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Thursday, March 26 5K Run - 6:00 p.m. 2 Mile Walk - 6:10 p.m. Awards - 7:00 p.m.
The Chamber's 8th Annual Chamber Chase 5K Run and 2 Mile Wellness Walk is presented by AEON Clinical Laboratories on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. Register online now for the race at ChamberChase5k.com Registration is $30 and $35 after March 14. Register online through March 20, or register in person at the Chamber office (230 E.E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville) through March 25. All participants will receive a complimentary Race Shirt.
Chamber Chase is a healthcare initiative of the VISION 2030 program and seeks to promote both individual and corporate wellness. The 5K Run and 2 Mile Wellness Walk encourages a get fit stay fit lifestyle. With over 2,000 participants in last year's race, the community-wide wellness event offers fun for all ages. Team Awards will be presented including: Fastest Corporate Team; Fastest Community Team and Fastest CEO! Team Spirit Awards are presented as well as T-Shirt Contest Awards. For the more serious runners, awards are presented to the Overall Male & Female and Top Male & Female in several age groups. Food and drink, awards, music and giveaways are part of the fun following the race/walk at “Hall County’s Largest Office Party”! Tent rentals are available and are a great way to display your company's products or provide a gathering place for your corporate team. Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com. Info Online: ChamberChase5k.com
Register Online Now! ChamberChase5K.com
Annual Transportation Forum Thursday, March 12 11:30 am - 1:00 pm University of North Georgia
Gainesville Campus / Continuing Education Auditorium
Updates on Transportation Issues & Projects Open to the Public – Includes Lunch Featuring
McMurry, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Transportation Russell McMurry Brent Cook, District 1 Engineer, Georgia Department of Transportation Srikanth Yamala, Director, Gainesville-Hall Metro Planning Organization The forum is open to the public and creates discussion with transportation officials, Chamber members, business professionals and community leaders. $15 Chamber Members; $20 Guests. Includes lunch. Reservations required. Joy Sims, 770-532-6206. Email: jsims@ghcc.com
March 17 referendum | Early voting through March 13 www.splostvii.com
Save the Date Tuesday, March 10 Small Business Seminar Thursday, March 12 Transportation Forum Thursday, March 26 Chamber Chase 2015
MARCH 2015
A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
From the Chairman
Transportation: An Economic Engine Transportation planning plays a fundamental role in a community’s vision for its future. Transportation helps shape an area’s economic health and quality of life. Not only does the transportation system provide for the mobility of people and goods, it also influences patterns of growth and economic activity by providing access to land. Transportation is one of the most determining factors in economic activity. It is an economic engine.
David Lee Jackson EMC Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
The transportation planning process is more than just listing highway and transit capital projects. It requires developing strategies for operating, managing, maintaining, and financing the area’s transportation system in such a way as to advance the area’s long-term goals. An important part of the planning process is the public's participation in developing long term goals and setting short term priorities for the region's transportation system.
The Greater Hall Chamber's Annual Transportation Forum is Thursday, March 12. The event is open to the public and creates discussion with transportation officials, Chamber members, business professionals and community leaders. Longtime Georgia Department of Transportation executive Russell McMurry, Commissioner of the Transportation Department, will be guest speaker. McMurry was elected commissioner in January and oversees a budget in excess of $2 billion and over 4,100 employees. Also on the program is Cumming native Brent Cook, GDOT District 1 Engineer. Cook oversees the 21 counties in Northeast Georgia that makeup District 1,, which includes Hall County County. The Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO) is the intergovernmental transportation planning body for Hall County and a portion of western Jackson County. The GHMPO conducts the federally mandated transportation planning process for the Gainesville Urbanized Area and portions of the Atlanta Urbanized Area, as identified in the 2010 U.S. Census. Srikanth Yamala, GHMPO Director, will also speak at the forum on March 12. Yamala is an experienced urban planner, working with local governments and regional agencies dealing with principles, practices, and trends of land use and transportation planning.
March 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
SPLOST VII and Transportation
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SPLOST VII would primarily fund public safety, roads and infrastructure – all of which must be funded in some manner as a foundation for our local economy and everyday life. Of the proposed March 17 referendum | Early voting through March 13 SPLOST VII Projects, Road Improvements are a top priority. www.splostvii.com Road improvements projects include right-of-way land purchases for the widening of Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch, county-wide road resurfacings, bridge replacements at Joe Chandler and Hubert Stephens Roads along with culvert replacements and traffic safety improvements.
