Business Link G r e a t e r H a l l C h a m b e r . c o m Chairman's Column Page 2 Most Fit Company Awards Page 4 Upcoming Events Page 6 Member Announcements Page 10 VISION 2030 Page 11 Welcome New Members Page 12 Small Business of the Month Page 12 Leadership and Education Pages 14 Ribbon Cuttings Page 15
2015 Industry of the Year Awards The Chamber's 7th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon is Tuesday, November 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Chattahoochee Country Club. The Industry Appreciation program includes awards honoring area existing industries. 2014 Industry of the Year Award Recipients included Aerocom Systems Inc. (1-50 Employees); SYFAN Logistics, Inc. (51-200 Employees); King's Hawaiian (201+ Employees); Marel Stork (Employer Recognition); Cargill, Inc. (Corporate Citizen Recognition); KIK Custom Products (Environmental Steward Recognition); Tatsumi Intermodal USA, Inc. (Safety Recognition). SPEAKER: Jackie Rohosky, Technical College System of Georgia assistant commissioner of economic development programs and head of Quick Start, will be guest speaker at the luncheon on November 17. Quick Start is Georgia’s internationally acclaimed economic development program that provides customized workforce training at no cost to qualified new, expanding and existing businesses in Georgia. Since 1967, Quick Start has trained over 877,000 employees through 6,000 projects with industries. SPONSORS: The Industry Appreciation Luncheon and Program is presented by Lanier Technical College. Gold sponsors include Merial, Rushton & Company and Liberty Utilities. Silver sponsors are AT&T, Georgia Power, Jackson EMC, King’s Hawaiian, Spherion Professional Recruiting and SYFAN Logistics, Inc. RESERVATIONS: Industry Appreciation Luncheon: $35 Chamber Members; $50 guests. Limited Table sponsorships are available, $400 (seats 8). Reservations: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
Free! Open to the Public! Bring the Family!
Main Street Gainesville's Jingle Mingle
Thursday, December 10 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. • Gainesville Civic Center Featuring
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle 49th Georgia Senate District
State Senator Butch Miller 50th Georgia Senate District
State Senator John Wilkinson 27th Georgia House District
Representative Lee Hawkins 29th Georgia House District
Representative Carl Rogers 30th Georgia House District
Representative Emory Dunahoo, Jr. 103rd Georgia House District
Thursday, November 19
Representative Timothy Barr
5:00-8:00 p.m. on the Square in Downtown Gainesville
Sponsored by Jackson EMC
Photos with Santa - Open Houses - Carriage Rides - Kiddie Train
Eggs & Issues Reservations: Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106 Email: gcollins@ghcc.com • Online: greaterhallchamber.com
Save the Date Thursday, November 5 Business After Hours Tuesday, November 17 Industry Appreciation Lunch Thursday, November 19 Jingle Mingle on the Square
NOVEMBER 2015
“Protecting Your Future” A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
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From the Chairman
Take Advantage of Chamber Membership Greater Hall Chamber membership offers the opportunity to participate in exceptional programs, gain exposure for your business at numerous networking events, and take advantage of the many business services and resources we provide.
Brian Daniel Carroll Daniel Construction Co. Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
As a Chamber, we are loyal to our members – referring newcomers and businesses to Chamber members. The in-house Welcome Center and referral service offers valuable resources for the community, and we make thousands of connections each year. Whether through phone inquiry, email, online or a visit to the Chamber’s office – businesses, residents and visitors will find information about your company. Referrals through the Chamber’s website and online Membership Directory continue to grow and generate new leads for Chamber members.
As a member of the Chamber, you will have endless opportunities to network and meet other members to promote your business interests and develop long-term relationships. Listed below are some of our upcoming and most popular events: • Business After Hours (November 5 at Homestar in the newly renovated Gym of 36) • Workshops and Seminars (November 10 on Small Business Resources/Entrepreneurs) • Special Legislative Breakfast/Eggs & Issues (December 10) • South Hall Networking (November 17 at Lanier Islands with full breakfast) • Industry Appreciation Luncheon (November 17 featuring Industry of the Year Awards) • Jingle Mingle on the Downtown Gainesville Square (November 19, bring the family!) • Farm City Breakfast (November 10 honoring farmers and agribusiness) • Network Over Coffee (November 11 and November 25) • Lunch 'n Learn (November 18 at the Flowery Branch Train Depot)
November 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Studies show that when consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.* By taking advantage of numerous opportunities offered by the Chamber, your business can greatly improve its visibility throughout the community. Now is the time to take advantage of networking opportunities, referral services and business exposure. Join the Chamber and reap the many benefits. (*Shapiro Group Study)
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Networking at Business After Hours Brenau University's College of Business and Mass Communication sponsored the October Business After Hours (L-R): Rosanne Short, Lila Weaver, and Suzanne Erickson, Brenau University, and Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber. Join us at Homestar on Thursday, November 5 from 5-7pm, for great networking at their offices in the newly renovated Historic Gym of 36 building in Downtown Gainesville. Homestar is a full service mortgage banker controlling all aspects of the loan process with in house processing, underwriting, closing and funding of each mortgage transaction. Come tour the new location and enjoy food, drinks and fun, plus the chance to win an iPad air or Yeti Cups and gift cards! And, don't miss Main Street Gainesville's Mingle Jingle and the Chamber's Holiday Business After Hours on Thursday, November 19 from 5-8pm on the Square in Downtown Gainesville.
