Business Link April 2012 by The Times

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 New Officers and Board Members page 4 Transportation Project Highlights page 5 Upcoming Events page 6 Ribbon Cuttings page 10 Member Announcements page 10 New Members Page 13 Small Business of the Month page 14 Workforce Development page 15

33rd Annual Hackers Holiday Chamber Chase 5K is April 19 Scratch golfers and hackers alike will not want to miss the Greater Hall Chamber's 33rd Hackers Holiday on Friday, April 27 at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Cost is $150 per player; $600 team (4-some). The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry Fee includes green fee, cart, breakfast, box lunch, snacks and drinks, and the 19th Hole reception following the tournament. Tournament Chairmen Jimbo Floyd and Brian Daniel are planning an exciting event! There's still time to register yourself or a team. The tournament is sponsored by Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia (Title Sponsor), Advantage Staffing, Charter Business, Gainesville Coca Cola, Georgia Medport, Jackson EMC, Lafarge Aggregates, Publix, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance and Turnstile Deli, and includes awards in three flights, a Hole-In-One prize, along with closest to the pin, longest drive, a putting contest and much more. The 19th Hole Reception, sponsored by AT&T, with delicious free food and drink follows the tournament at the clubhouse.

Over 500 people are registered for the 5th Annual Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk on Thursday, April 19 at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. A crowd of over 2,000 is expected to participate in the community-wide wellness event with Lt. Casey Cagle serving as Honorary Chairman! Registration is available online through April 13 at ChamberChase5K.com. Complete details on the event including race courses and frequently asked questions are also available online. The Chamber Chase is more than a run/walk with activities including voting for People's Choice Award for Best T-Shirt, great giveaways and Hall County's Largest Office Party with music, food, awards, and recognition following the race! The Chamber Chase, formerly Get Fit Stay Fit, is a program of VISION 2030. Call 770-5326206 or Register Online at ChamberChase5K.com

Honorary Race Chairman

Georgia Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

W I N $ 1 , 0 0 0 C A S H! A Golf Ball Drop Raffle will take place at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club to kick of the 33rd Annual Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament on April 27. A helicopter will drop a numbered ball for each ticket sold! Closest to hole wins! $10 per ticket or 3 tickets for $20. Do not have to be present to win. Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com. Register for the tournament and the raffle online: greaterhallchamber.com

Registration Deadline April 13th

Thursday, April 19 â&#x20AC;˘ 6:00 pm Riverside Military Academy

Save the Date Tuesday, April 10 Small Business Success Seminar Thursday, April 12 South Hall Business Coalition Thursday, April 26 Business After Hours

APRIL 2012

A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

From the Chairman

Communicating with Members As my term as Greater Hall Chamber Chairman starts winding down, I remain committed to our original theme this year – Connecting, Communicating, Promoting – and am determined to be a part of our Chamber’s forward movement in this digital age. Chamber Vice Chair of Marketing & Communications Melissa Tymchuk of Northeast Georgia Health System gave a powerful report at the Chamber Board of Directors meeting a couple of weeks ago. The Greater Hall Chamber's website – greaterhallchamber.com – hosts an Online Membership Directory. Melissa reports that from July 2011 through December 2011 (six months), the Online Membership Directory received 156,000 views, over 20,000 URL clicks (to Chamber businesses), almost 17,000 clicks to access maps to individual businesses, and 440 direct links to online emails listed for Chamber members. If you are a Chamber Member, make sure your business is listed in the Jay Jacobs Jacobs Media Corporation directory with your website and email. If you are not a member, this is Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber ONE of MANY reasons to join. of Commerce

The Chamber's newsletter, Business Link, is a partnership with The Times. The monthly issues are circulated in The Times on the first Tuesday of each month. In addition, Business Link can be accessed online on the Chamber's homepage (greaterhallchamber.com) or The Time's homepage (gainesvilletimes.com). Between February 2011 and February 2012, the electronic version of Business Link was viewed some 13,000 times. Advertisers in the newsletter have the opportunity to provide a "live" link directly to their business. This is ONE of MANY good reasons to consider advertising in Business Link.

April 3, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

To better serve our members and provide the most up-to-date means of communications, we are conducting a Membership Survey. We are urging Chamber Members to take just a few minutes to complete the online survey. It contains only a few simple questions and will help us make sure we are getting the news out to you in a timely and effective manner. To take part in the survey, scan the QR Code below. You can link directly to the survey on the Chamber's website as well.

The Greater Hall Chamber's basic mission remains the same – being a voice for business. Our means for communicating our mission has changed drastically. We seek to stay on the cutting edge in ways to communicate and connect with members. I hope that you are currently a Chamber Member, and if not, will consider joining. Also, join us for a Board of Directors meeting and see first-hand what we are up to. The next meeting is Thursday, April 26 at 12 p.m. at the Gainesville Civic Center. Call Joy, 770-532-6206, to reserve a seat. We are working to make Gainesville-Hall County an even greater place to do business, raise a family and enjoy a unique quality of life. Your continued support and investment is appreciated.

