Business Link Sept 2020 by The Times

S E P T E M B E R 2020

contents Chairman’s Column page 2 Meetings & Events page 4 See Who's Hiring page 5 Small Business of the Month page 7 Member Announcements page 10 Welcome New Members Page 11 Non-Profit Spotlights page 14 Education & Leadership page 15

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Workforce Development: The Ongoing Mission Lanier Technical College begins Fall Semester with what is likely to be a record number of students enrolled. While the work we do is essential in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work we do has always been essential to the economic vitality of the communities we serve. In May 1964, a visionary group of leaders from Hall County, led by what is now known as the Greater Hall Chamber, gathered together and agreed to create a technical school for the expressed purpose of workforce Dr. Ray Perren development. That school first opened President in September 1966, as the Lanier Area Lanier Technical College Vocational-Technical School. Though our name changed over the years – Lanier Technical Institute and now Lanier Technical College – our mission remains the same today as it was in 1964: workforce development. Those visionary leaders understood in 1964, that the most important resource in our community was not land, natural resources, or investment capital. They understood that the most important resource in any community is its people. Lanier Technical College exists to help the people of our area develop their skills and passions into careers. Since our first graduating class in June 1967, Lanier Technical College has graduated well over 30,000 individuals. Lanier Tech graduates are found in every sector of the economy from healthcare, manufacturing and business, to education, entrepreneurial small businesses, government and public safety. While our mission remains unchanged, the means of carrying out that mission has changed. Our curriculum has changed many times since we first opened our doors. For example, computers as we know them now did not exist in 1964. But now, with the digital revolution sweeping throughout every facet of the economy, we offer many computer programs rang-

Small Business Seminar via Zoom

Tuesday, September 15

Job Fair & Career Expo Gainesville Civic Center

Tuesday, September 29

South Hall Business Coalition Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Job Fair & Career Expo on September 15 (10am-2pm) with 45+ employers onsite. Wear a mask, and bring your resume! See EXHIBITORS on page 5.

featured member

Wednesday, September 9

ing from programming, networking, and cybersecurity. Although we focus on hands-on instruction, we also offer a robust distance education component to many of our programs. Last year, students from 49 Georgia counties, as well as from 10 other states, took coursework from Lanier Technical College through distance education. Graduate placement is an important measure in determining the success of our workforce development mission. While job placement numbers for the year are not yet final, we are well on our way to reporting 100% job placement for the fifth consecutive year and for the seventh time out of the last eight years. While we can’t guarantee that our graduates will find employment, we can and do guarantee that our graduates are job ready. We provide each Lanier Technical College graduate a warranty, in writing, that we will stand behind their education to the extent that we will retrain our graduates at no cost should they be unable to meet their employer’s expectations in performing the job for which they prepared while at Lanier Tech. While we are proud of our track record in preparing our graduates for great careers, we are most proud of the difference we make in the lives of every student that passes through our doors. There are countless stories of how Lanier Technical College changed the path for our students. Lanier Tech students are encouraged to develop their passion as they prepare for great careers. Whether that passion is building things, providing healthcare, teaching young children, working with computers, fighting fires, working on high-performance racing teams, and many other areas, we help prepare our students to live out their dreams. Our mission is workforce development. Yet, through our credit programs, our adult literacy programs, or our continuing education programs, this is one mission for which we will never say “mission accomplished.” This mission is ongoing. We are committed to being the “go-to” training partner for employers in our service area for generations to come.

BUSINESS LINK

from the chairman

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3

Our Top Asset: Skilled, Educated Workers When the Greater Hall Workforce Development Task Force was launched in 2015, the need for a skilled and educated workforce was identified as a critical component of that effort. Now, six years later, and with one of the most progressive Brian Rochester and sound economic comRochester & Associates munities in the Southeast, Chairman, Greater Hall the Task Force continues its Chamber of Commerce mission to provide our local business community with the talent they are looking for – and this is important now more than ever. Site selectors across the nation have found that the availability of skilled workers has become the top priority of businesses looking to relocate or expand in a new community – outranking incentives and all other economic factors. Since 2015, the Greater Hall Chamber’s Economic Development Division has assisted over 111 new and expanding businesses and announced 5,600 jobs. Our work continues as we introduce employers to skilled workers, and the Chamber sponsors its fall Job Fair & Career Expo on September 15. A strong educational infrastructure that is prepared to adapt to the changing needs of industry has been a powerful force in the recruitment, growth, and retention of our local businesses. Access to quality education at all