Business Link VOLUME 21 ISSUE 5 McKemie West, Editor • Email: kwest@ghcc.com
greaterhallchamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
2015-2016 Executive Committee Vice Chair, Marketing and Chairman Communications Brian Daniel Carroll Daniel Construction Co. Katie Dubnik Forum Communications Chairman Elect Vice Chair, Membership Lee Hemmer Development The Simpson Company Tony Paramore Gainesville Design Center Treasurer David Abee, Regions Bank Vice Chair, South Hall Council Andy Kalinauskas Vice Chair, Economic Conditioned Air Systems Development Brian Rochester Vice Chair, Community Rochester & Associates Development Lila Weaver, Brenau University Vice Chair, Education Kristi Barker, Georgia Power Chair, VISION 2030 Davis White Vice Chair, Government LinkPoint Advantage John Breakfield Elizabeth Higgins, Exec Director Breakfield & Associates
Co-Chairs, HALLmark Paul Chambers AT&T Jimbo Floyd Turner Wood & Smith Insurance Melissa Tymchuk Northeast Georgia Health System Senior Advisor Randall Frost Stewart, Melvin & Frost Immediate Past Chairman David Lee, Jackson EMC President & CEO Kit Dunlap Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 2015-2016 Charlotte Atkins, The Times Perry Barnett, CPA, Rushton & Company Col. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy Phil Bonelli, Wells Fargo Dr. Wanda Creel, Gainesville City Schools Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville Sam Evans, Councilman, City of Oakwood Josh Everett, New Leaf Landscape Services Jimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance Tony Funari, Funari Realty Loren Funk, The Longstreet Clinic Rob Geoffroy, The Atlanta Falcons Emily Hayes, Milton Martin Toyota Will Hicks, Stifel Morgan House, Lake Lanier Olympic Venue Dr. Bonita Jacobs, University of North Georgia Anna Jacobs, Jacobs Media Lane Jones, Highland Mountain Beverage Jay Kelley, Signs By Tomorrow Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy Mary Jane Locklear, Cox Communications
Steve McNeilly, Northeast GA Health System Dick Mecum, Chair, Hall County Commission Terry Merck, American Yazaki Mike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch Steve Naughton, Enterprising Solutions James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont Bill Orr, Mayor, Town of Braselton Greg Ours, Poly Enterprises Dr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical College Larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville Brad Puryear, Mansfield Energy Barbara Rambo, ProCare Rx Jeff Reinhardt, MD, The Longstreet Clinic Will Schofield, Hall County School System Dr. Ed Schraeder, Brenau University Carol Shirley, South State Bank Louis Smith, Northeast Georgia Health System Jody Spain, Cotton Eyed Joe’s Grier Todd, Lanier Islands Milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging
Associate Directors 2015-2016 Andy Bangs, Alexander, Almand & Bangs Carolina Diaz, Georgia Power Craig Dowdy, SunTrust Anna Guzman, Jackson EMC Michael Lancaster, Edward Jones Erin Langford, HTI Employment Solutions
Caroline Lewallen, Jaemor Farms Mike McGraw, PrideStaff Steven Mickens, Boys & Girls Clubs Josh Schlieman, Sullivan & Schlieman Gary Smith, Milton Martin Honda Elizabeth Thompson, House Dressing
Staff Executive Kit Dunlap, President & CEO Gerri Collins, Executive Assistant Economic Development Tim Evans, Vice President Shelley Davis, Vice President Existing Industry Amanda Lewis, Project Manager Garrett Wiley, Project Manager Finance & Operations David Umberson, Vice President Finance & HR Membership Development Megan Martin, Vice President, Development Kara Tate, Vice President, Membership Sales Education Dana Miller, Vice President
Government Affairs Garrett Wiley, Project Manager South Hall Council Megan Martin, Vice President Membership 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
November 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development
2015 Most Fit Company Awards presented at HealthSmart
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The Greater Hall Chamber presented Most Fit Company Awards at the HealthSmart Breakfast. A VISION 2030 Initiative, judging criteria for the contest included wellness, nutrition and fitness opportunities provided for employees. Awards were presented in three categories: Small companies (50 or less), Medium companies (51-250), and Large companies (251+ employees). Congratulations: South State Bank, SKF USA, Inc., Brenau University and the Hall County Sheriff's Office! South State Bank, winner of the Small employer category. (L-R): Angela Betz, LeAnne Gilleland, Carol Shirley and Sharon Barrett. South State Bank employs 30 people at its three branches located in Hall County and provides free annual health assessments, biometric testing and the opportunity for employees to either declare a tobacco free lifestyle or participate in a tobacco cessation program. Employees have access to a wellness center portal and mobile app to track and log activities, are eligible for prize drawings and wellness premium discounts, and recently completed an employee challenge to walk 150,000 steps from September 15-30. southstatebank.com
Tiffany Gillespie, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance, participated in the free health screenings at the HealthSmart Expo in October. Over 275 people from the community received free screenings provided by The Longstreet Clinic, P.C.
(L-R): Jullie King, Kelli Fowler and Christy Payne of The Longstreet Clinic. Now in its 9th year, HealthSmart was at an all-time high in attendance at the kickoff breakfast, expo and free seminars. The HealthSmart Expo, sponsored by CIGNA, included health screenings and 60+ wellness exhibitors. Dr. Jack Chapman and the staff of Gainesville Eye Associates at their exhibit at the expo.
