The Chamber Dahlonega - Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce 2008 | MAY
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Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce 13 South Park Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-3711 (800) 231-5543
May 6 Business After Hours Come join us at the beautiful Forrest Hills Mountain Resort. Enjoy networking, food, and drinks. Don’t forget to bring $1 for the cash prize drawing! And remember door prizes are always a great way to showcase your business!
May 10 U.S. Army Mountain Ranger Open House Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to come see the Rangers in action! Demonstrations and displays include repelling, free-fall parachute jumping, and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters! Free entry. Please bring a photo ID to Camp Frank D. Merrill.
May 17-18 Mountain Flower Art Festival A Dahlonega highlight for over Read More | Page __ twenty years, the festival features juried original fine art and fine craft of regional artists. The festival is located on the historic square of Dahlonega, and also celebrates the local and area mountain wildflowers.
June 7-8 Georgia Wine-Country Festival Meet at Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery to sample Georgia wines! Attendees will enjoy unique musical entertainment by bluegrass, folk, Americana, and rock & roll musicians from Georgia and North Carolina. Admission is $20. Kids under 12 are free!
May 5th
“ O p e n i n g D ay ” the J.B. Roast!
The Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary
and Chamber of Commerce are coming together to Roast J. B. Jones on Saturday, May 17th at the Cottrell Circle C Ranch. This will be an evening that everyone will want to attend as J.B. is one of the most admired citizens of Lumpkin County.
He has distinguished himself in military service, and served Lumpkin County as the sole Commissioner for over 25 years. His dedication to the community and his family is unheralded. Read More | Page 2
The Series “Opening Day” It’s baseball season and time to rally around “Opening Day” on May 5th when Teams of five will go out and recruit new members for the Chamber. Ambassadors have formed two teams under the leadership of Dobbin Buck and Julie Sanders, Norm Campbell with The Dahlonega Network Business Leads Group, and Board Chair Jennifer Herring. We are looking for additional Team Captains who will join us in this week long Series to bring in more members to the Chamber. This is our opportunity to put the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce in the “World Series” recruiting over fifty new members in one week. This will be a fun filled week where each team will compete against the other team to see who can recruit the most members. Members recruited during this week will be listed in the new Membership Directory which will come out in July. Chamber and CVB staff will each be on a Team to assist the Team Captains to see who can bring in the most members. If you would like to be a Team Captain or join one of the Teams already formed then call us at 706-864-3711.
Mission Statement Making our community a great place to live, work, visit, and do business.
Board of Directors OFFICERS Jennifer Herring, Chairman BB&T Eddie Wayne, Chair Elect Appalachian Community Bank Don Bacek, Treasurer Lily Creek Lodge Cyndi Fraser, Secretary Belle Avance Salon Gary L. Powers, President & CEO Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce DIRECTORS Larry Banister, Banister Funeral Home Max Burns, North Georgia College & State University Kristy Fairbanks Tommy Folger, Folger’s Alan George, Chestatee Regional Hospital Alan Grizzle, EXIT Four Seasons Realty Kelso C. (Casey) Horne, Horne and Horne, P.C. Donna Minnich, State Farm Insurance J. Kevin McCraney, Georgia Power Company Tony Owens, The Fudge Factory Ed Willis, The Louver Shop Angelia Wilson, Dahlonega Tasting Room EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS Mayor Gary McCullough, City of Dahlonega Commissioner Steve Gooch, Lumpkin County Bruce Abraham, Development Authority Joel Cordle, Downtown Development Authority Stan Kelley, Lumpkin County Bill Lewis, City of Dahlonega Sheriff Mark McClure, Lumpkin County Dewey Moye, Lumpkin County Schools Joshua Wright, U.S. Army Camp Frank D. Merrill STAFF Amy Booker, Projects & Events Coordinator Kim Bruce Director of Communications Mary Ann Knight, Visitors Center Manager Stefani Logsdon, VP Operations Hal Williams, CVB Director
As I See It By Gary L. Powers The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber alone with the Lumpkin County Developmental Authority, Downtown Development Authority, the City of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County all sprang into action the moment we heard that Mohawk Industries was closing in Dahlonega. The impact of 366 employees losing their jobs is devastating but not the end of the world. What it does do is pull people together and everyone wants to help. The Chamber will be holding a Job Fair in early May to help Mohawk and other companies which might need employees. We will work closely with the Georgia Department of Labor which has excellent services for job seekers. The Career Center in Gainsville has a GI user-friendly computer system which can provide assistance and training opportunities. Their staff can show the individual job listings and training opportunities that will match their qualifications. When you lose your job your world turns upside down. Their career counselors can help each person individually. Job training is available which will help them find a job, advance in their new employment or change their career path entirely. The Georgia Department of Labor will be setting up on-site at Mohawk to help each employee. Language specialists will also be available to assist. The Career Centers provide personal computers for word processing, resume development and Internet access, as well as newspapers, self-help books, videos and information on community services to help their families.