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

2020-2021 Executive Committee

levels has played a major part in the success of Gainesville-Hall County. Programs such as the newly launched Apprenticeship 101, a Work Base Learning program, Lanier Technical College's Georgia Quick Start program, and 7th Grade Career Path Fairs, a partnership program of Gainesville City and Hall County Schools and University of North Georgia and Lanier Tech, are paving the way for building a solid, sustainable workforce for the future.

Chairman Brian Rochester Rochester & Associates

In 2019, Site Selection Magazine AGAIN named GainesvilleHall County one of the top Small Metros in the nation for job creation and investment. Forbes Magazine has rated Gainesville-Hall County one of the “Best Small Places for Business & Careers” for eight years in a row. The Milken Institute named Gainesville-Hall County the #1 Georgia metro area in its “Best Performing Cities” six years in a row, and in the U.S. Top 10 for the last five years.

Vice Chair, Government Affairs Philip Wilheit, Jr. Wilheit Packaging

These top rankings and accolades do not just happen. Now in its 113th year, the Greater Hall Chamber has led community and business partnerships in areas ranging from public art and governmental relations to workforce development and education. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, your Chamber has stepped up and proven to play a vital role in providing our community with the resources and leadership to not only take us through challenges and obstacles, but also maintain our top rankings. I'm immensely proud of our Chamber, staff and volunteers. Mark your calendar, and join us on October 8 as we celebrate a year of success and highlight our many outstanding businesses and leaders.

Georgia Poultry Laboratory's Apprenticeship 101

Philip Wilheit (left) Chairman, Gainesville & Hall County Development Authority, and Greg Vitek (right), Partner, Workforce Strategies Group, present Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala, Executive Director, Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network, with a check for funding of Apprenticeship 101, a regional workforce development initiative. Continued, page 6.

McKemie West, Editor • Email: kwest@ghcc.com 230 E.E. Butler Pkwy • Gainesville GA 30501 • 770-532-6206 • GreaterHallChamber.com

September 2020 | GreaterHallChamber.com

Chairman-Elect Geoff Lee, Craton, Inc. Treasurer Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power Vice Chair, Economic Development David Lee, Jackson EMC Vice Chair, Marketing Missy Burgess, Lanier Islands

Vice Chair, Education Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda Co-Vice Chair, Education Lauren Armour Talley, Lanier Technical College

Co-Chairs, HALLmark Paul Chambers, AT&T Mimi Collins, Longstreet Clinic Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost

Vice Chair, South Hall Council Terry Merck, American Yazaki

Senior Advisor Brian Daniel, Carroll Daniel Construction Company

Vice Chair, Membership Brett Fowler Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance Co-Vice Chair, Membership Phil Bonelli, Regions Bank Vice Chair Community Develop. Haley Bower, Clipper Petroleum

Immediate Past Chair Carol Burrell, Northeast Georgia Health System Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap

Chair, Vision 2030 Tate O’Rouke, Jackson EMC Elizabeth Higgins, Exec. Director

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 David Dickerson, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard & Walker 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 Bruce Hancock, Liberty Utilities 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 Ward McCamy, Bank of America JD Mealor, Regions Bank Ashton Meeks, Willis Investment Counsel

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 Dr. Richard Oates, University of North Georgia Bill Orr, Mayor, Town of Braselton Dr. Jeff Payne, North Georgia Eye Clinic Todd Pennington, McGarity’s Business Products Dr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical College 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 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.

more voices, more victories.

When you’re facing cancer, you want a strong team on your side. Even better, two. That’s why Northeast Georgia Medical Center is now a network affiliate of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University – Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Together, we deliver some of the most effective treatments and promising clinical trials, right here at home. It all starts with more voices – and leads to more victories.

