S E P T E M B E R 2019
contents Chairman’s Column page 2 Meetings & Events page 4 Welcome New Members page 5 Workforce Development page 6 Member Announcements page 10 HealthSmart Expo page 11 Small Business of the Month page 12 Ribbon Cuttings page 14
save the date
Nationally reconized speaker featured at HealthSmart Most people know how important the role of physical health plays in our lives. What they may not know, however, is the equally vital role mental wellbeing plays in our overall health. Eric Langshur, New York Times best-selling author of Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing and Eric Langshur NY Times Best Selling successful business entrepreneur/CEO will Author & Co-Founder, be the Chamber's HealthSmart Breakfast Abundant Venture Partners keynote speaker on October 16 to reveal why it is important to take care of our mental health and wellbeing in the same manner that we care for our physical health. His presentation – Training the Skill of Wellbeing – will focus on a topic that affects us all, in an engaging and interactive session, based not only on his personal experience of seeking wellbeing in his own hectic life but also on specific data that clearly links productivity and mental wellbeing. Langshur will present a simple but revolutionary idea: just as we train our bodies for physical fitness, we can train our brains for well-being, resulting in optimized energy and productivity. He will share practical tips which focus on feeling less anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed, while increasing productivity, feeling a stronger sense of meaning and contribution, and building stronger relationships with family, friends and coworkers. He'll explain how this idea can be put in to practice. His words will spur us on to be a thriving, healthier community and unveil why “Reaching Out is HealthSmart”. Learn about Eric Langshur at mindful.org/notice-shift-rewire-brain and make plans to join us at HealthSmart on October 16. See page 11 for details.
Small Business Resource Fair Tuesday, September 17
South Hall Business Coalition Thursday, September 19
Business After Hours
Tuesday, September 24
Job Fair & Career Expo
Mental Health and Wellness is the focus of the HealthSmart Expo this year as we seek to educate the community and promote services for better care for each and every citizen. More on page 11.
featured member
Tuesday, September 10
Job Fair
September 24
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Gainesville Civic Center 's hiring See who e 6! on pag
Open to the Public • No Entry Fee Hiring Managers On Site Free Shuttle Attention Job Seekers! 70+ employers will be on hand for a great opportunity to learn about area companies that are hiring. Be prepared to meet employers faceto-face and complete job applications on site. More info: 770-532-6206 The Job Fair is a partnership of the Greater Hall Chamber, the Gainesville Area Employers Committee, Lanier Technical College and the Georgia Department of Labor.
BUSINESS LINK
from the chairman
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 3
McKemie West, Editor • Email: kwest@ghcc.com
HALLmark Celebrates 25 Years 25 years ago, leaders in our community had the insight and boldness to invest in a groundbreaking economic and community development initiative called HALLTogether, now called HALLmark. The mission then, as it is now, is to create Brian Rochester a collective vision for the Rochester & Associates continued success of our Chairman, Greater Hall community by working in Chamber of Commerce partnership with business, government, educators and private citizens. Over 150 businesses are investing in the five-year HALLmark 2015-2020 Initiative. These investors are providing over $2.25 million to fund HALLmark programs and services. We've seen tremendous success over the years, and since 2015, the Chamber’s economic development programs have assisted over 100 new and expanding businesses create some 5,200 jobs and $1.1 billion in new capital investment. Our community’s success can be attributed in part to HALLmark and the funding of high quality small business development programs, an unmatched workforce development initiative, and innovative community programs like VISION 2030. These programs place Gainesville-Hall County at the top in the state and nation for job creation, as well as quality of life.
Accomplishments include: • Jobs from existing industries and new industries • Growing our commercial tax base • Creating a Workforce Development Task Force • Asissiting in developing new Business Parks • Developing a Small Business Program • Enhancing Health & Wellness Initiatives • Creation of VISION 2030 for our future • Facilitating an Education Consortium • Spearheading a Public Art Initiative • Leadership Hall County and Youth Leadership Hall • Senior leadership program – Wisdom Project 2030 • Renovation of the Chamber's headquarters building Supported by HALLmark, the success of Vision 2030 is evident with public art being continually installed across Hall County and the creation of the Highlands to Islands Community Trail – key in uniting greenways together into one multi-use trail. The foresight and investment of our early leaders have made us the best community to live, work, and play in the state and nation. As we embark on the initiative – HALLmark 2020-2025, I hope you'll join Rochester & Associates and other businesses that have already invested in HALLmark to keep Gainesville-Hall County at the forefront in Georgia and the nation in quality of life, job creation and the building of a future for our youth.