Gary Powers, President and CEO
cial needs, including veterans, older workers, and able-disabled workers. Eligible unemployed persons can receive unemployment benefits and intensive job placement assistance from the Career Center staff. As I See It, we have challenges for replacing the jobs of everyone at Mohawk who want to find a job. But the way this community is pulling together, every person that wants to be reemployed will and can find help attaining a job or new career. The Chamber is committed to offering our help to all the workers at Mohawk and can assist in helping their families if help is needed.
Assistance is also available in locating employment and services for persons with spe-
J.B. Roast, Continued from Cover... Joining in the roast will be the Honorable Former Mayor of Dahlonega, Haines Hill, Ross King, Deputy Director of the Association of County Commissioners, Honorable Former Congressman Edgar Jenkins, and Honorable Former Governor Roy E. Barnes, Honorable Former State Senator Guy Middleton, and the Honorable Former Governor and U. S. Senator Zell Miller. To keep everyone in line and to have a fun evening we have enlisted the services of the Honorable Former U.S. Congressman Max Burns as the Master of Ceremonies. Max Burns is the Associate Dean of the Mike Cottrell School of Business at North Georgia
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College and State University. Rotarians and Chamber Board members are coming together to raise money for community projects and the 4th of July Celebration a two day event this year. If you have not received an invitation and wish to attend this evening that will feature Appalachian and Blue Grass Music, BBQ Buffet, and humorous roasting comments then please contact us at the Chamber at 706864-3711 or stop in at the Visitors Center and purchase your ticket. Tickets are $65 each or a table of 8 for $500. All checks are to be made out to DLCCF, the Dahlonega Lumpkin County Community Foundation a 501 (c) (3) charitable and educational foundation. We look forward to your participation in one of the highlight events of the year.
Chairman’s Circle The Chairman's Circle has been created to prominently recognize companies whose continual support has been instrumental in the growth of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce.
Mint Club Members
Major Donor City of Dahlonega Lumpkin County Cottrell Circle C Ranch
Platinum BB&T Bank Chestatee Regional Hospital Jackson EMC
Gold Appalachian Community Bank
Silver Achasta, A Residential Golf Community All About Storage Mountain State Bank Nicklaus Golf Club at Achasta Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc. The Smith House Timken US Corporation United Community Bank of Lumpkin County Wal-Mart SuperCenter Windstream Communications
From the Desk of Jennifer Herring “How do my business, my family and my community survive this trying time?” Over the last 6 months or so, we have see the decline of the real estate market and the increase of everything else. You are probably asking yourself, “where is the light at the end of the tunnel?” “How much longer can this go on?” Most importantly, “How do my business, my family and my community survive this trying time?” Depending on which financial analyst you watch on television or listen to on the radio, we may or may not be in a recession. Most agree that the declining real estate arena with increased inflation will carry on well into 2008. Most analysts will tell you that we are looking at 18 to 24 months before we “see the light.” Household spending accounts for about 70% of the U.S. GDP on average. Psychology plays as big a role as anything else in the recession perception. The consumers and businesses must be willing to a certain degree, to not tighten the purse strings and continue to spend money. I believe it was Glamour Magazine that did a survey several years ago about women and their spending on “necessities” during a recession. Some of the leading cosmetic manufacturers found that lipstick sales increased by 30% or better. The reasoning was that lipstick made the women feel better. It was bright and lifted their mood. It was something just for them and was relatively inexpensive. So, while we may forego the large dollar items now to pay $3.38 per gallon for gas and over $3 for a gallon for milk. Let’s not forget about the “lipsticks” in life. To keep our community viable during this time we can pull together and make a commitment to our local merchants that we will continue to purchase daily household items and other products and services locally. If we do not take the initiative, how can we ask anyone else to? What does this time mean for small business owners? For the majority of small businesses owners the cost of money, while certainly
Jennifer Herring Chairman of the Board
important, is not as important as the availability of money during this time. So far, the tightening of the credit reigns for small business owners has been small. Although it depends greatly on what industry you are in. I recommend meeting with your banker to discuss your cash flow and overall relationship early. Do not wait for things to head south before talking with your banker. Believe it or not, we are here to help you be financially secure and successful. This is much easier to do before you are in a crunch. Make a plan with your personal banker. Stick to the plan. None of us have a crystal ball to see what our future holds, if we did, we would not have a lot of entrepreneurs. It is easy to do well and be successful in good times. It is the trying times that will allow us to learn and grow. In time, we can pass our knowledge on to new entrepreneurs. There is no substitute for a good relationship with your banker. We cannot ask visitors and guests to our community to support us if we ourselves are not willing to support each other. Spend wisely, but keep spending and don’t forget the “lipstick” in your life during these times.