Business Link VOLUME 20 ISSUE 9 McKemie West, Editor • Email: kwest@ghcc.com
greaterhallchamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
2014-2015 Executive Committee Chairman David Lee, Jackson EMC
Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications Katie Dubnik Forum Communications
Chairman Elect Brian Daniel Carroll Daniel Construction Co. Vice Chair, Membership Development Treasurer Tony Paramore David Abee, Regions Bank Gainesville Design Center Vice Chair, Economic Development Brian Rochester Rochester & Associates Vice Chair, Education Andi Farmer Milton Martin Honda Vice Chair, Government William Bagwell Homestead Investments
Co-Chairs, HALLmark Paul Chambers, AT&T Jimbo Floyd Turner Wood & Smith Insurance Randall Frost Stewart, Melvin & Frost Senior Advisor R.K. Whitehead Whitehead Die Casting
Vice Chair, South Hall Council Andy Kalinauskas Immediate Past Chairman Conditioned Air Systems Dixie Truelove Truelove Dairy Vice Chair, Community Development President & CEO Deborah Mack, Volunteer Kit Dunlap Greater Hall Chamber of Chair, VISION 2030 Commerce Davis White LinkPoint Advantage Meg Nivens, Executive Director
Board of Directors 2014-2015 Charlotte Atkins, The Times Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness Col James Benson, Riverside Military Academy Phil Bonelli, Wells Fargo John Breakfield, Breakfield & Associates Carol Burrell, NEGA Health System Jay Cooper Cooper, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia Dr. Wanda Creel, Gainesville City Schools Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville Sam Evans, City of Oakwood Tony Funari, City of Braselton Funk, The Longstreet Clinic Loren Funk Rob Geoffroy, The Atlanta Falcons John Geyer Geyer, J Geyer Advertising Will Hicks, Stifel Dr. Bonita Jacobs, University of North Georgia Anna Jacobs, Jacobs Media Lane Jones, Highland Mountain Beverage Jay Kelly, Signs By Tomorrow Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy
Jullie King, The Longstreet Clinic Locklear, Cox Communications Mary Jane Locklear Steve McNeilly, NEGA Health System Dick Mecum, Chair, Hall County Commission Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch Mike Miller Steve Naughton, Community Volunteer James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont Greg Ours, Poly Enterprises Dr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical College Larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville Puryear, Mansfield Energy Brad Puryear Ron Quinn, Peach State Bank Barbara Rambo, ProCare Rx Will Schofield, Hall County Schools Dr. Ed Schraeder Schraeder, Brenau University Darrell Snyder Snyder, Georgia Power Milton Turner Turner, Mayor, City of Lula Wilheit, Gainesville Hall County Philip Wilheit Development Authority Mike Williams, Lanier Islands
Associate Directors 2014-2015 Michael Baldwin, Charter Business Morgan House, Lake Lanier Olympic Venue Dawn Justus, United Community Bank Terry Merck Merck, American Yazaki David Miller Miller, Brenau University Debbie Morrin, ComCast Spotlight Ryan Owen, Kubota
Clay Pilgrim, Rushton & Company Carol Shirley, South State Bank Jeff Sims, Hamilton State Bank Al Trembley, WSI Digital Rainmakers Staci Tunkel, Center Point Spencer Walker Walker, NGMT
Staff Executive Kit Dunlap, President/CEO Joy Sims, Executive Assistant
Be a part of the process of planning for our future at the Transportation Forum on Thursday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the University of North Georgia. A boxed lunch is included. $15 Chamber members; $20 for non-members. Call Joy Sims, 770-532-6206 x 106 for reservations. Email: jsims@ghcc.com, or make your reservations online at greaterhallchamber.com
Economic Development Tim Evans, Vice President Shelley Davis, Vice President Existing Industry Amanda Lewis, Project Manager Joshua Stephens, Project Manager
Keep a good thing going by supporting the SPLOST VII. The one penny sales tax is a fair tax – everyone pays! On March 17, we will vote whether to continue SPLOST in our community. Early voting is now available through March 13 at the Hall County Government Center on Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville. Vote "YES" and keep a good thing going.
Membership Development Megan Martin, Vice President, Development Kara Tate, Vice President, Membership Sales
Finance & Operations David Umberson, Vice President Finance & HR
Education Dana Miller Miller, Vice President
Government Affairs Joshua Stephens, Project Manager South Hall Council Megan Martin, Vice President Membership Community Development Robin Halstead, Vice President VISION 2030 Meg Nivens, Executive Director Marketing & Communications Kemie West West, Business Link Editor/Consultant Greater Hall Chamber Welcome Center Robin Halstead, Manager
March 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development
Let's Keep a Good Thing Going
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Hall County, its municipalities, and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce have supported the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) since its inception in 1985. All but three of Georgia's 159 counties have the SPLOST in place, and there are many reasons for such wide-spread support in our state. There are great benefits to SPLOST and perhaps none greater than the one-penny tax is paid by everyone who shops or purchases goods in Hall County. An estimated 40% of SPLOST revenues comes from shoppers and Kit Dunlap tourists visiting our community. In our daily shopping President & CEO around town, we hardly notice paying an extra penny on Greater Hall Chamber the dollar. But over the next five years, all those pennies would add up to a projected $158 million. This is money that is collected locally, then invested right back into our community. Without SPLOST, the likely alternative would be higher property taxes, unfairly shifting the tax burden onto the backs of local property owners. Even those who don’t own property are affected, potentially facing higher apartment and office rents without the one-penny SPLOST. SPLOST VII would primarily fund public safety, roads and infrastructure – all of which must be funded in some manner as a foundation for our local economy and everyday life.