Workforce Development
Middle School Student Career Path Fair
Over 500 students, 7th graders from eight area schools, participated in the Chamber/Vision 2030 Career Path Fair at the University of North Georgia Gainesville. The collaborative initiative helps local middle school students become aware of career opportunities and offers pathways to help guide these students with their plan of study in high school.
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September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
230 E.E. Butler Pkwy • Gainesville GA 30501 • 770-532-6206 • GreaterHallChamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
2019-2020 Executive Committee Chairman Brian Rochester Rochester & Associates Chairman-Elect Geoff Lee Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta Treasurer Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power
Vice Chair, Education Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda Co-Vice Chair, Education Tate O’Rouke, Jackson EMC
Co-Chairs, HALLmark 2015-2020 Paul Chambers, AT&T Mimi Collins, Longstreet Clinic Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost
Vice Chair, Government Affairs Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging
Vice Chair, Community Development Caroline Lewallen, Jaemor Farms
Vice Chair, Membership Brett Fowler, Turner, Wood & Vice Chair, Economic Development Smith Insurance Co-Vice Chair, Membership David Lee, Jackson EMC Phil Bonelli, Regions Bank Vice Chair, Marketing Chair, Vision 2030 Missy Burgess, Lanier Islands Phillippa Lewis Moss Community Service Center Vice Chair, South Hall Council Executive Director, Vision 2030 Terry Merck, American Yazaki Elizabeth Higgins
Senior Advisor Brian Daniel, Carroll Daniel Construction Company Immediate Past Chair Carol Burrell, Northeast Georgia Health System Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap
Board of Directors 2019-2020 Norman Baggs, The Times Haley Bower, Clipper Petroleum Chris Brown, Delta Community Credit Union Nick Bruner, Rushton Caitlin Collins, Mincey Marble Manufacturing Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville Dr. Suzanne Erickson, Brenau University Jim Grier, Mayor, City of Lula Richard Higgins, Chairman, Hall County Commission Logan Jones, Wilheit Packaging Brooke Kalinauskas, Conditioned Air Systems Jay Kilroy, Willis Investment Counsel Jennifer Landers, Newland Communities David Lloyd, Liberty Utilities Mike McGraw, PrideStaff / Ranger Manufacturing J.D. Mealor, Regions Bank Mike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch Sheri Millwood, Oakwood City Council Terry Morrisey, Intelligent Energy James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont Nancy Norton, The Norton Agency
Dr. Richard Oates, University of North Georgia Bill Orr, Mayor, Town of Braselton Dr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical College Michele Piucci, Peach State Bank Col. Stas Preczewski, Riverside Military Academy Sheila Sanchez, State Farm Insurance Will Schofield, Hall County School System Alan Schuetze, Carroll Daniel Construction Mulham Shbeib, Mar-Jac Poultry John Simpson, Lakeview Academy Dr. Anne Skleder, Brenau University Sarita Madera Smith, Homestar Financial Corp Terry Spicer, King's Hawaiian Ahna Still, Halski Systems Kevin Strada, The Atlanta Falcons John Turner, Northeast Georgia Health System Roy Turpin, Mayor, City of Gillsville Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Arrik Williams, Tatsumi Intermodal USA Dr. Jeremy Williams, Gainesville City Schools Darryl Workman, South State Bank Mike Zeiler, Bitzer US, Inc.
Associate Directors 2019-2020 Lauren Armour, Lanier Technical College Carin Booth, UGA Extension Hall County Whitney Brown, Stewart, Melvin & Frost Sean Couch, Northeast Georgia Health System Tracy Hoeltke, Netchex Ben Jarrard, University of North Georgia Ward McCamy, Bank of America
Chris Nish, Cottrell Todd Pennington, McGarity's Business Products Steve Rawl, SunTrust Bank Vanesa Sarazua, Hispanic Alliance Georgia Margaret Spratlin, Longstreet Clinic 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 Shelley Davis, 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 Education & Leadership Andi Harmon, Vice President
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
Innovative Leaders. Powerful Partnerships. At Jackson EMC, we’re focused on your success. Our team of experts partner with businesses to implement innovative technology to help them manage their energy needs, improve productivity and reduce environmental impact. All to keep energy reliable and affordable now and in the future.
jacksonemc.com/business
To achieve LEED® Gold, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton turned to Jackson EMC to integrate several sustainable innovations, including creating an energy model in which building systems are analyzed for optimal performance. Jackson EMC’s Commercial & Industrial Team: Dylan Munn, Jennifer Fennell, Brandon Ashley, David Cleveland, Tate O’Rouke, Wade Johnson and Garrett Wiley.