Bronze Daniel’s Charters Georgia Power Company Habersham EMC North Georgia College & State University Regions Bank
Jennifer L. Herring, Business Services Officer Dahlonega, GA 706-864-3314 jherring@bbandt.com B A N K I N G
I N S U R A N C E ©2008 BB&T. BBT.com
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“Let’s Do It Again! “ The Vintage Chevrolet Collectors of America Was a Hit in Dahlonega! “Let’s do it again” was a comment heard often on the square on April 10th and 11th. The usual spring break visitors merged this year with the regional visitors drawn to the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Collectors of America) Southeastern Rally. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and the Dahlonega Merchants Association the rally drew several hundred more visitors than average and resulted in more overnight stays, full res-
taurants and lots of happy shoppers. Both car buffs and locals were complimentary of each others polite treatment and good ol’ mountain hospitality. The cars drew fond memories of an earlier time for older visitors and fascinated the younger ones. Many of the club members drove from as far away as Connecticut and New Jersey to show their cars and enjoy Dahlonega. The consensus was “let’s do it again”.
Mountain Flower Festival - May 17 and 18th Downtown Dahlonega, featuring juried original fine art and fine crafts of regional artists and performing artist’s. Dahlonega Master Gardeners will hold their annual indigenous plant sale, wildflower display, wildflower walk and Garden Expo with workshops. Presented by the Dahlonega Merchants Association and is sponsored by the Dahlonega Arts Council and the B&B Inns of Dahlonega.
Twinkle’s Retro Cafe’ & Catering Espresso, Cafe, Italian Gelato “GREAT VIEW OF THE SQUARE” New Hours starting April 7th Monday - Thursday 9am to 5pm Friday & Saturday 9am - 7pm Sunday 11am - 4pm OUTDOOR PATIO SEATING NOW AVAILABLE Offering a Full Breakfast & Lunch Menu Vegetarian Selections Available Daily Specials Free Delivery Available Now offering full service catering, private parties and more!
“Wish Upon a Star & Dreams Come True”
of Dahlonega Has a new owner and a brand new committment to serve you! Come experience "Team Dahlonega" Customer service.
Missy Long - Owner
706-864-8241 twinklesenterprise@gmail.com 42 Public Square South, Dahlonega, Ga 30533
Located in the Greenbriar Shopping Center
706-867-9000 The Chamber | Page 4
Perspective From Your Local Government From State Representative Amos Amerson – House District 9 “The secret of good government is a wellinformed electorate.� Those are the words I’ve used to sign off on my weekly newspaper column as your State Representative for the past eight years. For almost 400 weeks in some 400 columns I’ve tried to keep you informed every step of the way what your state government is doing for you, and sometimes even to you. The better informed you are, the better job I can do for you. Good communications is a two-way street. The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce has always done an effective job of letting me know what the needs of their members are. That way I can address their concerns with effective legislation. I especially want to thank Hal Williams for providing timely data when I needed it. Working together with the Chamber and the wine growing industry in north Georgia over the past few years, we were finally able to pass legislation this Session that will greatly enhance our local wineries’ ability to compete on a national basis with the big-boys from Napa Valley in California. Unless vetoed by the Governor, customers will be able to order up to 12 cases per year of wine from a vineyard without having to be at their place of
business. Agri-business and agri-tourism are a big part of our local economy. The Hospitality Highway signs that you see prominently displayed along SR 400 to attract tourists and their dollars to our area are the result of another one of my pieces of legislation. All of the Chambers of Commerce, from Roswell to Dahlonega provided input. Tourists of all types enter our community along the Hospitality Highway. These include folks interested in agritourism, historical tourism, environmental tourism, and recreational tourism. Other emerging business opportunities that will provide high-paying, hightech jobs for our young people, keeping them from having to leave home to find good jobs, are associated with fiber optic technology. As Chairman of the House Science & Technology Committee, I have been working closely with President David Potter from North Georgia College & State University and the Development Authorities in Forsyth, Dawson, and Lumpkin Counties to get fiber optic cables run from south Forsyth through Dawson and into Lumpkin and beyond. State assistance will be a key component in getting this project completed. I learned as a freshman legislator eight years ago that the key committee assignments I now hold
Member Testimonials I enjoy the Newsletter and feel it is a great way to reach out to the Community and spread the word of up coming events and make everyone aware of things going on in our community, their achievements and points of interest in our community. Communication is always the key element to being successful and this is a great way to communicate with a lot of people. Karen F Ryder, United Community Bank Assistant Vice President / Branch Manager Phone: 706-864-8223 Fax: 706-864-0485 206 Morrison Moore Parkway Dahlonega
Bill, I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your article in the AJC yesterday. At least half of our customers yesterday were a result of your story. We even had a barrage of calls for reservations in the near future. I don’t know how to thank you but to let you know that you are welcome in our restaurant anytime! But I have a feeling that you probably should make a reservation if yesterday was any indication! Again, we are so grateful. Thanks, Trish and Lee Creef Back Porch Oyster Bar
Amos Amerson State Representative - House 9th District
don’t go to freshmen legislators. My objective in my next term in the Legislature is to see this dream of high-tech companies bringing high-paying jobs to North Georgia become a reality. Finally, I will continue to turn over every rock at the Capitol looking for capital improvement funds to help renovate Lumpkin County’s Visitor Center. Working together, we can make these things happen.
