Powering everyday value
A publication of the Douglas County Chamber
Greystone The Douglas County Chamber will host the annual Chamber Golf & Tennis Classic on Wednesday, September 23rd, at Mirror Lake Golf & Country Club. More than 200 golfers are expected to participate in the 2015 Classic, presented by GreyStone Power. The Chamber Classic is being co-chaired by Hughes-Ray Company President, Howard B. Ray and Bank of North Georgia executive Ray Kathe. In addition to the golfers, there will be more than 50 businesses represented as sponsors of the tournament.
Under New Leadership: 2015-2016 Leadership Program Participants
for $4* per day. That’s only about a quarter of the cost of a large, pepperoni pizza delivered.
Prizes will be awarded for the Putting Contest, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive and Closest to the Pin contests in addition to the swag bags provided for each golfer and tennis player. Golfers will also have the chance to win a car during the Hole In One Contest as well as enter chances to win door prizes at each hole on the course. For non-golfers, the Chamber offers a Tennis Classic with registration also beginning at 8 a.m. In the round-robin tournament, tennis players will battle it out for the highly acclaimed title of 2015 Tennis Classic Champion. The tennis tournament takes place at Mirror Lake Golf Club directly behind the club house.
Yet, with GreyStone’s low rates, that’s all it costs the average home to operate everything from breakfast to a midnight snack. That’s how GreyStone powers everyday value in your life.
* Based on 2013 average cost per day for GreyStone residential members. GreyStone Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Chamber Classic has consistently been known as one of the most memorable golf tournaments in Douglas County. This year, players and participants will enjoy a spin-off of the Chamber’s 70th Anniversary celebration: Driving Through the Decades. Golfers and Tennis Players will be greeted at check-in,and treated to breakfast, lunch and dinner at the 19th Hole After Par-TEE sponsored by Georgia Power. Golfers also have the opportunity to have a team photo taken with their names featured on the on-site electronic (PGA style) leader board.
Registration ends September 1st. Please contact the Douglas County Chamber at 770.942.5022 for more information on sponsorships or to check on player availability. You do not have to be a member of the Chamber to play. Forms and more information can be found at the Chamber website www.douglascountygeorgia.com
greystonepower.com
July Calendar of Events
GreyStone Power Luncheon
Welcome to New Members!
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Chamber Matters, July 2015
Chamber Matters, July 2015
2015 NETWORKING CALENDAR
THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 CHAIRMANS CLUB
DC Chamber members say networking is the best benefit of their Chamber membership...join us monthly at our events as we network our way through town!
douglas county
COFFEE CARD
January 8 February 5 March 12 April 2 May 14
EXCHANGE
WellStar Douglas Hospital West GA Technical College Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Central Baptist Church City of Douglasville
8 - 9 A.M. FREE FOR MEMBERS, $20 GUESTS June 11 Custom Plastics & More, POSolutions, Diane Daniel Enterprises, Magnum Paving at The Centre at Arbor Connection July 9 Ameriprise Financial - Patti H. Puckett at the Cultural Arts Council August 13 Biolife Plasma Services September 3 Church at Chapelhill
POWER
October 8 Wells Fargo, High Caliber Realty,
McCalla Raymer, Bethany Howard American Family Insurance at the Chamber
November 5 Diamonds Forever December 3 Douglas County Government
11:45 A.M. - 1 P.M.
LUNCHEON $20 for Chamber Members with RSVP, $30 for Guests January 20
Sponsored by T. Dennis Connally, P.C., CPA At One Community Church 2015 Economic Outlook
Sam & Rosco’s Restaurant WellStar 1/2!
February 17
Tumors have nowhere to hide Patients now have somewhere to turn
The future of cancer treatment is here. And it’s only available at WellStar. WellStar is the only health system in metro Atlanta to offer TomoTherapy® and CyberKnife® for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
TomoTherapy Unlike conventional systems, which allow radiation to be delivered from only a few directions, TomoTherapy rotates in 360 degrees, meaning that treatments can be delivered continuously to the tumor from every angle. More beam directions give physicians more control in how they plan treatments – and more assurance that the dose will be confined to the tumor.
CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System involves no cutting, and for many, can offer a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of tumors. The system is composed of a radiation delivery device, which is mounted on a flexible robotic arm which enables CyberKnife to deliver radiation to tumors anywhere in the body. Its exceptional tracking ability eliminates the need for patients to have stabilizing head frames or limited breathing during treatment.
For more information, call 770-793-7550 or visit wellstar.org/cancercare.
Sponsored by Gas South At The Centre at Arbor Connection ARC Update | Sam & Rosco’s
March 17
Sponsored by WellStar Douglas Hospital At GreyStone Power Auditorium Douglas County Health Report Card Jim ‘N Nicks
April 21
Sponsored by Georgia Power Company At the Douglasville Conference Center 2015 Legislative Wrap Up Proof of the Pudding
May 19
September 15
June 16
October 20
July 14
November 10
Sponsored by Google At The Centre at Arbor Connection Leadership Douglas Graduation Sam & Rosco’s Sponsored by Douglas County Economic Development Authority At the GreyStone Power Auditorium Industry Luncheon | Folk’s Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente At The Centre at Arbor Connection Small Businesses of Excellence Sam & Rosco’s Restaurant
August 18
Sponsored by United Way At the GreyStone Power Auditorium United Way Kick-Off Carrabba’s Italian Grill Sponsored by American Red Cross At Douglasville Conference Center Heroes Luncheon Proof of the Pudding Sponsored by West Georgia Technical College At the GreyStone Power Auditorium Thanks to Elected Officials Luncheon Atlanta’s Finest Catering
Sponsored by Mercer University At the Douglasville Conference Center Annual Meeting | Proof of the Pudding
BUSINESS After Hours January 29 City of Douglasville February 26 DeNyse Signs March 26 Servis1st Bank April 30 Assured Comfort Heating & Air May 28 Chamber Raffle at The Centre
4 - 6 P.M. FREE FOR MEMBERS, $20 GUESTS June 25 July 30 August 27 October 29 November 19 December 17
WellStar Douglas Hospital 3Links Technology Douglas County Sentinel Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club AVAILABLE LAST CHANCE TO SPONSOR IN 2015
Chamber Matters, July 2015
Sponsored by: Custom Plastics & More Gail Moore - President 2625 Jason Industrial Pkwy. Ste. 700 Winston, GA 30187 (770) 577-0661 Diane Daniel Enterprises Diane Daniel - Owner 2959 Chapel Hill Road Suite 212 D Douglasville, GA 30135 (678) 251-6889
Chamber Matters, July 2015
SPONSORED BY
Magnum Paving, LLC Kelly Dickinson - 2460 Mirror Lake Blvd. Villa Rica, GA 30180 (770) 919-0911 POSolutions, Inc. Shandron Pemberton President 6713 Church Street Douglasville, GA 30134 (678) 715-1430
COFFEE CARD
EXCHANGE
“I am the DC Chamber”
Enjoy this month’s cultural spotlight on one of our Chamber Members - we are proud of our diverse group of business members and want to let our readers learn more about what makes our Chamber so successful - YOU! If you are interested in being featured as one of our spotlights, please contact ray@douglascountygeorgia.com.
Name: Sylvester K. Toe Company: Georgia Power Company Birth Place: Monrovia, Liberia (West Africa) When did you come to the US: August, 1989 Why did you come to the US: To pursue graduate education in electric power engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science (cum laude) Electrical Engineering – University of Liberia, West Africa Master of Engineering – Electric Power Engineering – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, NY Family: I am married to Ernestine Aprilee Brown Toe, a Registered Nurse. We have two children – Cassandra and Sylvester, Jr. Cassandra is pursuing a degree in Health Care Management at Clayton State University. Sylvester is a rising Senior at Landmark Christian School in Fairburn, GA. Describe the culture of your home: It’s diverse given the rich history of Liberia. Liberia was founded as a repatriation of freed slaves from the US. The freed slaves brought most of the US / European culture to Liberia which most educated Liberians have adopted. This culture has, overtime, been mixed with the culture of native Liberians. The culture of most native Liberians involves family (including extended relatives) and the caring and support of each member of the family (including extended relatives). Whereas, US/European culture tends to focus on caring and concern for members of your immediate family (spouse and children only). How many languages do you speak: One (English). I belong to the Kru tribe in Liberia but never really learned how to speak this dialect during my formative years in Liberia. My Dad and Mom never really forced their kids to learn it. Growing up, they generally would try to communicate in Kru. However, we (kids) generally responded back in English. Why did you move to Douglas County: After earning my graduate degree from RPI, I got hired by an electric utility company in Massachusetts. I worked at that Company for about 10 years. I really enjoyed my work but could not tolerate shoveling snow during the wintertime. When I could not tolerate it anymore, I decided to seek employment in the South. As a result of my search using internet sites like Monster.com, I was able to secure employment with Georgia Power in 2001. I selected Georgia in part because my younger sister, Angie, lived here. When we moved in 2001, Angie lived in Austell. To be close to her, we decided on Douglas County.