meetings
events
22nd Motul Petit Le Mans
calendar
September
Tuesday, September 10
Small Business Resource Fair
7:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Business Incubator at Brenau University
Ambassadors Council
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. 2 Dog Cafe | Gainesville
Wednesday, September 11
Network Over Coffee
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta hosts the Motul Petit Le Mans on October 9-12 and expects upwards of 130,000 fans and over $50 million in economic impact for the area. With an all-new Michelin Tower, the state-of-the-art facility houses four stories of hospitality suites, a media center, race control, commercial kitchen and a rooftop deck with an incredible view of the race track and beyond! Tickets & Info: roadatlanta.com Join the Chamber's South Hall Business Coalition (SHBC) on Tuesday, September 17 (8-9am) at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for a presentation on what's happening at the track by General Manager Geoff Lee. SHBC meets monthly and is sponsored by AccessWDUN, Halski Systems, Milton Martin Honda, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, Red Clay Interactive and Store More Self Storage. Enjoy breakfast and great networking! Details: Kara Tate, 770-532-6206 x 103 or ktate@ghcc.com The August Lunch 'n Learn was hosted by Watkins Total Healthcare (L-R) Brandi Barr, Ace Hardware Corporation; Phil Palacios, Cardinal Ridge Group; Darryl Workman, South State Bank; Tim Burachenko, Watkins Total Healthcare; Brad Lloyd, Advanced Professional Practices; Christen Wilbanks, Greater Hall Chamber. Guest Speaker Tim Burachenko presented 'Living Well for Life' a brief, fun and enlightening program that explains the many facets of a healthy lifestyle and the role that chiropractic plays in keeping you mobile for your entire, long life. The next Lunch 'n Learn is September 18 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park with James Watson, Park Manager, as the guest speaker. Enjoy networking during lunch by attending these monthly events. Details: Christen Wilbanks, Chamber VP Membership Sales, 770-532-6206 x 116 or cwilbanks@ghcc.com 4
September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Wednesday, September 25
Network Over Coffee
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Haydee’s Café | 3204 Atlanta Highway Thursday, September 26
Chamber Board of Directors
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Eagle Ranch | Chesnut Mountain
October Tuesday, October 8
Small Business Seminar
7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Chamber
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Longstreet Cafe | Riverside Terrace Gville
Thursday, October 10
Human Resource Council
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Conditioned Air Systems | Gainesville
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Luna's | Gainesville
Friday, September 13
Economic Development Council 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Chamber Tuesday, September 17
Business After Hours & Annual Tailgate Party
Wednesday, October 16
HealthSmart 2019 Kickoff Breakfast: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Expo: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Gainesville Civic Center
South Hall Business Coalition
Tuesday, October 29
Vision 2030 Board of Directors
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus | Nesbitt Building
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Chamber Wednesday, September 18
Issues Committee
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Chamber
South Hall Business Coalition
November Wednesday, November 13
Lunch 'n Learn
Industry Appreciation Luncheon
Thursday, September 19
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Chamber
December
Business After Hours
Eggs & Issues Breakfast
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lake Lanier Olympic Park
Chamber Executive Committee
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club | Gainesville
Thursday, December 12 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Lanier Technical College
Tuesday, September 24
Job Fair & Career Expo 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Get all the details and register for events online at GreaterHallChamber.com
Retirement
may be far off,
welcome new members
ADP Chelsea Campbell 5680 New Northside Dr, NW Atlanta, GA 30519 - Business Services 706-974-5772 adp.com Athens Printing Company Tony Paramore 1135 Cedar Shoals Drive Athens, GA 30605 - Printing / Advertising 706-353-2632 athensprinting.com Brown Eyed Girl Consignment Dete Sewell 1854 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501 - Retail Consignment 678-971-4801 browneyedgirlresale.com El Patron Mexican Restaurant Yuli Segura 250 John W. Morrow Jr Pkwy Gainesville, GA 30501 - Restaurant & Catering 678-971-1048 elpatroncornelia.com
Evans General Contractors Christian Hersacher 2710 Old Milton Parkway Suite 200 Alpharetta, GA 30009 - Contractors 678-713-7616 evansgeneralcontractors.com Fish Window Cleaning Jim & Julie Worsham 1706 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Suite 1800 Gainesville, GA 30501 - Cleaning Services 678-981-6385 fishwindowcleaning.com/3058 Focused Growth Sales Group Steve Harrison 2520 Cross Springs Drive Cumming, GA 30041 - Business Services 770-262-8075 salesxceleration.com
North Georgia Works! Douglas Hanson P.O. Box 2458 Gainesville, GA 30503 - Non-Profit 404-281-9963 northgeorgiaworks.org
but the April 15 deadline for IRA contributions isn’t. 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.
Oaks at Hampton Assisted Living & Memory Care Lee Maynard 5610 Hampton Park Drive Cumming, GA 30041 - Senior Living Community 678-965-5700 oaksseniorliving.com
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.