SKF USA Inc., winner of the Medium employer category. (L-R): VISION 2030 Director Elizabeth Higgins with SKF’s Debra Howington and Sam Rundell. SKF USA is a ball bearing manufacturing facility employing 238 workers in Flowery Branch. The company is a Certified Drug-Free Workplace and their Wellness Program includes employees and spouses. They offer checks on blood pressure, BMI, and triglyceride levels and follow-ups with employees by health professionals. The company encourages walking and provides pedometers and a chance to win cash and prizes to those that participate. They provide annual flu shots to all employees including temporary employees and all family members. skf.com
Large employer winner Hall County Sheriff’s Department (L-R): Captain Marcus Neville, Sgt. Greg Cochran, Lt. Jason Smith, Deputy Chad Mann, 1st Lt. Jeff Shoemaker. The Sheriff ’s Office has 367 employees with four fitness centers and a physical testing center. All employees are required to take physicals, and they have a fulltime health coordinator on staff. They offer guidance to businesses that seek to create an employee wellness program and teach Health and Wellness to 5th Graders. hallcounty.org Brenau University also received a Large employer award (L-R): Elizabeth Higgins, Vision 2030 Executive Director, with Brenau’s Lila Weaver, Operations Manager, College of Business & Mass Communication and Kelley Maddox, Executive Director of HR. Brenau employs over 1,100 fulltime and part-time employees, has an on site Center for Health and Well being, a fitness center with a swimming pool, an outdoor walking route (Brenau Mile), employee safety training sessions and annual weight-loss competitions. The university offers healthy dining options for employees in the on-campus dining facilities. This year the university completed a new stress research lab that employees may utilize to develop stress reduction techniques. brenau.edu
Save S ave theDate Join us December 6, 2015 on Green Street for a Historical Holiday Walk
Happy Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things for which we’re truly grateful. At Edward Jones, we’re thankful to serve our clients and our community. During this holiday season and every day, we wish you all the very best. Rick Kimpling, AAMS® Financial Advisor
64 North Brooks Street Unit B Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-0933
Reneigh Satterfield, AAMS® Financial Advisor
3630 Thompson Bridge Rd Ste 22 Gainesville, GA 30506 770-536-2031
Beth Baldwin
Financial Advisor
439 Green Street Northwest Gainesville, GA 30501 770-534-1220
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
November 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Meetings & Events
Jingle Mingle is November 19
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Main Street Gainesville's Jingle Mingle and the Chamber's Holiday Business After Hours is Thursday, November 19 at the Downtown Gainesville Square from 5:00-8:00 pm. This year will be even bigger with the lighting of the Chicken atop Main Street Market, several live music acts in various locations, carriage rides, visits with Santa and more! Shops around the Square will have extended hours and be hosting Open Houses with Holiday treats! Check-in at Frames You-Nique, located at 104 Main Street on the Downtown Gainesville Square. No charge – collections for charity! Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com
NOVEMBER 2015 Wednesday, November 4 Healthcare Committee 8:00 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, November 17 VISION 2030 Board of Directors 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Chamber
Thursday, November 5 Business After Hours Sponsored by HomeStar 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 332 Washington Street (Gym of 36) in Downtown Gainesville
Tuesday, November 17 Industry Appreciation Luncheon 2015 Industry of the Year Awards 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club
Wednesday, November 18 Issues Committee Tuesday, November 10 8:00 a.m. – Chamber Farm City Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – North Hall Community Center Wednesday, November 18 Lunch 'n Learn Tuesday, November 10 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Small Business Seminar Flowery Branch Train Depot "Small Business Resources" presented by Mary Ellen McClanahan, Georgia Dept of Thursday, November 19 Economic Development Chamber Board of Directors 7:45 - 9:00 a.m. – Lanier Tech MDC 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center Tuesday, November 10 Youth Leadership Hall/Judicial Program Thursday, November 19 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Business After Hours and Main Street Gainesville's Jingle Mingle Tuesday, November 10 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Ambassadors Council Downtown Gainesville Square 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. – 2 Dog Cafe Wednesday, November 11 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Starbucks at Kroger Marketplace
Wednesday, November 25 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Atlanta Bread Company in Gainesville
Thursday, November 12 Leadership Hall County 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
DECEMBER 2015
Thursday, November 12 Chamber Executive Committee 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Chamber
1/4 Page Ad 2 columns 4.4167 x5"
Friday, November 13 Economic Development Council 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. – Chamber Tuesday, November 17 South Hall Business Coalition Update: Lanier Islands 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands
Friday, December 4 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Milton Martin Toyota 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood Thursday, December 10 Eggs & Issues Breakfast 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Gainesville Civic Center Get all the details on these and more Upcoming Chamber Events Online: GreaterHallChamber.com
Thank You Chamber Event Sponsors AT&T • Chattahoochee Country Club • Gainesville Design Center Georgia Power • Highland Mountain Beverage • Homestar • Jacobs Media Jackson EMC • King's Hawaiian • Lanier Islands • Lanier Technical College Liberty Utilities • Main Street Gainesville • Mansfield Oil • Merial Milton Martin Honda • Milton Martin Toyota • Peach State Bank Red Clay Interactive • Rushton & Company • Signs by Tomorrow Spherion • SYFAN Logistics, Inc. • WSI Digital Rainmakers
Marketplace 24th annual
A festive holiday shopping event
Shop over 85 merchants from seven states!
November 5 – 7
Gainesville Civic Center Benefiting Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County Presented by Premier Sponsors: The Medical Center Auxiliary Preview Party: Nov. 5, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. ($50 tickets) New this year: General Admission: Nov. 6, 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Artist’s Row ($5 tickets) Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
25 first time merchants!