Ask about solar for existing homes!
LVS Homes
Energy Efficient Healthy Homes with Solar Features
www.LVSHomes.com Larry Stouffer
Tel: 706.864.0790
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
The Chamber | Page 5
Our doctors. Our neighbors.
Dr. Alan Binkley Orthopaedics
Dr. David Causey Radiology
Dr. Patrick Conarro General Surgeon
Dr. Stephanie Corn Pediatrics
Dr. John Fox Oral & Maxillofacial
Dr. Amber French OB/GYN
Dr. Ramzi Ghosn Family Practice
Dr. David Hochschild Orthopaedics
Dr. Lawrence Kulish Family Practice
Dr. Kim Kurtz Family Practice
Dr. Armando Moncada Pathology
Dr. Michael Mulberry Family Practice
Dr. Julio Ossorio Urology
Dr. Al Parker Family Practice
Dr. David Pitts Allergy / E.N.T.
Dr. Brandon Reynolds OB/GYN
Dr. Jeff Schermerhorn Anesthesiology
Dr. Dean Sockwell Anesthesiology
Dr. Benjamin Stong Allergy / E.N.T.
Dr. Richard Wherry Family Practice
As a regional community hospital, we work with local doctors who are committed to our community. Some are specialists, some general practitioners, but at the hospital they work as part of our team looking out for you and for your family’s health. We support our local doctors,and they support our community. Dr. Donna Whitfield Internal Medicine
72678=3
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NOT PICTURED: •Dr. Benjamin Allen General Surgeon •Dr. Richard Gramer Anesthesiology •Dr. Denise Workman Family Practice
Ribbon Cuttings Tater Totz Tater Totz Resale does it right when it comes to resale stores. The shop is very clean, well organized and has a “Boutique” feel to it. The selection consists of clothes, toys, books, strollers, car seats and anything else you may need for your Totz . The shop also has some clothing for women and men. Their maternity selection is of great quality. If you’re looking for something for your children or grandchildren, you have a good chance of finding it at Tater Totz Resale. If you can’t find what you are looking for, they will put you on their “Wish List” and call you when they receive the products. Tater Totz is located just north of the square at 21 Enota Street which is across the street/ caddy corner from Gee’s Furniture. Just look
for the cute yellow house and stop by and see their entire back room full of clean and sanitized toys. Please be sure to stop in and see the shop owners, Patrick and Brenda Romeo. You should not have a problem checking this place out because for now they are open 7 days a week. For information, please contact Pat Romeo at: (706) 482-9998 Photo Above: Pat Romeo, Owner
Rick’s 989 North Grove St Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-8452 Rick’s is back! That’s right! The place everyone came to love is back and now located on North Grove Street in Dahlonega. Rick’s is a cozy place for a quick lunch when touring the historic Gold Rush-era town of Dahlonega, Rick’s deals in
freshly made food that demonstrates caring and an effort above the crowd. They serve everything from basic homecomfort foods like meatloaf and mashed potatoes to specially prepared cuts of steak and fresh seafood, along with over 75 wines. The restaurant appeals to all types of diners: business travelers, couples, and families. All meals on their revolving menu are homemade. Besides great food and service, Rick’s is also home to several pieces of original folk art.
Photo Above (Left to Right) Marilou Kinney, Travel Planner, Mayor Gary McCullough, Kelly Finoochio, BB&T, Restaurant Owner, Rick Worf and Kim, Artist & Ambassador Bill Lawson, Jim & Kathy Combs, Appalchian Contracting, Penny Sharp, Sage Payments, Eddie Wayne, Appalachinan Community Bank, Ivy Spraker and daugher Piper with Ivy’s Gifts from the Vine, Jim Kinney, Evan Fleetwood, Fleetwood Secruity, and Mandy Power of BB&T.