Pinnacle Custom Signs Don Conklin 5170 Belle Wood Court Buford, GA 30518 - Signs & Lighting Services 678-714-8700 pinnaclecustomsigns.com
Leigh Ann Paugh 5707 Mountain Oak Drive Braselton, GA 30517 - Individual Member 205-381-6659 n2pub.com
USLatin Staff Milagros DiLeo 504 Atlanta Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 - Employment Agency 404-934-1359 uslatinstaff.com
Material Handling Jerry Whitehead 2318 B Murphy Boulevard Gainesville, GA 30504 - Industrial Supplies 770-534-0537 mhiusa.net
Ward's Funeral Home John Wayne Abernathy 758 Main Street, SW Gainesville, GA 30501 - Funeral Home 770-534-5351 wardsfh.com
Happy Labor Day
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53 West Apartments Yanet Rodriquez 1000 Wood Acres Road Oakwood, GA 30566 - Apartments / Condos 678-450-8764 livewell53west.com
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Beth Baldwin
Financial Advisor
439 Green Street Northwest Gainesville, GA 30501 770-534-1220
Thank you Chamber Event Sponsors! Gainesville Mechanical Georgia Department of Labor Halski Systems Highland Mountain Beverage Hop's Integrity Staffing Solutions Lanier Technical College McDonald's McGarity Business Products
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta Milton Martin Honda Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton Panera Bread Red Clay Interactive Signs by Tomorrow Spheron Staffing Services Store More Self Storage
Rick Kimpling, AAMS®
Financial Advisor
64 North Brooks Street Unit B Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-0933 IRT-2046G-A
AccessWDUN BatesCarter Brenau University Caldwell Electrical Contractors Chattahoochee Country Club Comcast Business Express Employment Professionals Fieldale Farms Gville Area Employers Comm
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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Workforce Development Work Based Learning MP Equipment, providing students hands on experience Celebrating its 50th Anniversary next year, MP Equipment has grown from providing parts and services to the meat, poultry and seafood industries into a modern, innovative manufacturer of industry-leading food portioning and processing equipment. With a large customer base in Greater Hall County, they also provide equipment and service to customers worldwide. MP Equipment is heavily involved in the community giving their support to the Chamber and the Greater Hall Workforce Development Task Force. They participate in mock interview sessions for the Hall County School System, allowing students to get a better understanding of the interview process. They continue to host tours for high school students providing the opportunity for youth to learn of careers or fields of study available in the area. With 110 employees, MP Equipment has expanded their search for skilled talent to local high schools and area technical colleges. They have been involved with the Work Based Learning (WBL) Program for over five years and have employed more than 20 students from area high school and technicall colleges. MP Equipment has trained and given hands on experience to these students in different career fields such as engineering, TIG welding, CNC machining, inventory control, manual machining, human resources, accounting, administrative support and marketing. Students have gained not only hard skills but have also been trained in the soft skills needed for success in their future careers. “As MP Equipment continues to grow and expand, the WBL Program will provide an avenue for us to train, mentor and invest in our company’s future," said PJ Samson, President of MP Equipment. This not only helps MP as an employer but will also contribute to the community with the training tomorrow’s workforce.” MP Equipment LLC, 2395 Murphy Boulevard, Gainesville 30504, 770-503-7605. mpequipment.com
W
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fits
Newly Published Wage & Benefit Report
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Report enefit ge & B County, Georgia a W 9 1 ll 20 le - Ha il
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The Greater Hall Chamber's 2019 WAGE & BENEFIT REPORT is now available. A resource prepared by the Chamber’s Economic Development Division, the publication is used by companies as a tool to ensure employers remain competitive in local compensation and benefits practices. The report includes data from 60 local employers in the areas of Office, Finance, Human Resources, Technology, Lab, Material, Fleet, Engineer, Maintenance and Production, along with sections on pay practices and benefits information. Available in PDF version and/or inbound book format. $30 for Chamber members; $50, NonMembers (+S&H). To order, call 770-532-6206.