Job Fair on April 2 The Greater Hall Chamber's Job Fair is Thursday, April 2 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Gainesville Civic Center and is a great opportunity for both employers and job seekers. The event is open to the public with NO admission fee! Employers will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of job candidates face-to-face during a short period of time. Employer booths are available for $300 ($325 with electricity) $200 for Non-Profits ($225 with electricity). For job seekers, the event provides coveted face-time and personal contact with hiring managers. The Presenting Sponsor is SPHERION. Additional sponsors include Express Employment Professionals (Platinum); Kings Hawaiian (Gold); HTI Employment Solutions (Silver). Goods/Service Sponsors: Gainesville Area Employer Committee, Signs by Tomorrow Tomorrow, Lanier Technical College, McDonald's, Milton Martin Honda. For Exhibit Info, contact Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
Digital Marketing Workshop
EARLY VOTING NOW THROUGH MARCH 13 On March 17, we will vote whether to continue SPLOST in our community for the seventh time. A Yes vote will “keep a good thing going” for another five years – starting in July 2015. Vote early through March 13 at the Hall County Government Center. For details and a complete list of SPLOST VII projects, visit splostvii.com Center
Let’s keep property taxes down. Vote Yes for SPLOST. The one-penny local sales tax is the fair tax because everyone pays. In fact, up to 40 percent of the tax is estimated to be paid by shoppers and tourists passing through our community. Without SPLOST, the likely alternative to pay for much-needed road repairs, public safety needs, and new youth ball fields would be higher property taxes. Since 1985, Hall County and its municipalities have always supported SPLOST. This time around, let’s keep a good thing going! For a complete list of SPLOST VII projects, visit www.splostvii.com.
March 17 referendum Early voting through March 13 Provided by Hall Progress 2015 Committee, Chairman William Bagwell
Digital Marketing Workshop Presenters (L-R): Elyse Sims,WSI Digital Rainmakers; Suzanne Erickson Erickson,, Brenau University University;; Dallas Sage, Brooklyn Rains and Kathryn Brown, Full Media; Al Trembley Brown Trembley,WSI Digital Rainmakers. Over 80 people (maximum capacity) attended the marketing seminar sponsored by Charter Business, Full Media, Brenau University and WSI Digital Rainmakers. Mark your calendar for the Small Business Seminar on March 10 as executives from Morton, Vardeman & Carlson discuss how to Brand Your Business. Details: 770-532-6206 x 111.
South Hall Business Coalition The South Hall Business Coalition will meet on Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 a.m. at Elachee Nature Science Center. Come learn all about Elachee and get an update on upcoming projects and activities. In the last year, Elachee hosted 31,879 students from 255 schools in metro Atlanta and North Georgia with 1,700 visitors at the popular “Snake Day” along with 30,000 trail users. Elachee has the only SACS accredited Nature Preschool in the Southeast! The Preschool's youngest students spend 50% or more time outdoors learning hands on. Exciting activities include new exhibits now underway as well as the hosting of a large national nature conference, the Nature Center Administrators (ANCA), in August 2015. elachee.org South Hall Business Coalition meetings are $5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members and are sponsored by Milton Martin Honda and Red Clay Interactive. Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com
www.edwardjones.com
Wednesday, March 4 Healthcare Committee 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber Friday, March 6 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Cotton Eyed Joe's 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 2136 Hilton Drive in Gainesville Tuesday, March 10 Small Business Seminar "Branding Your Business" Presented by John Vardeman and Tina Carlson, Morton, Vardeman & Carlson 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. MDC at Featherbone Communiversity Tuesday, March 10 Youth Leadership Hall Quality of Life & Etiquette program 7:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club Tuesday, March 10 Ambassadors Council 3:45 p.m. – 2 Dog Cafe in Gainesville Wednesday, March 11 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Chick-fil-A of Gainesville Thursday, March 12 Leadership Hall County Quality of Life Program 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Elachee Nature Science Center
Wednesday, March 18 Lunch 'n Learn 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Flowery Branch Train Depot Thursday, March 19 South Hall Business Coalition Update on Elachee Nature Science Center 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville 30504 Thursday, March 19 Chamber Executive Committee 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Chamber Friday, March 20 New Member Orientation 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber Wednesday, March 25 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Publix at Village Shops of Flowery Branch Thursday, March 26 Chamber Board of Directors 12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center
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Thursday, March 26 8th Annual Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk 6:00 p.m. – Riverside Military Academy Register online: ChamberChase5K.com
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APRIL 2015
Beth Baldwin
Thursday, April 2 Job Fair 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Financial Advisor
439 Green Street Northwest Gainesville, GA 30501 770-534-1220