To purchase tickets for Preview Party or for more information, visit nghs.com/marketplace or call 770-219-1830. 24th Annual Marketplace Tri-Chairs: Suzie Hawkins, Bonnie-Lynne Wilson and Sally Pittman
2015 Gold Sponsors: �
Paul & Glenna Maney
Moore’s Wealth Management Holds 5th Annual Senior Prom
Moore’s Wealth Management’s Annual Client Appreciation Event, their Senior Prom was held on October 17, 2015 at the Historic Civic Center in Gainesville, Georgia. The theme this year was “The Great Gatsby”, which attracted a record attendance of over 250 clients and their guests. Several people enjoyed dancing to tunes of the roaring 20s, performed flawlessly by the band “The Gentlemen of Swing”. A key traditional feature of the event was the crowning of the 2015 Moore’s Wealth Management King and Queen of Prom, awarded to the client who was responsible for the most referrals to the firm over the last 12 months. The main purpose of the event each year is to show the appreciation for the trust, loyalty and confidence that the growing clientele continue to place in the firm and its advisors. Scott Moore, founder and Senior Advisor of Moore’s Wealth Management, has been in the financial services industry for over 24 years and has developed 100’s of clients throughout the Southeast. His approach is to structure a low risk, safe and conservative portfolio with the goal of seeking a reasonable annualized rate of return over 5-10-15 years with high quality tactically managed portfolios. Because of this philosophy, Moore’s Wealth Management has seen continued growth and success throughout 2015. Due to tremendous growth in the North Georgia area, Moore’s Wealth Management
has continued to increase staffing. The family owned firm is growing at a rate of 75-100 clients per year and is expected to continue this growth in 2016. Scott was a broker with one of the largest investment firms on Wall Street for almost 17 years before becoming an Investment Advisor Representative about 5 years ago. Having been on both sides of the profession, he can quickly analyze a client’s retirement portfolio to determine if it was designed for their best interest. As an Investment Advisor Representative, Scott is held to a much higher professional standard than a typical broker. He has been nationally recognized as an “Ed Slott Master Elite IRA Advisor” where there are fewer than 260 members across the nation. Scott was also recognized with the distinguished “Advisor of the Year” award for 2011, 2012 and 2013 from one of the top Independent Advisor organizations in the country. Scott and his team of Advisors are financial professionals who utilize the latest investment, estate, and beneficiary planning techniques. These techniques help to design and implement personalized strategies that can reduce financial risk, potentially lower taxes, avoid probate, and protect assets from nursing home costs. Scott’s offices are located in Alpharetta and Gainesville, Georgia, where Scott and his three sons, Chris, Brian, Kyle
and a 5th Investment Advisor Representative, Mark Peterson, enjoy serving others in their growing financial business. Scott and his wife of 34 years, Carla, have five children ranging in ages from 21 to 33 and six wonderful grandchildren. In his spare time, Scott enjoys spending time with his family as well as restoring classic cars. For more information on the ongoing educational seminars and college retirement planning courses that the firm offers, and how Scott, or one of the other Investment Advisor Representatives in the office may be able to serve you and your family, please call one of their offices at (770) 535-5000 or (678) 566-3590. Investment advisory services are offered through Precision Capital Management, an SEC registered investment advisor. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered,or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration is not an endorsement of the firm by the commission and does not mean that the advisor has attained a specific level of skill or ability.
Two
Generations. One Unwavering Commitment.
“Protecting Your Future” 210 Washington St. NW, Suite # 106 • Gainesville, GA 30501 • 770-535-5000 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Suite # 100 • Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 • 678-566-3590 www.MooresWealthManagement.com
November 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Member Announcements
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• Kelly Mathis Lee of Wells Fargo Advisors and Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber, were selected for the 2016 Class of Leadership Georgia, one of the nation's oldest and most successful leadership programs for business and community leaders. leadershipgeorgia.com • Katie Dubnik, president of Forum Communications announces Erin Williamson as new Creative Strategist, implementing and managing marketing and communications plans for clients. Erin received a BA in Communications, graduating magna cum laude, from Loyola University. She began her career in newspaper as a copy editor and writer and then served seven years as Public Relations Specialist for The Longstreet Clinic in Gainesville. Ryan White joins the team as Interactive Director and designs and executes innovative digital experiences. With a BS in Multimedia, Ryan has worked as a website and interactive designer for over 12 years, artistically building and designing websites and applications tailored to meet each client's needs. forumspeaks.com • Bruce Cutler is new Area Director of the UGA Small Business Development Center Gainesville. The office has relocated to Interstate Ridge Business Park, 906 Interstate Ridge Drive, Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-531-5681. With 17 locations across the state, the SBDC’s goal is to enhance the economic well-being of Georgians by providing a wide range of educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. georgiasbdc.org/Gainesville • Brian Daniel, president of Carroll Daniel Construction, announces Gainesville-native Angie Highsmith as the company's new marketing manager. Angie received a Journalism degree from the University of Georgia. She joins the Carroll Daniel team with experience in marketing and public relations, having served as PR Specialist for Northeast Georgia Health System and as a Creative Strategist for Forum Communications. carrolldaniel.com • The 24th Annual Medical Center Open Golf Tournament raised $281,881, setting a new record. The beneficiary of this year’s tournament is the Medical Association of Georgia Foundation’s ‘Think About It’ Campaign, and 100% of proceeds will benefit the campaign’s Project DAN (Deaths Avoided by Naloxone), which is designed to reduce widespread drug abuse and specifically reduce deaths from opioid overdose. nghs.com
• Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Radiation Oncology welcomes Malay Rao, MD, PharmD, to the practice. Dr. Rao received his doctor of Pharmacy and medical degree from Rutgers University. His passion for non-invasive radiosurgical modalities led him to complete a certification course in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and is excited about bringing his training and experience to NGPG Radiation Oncology. ngpg.org • Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA) celebrated a milestone producing its millionth unit manufactured at the Gainesville plant in October. Special guests including Masatoshi Kimata, president of Kubota Corp., Henry Kubota, president of KMA, and Governor Nathan Deal. Kubota has created many jobs – growing from less than 50 employees with the opening of the Gainesville plant on Ramsey Road in 1988 to over 2,300 jobs today in Northeast Georgia. kubota-kma.com • Master Entrepreneurs will be honored at the annual Masters of Innovation event at Featherbone Communiversity on November 11 from 8:30-11:30 am. For details or to RSVP, contact Lila Weaver at Brenau University, 770-5384707 or email: lweaver1@brenau.edu • The 24- hour Petit Le Mans brought over 150,000 people to Hall County. Georgia's own Miss America 2016, Betty Cantrell served as the Grand Marshal for the race. roadatlanta.com • Jim Walters, president & CEO of Walters Management Company was elected for a 2nd term as chair of the Georgia Ports Authority, appointed to the board by Governor Deal in 2012. He is a finalist for Individual of the Year of Atlanta Business Chronicle's Governor's International Awards. Gainesville-based Walters Management provides oversight and management for over 100 consumer finance companies located in Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. • Hall County Administrator Randy Knighton announces Zach Propes as the County's Director of Financial Services. Propes most recently served as Senior Accountant and Government Audit Project Supervisor at BatesCarter accounting firm. He received a BA in accounting from North Georgia and a Masters of Business Administration from Georgia Southern hallcounty.org • North Hall High Graduate Ellen Perkins Sanders, M.D. has joined The Longstreet Clinic Family Medicine Oakwood. Dr. Sanders has a medical
degree from Duke University and is board certified in Family Medicine Practice. Dr. Sanders formerly practiced Family Medicine in Summerville, SC. 770-534-6053. longstreetclinic.com • The Gainesville Theatre Alliance, a nationally acclaimed collaboration of the University of North Georgia, Brenau University and the North Georgia community, presents the classic musical Mary Poppins, November 3-14 at Brenau’s Hosch Theatre in the John
S. Burd Center at 429 Academy Street in Gainesville. Tickets: 678-717-3624. gainesvilletheatrealliance.org • The Quinlan Visual Arts Center's 68th Members Exhibit is on display through December 5. The Quinlan is located at 514 Green Street in Gainesville. quinlanvisualartscenter.org
GOT NEWS? Email: kwest@ghcc.com
IMS Gear Celebrates 20 Years IMS Gear recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary in Gainesville (and 1st plant located in North America). With some 800 in attendance, the company also announced their new apprenticeship program with Lanier Technical College based on the German model of class time combined with work experience in the field of Mechatronics. IMS Gear employs nearly 300 in Gainesville manufacturing gears for various automotive and mechanical applications. (L-R): Bernd Schilling, Managing Director, IMS Gear GmbH; Wolfgang Weber, Managing Director, IMS Gear GmbH; Dieter Lebzelter, Managing Director, IMS Gear GmbH; Maximilian Zimber-Morat, Owner, IMS Gear GmbH; Greg Vitek, President, IMS Gear Georgia; Tim Evans, Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Hall Chamber; Dr. Ray Perren, President, Lanier Technical College. IMS Gear, 1234 Palmour Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. imsgear.com
2015 Master Craftsmen Awards
2015 Master Craftsmen Award Recipients (L-R): Don Morgan (Carpenter), Michael Carew (Stone/Masonry), Bob Cornett (HVAC), Steve Shaw (Plumber), Tracey Phillips (Sitework), Harold Kilgore (Specialty Construction/Septic), Aaron Wortman (Welder), Ira Woodard (Electrician), Elmer Hopper (Residential Builder), Jerry Chambers (Machinist). The awards were presented on October 1 as part of the Featherbone Communiversity Master Series Program in partnership with Lanier Technical College. The awards showcase the construction industry and promote to young people and the community the importance of construction in the economy while recognizing those individuals with outstanding skills in their trade. The 2015 Master Craftsmen program was sponsored by Carroll Daniel Construction, Georgia Power, Greater Hall Chamber, Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Sullivan & Forbes, Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling, and the Warren Featherbone Foundation.
Improving our Quality of Life
Inspired to work together towards a healthy community, stronger workforce, exceptional quality of live and a thriving economy, the Chamber's Healthcare Consortium is bringing nationally recognized Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow, to Hall County for a community event on April 21, 2016. Dr. Buettner is a New York Times best selling author and has delivered more than 3,000 speeches to audiences world wide. His presentation “How to live to be 100+” has been viewed over two million times. He has been featured twice on Oprah and has received an Emmy award for television production. Buettner has traveled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity and happiness. He identifies Blue Zones (bluezones.com) as places that have the greatest life expectancy. In 2009, Dan and his partner, AARP, applied principles of The Blue Zones to Albert Lea, Minnesota and successfully raised life expectancy and lowered health care costs by some 40%. He’s currently working with Healthways to implement the Blue Zones Project in 17 cities throughout America. Learn about opportunities available to help sponsor and participate in this important community event on April 21. For more information on the Blue Zone Project or other VISION 2030 programs, call Director Elizabeth Higgins at 770532-6206 x 104. Email: ehiggins@ghcc.com
The Wisdom Project
Oakwood, GA
Ellen Sanders, M.D. Please join us in welcoming Ellen Sanders, M.D. to The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. Dr. Sanders is a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Before joining The Longstreet Clinic, P.C., Dr. Sanders practiced as a family physician in Summerville, South Carolina. A graduate of North Hall High School, she has strong ties to Hall County.