What is the biggest difference between doing business in the US and in your home: The biggest difference is the laws that govern business practices and the respect one holds for these laws. Business practices in the US are governed by laws. Failure to abide by these laws has severe consequences including spending time in jail for unethical behavior. Business practices in Liberia are not. Bribery tends to dominate with little to no consequences. What one thing would you share with our members to debunk a myth about your culture: I’m not sure of any myth your members would have of Africans. Africa is a diverse continent with many different countries and cultures. We are not monolithic.
BUSINESS After Hours
Sponsored by:
Congrats to our raffle winners - James Wright and the GreyStone Power HR Team!
The Centre at Arbor Connection 7475 Douglas Blvd. Suite 100A Douglasville, GA 30135 (678) 213-3195 www.thearborconnection.com
Chamber Matters, July 2015
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JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Chamber closed in observation of Independence Day
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12 p.m. Diplomats Meeting
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8 – 9 a.m. Georgia Power Coffee Card Exchange Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial at the Cultural Arts Council
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DIPLOMAT SPOTLIGHTS OF THE MONTH Meet the backbones of the Chamber...our Diplomats! Each month we will highlight two of our members who go above and beyond to make YOUR Chamber the best it can be!
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11:30 a.m. Ribbon Cutting for Kritters Country Club
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8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Chamber Blood Drive at Douglasville Conference Center
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11:30 a.m. Ribbon Cutting for Ambu-Stat
24 8 – 9:30 a.m. – Good Morning Connections Leads Group at the Chamber BIG Success Leads Group at West Georgia Technical College 28
9 a.m. Small Business Committee Meeting
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4 – 6 p.m. Comcast Business After Hours Sponsored by 3Links Technologies
May Renewing Members A Gift of Love Services of West Georgia Aqua Tots Swim Schools Asphalt Refining & Technology Co., LLC Brookview Apartment Homes Candlewood Suites Direct Auto Insurance Douglas County Boys & Girls Club DriveTerrain Fortress Storage, Inc. Gold’s Gym of Douglasville Holiday Inn Express - Atlanta West Keller Williams Realty Cityside Lake Forest Builders, Inc. Magnolia Park Partners, LLC Pine Lake Mobile Home Community Sam’s Club Southland Manufacturing Sunset Finance The Corbettt Group, LLC Translata Management & Consulting, LLC Village Pharmacy, Inc. Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt Youth Villages/Inner Harbour
Chairmans Club CORNER THE CHAIRMANS CLUB IS THE CHAMBER’S EXCLUSIVE LEVEL OF MEMBERSHIP FEATURING TOP EXECUTIVES IN DOUGLASVILLE AND DOUGLAS COUNTY. MEET TWO OF OUR MEMBERS!
JOHN & HEATHER SCHERER
Deadline for YPC Continuing Education Scholarship 8 – 9:30 a.m. – Good Morning Connections Leads Group at the Chamber BIG Success Leads Group at West Georgia Technical College 9 a.m. Workforce Development Committee at CCI 8 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting 9:30 a.m. Young Professionals Connection Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. Chairmans Club Reception 12– 1 p.m. GreyStone Power Luncheon Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente Small Businesses of Excellence Luncheon at The Centre at Arbor Connection Catered by Sam & Rosco’s Restaurant
Chamber Matters, July 2015
FAME Internet Marketing At Fame Internet Marketing, Web Design is Only the Beginning. John and Heather have been involved in small business their entire lives and understand the unique needs and pressures that small business owners face. FAME works with small businesses to make sure that they are taking full advantage of the tools necessary to prosper in today’s environment. They help clients plan content and design a quality website, make sure that the website is well exposed on major search engines and help you leverage social media to its fullest. Please contact Heather and John Scherer, Owners of FAME Internet Marketing: Heather, 770296-5837 Heather@youneedfame.com ; John, 678-7762864 jps@youneedfame.com or visit their website www.youneedfame.com.