Friday, April 24 36th Annual Hackers Golf Tournament 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Legacy on Lanier at Lanier Islands
Thursday, March 12 Business After Hours Sponsored by HTI Employment Solutions Thursday, April 30 Scott's Downtown in Gainesville Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Sullivan & Schlieman 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 13 Economic Development Council MAY 2015 7:30 a.m. – Chamber Thursday, May 14 Tuesday, March 17 107th Annual Meeting & Gala VISION 2030 Board of Directors 6:00 p.m. Outdoor Reception 11:30 a.m. – Chamber 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Awards Program Chattahoochee Country Club Wednesday, March 18 Issues Committee Get details on these and other Chamber 8:00 a.m. – Chamber events online: greaterhallchamber.com
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
March 3, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
Thursday, March 12 Annual Transportation Forum 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus, Cont Ed Building
Meetings & Events
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The 8th Annual Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk presented by AEON Clinical Laboratories is Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. Online registration is available through March 20 at ChamberChase5k.com Register in person at the Chamber office (230 E.E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville) through March 25. Registration fee is $30; $35 after March 14. Details: Megan Martin, 770532-6206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com Online: ChamberChase5k.com
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March 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Register Online Now - March 20
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Business Before Hours
2015 Chamber Chase 5K
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Economic Development Division Project Manager in Economic Development. Research and prepare RFP’s for prospective businesses. Manage Economic Development events and meetings. Coordinate prospect visits. Marketing and commercial real estate backgrounds helpful. Degree required. To apply, send resume to: Human Resources Manager, P.O. Box 374, Gainesville, GA 30503 or Email: resumes@ghcc.com
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Since 1998, Cotton Eyed Joe’s (CEJ) has established itself as a leader in custom imprinted products. A family owned business, they are committed to providing customers with the highest quality embroidered and screen printed merchandise at the most competitive price with fast turnarounds, creative branding services and fully custom artwork and design. For professional screen printing, embroidery, digital printing or branding, call 770-718-1119 or visit cejoes.com. No charge for Chamber members. Breakfast by The Longstreet Cafe and Door Prizes! Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com
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7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Cotton Eyed Joe's at 2136 Hilton Drive in Gainesville No Charge • Complimentary Breakfast
Business After Hours Thursday, March 12
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by HTI Employment Solutions Scott's Downtown $5 Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members • Cash Prize Drawing Join us for networking, food and drink at Scott's Downtown for Business After Hours sponsored by HTI Employment Solutions, a multi-faceted human resource advisory firm providing professional recruiting, industrial staffing, human resource consulting, and outplacement services. HTI is one of the Southeast’s most innovative and versatile human resource firms, leveraging the development and delivery of custom-designed programs. Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com
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Member Announcements March 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
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• Chamber Chase 5K & 2 Mile Wellness Walk is Thursday, March 26 at Riverside Military Academy. Drop by the Chamber office to register or register online at ChamberChase5K.com. $30 and $35 after March 14. All runners and walkers must register individually. • Governor Deal appointed Hall County Schools Superintendent Will Schofield to the state's Education Reform Commission; Alan Wayne of Flowery Branch to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Directors; and Hall County Solicitor Stephanie Woodard to the Commission on Family Violence. • Louis G. Smith, Jr., is the president of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville. With over 21 years of healthcare experience, he most recently served as chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann Northeast Campus in Houston, Texas, where he received their highest honor – the 2014 Dan S. Wilford Spirit Award – for “integrity, spirituality and compassion for patients, family, employees and volunteers. nghs.com • Deadline for Leadership Hall 20152016 nominations is March 15. Details: Dana Miller, 770-532-6206 x 113. Email: dmiller@ghcc.com • Brent Hoffman with Berkshire Hathaway Georgia Properties Commercial Division in Gainesville, received the prestigious 10-year “Legend” award for attaining the highest level in Berkshire Hathaway’s nationwide ranking, known as the Chairman’s Circle, at Platinum Level (only earned by the top 1% of the company’s total sales professionals in the US). Brent specializes in commercial and acreage real estate in our area. 770-5336721. BrentHoffman.com • International insurance executive Tangy C. Morgan will speak at the University of North Georgia Cottrell Speaker Series on March 11 at the Dining Hall banquet room on the Dahlonega campus at 12pm. Morgan is founder and managing director of Fisher Morgan which works with entities to develop strategies to build sustainable businesses in the US and global market. Free and open to the public. ung.edu • Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville has been rated No. 2 in the nation in Overall Hospital Care, as well as No. 1 in Georgia by CareChex, an independent health care quality rating service. nghs.com • Gina Kendrick of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties was awarded the prestigious Leading Edge Award, which represents the top 7% of all agents worldwide for Berkshire