Learn about the collaboration, and choose your cancer doctor at nghs.com/more

Emory Winship Cancer Institute Network Affiliates collaborate with Emory on quality and safety initiatives to improve care locally.

meetings

calendar

events

Gala Celebration & Awards Virtual Premier

Thursday, October 8 | 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm Presented by

Mark your calendar and be sure to join us virtually for the online premier of the Chamber's Gala Celebration and Awards meeting featuring Chamber Chair Brian Rochester and Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap.

AT&T

Title Sponsors Northeast Georgia Health System Carroll Daniel Construction Georgia Power Jackson EMC Kings Hawaiian Lakewood Baptist Church Rochester & Associates Sponsors

The event will stream both at 12 Noon and 7pm and feature the presentation of Annual Business Awards as well as highlights of the year.

•Small & Family Businesses of the Year • Silver Shovel Awards • Community Service Award • Distinguished Citizen Award • W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award

Delta Community Credit Union Lanier Islands Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing Rushton Stewart, Melvin & Frost Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance

INFO: 770-532-6206

Chamber Chase 5K & 2 Mile Wellness Walk

New Race Venue!

Healthcare Committee 10:00 a.m. | via Zoom

Tuesday, October 13

Wednesday, September 9

Small Business Seminar 9:00 a.m. | via Zoom

Human Resource Council

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | via Zoom Friday, September 11

Economic Development Council 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | via Zoom Tuesday, September 15

Job Fair & Career Expo 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center

Vision 2030 Board Meeting

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Chamber

Chamber Executive Committee 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Chamber Thursday, September 24

Chamber Board of Directors

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Eagle Ranch Presented by

Registration: $30; $35 after October 1 Contest: Company T-Shirt Design Awards: Fastest CEO, Team Spirit, Individuals, Fastest Team & More

Celebration & Awards Meeting

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Scott's Downtown

Ambassadors Council

Thursday, September 17

Thursday, October 8

Streaming online at both 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Chamber

The 13th Annual Chamber Chase 5K & 2 Mile Wellness Walk hits the road this fall with a new venue and a new course. Join us at Lanier Islands on October 15 for fun and fitness as 5K runners and spirit-filled walkers enjoy this lake-side race. Sign up as a team or an individual.

October

Tuesday, September 8

Issues Committee

Lanier Islands

Wednesday, September 2

Wednesday, September 16

Thursday, October 15 | 6:00 pm

Race Time: 6:00 Runners; 6:10 Walkers

September

Tuesday, September 29

South Hall Business Council

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. The Tower at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Virtual Small Business Resource Fair 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. via Zoom

Thursday, October 15

Chamber Chase 5K & 2 Mile Wellness Walk 6:00 p.m.| Lanier Islands

Wednesday, October 21 HealthSmart | Most Fit Company Awards Visit GHCC.com/events for details

November Wednesday, November 18

Industry Appreciation Luncheon 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lanier Technical College

December Thursday, December 10

Eggs & Issues Breakfast 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Lanier Technical College

Get all the details and register for events online at GHCC.com/events

Great Sponsorships: Sign up now and get involved!

• Reserve a Tent for Your Team • Individual/Age & Team Awards • Promote Company Wellness • Over 1,000 Already Registered!

INFO: Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115 | mlathem@ghcc.com 4

September 2020 | GreaterHallChamber.com

The Greater Hall Chamber is closely monitoring COVID-19 regulations and guidance and may convert in person events to video only conferences if needed. All registered participants will be notified by e-mail of any changes. Check the Chamber calendar regularly, and keep an eye on your inbox for updates. GHCC.com/EVENTS

Retirement

may be far off,

economic development

Job Fair & Career Expo

but the April 15 deadline for IRA contributions isn’t.

10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Gainesville Civic Center Open to the Public

You have only so many years to prepare for retirement. That’s why contributing to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is so important. Fortunately, you still have time to maximize your 2015 IRA contribution before the April 15 deadline.

Exhibitors

By contributing now, your retirement savings can have more opportunity to grow. Even if you already have an IRA elsewhere, it’s easy to transfer it to an Edward Jones IRA and begin receiving the face-to-face guidance you deserve.