Marketing & Communications • Greater Hall Chamber Members... We need your help! Please take a moment to complete a simple online Membership Survey so that we may better serve you. Scan the QR Code (right) or link to the survey at greaterhallchamber.com or directly (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ ghccmembersurvey). Questions? Call Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com • The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Online Membership Directory at greaterhallchamber.com received 150,000+ views in the last six months. The average number of views per member is 120 in the same six month period. • The Chamber's Business Link newsletter, a partnership with The Times, in its electronic format, received Approximately 13,000 hits between February 2011 and February 2012. The online newsletter is posted on the Chamber's homepage (greaterhallchamber.com) and The Times homepage (gainesvilletimes.com)

Business Link Volume 18 Issue 4 mcKemie West, editor • email: kwest@ghcc.com greaterhallchamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

2011-2012 executive Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs Jacobs Media Corporation Chairman Elect Randall Frost Stewart, Melvin & Frost Treasurer Jody lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia Vice Chair, Economic Development Chris Braswell PB Property Management Vice Chair, Education elisabeth Baldwin BB&T Wealth Management

Vice Chair, Government Affairs Chair, VISION 2030 Kelly miles, Smith, Gilliam, lee Hemmer Williams & Miles, P.A. The Simpson Company meg Nivens, Executive Director Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications Co-Chairs, HALLmark melissa Tymchuk Paul Chambers, AT&T NEGA Health System David lee, Jackson EMC mimi Collins, The Longstreet Clinic Vice Chair, Membership Development Senior Advisor Jimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Jimmy Adams, The Adams Smith Insurance Companies Vice Chair, South Hall Council Immediate Past Chairman Geoff lee, Road Atlanta Darrell snyder, Georgia Power Vice Chair, Community Development Phillippa moss, Gainesville-Hall Co. Community Service Center

President & CEO Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors 2011-2012 David Abee, Regions Bank

Deborah mack, Community Volunteer

emily Bagwell, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

mike miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch

Brenda Bahel, The Starke Companies

Willie mitchell, Gainesville City Schools

Perry Barnett, Rushton & Company

Dr. martha Nesbitt, Gainesville State College

Wade Beavers, Beavers/Rogers Law & Advisory

James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont

Col. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy

Tom oliver, Chairman, Hall Co. Commission

William H. Beyer, NEGA Heart Center

Bob Pennington, Willis Investment Counsel

Carol Burrell, NEGA Health System

larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville

Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management

Terry Roberts, Lake Lanier CVB

Bob Coleman, Coleman, Chambers & Rogers

Will schofield, Hall County Schools

lance Compton, Red Clay Interactive

Dr. ed schrader, Brenau University

Danny Dunagan, Mayor City of Gainesville

Joyce stephens, United Community Bank

sam evans, City of Oakwood Councilman

Dennis stockton, The Times

Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda

milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula

Kathy Fauscett, Keller Williams Realty

Russell Vandiver, Lanier Technical College

Tony Funari, Mayor Pro-tem, Town of Braselton

Greg Vitek, IMS Gear

Rob Geoffroy, The Atlanta Falcons

Dr. mary Watkins, Watkins Chiropractic

Tommy Howard, The Norton Agency

Darrell Wiley, J&J Foods

Dr. Bonita Jacobs, North Georgia College & SU

Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Materials

Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy

Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging Materials

Kelly lee, Wells Fargo Advisors

Associate Directors 2011-2012 Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness

Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & Design

emmett Forrester, NEGA Diagnostic Clinic

spence Price, The Adams Companies

Doug langman, TRC Staffing

Dan slott, Service Master

Chris mcCall, Keller Williams Realty

Jessica Tullar, City of Gainesville

Julie Nicholson, Community Bank & Trust

Carla Walker, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

staff Executive Kit Dunlap, President/CEO Joy sims, Executive Assistant

South Hall Council Kit Dunlap, President/CEO michelle Wiley, Membership Vice President

Economic Development Tim evans, Vice President shelley Davis, Vice President Existing Industry Jean mcCullough, Project Manager

Community Development Robin Halstead, Vice President

Finance & Operations David umberson, Vice President Finance and Human Resources Education & Workforce Development Dana miller, Vice President Government Affairs Kit Dunlap, President/CEO Joy sims, Executive Assistant

VISION 2030 meg Nivens, Executive Director Membership Development michelle Wiley, Vice President Kara matter, Membership Coordinator sara lewis, Intern, NGCSU Marketing & Communications Kemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant Greater Hall Chamber Welcome Center Robin Halstead, Manager

Economic Development

Newly Elected Chamber Officers Annual Chamber Business Awards The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting an aggressive business environment and making a positive contribution to the community. Founded in 1908, the Chamber is a voice for business in Gainesville-Hall County and the Northeast Georgia region and offers a full range of services for its members. The following individuals were elected to serve as officers of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce for 2012-2013, beginning July 1, 2012: Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Officers 2012-2013 Chairman: Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost Chairman Elect: Dixie Truelove, Truelove Dairy Treasurer: Jody Lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia Vice Chair Education: Elisabeth Baldwin, BB&T Wealth Management Vice Chair Economic Development: Chris Braswell, PB Property Management Vice Chair Community Development: Deborah Mack, Community Volunteer Vice Chair Government Affairs: David Lee, Jackson EMC Vice Chair Marketing/Communications: Jullie King, The Longstreet Clinic Vice Chair Membership: Jimbo Floyd, Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance Vice Chair South Hall Council: Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management Co-Chairs HALLmark: David Abee, Regions; Paul Chambers, AT&T; Perry Barnett, Rushton & Company Chair VISION 2030: Carl Romberg, Citisco Executive Director, VISION 2030: Meg Nivens, Greater Hall Chamber Immediate Past President: Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media Corporation Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO: Kit Dunlap The following individuals were recently elected to serve as Greater Hall Chamber Board of Directors for a three-year term, July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2015: Newly Elected Board of Directors David Abee, Regions Bank Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness John Geyer, J Geyer Advertising Jullie King, The Longstreet Clinic William Bagwell, Jr., Homestead Investments Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & Design Grier Todd, Lake Lanier Islands Resort