Hathaway Home Services. Gina has been a licensed Realtor for over 12 years, specializing in residential, Lake Lanier, acreage and lot listings in Gainesville and surrounding counties. 770-654-5698. • Hall County Government opened a pharmacy and health clinic for its employees in an effort to provide staff with better access to healthcare and reduce healthcare costs overall, which ultimately saves taxpayer dollars. hallcounty.org • Local poultry businesses have contributed $10,000 to the University of North Georgia (UNG) to support scholarships for students studying poultry science. Poultry comprises 47% of Georgia's agricultural industry, according to a 2011 University of Georgia report. This includes a $38 billion dollar contribution to the state's annual economy and nearly 140,000 jobs. ung.edu • Bobby Shoemaker, franchised operator of Chick-fil-A on Pearl Nix Parkway in Gainesville announced relocation to Dawsonville Highway to the previous site of the Sonic. The restaurant will relocate this summer, be about 20% larger, and will hire an additional 20-30 employees to the current 65 already employed. cfarestaurant.com/gainesville/ • Hall County Animal Shelter's Mutts on Main is Saturday, March 28 from 10 am-4 pm in Downtown Gainesville with pet adoptions, vendors, Models and Mutts, a Fashion Walk and more! For information about the shelter, including donation opportunities and adoption services, call 678-450-1587. • Ruth Bruner, Gainesville City Council, will be recognized as the 2015 Gainesville Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia at a luncheon at First United Methodist Church in Gainesville on March 10. gshg.org • Hall County Library and Regions Bank continue Financial Wellness Workshops with "Your Road to Home Ownership" on Thursday, March 12 from 6:00-7:30pm. The workshop is free and open to the public at the Gainesville Branch, 127 Main Street. 770-532-3311 x 114. hallcountylibrary.org • The Georgia Technology Authority is providing the UGA Small Business Development Center at Featherbone Communiversity with funding to deliver programming targeting small business. A team of 4 digital marketing experts are traveling the state and on March 18, Gainesville will be host to this day long training event. The Digital Marketing Workshop covers Google Web Analytics, Social Media Platforms (Video, FB, Pintrest, Instagram), Mobile Marketing,
Broadband/Internet and SEO. $49. Register at gainesvillesbdc.org • Human Technologies, Inc. Lead Recruiter Erin Langford earned the esteemed Certification for Staffing Professionals (CSP) to further expand her knowledge and expertise in the staffing industry along with state and national employment and labor laws. htijobs.com • Danny Hutson, store manager at McDonald’s of New Holland in Gainesville, received the 2014 Ray Kroc Award, given to the top 1% of restaurant managers. Hutson excels in Operational Excellence, and is a Leader in People Management and Building the Business. He has been employed by owner/ operator Bob Swoszowski for 34 years. facebook.com/mcdonaldsnega • TV18 The Government Channel, a joint department of the City of Gainesville and Hall County, airs a feature on the Buy Local Expo starting April 1 on Charter Channel 180, ATT U-verse Channel 99 and Comcast Channel 23. The program covers interviews with Expo exhibitors Edgar Arroyo, Diamond Auto Spa; Al Trembley, WSI Digital Rainmakers; Tommy Edge, MFS; Erica Jackson, Eagle Carpet; Shane Taylor, Highland Mountain Beverage; Scott Dixon, Scott's Downtown; and Ian Poole, Big Creek Foods. gainesville.org • Chamber Vice President of Education Dana Miller, was named the new Chief Volunteer Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County. boysgirlsclubs.com • Mike Williams, CEO of Lanier Islands, announced Chris Hendley
as new Director of Special Events & Promotions. Hendley has over 10 years in the industry working with organizations including the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Georgia Force Arena Football, the Arena at Gwinnett Center, and Philips Arena. lanierislands.com • Ava White Academy in Gainesville, a private school that helps special needs students in Georgia, has implemented technology from Learning Ally audiobooks to make reading and learning "game changing" for many of the school's students. avawhiteacademy.com • United Parcel Service (UPS) honored Syfan Logistics with the 2014 UPS Peak Season Expedited Operations Power 5 Champion Award. In addition to receiving the highest service-performance rating of all carriers in the national UPS network of logistics providers, Syfan logged the second most total miles with a team of 74 professionals focused on managing UPS’s needs. syfanlogistics.com • Highway 53 continues to be a successful retail corridor with over 1.5 million square feet of retail space. Anchor tenants Academy Sports, Hobby Lobby and Chipotle are under construction in the new 200,000-square-foot North Lake Square Shopping Center on Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville. • Gainesville businessman Jim Walters and Martha Nesbitt, former president of Gainesville State College/UNG were named Rotary Club of Gainesville Man and Woman of the Year.
