinton W. Teston, partners of Teston & Burruss, PC, cut a ribbon at the office on Brenau Avenue in Gainesville. Teston & Burruss is a full-service law firm representing clients across North Georgia in the areas of personal injury, family law, and criminal defense and was founded on the belief that zealous client advocacy starts with exceptional customer service. The staff is truly one of a kind when it comes to injecting a personal interest in improving the lives of clients and their families. With two decades of legal experience, Teston & Burruss has earned a reputation of providing the highest quality legal representation. Inquire for legal representation and a free consultation. 400 Brenau Avenue NE, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 470-892-2204. testonburruss.com It's a free service if you're a member of the Chamber. Not a member? Join now, call 770-532-6206.
welcome new members Ability Pediatric Therapy of Gainesville Andy Alexander 428 S Enota Drive, NE Gainesville, GA 30501 678-865-4947 - Medical / Pediatric abilitypedtherapy.com
Brickhouse Training Facility Marcell Allen 1025 MLK Jr Boulevard Suite 600 Gainesville, GA 30501 770-533-9387 - Fitness Center brickhousetrainingfacility.com
Addison Leadership Group John Addison 337 Boulevard NE Gainesville, GA 30501 770-531-5591 - Business Services/Consulting johnaddisonleadership.com
Byrd's Mini Storage Calvin Byrd 635 Industrial Boulevard Gainesville, GA 30501 770-536-0019 - Warehouse & Storage byrdsministorage.com
AFLAC Andrea Brock 3485 McEver Road Suite 204 Gainesville, GA 30504 678-450-1866 - Insurance Agency aflac.com/agents/andrea_brock. aspx
Colliers Hooper Wilkinson 1230 Peachtree Street NE Suite 800 Atlanta, GA 30309 850-694-4667 - Commercial Real Estate colliers.com
ALFA Insurance The Ken Day Agency Ken Day 2551 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501 770-536-3555 - Insurance halfainsurance.com/agents/ ken-day Alpharesults Jim Ewing 13740 Belleterre Drive Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-667-1332 - Business Services alpharesults.com Bed Bath and Beyond Jon Claxton 860 John B Brooks Road Pendergrass, GA 30567 706-693-3005 - Warehouse & Distribution bedbathandbeyond.com
Davis Business Coaching ActionCOACH John Davis 1687 Bristol Farms Court Grayson, GA 30017 817-538-8864 - Business Services/Consulting johndavis.actioncoach.com Eagle Overlook Recovery Michael Stokes 45 Eagle Overlook Drive Dahlonega, GA 30533 843-601-4180 - Counseling Services eagleoverlookrecovery.com Edge Roofing Tom Pierce 35 Lumpkin Campground N Dawsonville, GA 30534 833-468-3343 - Roofing Contractor roofsbyedge.com
Educational Foundation & Museum of Beulah Rucker Oliver Greer Peters 2101 Athens Highway Gainesville, GA 30507 901-337-2361 - Non-Profit beulahruckermuseum.org Edward Jones Investments Ariel Gibson 5506 Main Street Flowery Branch, GA 30542 505-453-8314 - Financial Services edwardjones.com/ariel-gibson Family Support Circle Martine Occeas 286 Crescent Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 470-892-5893 - Non-Profit familysupportcircle.org/Georgia Integrity Enterprises Jonathan Ross 3709 Griffin Drive Gainesville, GA 30506 706-676-4280 - Construction theintegrityenterprises.com McNeal Development William Norris 2739 Old Mill Trail Marietta, GA 30062 770-634-7661 - Real Estate Development MJ Propane Keith Poss 1020 Aviation Boulevard Gainesville, GA 30501 678-997-2596 - Business Services mjpropane.com
PestWork Solutions Shane Hurst 2458 Limestone Parkway Unit C Gainesville, GA 30501 678-971-1191 - Exterminating Service pestworksolutions.com Recess Southern Gastro Pub Chris Richardson 118 Bradford Street Gainesville, GA 30501 678-450-0444 - Restaurant & Catering recesspub.com Romero Real Estate by KW Jose Romero 631 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 770-287-4728 - Real Estate Russell C. Petersen Russ Petersen 303 Jesse Jewell Parkway, SE Suite 100 Gainesville, GA 30501 678-971-4664 - Attorney rcplawfirm.com
Star Choices Chase Darby 5511 Radford Road, Suite D Flowery Branch, GA 30542 678-828-9011 - Non-Profit starchoices.org
Watermark Senior Living Dean Rappa 5755 & 5761 Conner Road Flowery Branch, GA 30542 770-965-0951 - Senior Living watermarkseniors.com
TD Automotive Compressor Georgia Mary Carson 500 Valentine Industrial Pwy Pendergrass, GA 30567 706-693-7200 - Manufacturer toyotacompressor.com
Yellow Fin Chris Richardson 120 Bradford Street Gainesville, GA 30501 678-450-4225 - Restaurant & Catering yellowfingv.com
The Dance Company Denise Kiser 2551 Thompson Bridge Road Suite A Gainesville, GA 30501 770-534-9667 - Recreation thedancecompany.info
Join the Chamber NOW and enjoy a host of benefits like a Featured Member Listing with your Logo on the Chamber’s website, a complimentary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and coverage in the Chamber’s Business Link newsletter, Seminars and Forums, and Great Networking.
