CHAMBER MATTERS
The Douglas County Chamber's mission is to support, promote, and attract business for the advancement of our community.
APRIL 2018
Purchase Your Chamber Raffle Tickets NOW: Win BIG on May 31st! Ticket sales are underway for the Douglas County Chamber’s 13th Annual Reverse Raffle. The 2018 Raffle offers nine chances to win more than $15,000 in prizes! The Chamber Raffle supports multiple community services and programs for members such as training seminars, the Buy Local Program, and more. A total of 350 tickets will be sold at $100 each - giving each ticket holder better than a 1 in 40 chance of winning. In a reverse raffle, the first ticket drawn is not the winner, but will be worth $100 to the ticket holder. The top prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the lucky person holding the 350th, or last ticket drawn, but that’s not all. The 349th ticket draw is worth $2,000, and the 50th, 100th, 150th, 200th, 250th and 300th tickets drawn will bring ticket holders $500.
In this Issue: • Welcome New Members • April Calendar • Member News • March Snapshots • Chamber CHOW Corner ...and MORE!
Drawings will take place on May 31, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Centre at Arbor Connection during the Chamber’s monthly Comcast Business After Hours sponsored by Pioneer Land Group. You do not have to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased from Chamber Board members or the Chamber office located at 6658 Church Street in Douglasville. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 770.942.5022 or visit www.douglascountygeorgia.com.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
www.douglascountygeorgia.com
Advancing Modern Professionals in Douglas (AMP'D) is pleased to announce the 7th Annual Cornhole Tournament will take place on Sunday,May 6, 2018. The tournament will take place at Foxhall Resort, located at 8000 Capps Ferry Road in Douglasville. AMP’D is the Douglas County Chamber’s program for young professionals in the community.
MAY 6
Proceeds from the Cornhole Tournament benefit annual Leadership Scholarships that are presented to local high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership and community service potential and to young professionals seeking to continue their education. Players will be vying for the title of tournament champion as well as a $500 cash prize.
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EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION UNTIL APRIL 13TH Chamber Member Rate: $35 per Team of Two Non-Member Rate: Early Bird Registration - $35 per Team of Two After 4/13 $50 per Team of Two REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.DOUGLASCOUNTYGEORGIA.COM
10 A.M. | FOXHALL RESORT 6658 CHURCH STREET, DOUGLASVILLE, GA 30134
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770.942.5022
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WWW.DOUGLASCOUNTYGEORGIA.COM
CHAMBER CHATTER Learn more about Douglas County Chamber programs and events.
Belletti Photography Continues to Capture Special Moments in Douglas County Belletti Photography, LLC owner, Shannon Belletti, friends and Chamber representatives gathered to celebrate her success by holding a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on February 22nd. Based in Douglasville, Belletti Photography specializes in wedding and event photography, but is quickly becoming known for family portraits.
Boeswan Studio of the Arts Celebrates Grand Opening Boeswan Studio of the Arts owner and director, Cynthia Carmichael, friends and Chamber representatives celebrated the grand opening of their organization by holding a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on March 8th. Boeswan Studio of the Arts is a nonprofit organization that exists to inspire and mentor youth while introducing art history from an international perspective. Their mission is to develop and learn various art mediums from different cultures and countries.
DC Chamber Welcomes Switch, Inc. to 2018 Chairmans Club
The DC Chamber is pleased to announce its newest member of their Chairmans Club: Mr. Rob Elliot with Switch, Inc.
Rob Elliot Vice President of Government and Public Affairs
Switch, the technology infrastructure corporation headquartered in Las Vegas, is built on the intelligent and sustainable growth of the internet. Switch recently announced its plans to construct a data center campus in Douglas County, a $2.5 billion investment. Upon completion, it will be the highest-rated data center in the Southeast.
Kali Boatright Chosen to Lead Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Kali Kirkham Boatright has been chosen to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce in Alpharetta, Georgia. She leaves the Douglas County Chamber where she has been since 2004. Boatright has led the Douglas County Chamber from a near bankrupt organization when she arrived to a flourishing business organization with strong financial stability. Boatright has most recently been instrumental in a community-wide economic and community development initiative with elected leaders, business leaders and non-profit professionals collaborating for change transformation.
Ray Named Interim CEO at Douglas County Chamber
Sara Ray has been named Interim President and CEO, effective April 1st. Ray currently serves as Vice President of the Douglas County Chamber and celebrated eight years with the organization last month. Ray is a graduate of the US Chamber Institute for Organizational Management and has served as Communications Chair for the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. In addition, she is actively engaged in her community as a founding member of Douglasville Young Gamechangers, a member of the Junior League of Douglas County and an active participant of initiatives with the Douglas County School system.
Planet Fitness Adamsville Celebrates Grand Opening Planet Fitness marketing administrator, Danielle D’Amelio, staff, clients, and Chamber representatives gather to celebrate their recent grand opening by holding a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on February 13th. Planet Fitness Adamasville is located at 3599 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Atlanta. Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisers and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations.