ision. ent Div velopm nomic De ctices remain merce Eco ent pra er of Com ure employm ens ll Chamb ater Ha with a tool to Gre inesses ed by the ce prepar vides area bus and benefits. r.com pro A resour lication pensation hambe This pub e in local com rHallC itiv Greate compet
September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
economic development
Job Fair & Career Expo Tuesday, September 24 2 pm - 6 pm
Gainesville Civic Center | Open to the Public Over 70 employers and hiring managers will be onsite as job seekers see first hand employment opportunities. Ace Hardware Associated Credit Union Avita Community Partners Axiom Staffing BOS Staffing Brenau University BTD Cantrell - Gainco Group Carroll Daniel Construction Carter's City of Gainesville Classic Window Coverings Conditioned Air Systems District 2 Public Health Express Employment Professionals Gainesville Mechanical Gainesville Water Resources Georgia Dept of Driver Services Georgia Department of Labor Georgia Dept of Transportation Goodwill of North Georgia Hall County Government
Exhibitors
Heavy Equipment Colleges of America Hire Dynamics Hydro Extrusion North America Integrity Staffing Solutions Jackson EMC Kelly Services KIK Custom Products King's Hawaiian Koch Foods Kubota Mfg. of America Lanier Technical College Legacy Link Longstreet Clinic Magnolia Windows & Doors Marel Mars Wrigley Confectionery Martin Docks Massey Services Inc McDonald's MedLink Georgia, Inc. Mincey Marble Manufacturing Modern Woodmen of America Northeast Georgia Health System
Northside Hospital Onin Staffing Overdrive Logistics Panera Bread Perdue Farms Performance Food Service Pest Control Insulation, LLC Milton's Pilgrim's PrideStaff ProCare Rx Ring Container Technologies Salford BBI SKF USA Inc. Spherion Staffing The Davis Companies The Sherwin-Williams Company University of North Georgia Voice Nation Wagner Staffing WorkSource Georgia Mountains Zebra Technologies ZF Gainesville
Inkind/Service Sponsors McGarity’s Business Products Milton Martin Honda Highland Mountain Beverage Signs By Tomorrow
Job Fair Info
Amanda Leweis | alewis@ghcc.com 770-532-6206 x 111 Learn more online: GreaterHallChamber.com
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS / TAILGATE PARTY 2019 Thursday, October 10, 5 – 7 pm The Varsity Food Truck will be there so don’t miss it!
member news
Jim Chapman opens McEver Mill
Jim Chapman (with scissors) of Jim Chapman Communities cuts a ribbon at the grand opening of McEver Mill, a new active adult community located in Hall County. “McEver Mill meets a growing demand by the first wave of retired and semi-retired Baby Boomers for affordable, low-maintenance, single-level homes,” said Chapman. The community’s ideal location means residents will be close to shopping, dining and recreation, as well as convenient to Atlanta and the North Georgia mountains. Guests toured two model, 1,350-square-foot homes at the opening. When completed, the community will include 105 attached ranch villas attractively priced in the low $200s. McEver Mill, 4535 McEver Road, Oakwood, GA 30566. JimChapmanCommunities.com/communities
Marel celebrates 75 years in business
In 1944, Gainesville Machine Company was established in Gainesville as a metalworking shop specializing in welding fabrication and machining. In the 1950’s they begin building equipment for poultry processing, which lead to new designs and developments for the poultry industry. Today, the Gainesville operation is Marel’s key manufacturing facility operating in North America. There are approximately 380 full-time employees who work in a diverse range of specialties from technical manufacturing jobs, marketing, sales, engineering, finance and more. Marel is the leading global supplier of advanced processing systems and services to the poultry, meat and fish industries. marel.com/poultry
Gainesville's new Tourism Director
Robyn Lynch, former Executive Director of Lake Lanier Olympic Park has joined the City of Gainesville as the new Director of Tourism. Robyn's responsibilities include overseeing the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Main Street Gainesville. City Manager Bryan Lackey stated, "There will be an extensive transition period, as keeping the momentum going strong at Lake Lanier Olympic Park is very important to us, as we begin to search for the new executive director." Robyn will work closely with Regina Dyer and Kristen Redmon to enhance the promotion of tourism and economic development in the community. gainesville.org 10
September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
• Riverside Military Academy (RMA)presented Sandy Beaver Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards to Drew Echols and the late Ray Burch Jr. Drew is a 5th generation farm manager at Jaemor Farms, established in 1912. He has expanded the business to include retail and Agritourism with over 750,000 visitors annually. Ray Burch joined CWT Farms in 1961, serving as president for over 30 years. He led the company to win national awards for its international export of poultry hatching eggs. riversidemilitary.com • Georgia Patriot Day, a 911 event, will be held at Lanier Christian Academy in Flowery Branch on 9/11/19 (9-10:15am) with a proclamation by President Trump for Hall County honoring fallen First Responders and those who lost their lives on 9/11. Info: Destiny Yarbrough, Hall County Coordinator,678-989-4451. • Kubota North America will invest $85 million in a 300-acre expansion of its manufacturing facility in Gainesville, Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA). KMA began tractor production in 1988 and entered the utility vehicle market in 2004. KMA opened a 502,000-square-foot RTV manufacturing facility on 180 