Tugaloo Home Health Tugaloo Home Health Agency, an Amedisys Company is a for-profit home care agency. The agency services an area over 3,100 square miles in size with over 330,000 residents. It was certified by Medicare in 1997. The agency offers nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, medical social, and home health aide services. Patients of this agency are more likely to get better at walking or moving around at Tugaloo Home Health Agency, an Amedisys Company when compared to other agencies in the state.
The new location in Dahlonega is located at 135 Tipton Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533 For information, contact: Cindy Reynolds at: Phone (706)864-1000 Fax (706)864-1012
Photo Above: Deanna Wildes, AVP of Operations - Savannah Georgia, Angie Chambers RN - Director of Operations, Jeannine Pennington RN - Clinical Manager, Janet Jones - Business Office Manager, Cindy Reynolds LPN, Pam Allen - Senior Account Executive, and Lorraine Follin RN
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Attention: Small Business Owners Do You Want to Raise the Visibility of Your Business?
Take a positive step for your business. Come join us! CALL THE CHAMBER AT
(706) 864-3711 For more information on the Ambassador Program Or contact:
Donna Logan 2008 Ambassador Chair (706) 864-3721
Welcome New Members JANUARY 2008
I challenge you to get involved with the Chamber Ambassador Program. Learn what your community has to offer. You might learn something that will help your business become more visible or you might find a new source for something needed to get your business growing. Small-business owners don’t get involved in the community with the expectation of getting something back. However, the return on their efforts can be documented in tangible ways – new customers – publicity – expansion of the network of people who can help you build your business. The following people have made the decision to highlight their businesses by serving on the Chamber Ambassador Program:
Dobbin Buck - 400 Edition Marshall Crow - Royal Flush Drains & Plumbing Kelly Finocchio – BB& T Bank Evan Fleetwood – Fleetwood Security
Adolphsen Realty LLC Backwoods BBQ Coldwell Banker Mortgage / Donna Fleemon The Dahlonega Tour Company Dana Whitfield, Licensed Massage Therapist Gold Mountain Mortgage, Inc. Pamela Goode High Country Signs One Company Resources, Inc. Polymer Aging Concepts Sheperd’s Refuge-Selah Ministries, Inc. Smokin Gold BBQ Tater Totz Resale TheMountainTourist.com Tranquility Nail Spa Everything we do in life has a positive or a negative effect. The more things we do for the right reasons, the more positive results we see. The community is the life-blood of our business. It is the community that supports our businesses by opening doors to new customers.
Marilou Kinney – Travel Planning, Inc. Bill Lawson – Bleu Art Gallery Donna Logan – Adams Insurance Trina Pellegrino - Mountain Top Massage Lynn Pfeiffer - Oasis of Life Sharon Ravert – Animals@Home, Inc. Julie Sanders – Georgia 105.1 Penny Sharp – Sage Credit/Checking Services Bonnie Small – The Lily Garden Ivy Spraker – Ivy’s Gifts From the Vine Dr. Keith Tyre – Watts Chiropractic Services Dana Whitfield – Oasis of Life Michael Woody – United Community Bank
Welcome Back Previous Members Rick’s Wachovia The Chamber | Page 8
Member Renewals MARCH 2008
AFLAC - Allison Benefits Consulting Alpine Cabins John D. (Jack) Anthony Bear’s Den Black Bear Cabin The Business House, Inc. Byrd Stephens Building Supply Cannon Falls Lodge, LLC Captain D’s Coloth Type and Graphics Cottrell Circle C Ranch Dahlonega Chiropractic Life Center Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority Dahlonega Tasting Room featuring Habersham Wines Dahlonega Wheelworks DORKS- College Textbooks/Cafe/Wi-Fi Dumond’s Patio Grill Gee’s Home Furnishings GeorgiaPhoneMan.com Graytrout Group Great Southern Publishers Greylock Homes Historic Worley B&B Inn (c.1845) Holiday Inn Express Jack Stevens Welding, LLP Lanier Technical College Gerald D. Lewy Lily Creek Lodge Lumpkin County DFCS Isabella Lynn Magic Wok Magical Threads, Inc Mountain Brook Cabins Mountain Park at Dahlonega Northstar Bicycle Porcupine Business Services Shenanigan’s Irish Pub St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church The Summit at Dahlonega Super 8 - Dahlonega Sharon Thomas Winedog Pet Boutique Woodlands Edge M. Lynn Young & Mel Hawkins