April 3, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Commercial Real Estate Forum

Nominations for Small Business of the Year and Family Business of the Year

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for both the Small Business of the Year and the Family Business of the Year. The small business award is presented to an outstanding small business and Greater Hall Chamber member with 50 or less employees. The Family Business of the Year is awarded to a family-owned business that has operated for 25 or more years. Rushton & Company received the 2010-2011 Small Business of the Year Award, while Milton Martin Toyota was recognized as last year's Family Business of the Year recipient. A member may nominate their business or another member. All nominations must be received by Friday, April 27. Award winners will be recognized at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Gala on Thursday, May 10 at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Along with the presentation of business awards, the event will include an elegant dinner buffet, live music and dancing. Other awards presented include the Community Service Award, the prestigious W.G. Mealor Award and Silver Shovel Awards. Nomination forms or details: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: jean@ghcc. com. Make award nominations and reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com

Bitzer Expands in Oakwood

Bitzer, a leading manufacturer of compressors for commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, is expanding to a site adjacent to their current facility in Oakwood, Georgia. Bitzer will add a 95,000 square foot building on 31 acres at Enterprise Way in Oakwood. The new $10 million facility will be developed by Pattillo Construction Company. Bitzer will maintain the adjacent 45,000 square foot facility on Chamblee Road and expects to occupy the new building in fall 2012. They will maintain their base of 80 employees, adding another 50 employees over the next two years. Bitzer located to Hall County in 2004. The German-based company was founded in 1934 and has two U.S. locations – Oakwood GA and Syracuse NY. The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Existing Industry Program identified the possible expansion opportunity in 2009 and began working with Bitzer in early 2011. “Bitzer is extremely excited about our continued growth, as well as the ability to share with the community by creating jobs in the Hall County area,” said Peter Narreau, President. Bitzer, 4031 Chamblee Road, Oakwood, Georgia. 30566. 770503-9226. bitzerus.com

Healthcare Committee

Over 55 developers recently attended a Commercial Real Estate Forum, “Deal Making with Site Location Consultants & Developers: Case Study of King’s Hawaiian.” Program presenters included Chip Watson, Avison Young, Brenda Robbins, Georgia Power, and Ben Stafford, Pattillo Industrial Real Estate. Many thanks to sponsor Georgia Power. (L-R): Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber VP of Economic Development; Chip Watson, Avison Young; Ben Stafford, Pattillo Industrial Real Estate; Brenda Robbins and Rope Roberts, Georgia Power.

(L-R): Hilary Gronas, Melaleuca, The Wellness Company; Dr. Linda Barrow, VP Academic Affairs, Lanier Technical College; David N. Westfall, MD, MPH, CPE, District Health Director, District 2; Healthcare Committee Chairman Chad Bolton, Northeast Georgia Health System; Pat Freeman, Executive Director, Legacy Link; Chrissy Greer, Tugaloo Home Health. The Healthcare Committee will meet on April 11. For more on this committee or how to get involved, call Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: jean@ghcc.com

Project Highlights Transportation Referendum â&#x20AC;˘ July 31, 2012 1. New Interchange on I-985, North of SR/13 Atlanta Highway near Martin Road. 2. Jesse Jewell Parkway and John Morrow Parkway Intersection Improvements. 3. McEver Road Intersection Improvements at Gaines Ferry, Lights Ferry, and Stephens Road. 4. Widening of Sardis Road from SR 60/Thompson Bridge Road to Sardis Road. 5. Widening of Spout Springs Road from Hog Mountain Road to Gwinnett County. 6. Widening of SR 211/Old Winder Highway from SR 53/Winder Highway to the Gwinnett County Line. 7. Widening of US 129/SR 11/Athens Highway from SR 323/Gillsville Highway to SR 323 in Jackson County. 8. Widening of US 129/SR 11/Cleveland Highway from Nopone Road to the White County Line. 9. Widening of US 129/SR 11/Cleveland Hwy from Limestone Pkw to Nopone Rd.

Over 240 people gathered for the Chamber's March 14th Transportation Forum with updates and discussion on the upcoming Transportation Referendum on July 31, 2012. Todd Long, Georgia Department of Transportation Director of Planning, was guest speaker and introduced Bayne Smith, the new GDOT District 1 Engineer. (L-R): Srikanth Yamala, Transportation Manager, Gainesville-Hall MPO; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO; Todd Long, GDOT Director of Planning; Bayne Smith, GDOT District 1 Engineer; Doug Callaway, Executive Director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance.