acres at Gateway Industrial Centre, three miles from its existing facility, in April 2017. kubota-kma.com • The Quinlan Visual Arts Center announces Nairika Kotwal Cornett as new executive director of the 73-year-old arts organization. Nairika comes with extensive experience in developing and promoting the arts having served The Arts Council for 10 years implementing marketing and Arts in Schools initiatives. quinlanartscenter.org • The University of North Georgia's Regional Education & Economic Development (REED) Summit is September 10 (8am-4pm) at the Dahlonega Campus Convocation Center. The one-day event – North Georgia Means Business – brings economic development professionals, industry and community leaders, educators and students together to discuss trends, educational pathways, career opportunities, and the future of business in Northeast Georgia. The keynote speaker is Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. Cost: $25, $10 for students. For tickets, call 678-717-3692 or purchase online at ung.edu/REED • The Women’s College of Brenau University announced the Executive Women’s MBA, designed to catapult the careers of talented, driven women who are successful in the workplace but looking to advance to the
C-suite. Brenau University graduate programs in business, education, health sciences and the arts – this is the first program exclusive to The Women’s College. ewmba.brenau.edu • The Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is one of only three hospitals in Georgia to receive the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) 2019 HPV Cancer Free Partnership Award, recognizing NGMC for its efforts to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers. The award provides NGMC with funding specifically designated to support evidencebased interventions aimed at preventing HPVrelated cancers. nghs.com • "Just” People's Golf Tournament in Memory of Larry Doyal is Friday, October 4 at the Reunion Country Club. All proceeds support the individuals served by “Just” People, an organization that assists the developmentally disabled by offering independent living and day programs, transportation and supportive employment. For tournament info email kivey@ beckelinc.org or visit justpeople.org • Partnership for a Drug Free Hall presents the Dangers of Vaping on October 10 (6-8pm) at the First Baptist Church Banquet Hall in Gainesville with keynote speaker Merrill Norton, Pharm.D., D.Ph., UGA; Deb Bailey, Northeast Georgia Health System; Laurisa Barthen, Georgia Council on Substance Abuse; Chief Jay Parrish, Gainesville Police Department; Adam Raulerson, Laurelwood. The forum is free, open to the public and sponsored by Northeast Georgia Health System. Drug Free Hall, a service of Center Point, is a partnership of agencies and community members dedicated to providing information, resources and actions to address Hall County's drug problems. drugfreehall.org • Spherion Staffing has relocated its office to 200 Prior Street SE in Gainesville. Spherion is a full service recruiting and staffing service that has been locally owned for over 23 years by Stacey Reece. 770.532.7900. spherion.com • Carroll Daniel Construction was named by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of 2019’s Best Places to Work. This list highlights successful companies going above and beyond to keep their workforce engaged, invested, and eager to come to work each day. Carroll Daniel was one of 100 companies in Georgia to earn this recognition. carrolldaniel.com
Got news?
Email: kwest@ghcc.com
community development
HealthSmart Kickoff Breakfast
October 16 | 7:30-9:30 am | Gainesville Civic Center
Chamber Healthcare Committee Chairman Dr. Dave Westfall, Emory, presents 2018 Most Fit Company Award (50 less employees) to Kathleen Owen of the Georgia Poultry Improvement Association.
A group of 200 is expected to kick off the HealthSmart Expo on October 16 at 7:30 am with Guest Speaker Eric Langshur, a best-selling author and entrepreneur focused on improving the human condition and wellbeing. As part of the VISION 2030 HealthSmart Community Challenge, the Chamber is seeking “Most Fit Companies” in Gainesville-Hall County. Judging criteria includes wellness, nutrition and fitness opportunities provided for employees. Awards are presented in 3 categories: large (251+ employees), medium (51-250) and small companies (50 or less). 2019 Most Fit Company Awards will be presented at the HealthSmart Breakfast. The deadline for nominations is September 25. Nominate online: SurveyMonkey.com/r/MostFitCompany. The HealthSmart Breakfast is $15 Chamber Members; $20 Non-members. Reservations: 770-532-6206 or online at GreaterHallChamber.com
13th Annual HealthSmart Expo
Presented by
Wednesday, October 16 Gainesville Civic Center
Free Community Health Screenings 7:30 am - 1:30 pm | Open to the Public
• FREE Community Health Screenings for men & women 18 years and older • Screenings: Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglycerides Testing, Blood Pressure, BMI • No Entry Fee • Open to the Public • Convenient Shuttle Service • No Appointment Needed
HealthSmart Info
HealthSmart Breakfast & Exhibits: Mandy Lathem, mlathem@ghcc.com. Most Fit Company Awards: Amanda Lewis, alewis@ghcc.com
1/2 Page Ad 10" x 4.75"
September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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small business development
Over 120 people attended the recent Small Business Economic & Political Forum at Lanier Technical College presented by (L-R) Brett Fowler, Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance; Perry Barnett, Rushton; Carol Burrell, Northeast Georgia Health System; Representative Lee Hawkins; Kit Dunlap, Chamber.