March
SNAPSH TS Nadia Faucette, Deborah Johnson-Blake and Vonda Thorpe enjoyed socializing at the Comcast Business After Hours sponsored by Chapel Hills Golf Club..
Ellen and Scott McBrayer share sponsor remarks at the Business4Breakfast. The AMP'd Board of Directors held their second official meeting and are already planning great things for young professionals in Douglas County!
Leadership Douglas students practiced their African drumming skills at Youth Villages during their Social Services day.
Youth Leadership Douglas toured the Douglas County Jail during their Public Safety day.
Julia Areh and Amina Blackmon enjoyred a morning of networking at Jones-Wynn.
Thank you to this month's networking event sponsors: February Comcast Business After Hours Sponsored by: Chapel Hills Golf Club
Chamber Diplomat, Carol Lindstrom, greeted guests with a smiling face as they entered for the Business4Breakfast at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home.
Drake Peaugh, Membership Director at Chapel Hills Golf Club shares a few words at the Comcast Business After Hours.
VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE EVENT PICTURES! For information about upcoming 2018 networking events, visit www.douglascountygeorgia.com.
March Georgia Power Business4Breakfast Sponsored by: Jones - Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory
MEMBER NEWS... We are pleased to support and celebrate our member's accomplishments!
Local Businesses Participate in Georgia Small Business Week March 19th - 23rd Five local businesses were chosen to be featured in a short video feature during Georgia Small Business Week. The businesses included: • Douglasville Therapeutic Massage • Gable's Sporting Goods • Metro Garage Doors and L&W Insulation • The Hidden Escape • Vital Life Chiropractic
Downtown Douglasville Development Authority Accepting Façade Grant Applications This program assists merchants and property owners through a matching assistance program to facilitate renovations that are consistent with the Historic Preservation "Design Standards" criteria in the historic commercial district. To download the application, visit www.douglasvillega.gov. Applications must be submitted by April 30th. For more information, contact Patrice Williams at williamsp@douglasvillega.gov.
Visit our Facebook Page to watch the videos! High School Seniors Complete Youth Leadership Douglas Mentor Program The Douglas County Chamber is pleased to announce the graduates of the inaugural Youth Leadership Douglas (YLD) Mentor Program. The group consisted of high school seniors and community leaders. The selected students were paired with a mentor to facilitate conversation, guidance, and motivation during their senior year. The group was recognized at the Comcast Business After Hours at Chapel Hills Golf Club on February 22nd. Program participants included Devon Boatright, DCHS; Ashlyn Daniel, AHS; Folasade Fasina-Thomas, AHS; Alex Godfrey, AHS; Tyler Kelly, CHHS; Drew Ledbetter, homeschool; Kaleb Mack, DCHS; Joshua Mack, DCHS; Jake Suttles, AHS; and Avery Timmons, AHS.
April Member Spotlight TRANSAMERICAN COMPUTER CONSULTING, LLC TransAmerican Computer Consulting, LLC (TACC) was launched in 2001 by the owner, John Lewis, to offer small business highly skilled and reliable personal service to maintain and develop their network systems. TACC has two secure data centers, maintains and consults for over 400 clients throughout Georgia, and is continuing to grow and expand their range of services. They provide services including; IT sales and support, hosting services, monitoring services, disaster recovery services, and security auditing. Transamerican Computer Consulting is located at 8601 Baldwin Parkway, Suite 201 in Douglasville. For more information, contact the office at 678.439.5528 or visit their website www.tacconsulting.net. Follow TACC on Facebook at TransAmerican Computer Consulting, LLC.
Corner Check out this month's featured restaurants!
Week of April 1st
Week of April 8th Week of April 29th
SAVE THE DATE!
Week of April 15th
Week of April 22nd
The Chamber will be featuring FIVE local businesses April 29th May 5th to give the community an inside look into some of the outstanding businesses in Douglas County. Follow the Douglas County Chamber Facebook page for videos, additional highlights from businesses and other updates! Coupons MUST be printed. Find your copy in a Douglas County Sentinel or at www.douglascountygeorgia.com
Meet OurChairmans Club
THE CHAIRMANS CLUB IS THE CHAMBER’S EXCLUSIVE LEVEL OF MEMBERSHIP FEATURING TOP EXECUTIVES IN DOUGLASVILLE AND DOUGLAS COUNTY. MEET TWO OF OUR MEMBERS!
Dr. Scott Rule WGTC is dedicated to helping students achieve their highest potential in technical education and career advancement. Whether a person is looking to advance in their current job or gain the skills for an entirely new career field, West Georgia Tech offers over 100 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. WGTC’s focus is on student success and workforce development that enhances our communities. They offer flexible class schedules, multiple campus locations and the latest in technology to provide our students a superior learning environment. Students enjoy clubs, organizations and activities and a range of athletic programs to help them grow inside and outside the classroom. To learn more about West Georgia Tech, visit www.wgtc.edu.