Save the Dates May 6 Business After Hours at Forrest Hills Mountain Resort, 5:30-7:30 pm May 8 Executive Committee, 12:00 pm WHERE: Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery between Helen and Dahlonega. WHEN: JUNE 7th & 8th, 2008 (11-6 on Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday). WHY: Celebrating The Lifestyle & Activities of Georgia’s Wine Country. WHO: Silent and LIVE Auction Benefiting The (Southeast Bluegrass Association) The 7th Annual GEORGIA WINE COUNTRY FESTIVAL will be presented June 7th and 8th, 2008 at Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery in Lumpkin County-Dahlonega, Georgia. Live Music, Folk Art, Culinary Demonstrations and Wine Tastings in the vineyard. It’s the annual GEORGIA WINE COUNTRY FESTIVAL, Three Sisters Vineyards’ signature wine - art- music- fun event near Dahlonega. It will be presented “Rain OR Shine” - under a BIG TENT! Celebrating 7 years in 2008, this is Dahlonega-Lumpkin County’s ORIGINAL Wine Celebration. Tickets are available at the gate. Attendees will sample Georgia wines from various participating wineries. Those appearing in the past have been Boutier Winery, Butterducks Winery, Georgia Wines, Montaluce Vineyards, Paulk Vineyards, Still Pond Winery, Chestatee and Three Sisters to name a few. Attendees will enjoy unique musical entertainment by bluegrass, folk, Americana, and rock & roll musicians from Georgia and North Carolina. Musicians will
include LD & Marty Nix, Route 66, Holly & Curtis Jones and a special appearance by The Appalachian Saint Andrew’s Pipe & Drum Corps. Gold City Corral of Dahlonega will present vineyard wagon rides. Many Georgia vendors will be under the big tent with folk art, handmade items, food specialties, local honey, promotional and farm exhibits. Special Folk Artist Guest is John “Cornbread” Anderson. Food and beverages may be purchased inside from local Chefs and vendors. Three Sisters will present a selection of Georgia Cheeses from Sweet Grass Dairy of Thomasville. A silent and live auction will be conducted for SEBA (Southeast Bluegrass Association) by MountainEchoesRadio.com personalities Julie Sanders and Kevin O’Connell. Festival hours are 11-6 on Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday.
U.S. Army Mountain Ranger Open House at Camp Frank D. Merrill May 15 Board Meeting, 12:00 pm May 17 - 18 Mountain Flower Art Festival May 20 Economic Development, 8:00 am May 21 Women in Lumpkin Leadership Breakfast at Stewart Center for Continuing Education, 8:00 am May 28
Daily Admission: $20 gets 21 & older (includes souvenir wine glass) $10 is the fee for designated drivers and under 21. Kids under 12 are FREE!
June 3
Visit www.ThreeSistersVineyards.com for maps, festival info and music bios. Sponsored by The Georgia Wine Council. (GeorgiaWineCouncil.org).
June 7 - 8
CONTACT: Sharon & Doug Paul at Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery, Dahlonega, Georgia dp@threesistersvineyards.com or call 706-865-9463.
June 12
Ambassadors Meeting, 12:00 pm Business After Hours at Chestatee Ford, 5:30-7:30 pm Georgia Winecountry Festival at Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery Executive Committee, 12:00 pm June 17
Six Gap Century Registration Opens
SIX GAP
May 10
The Chamber’s largest annual fund-raiser, the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride, will be coming to Dahlonega again on September 28, 2008! Online registration for the ride officially opened in late March and emails and registrations are already pouring in from riders from across the country. If you would like to register for, volunteer for, or sponsor this event, please visit our new web site, www.CycleNorthGeorgia.com.
Economic Development, 8:00 am June 18 Women in Lumpkin Leadership Breakfast at Stewart Center for Continuing Education, 8:00 am June 19 Board Meeting, 12:00 pm June 20-21 Mountain Top Rodeo at R-Ranch in the Mountains June 25 Ambassadors Meeting, 12:00 pm
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Many Good Reasons to Earn That MBA Now... One Great Opportunity To Do It Close to Home
John Douglas, director of MBA Marketing and Development for North Georgia's new TeamMBA program, discusses curriculum with faculty members John C. Yeoman, Ph.D., Martha E. Merritt, MAcc, MAT, CPA, and Russell Teasley, Ph.D. The program's Cumming location makes the MBA program convenient for people who live or work in Lumpkin County and all along the GA 400 corridor.