For project information: Srikanth Yamala, Transportation Manager, Gainesville-Hall MPO, 770-531-6809. Email: syamala@hallcounty.org

ConnectGeorgiaMountains.com

Business After Hours at GSC

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(L-R): Namon Collins, Allstate ($100 Cash Pot Prize winner), with Gainesville State College's Mary Transue, VP for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the GSC Foundation; Mack Palmour, Associate VP for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions; Dr. Martha T. Nesbitt, President; Dr. Alicia Caudill, Associate VP for Student Affairs and Dean of the Students; Jennifer Hendrickson, Director of Alumni Affairs; Sloan Jones, Director of Public Relations. The March Business After Hours was held at Gainesville State College's new Academic Building. Don't miss the next Business After Hours at Wilson Orthodontics new building on Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch on Thursday, April 26 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with food and drink catered by Deep South Dogs, Publix on Spout Springs Road, Home Town Spirits and J&J Foods. Cash Pot Prize and $1000 off Invisalign! Details: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com

April 3, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ An Advertising Supplement to The Times

1/4 Page Ad

Economic Development

Annual Transportation Forum draws over 240 citizens

Meetings & Events

APRIL 2012 Wednesday, April 4 Leads Group 11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Wednesday, April 18 Issues Committee 8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, April 4 Human Resources 11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant

Wednesday, April 18 Leads Group 11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Tuesday, April 10 Small Business Success Seminar "Network Your Way to Profit & Prominence" presented by Bill Lampton, Ph.D. 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. – Chamber

Thursday, April 19 Chamber Executive Committee 11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, April 10 Youth Leadership Hall Industry Program 7:50 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Lakewood Baptist Tuesday, April 10 Ambassadors Council 3:45p.m.-4:45 p.m. – Scott's on the Square Wednesday, April 11 Healthcare Committee 8:00 a.m. – Chamber Wednesday, April 11 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. – Panera Bread

April 3, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, April 11 Trip to Ireland Informational Meeting 4:00 p.m. – Chamber

Thursday, April 12 Leadership Hall County Wrap Up Retreat 7:30 a.m. – Riverside Military Academy Thursday, April 12 South Hall Business Coalition "Mitigation Banking" Presented by Dr. Steve Jones, Vice President, Environmental Services, Inc. 8:00a.m.-9:00 a.m. – Elachee Nature Science Center. Friday, April 13 Economic Development Council 7:30 a.m. – Chamber Tuesday, April 17 VISION 2030 Board of Directors 11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Thursday, April 19 2012 Chamber Chase 5K 6:00 p.m. - 5K Runners 6:15 p.m. - 2 Mile Wellness Walk 7:00 p.m. - Awards & Recognition Riverside Military Academy Tuesday, April 24 Youth Leadership Hall Grand Finale/Team Building/Graduation 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Montara Farm Wednesday, April 25 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. – Hilton Garden Inn Thursday, April 26 Chamber Board of Directors 12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center

Small Business Success Seminar Tuesday, April 10 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Free for Members; $15 Non-Members Sponsored by United Community Bank and Jacobs Media

Network Your Way to Profit & Prominence This seminar presented by Bill Lampton, Ph.D., Championship Communication, will make networking a high priority on your to-do list, help you overcome fears of asking for referrals, improve your capacity to remember names, employ the power of "netweaving" and more. Reservations, Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. jean@ghcc.com

South Hall Business Coalition Thursday, April 12 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Elachee Nature Science Center $5 Members • $15 Non-Members • Breakfast Sponsored by Milton Martin Honda and WDUN Radio

Mitigation Banking Program presented by Dr. Steve Jones, Vice President, Environmental Services, Inc. Reservations required. Michelle Wiley, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com. Register online: greaterhallchamber.com

Business After Hours Thursday, April 26

Thursday, April 26 Business After Hours 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. – Wilson Orthodontics 7316 Spout Springs Rd in Flowery Branch

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wilson Orthodontics 7316 Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch (New office!) $5 Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members • Cash Pot Prize!

Friday, April 27 33rd Annual Hacker's Holiday Golf 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start – Legacy on Lanier Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands

With offices in Gainesville, Cleveland and now Flowery Branch, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Lekht and the Wilson Ortho team have a tradition of creating beautiful, confident smiles with a variety of orthodontic solutions. Don’t miss this after hours event with food and drink catered by Deep South Dogs, Publix on Spout Springs Road, Home Town Spirits and J&J Foods. Cash Pot Prize and $1000 OFF Invisalign! Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206.

MAY

104th Annual Meeting & Gala

Thursday, May 10 104th Annual Meeting & Gala 6:30 p.m. – Chattahoochee Country Club

Thursday, May 10

Friday, May 11 Leadership Hall County Graduation and Alumni Party – 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club

6:00 p.m. Cocktails: 7:00 p.m. Dinner Chattahoochee Country Club $75 per person; $125 Couple; $1,000 Table Sponsorship Sponsors: AT&T (platinum), Lake Lanier Islands Resort, Charter Business and Jacobs Media Corporation

Get all the details and register for these events online at greaterhallchamber.com Call the Chamber at 770-532-6206.

The Greater Hall Chamber Annual Meeting & Gala includes an outdoor cocktail party, an elegant buffet dinner, music and dancing. Annual Business Awards will be presented including the Family and Small Business of the Year, Community Service, and Silver Shovel Award Winners. Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com. Reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com

Spring Into a

Come to a free seminar to learn more about weight loss options, both surgical and non-surgical.