Tuesday, September 15

45+ employers and hiring managers onsite as job seekers see first hand employment opportunities. Wear a MASK and bring your RESUME!

Ace Hardware Alpha Grill BOS Staffing BTD Carroll Daniel Construction Chattahoochee Country Club ChildCare Careers Conditioned Air Systems ElringKlinger USA, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Fox Factory Gainesville Department of Water Resources Georgia Department of Driver Services Georgia Department of Transportation Goodwill of North Georgia Hall County Government Heavy Equipment Colleges of America Hire Dynamics HomeGoods Distribution Homestar Financial Hydro Extrusion North America King's Hawaiian Koch Foods Kubota Manufacturing of America

Luttrell Staffing Group Mars Wrigley Massey Services Inc McDonald's Milliken & Company Northeast Georgia Health System Performance Foodservice PPG Industries ProCare Rx R.E. Whitesides Randstad US ResourceMFG Spherion Staffing The Davis Companies The Mill at New Holland The Sherwin Williams Company VDL Industries Gainesville LLC Voyant Beauty Wagner Staffing Wahoo Docks WorkSource Georgia Mountains Xpedient Logistics ZF Gainesville

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September 2020 | GreaterHallChamber.com

economic development

Workforce Development: APP 101

Carroll Daniel Apprentice Program

Five apprentices signed on to new careers as part of Carroll Daniel Construction’s apprenticeship program, a workforce development effort that gives early-career construction employees both classroom education and hands-on experience. Apprentices complete 4,000 hours of paid training on Carroll Daniel job sites and take courses at Lanier Technical College for two years. When they finish the program, they are eligible for a full- Ashton Balizet at the Carroll Daniel Construction time position with Carroll Daniel as Apprentice signing day event in July. Five apprentices are a field engineer. The program offers taking part in the program. - photo by Scott Rogers, The Times an accelerated path to a well-paying job after high school that can hopefully become a long-term career path, Carroll Daniel President Brian Daniel said. “It’s a career as opposed to a job. It’s something that there should be a lot of pride associated with,” Daniel said. “Construction is, you work hard for a year and a half on a project and at the end, there’s this tangible accomplishment that you can touch. You can drive by with your children and say, ‘I built this thing.’” carrolldaniel.com

Kubota Expands in Hall County

$80 Million Engineering & Design Center to serve all of North America

Kubota Manufacturing of America Corporation (KMA) is expanding its footprint in Gainesville-Hall County with the development of 280 acres near their current manufacturing facilities adjacent to I-985 at Ramsey Road. Kubota plans to invest over $80 million at the site for a new engineering and design center which will serve all of North America. Kubota Vice President Phil Sutton announced the selection of Carroll Daniel Construction of Gainesville as the General Contractor for the project. The unique project calls for construction of engineering offices, workshops and testing buildings as well as the development of several outdoor test courses for turf, utility vehicles, tractors and other construction and agricultural related equipment. Simpson Trucking & Grading was selected as the grading contractor, and Rochester & Associates has played a key role in the development of the project. Construction begins this fall, and upon completion, the new engineering and design center will create an additional 67 jobs. “The Gainesville-Hall County community has embraced and supported Kubota’s presence here for more than 32 years, so it is fitting that local companies like Carroll Daniel Construction and Simpson Grading have earned the opportunity to share directly in our economic success with a huge project like this,” said Sutton. KMA manufactures and assembles Kubota lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, sub-compact tractors, utility vehicles, loaders, backhoes and currently employs nearly 3,000 people in the Georgia – 1,800 are employed in Hall County. kubota-kma.com 6