Matt Barrington Regions offers a better way to bank in Douglas County, and wants to be a partner moving forward. They create momentum that helps families, businesses and the community grow stronger and more financially secure. That is one reason they are proud to sponsor the Douglas County Chamber, and why they work hard every day to offer the expertise and personal service customers deserve. For more information about regions, visit www.regions.com.
MEMBER RENEWALS Thank you for your continued investment in the Chamber! 1st Franklin Financial Corporation 93.3 THE JOY FM American Business Women's Association Arbor Terrace Apartment/East Inwood Arbor, LLC Atlanta Gas Light - West Georgia Region Atlanta's Finest Catering Ayres Realty Co. Ben Hill Roofing Renovations Benchmark Homes, Inc. Bluegrass Materials Company Chapel Hill News & Views Cross Plumbing, Inc. Douglasville First United Methodist Church Gas South, LLC Georgia Department of Labor Gibco Environmental, LLC Gibson Consulting Janice Thompson State Farm Agency Kiwanis Club of Douglas County L.W. Gerstenberger, P.C. La Quinta Inn & Suites Loretta Hill Agency - Farmers Insurance MembersFirst Credit Union PRC Medical Puckett EMS Sensormatic Electronics LLC Synovus - Mortgage Taxpro Elite Inc. The Horsley Group, LLC Titleist Building Systems, Inc. Tovey & Tumlin Security, Inc. Villa Rica Convention and Visitors Bureau
APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5TH
11:30a Ribbon Cutting at Kingdom Living International
10TH
8:30a 9a 2 – 6p
AMP'D Board Meeting* Chamber 101: Member Orientation* Youth Leadership Douglas Meeting
11TH
9a 12p
Government Affairs Committee Meeting* Chamber Diplomat Meeting*
12TH
8 – 9a
Georgia Power Business4Breakfast Sponsored by Douglas County Schools At the Board of Education 8a - 5p Leadership Douglas Arts and History Day
13TH
8a 8a
17TH
8a Board of Directors Meeting* 11:30a The State of Douglasville/Douglas County Hosted by the Council for Quality Growth Featured Speakers Chairman Dr. Romona Jackson-Jones Mayor Rochelle Robinson At the Douglasville Conference Center
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11:30a Ribbon Cutting for Up By the Bootstraps, Inc. *
19TH
11:30a Ribbon Cutting at Victor Jimenez State Farm Agency
20TH
11:30a AMP'D Lunch N' Learn* Featuring Dr. Beth Chapman, Mercer University
24TH
9a
26TH
11:30a Ribbon Cutting at AMG Business Solutions* 5p Comcast Business After Hours Sponsored by Assured Comfort Heating | Air | Plumbing
27TH
8a 8a
Good Morning Connections Leads Group* BIG Success Leads Group at WGTC
Small Business Committee Meeting*
Good Morning Connections Leads Group* BIG Success Leads Group at WGTC
* Event held at the Chamber
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! AUTO EMISSION CENTER Eddie Parker 9415 Highway 5 Douglasville, GA 30135 678.324.7984 BUCKLE - ARBOR PLACE MALL David Quiroz 6700 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 2055 Douglasville, GA 30135 770.942.7755 www.buckle.com CERTIFIED AIR CARE Liz Brown 3085 Bright Star Road Douglasville, GA 30135 770.577.4167 www.certifiedaircare.com G&H ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND CONSULTANTS, INC. Andy Hester 3449 Bright Star Road Douglasville, GA 30135 770.489.0001 www.gandhelectrical.com
JAMES M. & ERMA T. FREEMONT FOUNDATION Joi Freemont P.O. Box 82563 Hapeville, GA 30354 404.761.1659 www.freemontfoundation.com
MEET OUR CHAMBER DIPLOMATS! The Chamber Diplomats play a very important role in our Chamber. Enjoy getting to know our volunteers and their favorite things about being a Chamber Diplomat!
PATTY & STAN WENCK WENCK TRAVEL & YOUR HEALTHY HOME PRODUCTS
KERRY RIGDON WSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KEEPING IT POSITIVE LEARNING ACADEMY Wanda Bass 192 Veterans Memorial Highway Austell, GA 30168 770.672.7800 www.kiplakidz.com RENAISSANCE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Henry Greenidge P.O. Box 1013 Lithia Springs, GA 30133 762.584.5245 www.rlacademy.com VICTOR JIMENEZ STATE FARM AGENCY Victor Jimenez 6487 Spring Street Douglasville, GA 30134 770.627.2410 www.rlacademy.com
What is your most rewarding benefit in being a Diplomat? PATTY: The number of networking events I can attend with the focus on finding businesses to help.
What is your favorite Chamber event?
STAN: I enjoy the Member Appreciation Cookout.
What is your favorite Chamber event? The Golf Tournament is always my favorite!
Who is your go-to Chamber member when you shop locally? Chick-fil-A Arbor Place!
Learn more about our Diplomats at www.douglascountygeorgia.com.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 CHAIRMANS CLUB Connally, Jordan & Associates, P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
douglas county
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