* ( ( + , - ( . ( / , 0 / 1 ( ( ( + ' 2 3 will offer diet and exercise tips, including information about Northeast Georgia Medical Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4-week weight loss education program, Living Lighter, while - , 4 2 will discuss surgical weight loss options including banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

MS, , CDE, Bariatric Program Dietitian Bariatric Weight Loss Center at Northeast Georgia Medical Center , FACS,

The Longstreet Clinic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Obesity Solutions ,

Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Surgical Associates !" # $ % &" ' Walters Auditorium at NGMC Gainesville, GA

( !) # $ % &" ' Hall County Library Spout Springs Branch Flowery Branch, GA

Registration and a light sandwich supper begin at 5:30 p.m.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center

Member of the Month 4 columns 10x10

Member Announcements April 3, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

• The Spout Springs Library Farmers Market opens April 26 and is open every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. The Hall County Farmers Market on Jesse Jewell Parkway at Exit 24 off I-985 opens May 8 and is open Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m. and Saturdays at 7:00 a.m. The Gainesville Market on the Square begins June 1 and is open on Fridays from 2:30-6:00 p.m. • Hall County Master Gardener's Spring Plant Sale is April 6 and 7 at Chicopee Woods Ag Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road. $2 Adult; Children Free. hcmgs.com • The Greater Hall Chamber, in partnership with Wide Travel, presents A Trip to Ireland, October 29 - November 5 (8 days, 9 meals, 3 dinners). Learn more from Jennifer Gyorffy, Collette Vacations, at a meeting on Wednesday, April 11, 4:00 pm at the Chamber. Joy Sims, 770-532-6206. Email: jsims@ghcc.com • Keep Hall Beautiful's Spring Chicken Festival is April 28 with the Annual Chicken Cookoff, a parade and a 5K race. Proceeds go to plant trees in Hall County and provide environmental education in elementary schools. keephallbeautiful.org • Sterling on the Lake's 5th Annual Sterling Stampede 5K & Tot Trot is April 21. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Hall County Animal Shelter. sterling-life.com • Gainesville Theatre Alliance concludes their 32nd season with "The Importance

of Being Earnest" at 7:30 pm, April 10 at Gainesville State College’s Ed Cabell Theatre. Free Opening Night Reception, catered by Scott's on the Square. Show runs through April 21, with 2:30 pm matinees on April 15 and 22. Tickets: 678-717-3624 or gainesvilletheatrealliance.org • Some 500 people from Jazzercise Fitness Center of Gainesville and Braselton and throughout North Georgia helped raise $186,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at a benefit class in Atlanta in February. jazzercise.com • Longstreet Cancer Center is one of only two practices in Georgia and 116 in the U.S. to be certified by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The QOPI® program is an initiative to certify oncology practices that meet rigorous standards for high-quality cancer care. longstreetclinic.com • The Hall County Elections and Voter Registration Office will move April 6 to the new county government headquarters at 2875 Browns Bridge Road. This is the first department to relocate to the new building, and the rest of the administration is expected to move this fall. hallcounty.org • Hasty Pope partner Jonathan Pope recently spoke at the Southern Trial Lawyers Association conference in New Orleans. Named a Rising Star by his peers in 2006,

2009 and 2010 in the Atlanta Magazine Super Lawyers edition, Pope was selected by Georgia Trend as one of the state’s 40 under 40 in 2004. He serves as regional vice president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. hastypope.com • City of Lula's upcoming events includes the 36th Annual Railroad Days on Saturday, May 5 with a parade at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street and vendors and booths at the Lula Depot. Some Gave All 5K Run is Saturday, May 12 at 4:00 p.m. at Rafe Banks Park, and Lula's Memorial Day Celebration is Monday, May 28 at Veterans Park. 770-869-3801. luladda.info • Gainesville State College Alumni Association celebrates 27 years at Alumni Weekend on April 13-14. GSC Alumni will reconnect with their alma mater with a series of fun and informative events and activities. Email Jennifer Hendrickson at jhendrickson@gsc.edu or call 678-7173648. gsc.edu/alumni • The Greater Hall Chamber's Beautification Committee is seeking nominations for the spring Residential Beautification Award. To make a nomination, call Robin Halstead, 770-532-6206 or email: rhalstead@ghcc.com • Milton Martin Toyota (MMT) received the prestigious 2011 Toyota President’s Award, the highest honor for a Toyota dealership awarded for a commitment to

maintaining Toyota's high standards for customer satisfaction. MMT is a third generation family business founded by Milton Martin and is now operated by his sons and owners, Mike and Ricky Martin and grandsons, Tommy, Brandon and Evan Martin. miltonmartintoyota.com • Leadership Hall County's Graduation and Alumni Party is Friday, May 11, 7:0010:00 p.m. at the Chattahoochee County Club. Alumni: $10 per person. Reservations, Dana Miller, 770-532-6206. Email: dmiller@ghcc.com • Kenny Gee, Vice President of Conditioned Air Systems, Inc. in Gainesville, earned LEED Green Associate certification, a nationally accepted benchmark for designing, constructing and operating high-performance green buildings. conditionedairsystems.com • The City of Gainesville announces Regina Mansfield as the Main Street Manager. Mansfield served as the Better Hometown Manager for the City of Byron for three years. gainesville.org • Braselton Police Chief Terry Esco announced that the town's Police Department earned official state certification, joining 96 law enforcement agencies in Georgia with the distinction. braselton.net

GOT NEWS?