September 2020 | GreaterHallChamber.com

(L-R) Cristy Norris, APP 101 Apprentice at Murray Plastics; Bill Hall, CEO, and Danielle Perkins, COO, Murray Plastics; Shelley Davis, Partner, Workforce Strategies Group; Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber VP of Economic Development. Through an Appalachian Regional Commission grant, two-year apprenticeships are made available at small manufacturers in Hall County. The program – Apprenticeship 101 or APP 101 – secures apprentices full-time employment while completing on-the-job training and attending Lanier Technical College. Gainesville-Hall County based Murray Plastics and the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network are the first two recipients of cost reimbursement through the new APP 101 program. The Appalachian Regional Commission committed $300,000 to the Gainesville & Hall County Development Autority toward the pilot program and will provide up to $15,000 of cost reimbursement to companies that sponsor a 2-year apprentice through one of the five programs at Lanier Technical College: Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics, General Machining, CNC Machining, Welder/Fabricator and Quality Technician. The funds can support up to 20 apprenticeships in Hall County. Companies in the Worksource Georgia Mountains 13-county region may also receive cost reimbursement for the program, offered at both Lanier Technical College and North Georgia Technical College.

Syfan Logistics receives top honor

For the seventh year in a row, Syfan Logistics has been named one of the Top 100 third-party logistics companies in America by Inbound Logistics magazine, a national trade publication. "Syfan Logistics was selected as a Top 100 3PL Provider because of the company's ongoing solutions to solve specific logistics challenges, improve (L-R) Steve, Jim and Greg Syfan of Syfan Logistics processes, and create a ripple effect of efficiencies for our readers across their entire value chain," said Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton. Gainesville-based Syfan Logistics serves the most demanding shipping needs for temperature-controlled, dry or ﬂatbed loads with on-time pickup and delivery throughout the continental United States, Mexico and Canada. syfanlogistics.com

Small Business Webinar Virtual Small

small business

September 9

Small Business of the Month

9:00 am | via Zoom

Business Resource Fair

Trigger Time Indoor Gun Range

Enhancing Your Business Through Tuesday, October 13 via ZOOM Community Engagement

Trigger Time Indoor Gun Range in Flowery Branch, owned and operated by Karen and Rick Whitlock, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. Trigger Time is both a shooting range and a retail store. The shooting range is equipped with 14 lanes to use for rifles, pistols and shotguns. Items available for purchase in their retail store include firearms, ammunition and accessories. The Whitlock's love to help people learn to shoot, and offer basic pistol training as well as defensive shooting classes. Stop by and check out Trigger Time at 7429 Spout Springs Road #101 in Flowery Branch. 770-967-4444. triggertimerange.com

Veteran corporate social responsibility professional Jai Rogers offers insight into the value of community engagement and best practices for improving your company’s brand, reputation and bottom line. As VP of Business & Community Development for Delta Community Credit Union (DCCU), Jai leads a team Jai Rogers, VP Business & in developing business and Community Development, Delta Community Credit Union community strategies in metro Atlanta and multiple out-of-state locations. Prior to joining DCCU, Jai launched and directed the Corporate Development department at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and served as director of Corporate Partnerships at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Questions? Amanda Lewis at alewis@ghcc.com

8:30 am: Log In & Chat 9:00 am: Program 9:30 am: Virtual Resource Fair

Success Presentation

"Surviving & Thriving through Difficulty and Change"

Phil Bonelli, VP, Regions Bank

Resource Fair

Learn how to utilize free and local cost resources. Register at GHCC.com/events. Small Business Seminar Sponsors: AccessWDUN, Caldwell Electrical Contractors, Gainesville Mechanical and The Times.

Karen & Rick Whitlock, owners, Trigger Time Indoor Gun Range.

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Format Each Week: • Welcome/Introduction of this week’s Speakers • 3 Presentations • Question & Answer Period, Attendees will be able to send in questions via the chat feature on Zoom through out the

HEALTHY AGING VIRTUAL EXPO

presentations to be answered during this time

To register to attend go to gainesvilletimes.com/healthyaging. We look forward to “seeing” everyone!

September 2nd 10AM TO 11AM

This year’s Healthy Aging Expo is going virtual! Every Wednesday in September from 10am to 11am you will hear from 3 different Speakers, they will be talking about everything from health and fitness, Insurance, and even preplanning. After hearing from our speaker’s attendees will be able to have questions answered for them, we will also have weekly prize giveaways for those who attend.