The Uniform Shop John Nicholson 132 Bradford Street NE Gainesville, GA 30501 770-532-4701 - Retail theuniformshopgainesville.com
Contact Christen Wilbanks, 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: cwilbanks@ghcc.com or Kara Tate, 770-532-6206 x 103. Email: ktate@ghcc.com
The Uniform Shop Gainesville native John Nicholson has changed career paths and is now the new owner of The Uniform Shop in Downtown Gainesville. While still doing website design and marketing strategies, John took over the retail shop from Kathy Haynes, who founded the store over 40 years ago, upon her retirement. The Uniform Shop sells scrubs and medical uniforms to healthcare workers in North Georgia along with chef wear to local restaurants. The shop has a large selection of namebrand apparel, shoes, lab coats, and medical gear. They have a convenient, private parking lot at the rear of the store for customers. "Since purchasing the store, I have added a website with online shopping along with social media platforms," said Nicholson. "My previous retail experience includes starting and operating Collectors Gallery (art & picture framing) for over 10 years in Gainesville." The Uniform Shop, 132 Bradford Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-532-4701. theuniformshopgainesville.com
May 2021 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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42nd Annual Hackers Holiday Legacy Golf Club at Lanier Islands
Winner 1st Flight: Conditioned Air Systems Team (L-R) Robert Turner, Northeast Georgia Health System; Jeff Williams, Conditioned Air Systems; Will Peeples, Peach State Bank; Carter Pegues, Conditioned Air Systems.
Winner 2nd Flight: LDC Management Groups Team (L-R) Stephen Skeggs and Russell Hulsey, LDC Managment Groups; David Stone and Zach Nicholson, Carroll Daniel Construction.
$1,000 Cash Prize Winner!
Kathline Collins, Broker & Owner, Collins Property Group, was the winner of the $1,000 Cash Prize.!
Individual Medalists
Closest to the Pin: Jimmy Lawler Flowery Branch High School
Womens Longest Drive: Sierra Campbell University of North Georgia
Mens Longest Drive: Ryan Brunatti FCL Builders
Lee Towns, State Farm Insurance, won $1,000 gift certificate to the PGA Superstore presented by Pro-GeneX!
Winner 3rd Flight: Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Team (L-R) Michael Langley, Matt Garner, Alton Rutledge, Rodney Coleman. THANK YOU Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament Sponsors!
Upcoming Chamber Events Friday, May 7
Vision 2030 Art in the Park Free & Open to the Public 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Laurel Park | Gainesville Tuesday, May 11
Small Business Seminar "How to Cross Train Your Workforce" presented by Terry Merck, American Yazaki 9:00 a.m. | via Zoom
Thursday, May 13 113th Annual Meeting & Gala 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club This event is SOLD OUT!
Tuesday, May 25 South Hall Business Coalition 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Dr | Gainesville
Thursday, May 27 Chamber Board of Directors 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lanier Technical College Ramsey Conference Center
Register for Chamber events online at GHCC.com/EVENTS
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