Email: kwest@ghcc.com

Southern Companions, LLC

AkzoNobel Celebrates 30 Years

Tim Taylor, Allen Jernigan and Tanya Flynn cut ribbon at Southern Companions, LLC, a home care giving company that provides sitter, companion and personal care. The company has certified nursing assistants that complete rigorous training and a background check system. Southern Companions is owned by Tim Taylor, Allen and Tara Jernigan, who is a 28 year veteran nurse. 623 Green Street, Suite B, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-356-9587. southerncompanions.net

Since 1982, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints' facility in Oakwood has been a manufacturing and distribution site for latex paints. The 66-acre campus produces such familiar brand names as Glidden® and Ralph Lauren Paint®. Under the direction of Alexander George, Operations Director, the Oakwood plant employs 120 people, eight of whom have been employed at the facility for 30 years since it opened. 6262 W. White Road, Oakwood, GA 30566. akzonobel.com

King's Hawaiian Opens in Oakwood Chattahoochee Country Club

(L to R) Curtis Taira, King's Hawaiian Vice President of Engineering; Governor Nathan Deal; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President/CEO; Mark Taira, CEO, King's Hawaiian, at the grand opening ceremony of the 120,000-square-foot King's Hawaiian plant off H.F. Reed Industrial Parkway in Oakwood. The bakery expects to have 150 employees by the end of the year and with future expansions up to 250 to 260 total workers. kingshawaiian.com

Chattahoochee Country Club's Todd Ferguson, Pool & Athletic Committee Chair, and Bradley Dunckel, President, cut ribbon for the Grand Re-Opening of the Athletic Center. The new facility features cardio equipment by Matrix with LCD screen TV’s and iPod/iPhone capabilities, along with a new fitness classroom, weight room, men’s and women’s locker rooms and interior design. The renovation allows the Club to provide more services and classes including; Spin, Kettle Bells, Kid’s Fit, Zumba, Tai Chai and Cross training. Chattahoochee Country Club, 3000 Club Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506. 770-536-4461. chattahoocheecountryclub.com

April 3, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Community Development

VISION 2030 Greenspace

CHAMBER CHASE

April 19

Riverside Military Academy 5K Run at 6 p.m. 2 Mile Wellness Walk at 6:15 p.m.

Thank You Training Sponsors Family Life Center • Frances Meadows Center Georgia Mountains YMCA • Hall County Parks & Leisure • Jazzercise • The Body Sanctuary

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The VISION 2030 Greenspace Committee recently toured the Atlanta Beltline Attending the tour was (L-R): VISION 2030 Chair Kelly Miles, Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles; VISION 2030 Vice Chair Carl Romberg, Citisco; RK Whitehead, Whitehead Die Casting; Andrea Timpone, Elachee Nature Science Center; Brent Hoffman, Prudential Georgia Realty, and VISION 2030 Executive Director Meg Nivens (not pictured). The Atlanta Beltline project seeks to preserve the environment and has potential to "transform the City of Atlanta through combined parks and greenspace, transit and trails, transportation and pedestrian access, affordable workforce housing and public art" along 22 miles of historic rail segments and encircle the urban core. The Atlanta beltline will ultimately connect 45 neighborhoods. It is one of the most comprehensive economic development tools ever undertaken in Atlanta. The Greater Hall Chamber's VISION 2030 group views the Beltline as a model of environmental sustainability, effective land use and historic preservation. beltline.org

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Welcome New Chamber Members

Baxter's Shirt Factory Ginny Crumley 2480 Limestone Parkway Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-2453 - Retail / Screen Printing baxtersshirtfactory.com Control Specialties, Inc. Margie Moschetti 2503 Monroe Drive Gainesville, GA 30507 (770) 532-7736 - Retail / Industrial control-specialties.com Elizabeth Carswell 810 Cherokee Road Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 540-6970 - Individual Member

Labor of Love Adult Care Karen Romaine Thomas 1000 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 6143 Suwanee, GA 30024 (678) 613-1412 - Senior Care laborofloveadultcare.com Mountain Fresh Creamery, LLC Scott Glover & Jennifer Glover 6615 Cleveland Highway Clermont, GA 30527 (770) 983-1666 - Agribusiness mountainfreshcreamery.com Paint Recyclers, Inc. Mike Arnett 2314 Danbury Lane Gainesville, GA 30507 (770) 503-0050 - Paint Recycling Patty Walters Laine P.O. Box 3067 Gainesville, GA 30503 (678) 316-2450 - Attorney pattywalterslaine.com

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The Gaines Group, LLP Steve Gaines 7502 Loch Fyuela Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (719) 641-2416 Woodmen of the World Pat Frappampina 7401 Lazy Hammock Way Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (770) 533-3399 - Insurance / Financial Services woodmen.org Learn about all the benefits of Chamber Membership – call Kara Matter, Membership Coordinator, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206. Email: kmatter@ghcc.com. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

The Board of Directors of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jay Jacobs, Chairman-Elect Randall Frost and President & CEO Kit Dunlap invite you to celebrate Gainesville-Hall County's success over the past year at the