Small Business of the Month
Gee Heating & Air
Gee Heating & Air is a family owned, full service, HVAC and refrigeration company. Located in Gainesville for 30 years, Gee Heating & Air provides commercial, industrial and residential HVAC service, maintenance and installation. With three generations of licensed HVAC Contractors, the company offers a (L-R) Joseph Gee, Jacob Gee, Tim Gee, Mark Pettitt of Gee Heating & Air. superior service which they are proud to put their family name on. Gee Heating & Air, 2035 Atlas Circle, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-287-9110. geehvac.com
Small Business Events: Tuesday, September 10
Small Business Resource Fair "How to Build Your Brand"
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Sponsored by Comcast Business Breakfast by Hop's 20+ Resources/Exhibitors On Site! 7:45 am - 9:30 am Business Incubator at Brenau University $5 Members; $15 Non-Members; Includes Breakfast
Tuesday, October 8
Small Business Seminar "Hire Slow, Fire Fast!"
Presented by Tony Paramore, Athens Printing 7:45 am - 9:00 am | Chamber No Charge for Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members Tuesday, November 12
Small Business Seminar
"Key Components of Quality Leadership" Presented by Mike Denham, Accelerate Business Forward and Velocity Technology Partners 7:45 am - 9:00 am | Chamber No Charge for Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members
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September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Become a Chamber CERTIFIED Small Business Partner by simply attending six (6) Small Business Seminars in 2019. 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 Signs by Tomorrow. Info: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
membership development
NEXT corner?
What’s around the
Come be your part of the story. Business Before Hours at Milton Martin Honda treated Chamber members to a delicious breakfast and networking before work! Thank you, Butch Miller, Andi Farmer and the entire MMH team.
October 28 | Hunt Tower Atrium details to come...
0263 MVC-PublicArtsBizLink-1/4pg.indd 2
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
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Full Service Pharmacy Unique Gifts Embroidery Monogramming Packaged Prescriptions
Friendly, Honest People INESVILLETIME S THE TIM ES
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NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) Prism (Professional Records & Information Services Management) A Division of Total Information Protection Group
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WE HAVE A SOLUTION FOR EVERY DATA NEED! September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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ribbon cuttings
Wild Birds Unlimited BrohmTek
Business Partners Ryan Brohm and Michael Sims cut a ribbon at BrohmTEK. Formerly based in Alpharetta, BrohmTEK has relocated their corporate office to Gainesville. The IT Services company focuses on small to mid-sized businesses in the Southeast and offers managed IT service agreements covering the business technology infrastructure. They also design, develop and deploy specialized IT services and projects as well as offer business VoIP phone solutions. Consumer services include computer repair, data recovery software, hardware installations, PC tune up, virus/malware removal, wireless network installation as well as wireless alarm system installation. 310 Academy Street NW Gainesville, GA 3o501. 678-696-0901. brohmtek.com
Owners Jim and Judy Stoops cut the ribbon for Wild Birds Unlimited in Flowery Branch. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together through the hobby of backyard bird feeding, nature products, and local expert advice. Visit them Monday - Friday from 10 AM - 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM and Sunday 12 - 4 PM. 5887 Spout Springs Road, # D201, Flowery Branch, GA. 678-828-7889. wbu.com/flowerybranch
Angel House of Georgia
787 Hacienda (L-R) Sadi Brunett, General Manager; Angel Retana, CEO; Noelia Leas, Manager; Betania Garcia, Team Member, cut ribbon at 787 Hacienda, Northeast Georgia's newest sports bar and entertainment/ dance venue. With over 8,000 square feet and the only space of its kind with a "Day of the Dead" theme. 787 Hacienda is a premier entertainment space for special events, corporate outings, and a hotspot for weekend fun. 787 Hospital Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 787hacienda.com
Promote your company with a FREE Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. 14
September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
Established in 2011, Angel House of Georgia is a non-profit organization with a vision of helping women recover from substance use disorders. The goal of the program is that each client will gain the knowledge and skills that are needed to ensure long-term sobriety. Since opening, the organization continues to grow and expand and recently received certification from the Georgia Department of Community Health to open an Intensive Outpatient Program (ASAM level II.1) that will allow them to broaden the spectrum of services, not just to residential clients but to others in the community struggling with addiction. 838 Maple St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-572-7945. angelhouseofgeorgia.org
It's a free service if you're a member of the Chamber. Not a member? Join now, call 770-532-6206.