1/2 Page Ad
The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. Family Medicine - Oakwood provides comprehensive 2 columns
4.4167 x10"
medical and preventive care for the family.
Services include:
• Care of chronic and acute illnesses • Treatment of minor injuries
• Laboratory and imaging services • Occupational health • Diabetes education • Medical nutrition therapy Now accepting new patients in Oakwood!
770-534-6053
4222 Fairbanks Drive, Oakwood, GA 30566 longstreetclinic.com/family
November 3, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
• Preventive medicine • Work, school and sports physicals
Gainesville City Schools Board Member Sammy Smith (center) discusses issues with The Wisdom Project (TWP) class members (L-R) Carol Hanlon, Dick Osborne and Duncan Niven during the Education Program. Nineteen participants began their journey with TWP in August with eight day-long sessions designed to introduce participants to community leaders and issues in the areas of Business & Industry, Education, Healthcare, Social Services, Government, Arts & Entertainment and Aging Trends. Now in its fourth year, TWP is a vehicle by which adults (55 years and older) get educated, get connected, take action, make a difference and 'flip the script' on what it means to age in America. Details: vision2030.org
VISION 2030
The VISION 2030 Healthcare Consortium is a group of healthcare leaders gathering Hall County data on some of the top health indicators. This group is working toward community health improvement on the local level using meaningful and specific data as well as ongoing communication. Recently, Community Heath Snapshots were published to expose definitive obesity in both Hall County’s adults and children. (Read the complete report online at Vision2030.org.) The report states that 75-80% of adults and 36% of our children are now clinically obese.
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Small Business
Small Business of the Month
NEGA School of Music & Dance Justin Holland and Danielle Aikens-Holland are owners of Northeast Georgia School of Music and Dance. Now in its 14th season, the school offers instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater, acro, jazznastics, piano, voice, guitar and violin. The studio is the first in the state to become a 'More Than Just Great Dancing' affiliate – a licensed affiliation of studio owners world wide that focus on making a positive impact on their students, studio business and community. In addition to offering excellent Danielle Aikens-Holland and Justin Holland, instruction, they help students Chamber Small Business of the Month owners. become great people. Danielle recently traveled to Uganda to teach music and dance with the organization, Impact. This was Impact's pilot trip to Uganda, and she will be helping solidify future trip details, so that their students will be able to take part in the mission trips beginning next year. The studio will feature the first full-length production of The Nutcracker in Hall County on December 17. Northeast Georgia School of Music & Dance, 123 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. 678-450-8845. schoolofmusicanddance.org
Welcome New Members! Abrakadoodle Eric Rodrigues 5015 Southern Trace Drive Gainesville, GA 30504 (470) 252-5108 - Art abrakadoodle.com/ga-northeast-georgia
Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 989-0231 - Medical freseniusmedicalcare.us
Lead Edge Design Group, Inc Phil Eberly 6425 Powers Ferry Road Suite 290 Atlanta, GA 30339 Andre Cheek 2117 Martin Luther King Blvd (770) 845-7657 - Architects & Engineers Gainesville, GA 30501 leadedgedesign.com (678) 617-1791 - Individual Member MICA Compliance Services voteandrecheek.com Robin Riccio 924 Gainesville Hwy, Suite 130 Barbara Brooks Buford, GA 30518 P.O. Box 312 (404) 990-4939 Gainesville, GA 30503 - Medical / Screening (678) 858-0305 micahealth.com - Individual Member electbarbarabrooks.com Rhonda Pittman P.O. Box 500 Bill Akin 1176 Antioch Campground Rd Clermont, GA 30527 (770) 530-2545 Gainesville, GA 30506 - Individual Member (770) 656-9295 - Individual Member Rotary Club of Hall County Melody Marlowe Fresenius Medical Center 250 John Morrow Parkway Beth Sheeler Suite 121, #189 1492 Jesse Jewell Pkwy
Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 535-6898 - Business Association rotaryclubhallcounty.org The Iron Rose Tracy Waggoner 457 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 617-2003 - Retail / Gifts theironrosestore.com The Louver Shop (a division of AmericanHomeProducts) Jim Tortorelli 1215 Palmour Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 (800) 528-7866 - Manufacturer louvershop.com Today's Chaplain Bruce Petty 3129 Brockenhurst Drive Buford, GA 30519 (770) 557-5798 - Corporate Chaplain Join the Chamber online: GreaterHallChamber.com or call 770-532-6206.
November 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Roundtable
1/4 Page Ad 2 columns 4.4167 x5"
Representatives from the Greater Hall Chamber's Small Business Roundtable attended the Center for the Future of North Georgia/University of North Georgia's StartItUp Conference (L-R): Al Trembley, WSI Digital Rainmakers; Steve Naughton, Enterprising Solutions; Carol Shirley, South State Bank; Amanda Lewis, Chamber Project Manager. The seminar featured nationally-recognized entrepreneurs with great information for small business owners on how to better manage and market their organization.