GOT NEWS? Email: kwest@ghcc.com
Business After Hours
Jacobs Media's Anna and Jay Jacobs, Mitch Clarke and Dick Huff (right) with Kit Dunlap, President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber at Business After Hours at the Expo sponsored by AccessNorthGa.com and WDUN. Upcoming networking events: Business Before Hours at Cotton Eyed Joe's is Friday, March 6 with breakfast by the Longstreet Cafe! Business After Hours sponsored by HTI Employment Solutions is at Scott's Downtown on Thursday, March 12! Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mmartin@ghcc.com. Online: greaterhallchamber.com
Liberty Candy Company employees (L-R): Karen Ching, Destiny Spillers and Sinead Stampfli. Liberty Candy Company, located in Downtown Flowery Branch, offers a large variety of candies, including special handmade artisan chocolates, fresh fudge French macaroons and homemade ice cream. They also have a large selection of current and nostalgic candies, such as “penny” candies and treats from most everyone’s childhood. Specialty baskets or gifts can be shipped to any destination, and they can help with special occasions, family or corporate events, specifically themed parties. The shop is housed in a structure that was built in 1906, and they have completely renovated the building with a whimsical approach – ensuring customers capture a walk down memory lane with fresh, delicious treats from childhood. 5518 Main Street, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. 770-965-5577. liberty-candy-company.com
Small Business Seminar
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March 3, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
(L-R): Joe Selbee, Berkshire Hathaway; Jay Kelly, Signs By Tomorrow; Martha Kanaday, Cirrus Business Group; Lane Jones, Highland Mountain Beverage. Martha Kanaday presented a program on human resources at the February seminar. The next seminar – Brand Your Business – is Tuesday, March 10 at 7:45 a.m. at the Lanier Tech's Manufacturing Development Center at Featherbone Communiversity, 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. John Vardeman and Tina Carlson of Morton Vardeman & Carlson will guide you in developing a business brand that cuts through the clutter of your competition to distinguish your product or service. A company with more than 40 years under its belt, Morton Vardeman & Carlson is in the business of brand architecture. Hear stories of real-life branding experiences from two seasoned agency principals while participating in a hands-on exercise to create your one and “only” brand presence. No charge for Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Small Business Success Seminars are sponsored by Highland Mountain Beverage, Jacobs Media, Signs By Tomorrow and WSI Digital Rainmakers. Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
Small Business
Small Business of the Month Liberty Candy Company
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March 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Membership Development
Welcome New Members! Aqua-Terra Recycling and Treatment Tammy Neal 710 Moore Street Oxford, GA 30054 (678) 625-4025 - Environmental Recycling aquaterrarecycling.com Aspire Pediatric Therapy of Georgia Donna Spratling 7367 Spout Springs Road Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (770) 965-1861 - Medical / Pediatric aspiretherapy.org Cirrus Business Group Chris Reese 410 Peachtree Parkway Building 400, Suite 4245 Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 363-3333 - Business Services cirrusbusinessgroup.com Dale Jaeger 119 Washington Street Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 534-0506 - Individual Member
Buy Local Expo Highlights
dB Acoustics & Sound, Inc. Rotary Club of Braselton Howard Hardaway Michael Hedden 2196 Hilton Drive, Suite A P.O. Box 760 Oakwood, GA 30506 Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 354-7553 (770) 534-7620 - Audio Visual Production - Non-Profit runner.ca/Braselton dbaudioandvideo.com Duracool Coatings Inc. Sarah Eddleston 1975 Delta Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 740-0460 - Roofing Contractor duracoolinc.com Financial Computer Equipment, Inc. Ed Krol 906 Athens Street Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 989-1525 - Financial Services fcecompany.com
Snowie of Georgia, LLC Ray Yates Gainesville, GA (770) 851-0454 - Catering snowieofgeorgia.com Stifel / Alan Crumley 212 Green Street, NE Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 531-1103 - Financial Services stifel.com
Team Ryan Automotive Dan Ryan 2959 S. Waterworks Road Northeast Georgia Locally Buford, GA 30518 - Auto Repair & Service Grown / Andrew Linker teamryanautomotive.com 322 Academy St NE Gainesville, GA 30501 Join the Chamber online: (503) 758-8488 greaterhallchamber.com - Farmers Market northeastgeorgia.locallygrown.net
Greater Hall Chamber Buy Local Expo (Clockwise from top left): Tim Pledge, Tot Ingram, Bob Frisbie and Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda; Erin Langford, HTI Employment Solutions; Joey Spain, Cotton Eyed Joe's; Perry Phillips, Calliope Sweets, at the Expo's Taste of Gainesville Hall County.
Job Fair on April 2 Employer Booth Space
The Chamber's Job Fair, presented by SPHERION, is Thursday, April 2 from 10 am to 2:00 pm at the Gainesville Civic Center and is a great opportunity for both employers and job seekers. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC with NO ADMISSION FEE! Employers... Meet hundreds of job candidates face-to-face during a short period of time! Employer booths are $300 ($325 with electricity); $200 Non-Profits ($225 with electricity). Job seekers... This event provides coveted face-time and personal contact with hiring managers! Details: Amanda Lewis at the Greater Hall Chamber, 770-5326206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com. Online: greaterhallchamber.com
ADDING YEARS TO LIFE & LIFE TO YEARS Serving Northeast Georgia Since 1967
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New Wisdom Project Lecture Series is March 27-28 Hall Chamber, Brenau University's Center for Lifetime Study and BULLI program. The event will include five speakers, each with unique backgrounds for speaking to their topic. Presenters include: Gus Whalen, Author and Founder of the Featherbone Communiversity; Dr. Swati Gaur, Geriatrician, Northeast Georgia Health System; Rev. Dr. Brent Strawn, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; Rev. Dr. Cynthia Park, Associate Rector, Grace Episcopal Church; Beth Schumaker, Senior Consultant, BrightStar Leadership
Consulting. Open to the community and sponsored by the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Lanier Village Estates, Highland Mountain Water and Home Care Matters. Tickets, $75 (includes lunch on Saturday); $50 for BULLI members and Wisdom Project graduates. Tickets available at the BULLI House, 406 Academy Street in Gainesville or online at brenau.edu/ lifetimestudy. Details: Kathy Amos, 770-538-4705. Email: kamos@brenau.edu
Healthcare Committee Honored
Arbor Day Celebration
The Longstreet Clinic's Jullie King, Chair of the Chamber’s Healthcare Committee, accepts award presented by Deborah Mack, Chamber Vice Chair of Community Development, at the Celebrate Healthy North Georgia Conference. Celebrate Healthy North Georgia Partnerships honored the Chamber with the Healthy Community Wellness Award for implementation of health and wellness programs such as the VISION 2030 Healthcare Consortium, Healthcare Reform Seminars, Chamber Chase 5K & 2 Mile Wellness Walk, HealthSmart Expo, Most Fit Company Awards and Drugs Don't Work.