MICHELLE VOLK Silverton Mortgage Specialists Michelle is a Mortgage Loan Originator for Silverton Mortgage Specialists and is a home grown native of Douglas County. Three days after graduating from Lithia Springs High School in 1988, she got her first job in the real estate business as a paralegal for a closing attorney in Smyrna. Twenty seven years later, she is still in the real estate business as a mortgage lender. Michelle became a Chamber Diplomat in 1999 and was the first Diplomat to Chair the Diplomat Committee and has held multiple positions within the Chamber including a Board Member and 16 years later, is the Diplomat Chair for 2015! To purchase or refinance a home, contact Michelle at michellemakesloans@gmail.com
MembersFirst is a not-for-profit financial cooperative insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). We offer a full suite of financial services specializing in savings and checking accounts, consumer loans, credit cards and mortgages. Members First is dedicated to the credit union philosophy of people helping people. The service delivered rests on three pillars: Service that exceeds member expectations, integrity without exception and working together as a team to achieve optimum results for their members.
Assured Comfort Heating & Air, a drug free workplace, has been in business since March of 2002. It was started with a handful of employees and now averages 25-28 employees. The current active customer base is 6500 and there are 12-16 vehicles on the road on an average day, providing 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year. Assured Comfort is Premier Lennox Dealer and provides air conditioning and heating repairs, maintenance, and replacements. They also provide Indoor Air Quality solutions, including duct cleaning, and maintain an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.
MEMBERS MATTER Welcome New Members!
A-1 Bail Bonds, Inc. Barbara Kulesa 8473 Earl D Lee Blvd Douglasville, GA 30134 (770) 949-1580
J. Clay Salon BobbieJo Holland - Salon Manager 5949 Stewart Pkwy. Douglasville, GA 30154 (770) 577-5300
Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta Fred Elsberry - President & CEO 503 Oak Place Atlanta, GA 30349 (404) 768-0875
Marva’s Place Marva Edwards - CEO 6599 Church Street Douglasville, GA 30134 (917) 520-4565
Brathan Music, LLC Todd Perkins - Owner (404) 797-9440
Melissa Murray & Associates, Inc. Melissa Murray - President & Agent 8641 Dorris Road Suite 130 - B Douglasville, GA 30134 (770) 434-4395
Caraustar Recycling Daniel Tillberry - Procurement Rep 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road Austell, GA 30106 (678) 439-5147 Crestmark Apartments Shondrae Knight - Assistant Manager 945 Crestmark Blvd. Lithia Springs, GA 30122 (770) 732-8300 Einstein HR Heidi Davlin - Benefits Admin 3805 Crestwood Pkwy. Ste. 100 Duluth, GA 30096 Farmers Table Susan Henderson - Owner 3670 Hwy. 5 Douglasville, GA 30135 (770) 693-0171 Grace Senior Living of Douglasville Karen Cabral - Executive Director 8847 Hospital Drive Douglasville, GA 30134 (770) 920-2273 Hire Dynamics Ellis Hudson - Account Manager 8080 Troon Circle Austell, GA 30168 (770) 842-7375
Pine Mountain Gold Museum Linda Shaw - Museum Manager 1881 Stockmar Road Villa Rica, GA 30180 (770) 459-8455 Pirate Staffing Tina Killam - Manager 6990 S. Sweetwater Rd. Ste. B Lithia Springs, GA 30122 (770) 458-3295 Premier Association Management, Inc. Michelle Porter - Owner | Broker 8601 Baldwin Pkwy Ste 200 Douglasville, GA 30134 (770) 949-6536 Wonderfully Made Wellness Qura Woodbury - Executive Director 8309 Office Park Drive Ste. E Douglasville, GA 30134 (470) 210-6545 TeenAngels Society, Inc. Felicia Roberts - Executive Director (404) 823-0068