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2 columns GENTLE COMPASSIONATE YOU CAN TRUST, 4.4167CARE,EXPERIENCE x2.0" KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN DEPEND ON
12 Dr. Denise Funk • Dr. Chris Potter
984 Thompson Bridge Rd • Gainesville, GA 30501 770-532-1217 • www.vetamc.com
Marketing Workshop Success
South Hall Business Coalition The Chamber's South Hall Business Coalition met at Lanier Charter Career Academy in October for an overview of the E-SPLOST Referendum. The Coalition will meet at Lanier Islands at Legacy Lodge at 8:00-9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17 for an update on the resort and a full buffet breakfast hosted by Lanier Islands. Monthly Coalition meetings are sponsored by Milton Martin Honda and Red Clay Interactive. $5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Full breakfast included. Reservations: Megan Martin, 770-5326206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com. Online: greaterhallchamber.com
Small Business Development
years
wisdom comes from experience Effective marketing strategies blend a wide variety of tactics and mediums to be successful, and can be vastly different for every market and industry. That’s where knowing your client, understanding their long-term goals and implementing fresh, pinpoint solutions are critical. That’s what we do at Morton Vardeman & Carlson, with a team of professionals like:
1/2 Page Ad REBECCA SESSIONS
Account Executive 2 columns Rebecca brings great 4.4167• CAREER x10" – from experience Infinity Marketing, one of Greenville, SC’s largest marketing agencies. Beginning in high school, she worked for Chick-fil-A for six and a half years on the local and national level before working with iHeartMedia in the Greenville market. • EDUCATION – Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Lander University in Greenwood, SC. While attending, she hosted a college radio show. • COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL – Blue Key National Honor Society and Presidential Ambassador in college. Member of the Greenville and Simpsonville Chambers of Commerce, as well as Pulse Greenville. Currently serving on the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee.
STRATEGIC MARKETING | ADVERTISING | PUBLIC RELATIONS
vardeman.com
November 3, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
(L-R): Al Trembley, WSI Digital Rainmakers (an event sponsor); Deputy Chad Mann, Hall County Sheriff’s Office; Steve Naughton, Vice Chair, Chamber Small Business Roundtable, at the recent program on Workplace Violence presented by Deputy Mann. "Small Business Resources" will be presented by Mary Ellen McClanahan, Entrepreneur & Small Business Director with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, at the next seminar on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:45 a.m. at the Lanier Tech MDC at Featherbone Communiversity, 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. Join Mary Ellen as she touches on small business resources, climate, numbers, programs, and shares a few Georgia entrepreneur stories. Chamber Small Business Seminars are held monthly and cover a variety of issues important to small business development. Small Business Seminars are sponsored by Highland Mountain Beverage, Jacobs Media Corporation, Signs By Tomorrow and WSI Digital Rainmakers. No Charge for Chamber Members; $15, Non-Members. Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
plus
Small Business
(L-R): Chamber Marketing Vice Chair Katie Dubnik, Forum Communications; Nick Kastner, Marketing Manager, Mike Cottrell College of Business, University of North Georgia; Donna Mayo, Dean, Mike Cottrell College of Business, University of North Georgia, at the recent South Hall Marketing Workshop at the University of North Georgia Gainesville. Another Marketing Workshop for Small Business is Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Brenau University in Gainesville. Mark your calendar! Details to come!
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Key Economic Indicators
November 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
14
Greater Hall County Area Jobless Employment Rates
Youth Leadership Hall At the Chattahoochee County Club the students learned writing skills from Juli Clay, Brenau University, and Etiquette skills from Connie Davis, Tastefully Growing Up. Carla Walker, Whelchel Dunlap Jarrard & Walker, taught a ball room dance class! At Clarks Bridge Park the class watched a Dive Team demo led by Joey Haven, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Assistant Dive Commander. Corporal Jason Roberson, Nation’s Top Boating Officer of the year with the Wildlife Resources Division, Law Enforcement Section, spoke about the DNR and its role in keeping Lake Lanier a safe place for recreation and fishing. Jim O’Dell, Regional coach and junior national team coach of the United States National Dragon Boat team, led the class on a tour of the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue. The day ended with the students competing in Dragon Boat races. Thank you Chattahoochee County Club (program sponsor) for your continued support!
Farm City Breakfast is November 10 The 20th Annual Farm City Breakfast is Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 a.m. at the North Hall Community Center. Since 1995, the Hall County Cooperative Extension and the Greater Hall Chamber have coordinated the event in observance of National Farm City Week to recognize local farmers, along with those working in agriculture and agribusiness. The program honors these hard-working individuals and companies who help spur our economic prosperity and feed our county, state, country and the world. The Farm City Breakfast is presented by the Hall County Farm Bureau. The breakfast/meal sponsor is Jackson EMC, and additional sponsors include Ag Georgia Farm Credit, Cargill, Chandler Equipment, Crystal Farms, Hall County Soil & Water Conservation District, Jaemor Farms, Bagwell Insurance, Crystal Farms, Carroll Daniel Construction, Hall County Parks & Leisure Services, Mar-Jac and Peach State Bank. The complimentary breakfast is open to the public (no charge). Reservations required. Becky Rogers at the Hall County Extension Office, 770-535-8293. Email: brogers@hallcounty.org
10 8
Latest
Sept. 2015
4.8 Previous Month
High 12-Month
Sept 2014
6
6.2%
4
Aug 2015
5.4
2
One Year Ago
Sept. 2014
Gainesville City
5.3
Cherokee Dawson
4.7 4.9
Forsyth
4.5
Gwinnett Jackson Ga Mountains State of Georgia
5.2 4.6 5 6.9
The Norton Agency Key Economic Retail Sales Indicators 2 columns $ 256,540,258 4.4167 x 10 S
6.5
O
N
D J
2014
F
M A M J
2015
J
A
U.S.