• Prize Drawing for Attendees • Preview of next week’s Speakers

Schedule for presentations:

• Dr. Nitya Sthalekar, The Heart Center, Cardiologist • Robin Templeton, Medicare Man/Insurance Source- Information about Open Enrollment • Lisbeth Fabiny, Five Seasons Health- How to manage sugar cravings during stressful times

September 9th 10AM TO 11AM • Dr. Shan Sharif-NGPG Orthopedics • Bayli Fields, Kimbrough Law-Estate Planning • Meredith Pippen, Allergy Asthma and Sinus

September 16th 10AM TO 11AM • Dr. James Kruer, NGMC Internal Medicine • Claire Dittrich, Caption Call • Abigail Carr , NGHS-Bariatrics

September 23rd 10AM TO 11AM • Dr. Monica Newton, NGPG Family Medicine • Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic • Little and Davenport

September 30th 10AM TO 11AM • Lauren Ayala, DNP-NGPG Family Medicine • Drs. Ellen Sanders and Kelly O’Dell, Longstreet Clinic

Megan Lewis 770-535-6371

2020 VIRTUAL

NORTH GEORGIA

HOME SHOW OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27 TUESDAYS 9A-10A

Join us for speakers, demonstrations and prizes at our

Virtual 2020 North Georgia Home Show! Format: Intro to speakers 10-15 minute presentation, 3 presenters each Tuesday Q&A • Prize Giveaway • Close Sponsor receives: Inclusion in promotional advertising 1 speaker position each Tuesday

To get viewers, we are promoting by the following: • Targeted email blast invitation to those interested in home sales, buying, remodeling, maintaining, landscape enthusiasts • Targeted facebook advertising, and additional social media advertising • Print and digital advertising in The Times, gainesvilletimes. com, Forsyth County News, forsythnews.com, Dawson County News, dawsonnews.com

member news Meet Lakeview's new Head of School Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, the first female Head of School at Lakeview Academy, is a British-born seasoned educator and administrator. A magna cum laude graduate of Northwestern University, Dr. Montgomery most recently led Northwestern’s Osher Institute where she was responsible for 300 faculty members, over 1,500 students and helped develop a strategic plan that resulted in a 55% increase in enrollment. Earlier in her career, she taught history at a variety of educational levels and served on the faculty of the Illinois Math and Science Academy and at Omniscope Academy. In addition to her bachelor’s degree political science at Northwestern, Dr. Montgomery Dr. Kirsty Montgomery holds two additional Master’s degrees from the University of Lakeview Academy Chicago in history and social sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in history at the University of Chicago. She is the co-author of Around the World in Twenty-One Trumpets, a cross-disciplinary method for teaching the fundamentals of brass playing. Through this project she continues to explore ways to excite children about history and culture. lakeviewacademy.com

Childcare for virtual learning students

The Georgia Mountains YMCA is offering childcare for students participating in virtual learning this year. The School Age Learning Hub is an opportunity for students to participate in the virtual school day in a safe and fun environment. The program is designed for parents who are working during the day and need a safe, fun place for their child. Students have assistance with their school work throughout the day and also enjoy fun camp activities including swimming throughout the week. The Learning Hub is available for students Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Hours of Operation: 7am - 6pm at the J.A. Walters Family YMCA, 2455 YMCA Drive in Gainesville. Register at gamountainsymca.org

Top award for Elachee's Andrea Timpone Elachee Nature Science Center’s Andrea Timpone is being presented with the 2020 Nature Center Leadership Award this month – a national award that is given only once annually by the Association of Nature Center Administrators. Andrea began working at Elachee Nature Science Center as its first staff member nearly 35 years ago. As the organization’s only instructor, Timpone said her job was to develop education programs in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve in Gainesville. When a 1-cent local option sales tax referendum (SPLOST) passed in 1988, the nonprofit was able to gather enough funding to build its nature center, which opened in 1990 off Andrea Timpone Interstate 985 in Chicopee Woods. Timpone shifted from her role Photo by Scott Rogers, The Times as an educator to Elachee’s executive director in 1988. For over four decades, Elachee and its devoted community partners have worked tirelessly to build a sustainable legacy for future generations to enjoy. Through Andrea's hard work, dedication and passion, she has helped grow the nonprofit into a destination for over 70,000 annual visitors and launch Elachee Nature Academy. Elachee Nature Science Center is the only SACS/AdvancEd-accredited nature center in the Southeastern United States. elachee.org 10