104th Annual Meeting & Gala Thursday, May 10, 2012 6:00 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Country Club Recognizing

Small Business of the Year – Family Business of the Year Silver Shovel Award Winners W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award – Community Service Award Sponsored by

Black Tie Optional Cocktails 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Program 7:00 p.m. Reservations Required Michelle Wiley 770-532-6206 Email - mwiley@ghcc.com Online - greaterhallchamber.com

AT&T Lake Lanier Islands Resort Jacobs Media Corporation Charter Business

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Outdoor Cocktail Reception Elegant Buffet Dinner Jazz Music & Dancing Cash Bar $75 per person $125 couple $1000 Table Sponsorship

April 3, 2012 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

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Sheila Sanchez Agent / State Farm Insurance 3030 McEver Rd, Suite 110 Gainesville, GA 30504 (718) 687-0661 - Insurance

Membership Development

Avocado’s Restaurant Albert Lunalover 109 Bradford Street, SE Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-0001 - Restaurant

Key Economic Indicators

April 3, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

AAA Scales & Systems

Greater Hall County Area Jobless Employment Rates Hall County

Small Business Success Seminar (L-R): Jeff Rice, Eagles Wings; Francois Levesque, Electronic Sales Co.; Program presenters from TRC Staffing Doug Langman, Franchise Owner, and Kathy Parks, Senior Staffing Specialist; Margaret Miller, Applied Images. The next Small Business Seminar is April 10 and will be presented by Bill Lampton, PhD of Championship Communication.

Feb 2012

Previous Month

12-Month High

9.0%

One Year Ago

Feb 2011

F M A M J J

Gainesville City

8.3

Cherokee Dawson

7.6 8

Forsyth

Feb 2011

Jan 2012

S O N D J

2011

Gwinnett Jackson Ga Mountains State of Georgia

8 9.1 8.2 9.2

U.S.

8.8

12 Updated 3/27

Retail Sales

3.0

The Norton Agency Key Economic Indicators $ 199,678,703 2 columns 182,708,474 255,603,639 4.4167 x 10 Hall County

2.0

Latest February 2012

Previous Month

One Year Ago

January 2012

February 2011

1.0

Hall County retail sales figures are estimated from the 1% sales tax collected for Hall. For example, $11 million in tax revenue represents retail sales of approximately $100 million.

A M J J A S O N D J F 2011

12 Updated 3/27

Housing Permits Issued - Hall County Latest

February 8 Previous Month

Thank You Chamber Sponsors Advantage Staffing • AT&T • Bennett Family Dentistry • Biotrauma Breakfield & Associates LLC • Charter Business • Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia Chick-fil-A Stonebridge Crossing • Consumers Life • Delta Community Credit Union Gainesville Coca Cola • Gainesville Eye Associates Gainesville Heart & Vascular Group • Georgia MedPort • J&J Foods • Jackson EMC Jacobs Media • Lafarge Aggregates • The Longstreet Clinic • Mansfield Energy McDonald's • Milton Martin Honda • Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic Northeast Georgia Health System • Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Publix • Riverside Military Academy • The Times • Turner, Wood & Smith Turnstile Deli • United Community Bank • U.S. Army Recruiting • Walgreens WDUN Radio • Wilson Orthodontics

Latest

7.6 AAA Scales & Systems, Inc. is a family owned business operated by Donald Robertson and son, Tim. The company services Georgia poultry, concrete and asphalt businesses and others with industrial scales. With 10 employees, they sell, service and repair scales with a fleet of three large test trucks and five service vehicles. Donald has been in the scale business since 1970, starting his own company in Gainesville in 1993. AAA has seen specific sales growth in the past three years and is proud to be profitable since the beginning of the business. Donald says of being a small business owner, “I can control my own destiny and am able to treat my employees and customers, not just as a number, but as people I really know.” AAA Scales & Systems, Inc., 3212 Harmony Church Road, Gainesville, GA 30507. 770-523-2316. aaascales.com

100’s millions of dollars

Chamber Chair Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media, Membership Vice Chair Jimbo Floyd, Turner, Wood & Smith, President/CEO Kit Dunlap with Donald, Sheila and Tim Robertson of AAA Scales & Systems, Inc.