S
5.1 Updated 10/28
3.0
Hall County
Latest Sept. 2015
2.0
Previous Month (available)
One Year Ago
Aug 2015
Sept. 2014
100’s millions of dollars
Leadership Hall Class at Jaemor Farms. The class toured Kubota Manufacturing of America and Bitzer US, viewing sophisticated, high-tech machinery and a skilled labor force in action at both industries. Following lunch at Fish Tales, the class toured Mansfield Oil Company and received an overview of industrial parks spotlighting the variety of manufactures and processors and industries we have in Hall County. At Jaemor Farms the class was treated to a hay ride while they learned about the inner workings of the farm and its operation. Many thanks to program sponsors: Mansfield Oil, Gainesville Paint and Gainesville Flooring.
Hall County
Percent
Leadership • Education
Leadership Hall County
1.0
236,298,171
246,540,258
$
$
Hall County retail sales figures are estimated from the 1% sales tax collected for Hall. For example, $11 million in tax revenue represents S retail sales of approximately $100 million.
O N
D J
F
M
A
2014
M
J
J
A
S
2015 Updated 10/28
Housing Permits Issued - Hall County
Latest
Sept 2015 54 Previous Month
One Year Ago
2015 Total
Aug 2015
Sept 2014
385
101
45
581
2014 YTD
Area Permits County Barrow Dawson Gwinnett Forsyth Hall Jackson
Sept. 2015 24 7 139 168 54 23
Sept. 2014 36 16 134 135 45 15
Aug 2015 39 15 172 215 101 27
Total 2014 286 108 2,531 2,662 581 107
2015 YTD 275 79 1,405 1,596 540 4,040
Avg Total Price 2015
Avg Price
Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home Sept. 2015
Avg Price
Sept 2014
Avg Price
Aug 2015
Avg Price
Total 2014
City
23
247,148
20
227,335
43
164,028
239
199,763
214
215,594
North
45
293,683
34
250,244
53
245,414
555
243,134
391
266,655
East
16
90,860
20
107,974
14
154,818
192
119,719
154
116,819
South
9
254,236
25
209,006
48
236, 116
184
235,989
361
263,875
West
82
255,556
51
332,619
87
250, 665
638
236,685
534
260,249
Area
Updated 10/28
Data compiled by the Norton Agency. For additional information or other data products, please call: Tommy Howard 770-718-5204
The Norton Agency thoward@nortonnorthga.com
The Power To Perform
Brenau Tea Room Re-Opening
Hobby Lobby opens in Gainesville
Trecy Kent / Edward Jones
Hobby Lobby craft and retail store manager Laurie Jones and local officials cut a ribbon to open the 35th location in Georgia, a 55,000-squarefoot building at 1146 Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville. 770-5039395. hobbylobby.com
The Iron Rose in Gainesville
Trecy Kent, an Edward Jones financial advisor, cuts a ribbon at the offices at 2551 Limestone Parkway, Suite 4 in Gainesville. From retirement planning to saving for college, Trecy and his team develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals. 770-536-3781. edwardjones.com
4 columns 9" x5"
November 3, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
1/2 Page Ad
Tracey Waggoner cuts a ribbon at The Iron Rose at 457 Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville. The locally owned and operated shop features beautiful home decor, unique jewelry, gifts and more. 678-6172003. facebook.com/ theironrosestore
Ribbon Cuttings
(L-R): Jody Wall, Toby Hinton, Amanda Lammers, Nita Tammarine and Rob Caron cut a ribbon to celebrate the remodel of the Tea Room and reopening of the convenience store, grill and coffee house on Brenau's Gainesville campus. 770-534-6180. brenau.edu
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Back Page Ad 10 x 7.5
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Be cause ser vi ce m a t t e r s.
Upcoming Chamber Events Upcoming Chamber Events 10 Tuesday, November 17 Tuesday, NovemberArbor 10 Day Celebration Thursday, November 5 Small Business Marketing Workshop JobThursday, Fair andDecember Career Expo Eggs & Issues Breakfast Industry BusinessTuesday, After Hours February 14Small Business Seminar Friday, February 17Appreciation Wednesday, March 28 7:30 - a.m. 9:00 am Sponsored Marketing by Homestar Trends 7:45 - 9:00 am 10:00Industry a.m. of the Year Awards 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lanier Tech MDC at 5:00 Presented - 7:00 p.m. by Gordon Sawyer Frances Meadows Center Georgia Mountains Center Featuring Lt. Governor Casey Chattahoochee Country Club Featherbone Communiversity 3328:00 Washington Street - 10:00 a.m. – The Oaks at Cagle and our Legislative Del(Gym of 36)Charter in Downtown Lanier Career Academy Safe & Green Regional Assembly Get Details & Register Online: egation! Open to the Public! Thursday, November 19 Tuesday, November 17 Gainesville Friday, February 24 greaterhallchamber.com Business After Business After HoursSouth Hall Business 8:00 a.m. - Holiday 12:00 p.m. HoursCenter and Jingle Mingle Tuesday,Thursday, NovemberFebruary 10 16Coalition Georgia Mountains Sponsored by Main Street Farm City Breakfast 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Gainesville Lanier Transportation 7:30 a.m. Luna's Restaurant Legacy Lodge at Annual Forum -8 :00 North Hall Community Center Islands in Buford Wednesday,5:00 200 Main Street March 14pm Details & Register Online Update on Lanier Islands No Charge! greaterhallchamber.com Hunt Tower in Downtown Gainesville 11:30with a.m. -Downtown 1:00 p.m.Gainesville No Charge! a full breakfast! Gainesville State Open to the Public! CollegeBring the Family!
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