September 2020 | GreaterHallChamber.com

• Managing partner and financial advisor Shane Gaddy and Hunter Holland of Strong Gaddy Lee Wealth Management Group recently completed the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation from the National Association of Plan Advisors, demonstrating knowledge, expertise and commitment to working with retirement plans. Strong Gaddy Lee helps clients diversify and manage their assets and strives to build long-term relationships based on trust, mutual respect and the highest level of service possible. stronggaddylee.com • Pinnacle Bank CEO Jackson McConnell announced that Neal Booth has joined the bank as Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Gainesville-Hall County. Neal has over 36 years of banking experience. “As a community bank, it is of the utmost importance to have team members who create relationships with customers and help them realize their financial dreams," said McConnell. "Neal is an expert in this area and it is an exciting time for him to join us as we prepare to open our third branch in Gainesville-Hall County.” pinnaclebank.com • Recognize an important person(s) in your life with a custom plaque on Hall County Library's Legacy Wall at the entryway of the new library headquarters in Gainesville. Call 770-532-3311 x 134. hallcountylibrary.org • Enjoy a day of golf benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier at the 22nd Annual Holiday Golf Classic on October 9 at Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course. Your team registration or sponsorship directly helps kids during these challenging times. Brenda Bohn, 770-361-3720 or bbohn@bgclanier.org • Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville and Braselton were recognized for excellence in stroke care. NGMC Gainesville was recertified as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV GL Healthcare and NGMC Braselton received a stroke quality award from the American Heart Association/ Stroke Association Board. nghs.com • Dr. Anne A. Skleder, president, Brenau University, announced that the Ivester College of Health Sciences master's and doctoral programs are filled for 2020-21. "These programs will produce highly skilled, dedicated and caring professionals to deal

with the pandemic and other healthcare challenges for many years to come," said Skleder. Brenau was voted a Top 10 Art School in the Southeast by Art & Object fine art news magazine. "We have strong healthcare programs, as well as strong humanities and arts programs – we are truly a comprehensive university with a women's college at our heart." brenau.edu • Chamber Board Member Mulham Shbeib, vice president of finance and chief financial officer for Mar-Jac Poultry, Inc. in Gainesville, was named by Governor Brian Kemp to the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Board of Directors. GDEcD plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drives the expansion of existing industry and small business, and promotes tourism. georgia.org • Malia Bolt, owner of Purple House Gallery, is a Master Certified Picture Framer (MCPF) and one of only 60 framers in the world with this level of certification and the only one in Georgia! There is no higher designation in the picture framing industry. Malia is a Grand Champion of the Larson Juhls Design Star. Visit Malia at Purple House Gallery for museum quality picture framing and art consulting. purplehousegallery.com • Food Truck Friday is back at Lake Lanier Olympic Park! Come enjoy food and drink lakeside on Friday, September 11 (5-9pm). Live music, food trucks, beer and wine, retail and non-profit vendors, and time with friends and neighbors. Social distancing guidelines in place with tables spread throughout the plaza, sanitation stations, and reserved tables for a nominal fee. Bring your own camping chair and make your own space! lakelanierolympicvenue.org • Celebrating its 12th year as a premier fine arts gallery, Gallery on the Square announces new artist, Debra Nadelhoffer. Drop by and see her artwork. Gallery hours: Wednesday–Saturday (12-5pm). 118 Main Street in Downtown Gainesville, inside Main Street Market. gallerysq.com

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welcome new members O U r t e a m i s yo u r

Alfrex Paul Chung 943 Gainesville Highway Building 100-400 Buford, GA 30518 470-589-7449 - Manufacturing alfrexusa.com DBVOM Darlene Bennett PO Box 144 Talmo, GA 30575 678-316-0399 - Business Services dbvom.com