education
leadership
New resident physicans at NGMC Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) recently held its Inagural White Coat Ceremoney for 20 internal medicine and general surgery resident physicians. By 2024, NGMC anticipates 170 resident physicians across six different specialties – internal medicine, family medicine, general surgery, OB/GYN, psychiatry, and emergency medicine. The Graduate Medical Education (GME) program is a strategic initiative for NGMC to encourage our doctors to stay in Georgia to practice medicine. Recent research completed by the Georgia Board of Physician Workforce found that medical students from Georgia who complete medical school and a GME program in Georgia have an estimated 80 percent chance of staying in the state to practice medicine. Resident physicians began seeing patients – with the guidance of faculty physicians – at NGMC Gainesville, NGMC Braselton and several local physician practices on July 1. To learn more about NGMC’s GME program, visit ngmcgme.org
LAKE
Leadership Hall County
Leadership Hall County's first ever History Day was certainly one for the books! Participating in a teambuilding activity at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK): Andrew Gould, Stewart, Melvin & Frost; Jennifer McCall, McCall at Law; Jason Dunckel, Wilheit Packaging; Madison Hopkins, Greater Hall Chamber. In the format of The Amazing Race, the Leadership Hall Class was divided into teams and small groups to bond and decipher road blocks throughout the City of Gainesville. Starting with the future of Gainesville-Hall County, Vision 2030 and Vision 2030 Public Art inspired the class and informed class members on how to get involved. The next step was decoding the Cherokee language at Northeast Georgia History Center . Other stops included a meeting with Myrtle Figueras at the Beulah Rucker Museum, learning about transportation and the legacy of Gus Whalen at INK, an overview of The Longstreet Society, finding famous residents at Alta Vista Cemetery, a historical scavenger hunt at the Downtown Gainesville Square and finishing the day at Left Nut Brewing with a history of Chicopee Mill. Lunch was held at 787 Hacienda where Masters Golf Legend Tommy Aaron spoke. Special thank you to Leadership Hall's PAC Team and program sponsors BatesCarter and Fieldale Farms.
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September 2019 | GreaterHallChamber.com
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Networking & Lead Development
Small Business Resource Fair
Many thanks to the Georgia Mountain Food Bank and Liberty Utilities for hosting the August Business After Hours.
Tuesday, September 10 7:45am - 9:30am Business Incubator at Brenau University
How to Build Your Brand Through Community Involvement presented by Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Georgia Mountain Food Bank's (GMFB) Empty Bowl Luncheon is September 24 (11am-1pm) at Lanier Technical College. Every dollar donated can provide five meals to the hungry. Don't miss the Quinlan Visual Arts Center's “Still Hungry in America” exhibit, a collection for the GMFB, showing through October 5. The exhibit explores the faces of hunger over the past 50 years. gamountainfoodbank.org
Beau Henderson
Bill Lampton PhD, Championship Communication, and Beau Henderson, RichLife, team up for a lively presentation! Beau is the bestselling author of The RichLife: Ten Investments for True Wealth and The Roadmap to a RichLife, He's a Master Certified Success Coach and been featured on The Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNBC and MarketWatch. Dr. Bill Lampton (known as the "Biz Communication Guy") spent two decades in management after teaching communication at UGA. Since 1997 he's helped solve business communication problems for top-tier clients and written two books.
Mark Your Calendar
20+ Business Resource Exhibitors with FREE Tips & Advice!
Business After Hours | Thursday, September 19 | Chattahoochee Country Club Annual Tailgate Party | Thursday, October 10 | Conditioned Air Systems Business After Hours | Tuesday, November 12 | Brenau University
Small Business Resource Fair: $5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Breakfast by Hop's. Register online at GreaterHallChamber.com Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
Business After Hours
Thursday, September 19 | 5-7 pm
Chattahoochee Country Club Fall 2019
September 10 Small Business Resource Fair
"Being an active member of the Chamber has benefited our company in many ways: Business after Hours allows us to network with future clients. Small Business Seminars provide informative tools that have helped us shape our business brand, and the South Hall Business Coalition keeps us in touch with the companies in our area." Kay Cochran Vice President, Cochran Brothers Electric Co., Inc.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #47 GAINESVILLE, GA
October 16 HealthSmart Expo*
7:45-9:30am | Business Incubator at Brenau
7:30am-2pm | Gainesville Civic Center
September 17 South Hall Business Coalition
November 7 Farm City Breakfast*
8-9am | Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
7:30-9:00am | North Hall Community Center
September 19 Business After Hours
November 13 Industry Appreciation Luncheon*
5-7pm | Chattahoochee Country Club
11am-1pm | Chattahoochee Country Club
September 24 Fall Job Fair & Career Expo
*Sponsorship opportunities Call 770-532-6206 GreaterHallChamber.com
2-6pm | Gainesville Civic Center
Benefits of Chamber Membership
CAR-RT SORT
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