Tree planting at Elachee Nature Science Center on Arbor Day 2015 (L-R): George Wangemann, Gainesville City Council; RK Whitehead, Whitehead Die Casting and Chairman of the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission; Andrea Timpone, Director, Elachee Nature Science Center; Myrtle Figueras, Gainesville City Council; Jeff Stowe, Hall County Commission; Deborah Mack, Greater Hall Chamber Vice Chair of Community Development.
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March 3, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
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Community Development
The Wisdom Project, a senior leadership initiative, announces the 2015 Wisdom Lecture Series on March 27 and 28. "Rediscovering Ourselves – A Path to Wisdom" at Featherbone Communiversity, 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. The program will include two lectures on Friday (March 27, 5-8pm) and three lectures on Saturday (March 28, 9:30am-3pm). The Wisdom Project is a partnership of the Greater
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Ribbon Cuttings
Brewed Awakenings at Brenau
Kyle Hinnant, McGarity's Business Products; Rob Caron, Brenau Food Service Director; Nita Tammarine, Tea Room Manager; Dr. Ed Schrader, President of Brenau University, cut ribbon at the new Brewed Awakenings at the Brenau Tea Room. Brewed Awakenings hosted the Chamber's Network Over Coffee in January and is a new café serving Starbucks coffee along with coffee beverages. The Brenau Tea Room is located on campus at the end of Academy Street in Gainesville and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 10:00pm. 770-538-4600. brenau.edu
Quality Closet Connection
Walter King and family, wife Malinda and children Abram and Mary, cut ribbon for Quality Closet Connection. Based in Alpharetta, the company builds custom closet and storage systems specializing in closets, pantries and garages, but can build a system to fit almost any area where more efficient storage is needed. "My mission since 1999 has been to deliver outstanding customer service that exceeds the customer's expectation while providing the highest quality products at a reasonable price so that our referral and repeat business will continue to grow our company," said King. Quality Closet Connection, Inc., 5665 Atlanta Hwy, Suite 102-B330, Alpharetta, GA 30004. 770-710-6008. qualityclosetconnection.com
March 3, 2015 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Hall Visits Capitol
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Masterpiece Mixers Paint & Party Krista Goodrich, Founder of Masterpiece Mixers Paint & Party Studio, cuts ribbon at Gainesville newest and most creative take on a "night-out." Ideal for girl's night out, date nights, birthday parties (kid's and adult), corporate events, fund raisers and more. Masterpiece Mixers fun and exciting instructors walk students step-by-step in the featured painting of the night. Never held a paintbrush before? No problem, classes are geared to level of artist or non-artist! The studio is BYOB so bring your favorite refreshments to get your creative energy flowing and get ready to amaze yourself with your masterpiece! 121 Washington Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. 678-928-1100. masterpiecemixers.com
Legacy Link Locates to Oakwood
Pat Freeman, CEO of Legacy Link, cuts ribbon at the organization's new location in Oakwood. Legacy Link is designated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the 13 county region including Hall County. The AAA is responsible for advocacy for seniors, planning, administrating, coordination and monitoring services in the area. Legacy Link, Inc., 4080 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood GA, 30566. 770-538-2650. legacylink.org
Leadership Nomination Deadline Since 1983, the Chamber's Leadership Hall County program has provided a learning experience for existing and emerging leaders of the Greater Hall area. A cross-section of individuals (25 and older) develop an understanding of Gainesville and Hall County through a series of one-day sessions on topics from quality of life and education to economic development. Tuition is $800 for Chamber members; $970 for non-members and includes a one-year Chamber individual membership. Fees are used to cover materials, monthly program expenses, an annual retreat, graduation reception and more. A commitment of 100% attendance is required from each participant. Individuals must be nominated for the program by March 15, 2015. Nominees complete a detailed application which are reviewed by a selection committee, and final participants are then selected. Details: Dana Miller, 770-532-6206 x 113. Email: dmiller@ghcc.com
Thank You Event Sponsors
Leadership Hall County visited the State Capitol and delivered the famous "Chicken Boxes" full of Hall County treats to all legislators. Governor Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal greeted the class. Program hosts and speakers included State Senators Butch Miller and John Wilkinson; State Representatives Carl Rogers, Emory Dunahoo, Jr., Lee Hawkins and Timothy Barr; and, Mike Giles and Abit Massey of the Georgia Poultry Federation. Thank you sponsors: Butch Miller for Senate and Jackson EMC.