You’re bright. Successful. Determined. Attaining goals you’ve worked hard to reach. But now you wonder: Could I do more? Could I be more? There’s an MBA program near you that says you can. North Georgia College & State University and its Mike Cottrell School of Business are bringing the master of business administration degree within practical reach of Lumpkin County residents with the strategic location of its new MBA program in the heart of
the Georgia 400 Corridor. TeamMBA, a traditional, face-to-face evening program designed for working professionals, will be housed on the top floor of Cumming City Hall, convenient to those living or working along the Georgia 400 Corridor and throughout northeast Georgia. Easily accessible from Exits 14, 15 or 16 on GA 400, the program is only about a 35-minute drive from Dahlonega’s Public Square. Applications are being accepted through June 30 for the Inaugural Fall 2008 class, which launches in August. An open house May 6 (5:30-7 p.m.) at North Georgia’s Military Leadership Center in Dahlonega invites the serious and the curious to talk with admissions specialists and meet faculty members who will be bringing TeamMBA to life. For details and contact information, visit northgeorgiamba.com or call 706-864-1610. Continued, Next Page
MBA for Working Professionals Starting August 2008 Learn More at Open House Tuesday, May 6, 2008 5:30-7:00pm NGCSU Military Leadership Center @ Main College Entrance off S. Chestatee St. in Dahlonega, GA
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS www.NorthGeorgiaMBA.com
RSVP to706-864-1610
NGCSU spec
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“So many people get settled into their careers, and then after a few years they look around and realize they could boost their success and job satisfaction—and probably their salaries, too—with an MBA degree. By then, they may have families, children and all kinds of demands and obligations on their time. The obstacles can seem insurmountable,” says Max Burns, dean of the Cottrell School of Business. “Having an MBA program convenient to home or work, with a class schedule they can work into their busy lives makes going for that career boost a do-able option.” Attending classes Tuesday and Thursday
evenings, students can plan to earn their MBAs within just 20-24 months without ever missing a day of work. Students accepted into the program will belong to a “cohort” of 30-40 students who will progress—class by class and project-byproject—through the entire two-year program together. Smaller study groups and team projects, facilitated by the latest communication technologies, will keep students in touch and engaged between classes. The reasons for earning an MBA are as diverse as the people who seek the degree, says John Douglas, director of MBA
marketing and development. MBAs often have a competitive edge over other business professionals for the best jobs and promotions and may command substantially higher salaries. For many, earning an MBA brings newfound confidence and other personal rewards that far transcend job market issues. With core elements centered on leadership development, teamwork and a stimulating global perspective on today’s business environment, North Georgia’s TeamMBA experience offers a life-changing opportunity for people in business careers to break out from the crowd and reach their potential.
Business After Hours Our April Business After Hours was hosted by 3by400, 400Edition, and Dumond’s Patio Grill and was held on the property of City Councilman Bill Scott and Dumond’s Patio Grill. David Dumond provided a wonderful dinner for the 120 members who attended. Curtis Jones & Friends entertained the crowd with their great live music, and we gave away dozens of door prizes. Our next Business After Hours will be on May 6 at Forrest Hills Resort! This is a Business-After-Hours event you will not want to miss. Please join us as we also celebrate Forrest Hills Resort’s 30th Anniversary and Ribbon Cutting for their new facilities. Ribbon Cutting at 4:45 PM Business After Hours from 5:30 - 7:30 PM (Left to Right) Steve Gooch wins the drawing for a cash prize. Also pictured here are Dobbin Buck and Jennifer Herring.
(Above, left to right) The Dahlonega Network / Chamber Leads Group - Back Row: Jennifer Herring, Dobbin Buck, John Hutchison, Julie Sanders, and Betsy Chaput, Front Row: Donna Logan, Norm Campbell, Jana Collett, Penny Sharp, Ray Ingram
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(Above) City Councilman Bill Scott with Mayor Gary McCullough.
Volunteer Spotlight: Marilou Kinney is One of Kind! Being the second busiest Visitor and Tourist Center in the state (2nd only to Savannah) the Dahlonega Convention & Visitor’s bureau greatly depends on volunteers who are willing to devote their time and energy to greeting and welcoming visitors to our beautiful town. Without such faithful volunteers, it would be difficult, if not impossible to provide the kind of friendly hospitality and service that folks have come to know us for. To show our gratitude and appreciation for such volunteers, the Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize these outstanding individuals. This month’s Volunteer Spotlight proudly focuses on Marilou Kinney. Marilou has lived in Dahlonega for 15 years. A native of Atlanta, she spent her childhood summers hiking, camping and paddling rivers in the mountains of North Georgia and hopes to live there some day. That day arrived in May of 1992. Marilou is a former school teacher and is presently (and for the past 27 years) married to Jim Kinney,
a retired F.B.I. Agent. She is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and a Chamber Ambassador. Marilou enjoys volunteering at the Welcome Center, as well as for the Six-Gap cycle event, the Old Fashioned Christmas, and other Chamber events. She is an active member of the Lumpkin County Historical Society and is in charge of the ‘1864 Old Jail for Tours‘ during festival events. Marilou and her husband, Jim Kinney, both volunteer at the C.H.P. Food Pantry and are active at the Historic Holly Theatre. Marilou’s ancestors were original land lot owners in the 1830’s and lived in Dahlonega until the early 20th century, with many being buried in the New Hope Cemetery. Marilou is also involved as a volunteer and supporter of the Dahlonega Art Council, as well as the Dahlonega Women’s Club. She is an active member of St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church. She loves Dahlonega and plans to
stay forever.