Judge David Burroughs Magistrate Court of Hall County 225 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501 770-531-6912 - Attorney McElveen's Pharmacy David Stanley 1210 Thompson Bridge Road Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501 770-534-7675 - Medical/Pharmacy mcelveenspharmacy.com

Permea-Pure Stephen Garland 335 Smokey Road Winterville, GA 30683 833-364-8723 - Janitorial & Cleaning Services PermeaPure.com Systel Brian Quinlin 470 Satellite Boulevard NE, Suite N Suwanee, GA 30024 678-957-0866 - Sign /Lighting Contractor systel.com

team Audit Supervisor Justin Burruss specializes in working with Rushton’s Church Advisory Services. A Rushton team member for six years, Justin has deep experience helping guide nonprofit organizations. Our Church Advisory Services include:

Systel: Connectivity Infrastructure When you think of the most advanced and cost effective network and technology business solutions, think Systel. Founded in 1996, Systel has provided honest, dependable service of the highest quality throughout the state for over 20 years. Systel’s distinguished reputation as connectivity integrators has awarded them client relationships with some of the most renown businesses in the area. A few of these enterprises include the Hennessy auto dealerships, Mirion Technologies, Artera Services, OneTrust and Montlick & Associates. Systel offers solutions across eight different industries including network cabling, fiber optics, electrical services, surveillance, access control, wireless/WiFi, lighting and managed services. For a complete list of services, satisfied clients, and their latest news, please visit their website at Systel.com, email Brian Quinlin at BQuinlin@Systel.com or call 678-957-0866.

SYSTEL

Permea-Pure: Safety & Sanitary Solutions Permea-Pure is entirely and exclusively dedicated to making spaces safe and sanitary and employs only the safest, most effective technology available, sourced from reliable manufacturers. Permea-Pure disinfects and neutralizes viruses and microbiota such as bacteria, molds, and fungi in all Toll-Free: 833-DO-IT-SAFE types of interior spaces, using SprayWell electro(833-364-8723) static technology. Permea-Pure’s Basic Treatment is non-toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife and is 300 times more effective than bleach. Testing shows 99.9999% effectiveness against coronavirus just 30 seconds after application. For more information, email Stephen Garland at stephen.garland@permeapure.com or call 833-364-8723. PermeraPure.com

• Internal Control Assessment

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• Minister Payroll 4.91" x 10" Morton Vardeman Carlson and Housing Compliance • Minister Tax Compliance and Planning • Audit and Accounting • Software Needs Assessment

Rushton

ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS ADVISORS | CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

770.287.7800 | RushtonandCompany.com September 2020 | GreaterHallChamber.com

North Georgia Label Relocates

ribbon cuttings news Hall County Tag Renewal Kiosk (L-R) Darla Eden, Hall County Tax Commissioner, and Jean Russe, Manager on Duty, Kroger. The Clearwater Crossing Kroger on Spout Springs Road in South Hall County now has a self-service vehicle tag renewal kiosk. The kiosk is the second one placed in area Kroger stores for residents wanting to print registrations and decals. Since 2017, a second kiosk has been located at the Jesse Jewell Parkway Kroger Marketplace in Gainesville. Hall County Tax Commissioner Darla Eden said, "The kiosk has been a wonderful addition to our department's customer service initiatives, and we are excited to see a second one serve the growing South Hall community." The kiosks' technology allows citizens to conveniently renew their tags without having to the tax office and provides renewal service outside of business hours. hallcountytax.org

North Georgia Label held a ribbon cutting to open their new location in Lula. (L-R) Allen McElwaney, Pressman; Margaret, Annie Kate, Payton and Neil Gaines, Vice President; Gary Gaines, Owner; Greg Drake, Pressman; Ricky Loggins, Pressman; Cody Brewer, Rewinder; Kevin Kofke, Pressman; Chamber Ambassador Matt Waters, United Community Bank. North Georgia Label is a local, family-operated printing company specializing in design and print packaging labels for many industries including food processing, beverage, medical and pharmaceuticals. 5205 Mountain Place Lane, Lula, GA 30554. 770-535-9011. northgeorgialabel.com

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4.91" x 10" Hall County Tax Commissioner

September 2020 | GreaterHallChamber.com

economic development