AccessNorthGa.com • AEON Clinical Laboratories • Butch Miller for Senate CIGNA • Coca-Cola of Gainesville • Cotton Eyed Joe's • Elachee Highland Mountain Beverage • HTI Employment Solutions Independence Bank of Georgia • Jackson EMC • McDonald's Milton Martin Honda • Milton Martin Toyota • Morton Vardeman & Carlson Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic • Northeast Georgia Health System Northeast Georgia Physicians Group • Procare RX • Red Clay Interactive Riverside Military Academy • Rochester & Associates • Signs by Tomorrow The Times • WSI Digital Rainmakers
Youth Leadership Hall
Leadership Hall Service Project
"In Georgia, nearly 12% of our seniors are living at or below poverty,” said Kay Blackstock, Executive Director of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank. “That means that often, these vulnerable citizens are forced to make the tough choice between food, medicine or medical bills, housing or transportation. This year’s Leadership Hall project will target an outreach to struggling seniors here in Gainesville-Hall County. We are grateful for this project.”
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March 3, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
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Education • Leadership
Youth Leadership students (L-R): Rachel McGuire, Anahi Cardona, Maria Tello, Josue Toledo, Reagan Puckett, Ana Oropeza, Tucker Pearson, Kelan Henderson, Charlie Adams, Addison Hicks, Nicole Morris with Dana Miller, Chamber VP Education, and Pat Parris, Clinical Education for Emergency Department of Northeast Georgia Health System. The students recently visited the Gainesville Police Department and heard from officers about the dangers of drinking and driving and other laws related to teens. At Challenged Child & Friends, the class learned about the non-profit organization and interacted with the children. At Northeast Georgia Medical Center, the class toured the Emergency Department, Inpatient Rehab and the Pathology Lab. The program ended at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County where the class learned about the clubs mission. Many thanks to McDonald’s and Northeast Georgia Health Systems for sponsoring meals.
The Leadership Hall class recently met at the Georgia Mountain Food Bank to fill bags with food and toiletry items to deliver to a number of senior citizens of Hall County. The class delivered the bags to the Senior Life Center and distributed door-to-door at apartments. Class Representatives Johnathon Jackson, Hall County Sheriff’s Department, and Jessi Emmett, Hall County Treatment Services, led the charge for the class. “Our class voted on this year’s project and agreed to partner with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank,” said Jessi Emmett. “We were excited to plan an event that directly benefits such a special group in our area. We hope to provide some enjoyment to senior citizens through fellowship and service and bring awareness to the efforts of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank.”
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Upcoming Chamber Events Upcoming Chamber Events Friday, March Marketing Friday, March 66 Small Business Workshop Business Before Hours Business Before Hours Tuesday, February 14 Sponsor:Marketing Cotton Eyed Eyed Joe's TrendsJoe's Sponsor: Cotton Breakfast by by Longstreet Cafe Presented Gordon Sawyer Breakfast by Longstreet Cafe 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.a.m. – The Oaks at 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. -- 9:00 Lanier Charter Career Academy 2136 Hilton Drive in Gainesville Gainesville 2136 Hilton Drive in
Thursday, March 12 Thursday, 12 ArborMarch Day Celebration AnnualFriday, Transportation Forum Annual Transportation February 17Forum 11:30 a.m. a.m. --10:00 1:00 p.m. p.m. a.m. 11:30 1:00 University of North North Georgia, Georgia, Frances Meadows Center University of Gainesville Campus Campus Gainesville Safe & Green RegionalBuilding Assembly Continuing Education Building Continuing Education
Tuesday, March Job Fair and 19 Career Expo South Wednesday, Hall Business MarchCoalition 28 "Update on Elachee" 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mountains 8:00 Georgia a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Center Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 in Gainesville GetElachee Details &Dr Register Online:
Business Tuesday, MarchAfter 10 Hours Tuesday, March 10 Thursday, February 16 Small Business Business Seminar Small Seminar - 7:00 p.m. "Branding5:00 Your Business" "Branding Your Business" Luna's Restaurant Morton,Vardeman Vardeman andCarlson Carlson Morton, and Main Street 7:45a.m. a.m.200 9:00 a.m. 7:45 --9:00 a.m. Hunt Tower in MDC Downtown Gainesville Lanier Tech Lanier Tech MDC
8:00March a.m. - 12:00 Thursday, March 12 p.m. Thursday, 12 Georgia Mountains Business After HoursCenter Business After Hours Sponsored by by HTI HTI Employment Employment Sponsored Annual Transportation Forum Solutions Solutions Wednesday, March 14 5:00 p.m. p.m. 7:00 p.m. p.m. 5:00 -- 7:00 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Scott's Downtown Downtown Scott's
Thursday, March March 26 26 Thursday, Chamber Chase Chase 5K 5K and and Chamber Mile Wellness Wellness Walk Walk 22 Mile 6:00 p.m. p.m. 6:00 Riverside Military Military Academy Academy Riverside ChamberChase5K.com ChamberChase5K.com
Friday, February 24
Gainesville State College
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