Percent

Economic Development

Small Business of the Month

2011 Total

One Year Ago

Jan 2012

Feb 2011

180

2012 YTD

Area Permits County Barrow Dawson Gwinnett Forsyth Jackson

Feb 2012 3 2 62 99 1

Feb 2011 3 1 34 55 0

Jan 2012 3 2 47 88 1

Total 2011 25 34 555 1,099 22

2012 YTD 6 4 109 187 3

Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home Area

Feb 2012

Avg Feb Price 2011

Avg Price

Jan 2012

Avg Price

Total 2011

Avg Total Price 2012

Avg Price

City

97,320

70,021

136,936

180

132,902

117,128

North

182,233

192,697

174,212

384

203,902

118,223

East

66,720

57,340

72,274

238

79,629

69,497

South

121,930

146,156

114,051

296

131,000

167,990

West

159,388

157,078

201,199

558

182,192

180,294 Updated 3/27

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

Youth Leadership class members (Front, L-R): Emily Bruns, West Hall High School; Gracie Peck, Chestatee; Kylie Gibbs and Trent Kenton, Flower Branch. (Back, L-R): Drew Garland, Flowery Branch; Zach Groover, East Hall; John Stenzel, Gainesville; Tucker Bond, North Hall; Hayden Chapman, East Hall. A tour of the Hall County Detention Center let the group see first-hand the inner workings of the jail with Sheriff Steve Cronic joining the tour to discuss the jail and answer questions regarding his role as sheriff. At Brenau University lunch was sponsored by Breakfield & Associates, LLC. Mark Alexander, Stewart, Melvin & Frost, facilitated discussion on a current event that the class used in a mock trial. At the Hall County Courthouse, Paul House discussed the Gang Task Force. Many thanks to meal sponsors Chick-fil-A of Stonebridge Crossing and Breakfield & Associates.

Leadership Hall Class Member Julia Clay, Brenau University, interacts with calf at Truelove Dairy as part of the Industry Program. The class visited Kubota Manufacturing of America with a tour led by Phil Sutton, Chief Administrative Officer, seeing first-hand the manufacturing of lawn tractors and mowers from start to finish. At Mansfield Energy, John Byrd, Chief Financial Officer, spoke about the company, its vision for the future and how the organization is at the forefront of research and technology for their industry. At Wells Fargo, members of the class heard from Phil Bonelli, VP of Community Banking, on the banking industry's partnership with the Chamber’s Economic Development team. The group toured several industrial parks while Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber VP of Economic Development, and Shelley Davis, VP of Existing Industry, talked about the variety of manufacturers and processors we have in Hall County. Truelove Dairy owners Dixie Truelove and Jerry Truelove discussed the agricultural business in Hall County. The program concluded with a reception at the Northeast Georgia History Center, and Glen Kyle, Executive Director, reviewed current exhibits. Many thanks to lunch sponsor Wells Fargo and transportation sponsor Northeast Georgia Health System.

Building on history to grow a future for our clients. That’s who we are.

Meet Barclay Rushton

Leadership Hall County

Rushton & Company – Tax Division

Barclay Rushton, founding partner of Rushton & Company, opened his doors for business more than 30 years ago. Since then, the firm has opened doors to successful futures for literally hundreds of businesses and individuals across North Georgia. Rushton & Company now numbers over 30 professionals, and Barclay will be the first to tell you that it’s the “& Company” contingent of partners and staff that enables the firm to provide today’s high-level complement of strategic, world-class service and counsel.

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B USINESS S PECIALTY S EGMENTS • Agribusiness • Healthcare • Construction • Inbound/Outbound International Business • Manufacturing • Estate Planning, Administration • Government Audits • Non-Profit Audits

C ERTIFIED P UBLIC A CCOUNTANTS 770.287.7800 | RushtonandCompany.com

April 3, 2012 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

E d uc at i o n & Wo r k f o r c e

Leadership Hall County

E d uc at i o n & Wo r k f o r c

igh School; Back, nzel, ur of the kings of nswer ponsored Frost, l. At the any thanks Associates.

Youth Leadership Hall

your success is our difference

Back Page Ad

chattahoochee Bank of Georgia proudly provided 10 x 7.5 the construction and permanent financing for dr. ron Wilson’s new medical office building on spout springs road.

Most banks claim their difference is “customer service”. At Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia, we focus on customer success. When you are ready for a banking partner dedicated to your success, call us at (770) 536-0607 or stop by our office located at 643 E. E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville. 643 E. E. Butler Parkway • (770) 536-0607 • www.chattahoocheebank.com MEMBER FDIC

Upcoming Chamber Events SmallSmall Business Business Marketing Seminar Workshop Tuesday, February Tuesday, April 1014 Marketing Networking to ProfitTrends & Prominence PresentedbybyBill Gordon Sawyer Presented Lampton, PhD 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. – The Oaks at Championship Communication Lanier Charter 7:45 a.m. - 9:00Career a.m. –Academy Chamber Business After Hours South Hall Business Coalition Thursday, February Thursday, April 1216 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Mitigation Banking by Dr. Steve Jones Luna's Restaurant VP, Environmental Services, Inc. 200 Main Street 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hunt Tower in Downtown Gainesville Elachee Nature Science Center

Chamber 5K Run/Walk Arbor Chase Day Celebration Friday, February 17 Thursday, April 19 10:005Ka.m. 6:00 p.m. Runners Frances Center 6:15 p.m. 2 Meadows Mile Wellness Walk 7:00 p.m. Awards Celebration SafeRiverside & GreenMilitary Regional Assembly Academy Friday, February 24 8:00 a.m. -After 12:00Hours p.m. Business Georgia Mountains Center Thursday, April 26 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Annual Transportation Forum Wilson Orthodontics Wednesday, March 14 New Office in Flowery Branch 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Great Food, Fun, Prizes Gainesville State College

U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #47 GAINESVILLE, GA

Hackers Holiday Tournament Job Fair and Golf Career Expo Wednesday, March Friday, April 27 28 10:00a.m. a.m.Shotgun - 3:00 p.m. 10:00 Start GeorgiaonMountains Center Legacy Lanier Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands Resort Get Details & Register Online: greaterhallchamber.com Get Details & Register Online:

CAR-RT SORT

greaterhallchamber.com

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