From all of us at the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, as well the community you so willing serve... THANK YOU, MARILOU, FOR YOUR HARD WORK and DEDICATION!!!
Women Learn to “Brand” Themselves from Liz Goodgold’s “DUH” Marketing Seminar
(Above) Liz Goodgold speaks to the WILL group (Women in Lumpkin Leadership) and other attendees about the benefits and importance of personal and business branding.
Author: Amy Booker Women in the WILL (Women in Lumpkin Leadership) group learned that “branding” is not just for big companies with big budgets. Liz Goodgold, from San Diego, California, taught women how they can market themselves and their businesses better in her “DUH” Marketing Seminar that took place on April 8th and was sponsored by North Georgia College and State University Center for Continuing Education, the Dahlonega-
Lumpkin Chamber of Commerce and the Smith House Bed and Breakfast. Liz Goodgold is the author, senior media correspondent, and feisty red head you have seen on CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, and in The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She’s also a renowned brand consultant for major corporations including Quaker Oats, Univision, and Proflowers.com. She is also a motivational speaker with a mission: inspiring children, entrepreneurs, and executives
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that they can “get there from here.” Liz Goodgold definitely ignited change! Many women in attendance headed back to their office or homes and changed their voice mail recordings to better market and promote themselves and the businesses they own and represent. Great ideas were suggested regarding the way we dress, usage of our business cards even catch phrases that we use and people recognize us by.
Downtown Dahlonega Hosts Appalachian Jam Every Saturday
Dahlonega’s extensive dining opportunities and linger for some great shopping at the 50 retail stores in the downtown area.
April 19 Through November 1 Thousands Enjoy Acoustic Mountain Music in Historic Downtown! North Georgia’s mountain music pickers and singers flock to the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site every Saturday, April 19 through November 1. Listeners and musicians alike enjoy the acoustic bluegrass and old time string music on the Public Square. Visitors enjoy an afternoon and evening (even a few days) of fun with downtown
As the name implies, the Appalachian Jam gives traditional mountain music players the chance to get together and celebrate the kind of music that has been performed in the Appalachian Mountains for generations. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and gather on the historic Public Square to jam with the scheduled musicians. Everyone else should come on down and listen or dance. Bring a chair or stool and stay awhile. Dahlonega’s “Appalachian Jam” is produced by Dahlonega’s Downtown Development Authority and Better Hometown Program. The events are made possible with support from the Georgia Council for the Arts’ Grassroots Program, the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival Committee, the Appala-
chian Studies Center at North Georgia College & State University, the Wiggins Group for Traditional Music, and the DahlonegaLumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. The events are hosted by the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and are presented in cooperation with the Dahlonega Merchants Association. This Grassroots Arts Program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. The Council is a partner agency with The National Endowment for the Arts. The Grassroots Arts Program for Region 8 is administered by The Arts Council, Inc., Gainesville, Georgia – Region 8 Grassroots Agency. For information, contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau at: 706-864-3513, or Joel Cordle at 706-864-6133. 465 Riley Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 dahlonegadda@windstream.net
Dahlonega First Friday Night Concert Series ANNOUNCES 2008 PERFORMANCES Series Begins May 2 with “Emerald Rose” The “First Friday Night Concert Series” in Downtown Dahlonega announces a thrilling six-month schedule of outdoor concerts. Shows will be held May through October at the beautiful Conner House Lawn at the corner of North Chestatee and Warwick Streets. Mark your calendar now and make your plans to attend each event. Bring friends, family, and lawn chairs for family fun in downtown Dahlonega. All concerts are held from 6:30-8:30 pm. Arrive early, enjoy excellent downtown shopping, and pick up your picnic from any of downtown’s popular restaurants. The First Friday Night Concert Series begins May 2 with the exciting Celtic sounds of “Emerald Rose.” June 6 brings the “Remember When Band” performing favorite songs spanning the generations between 1950 and 1990. The special Independence Day event will feature Curtis and Holly Jones and Friends with their stunning variety of flamenco, bluegrass, classical, jazz, gypsy, Celtic, folk, old time, new age and world music styles. The August 1 concert will feature
“Fools Gold” with their “mountain jazz,” a unique combination of rock, blues, country and bluegrass that creates an uplifting blend of American music. Dahlonega’s popular band “Greybeard” will be featured at the September 5 concert. With traditional bluegrass instruments and outstanding vocal harmonies, this group breaks the bluegrass mold and performs favorites from many styles of music. The series closes with a night of rousing swing and swagger featuring “Russo & Noe” singing songs of the Rat Pack a la Frank SinatraDean Martin, Las Vegas style. The “First Friday Night Concert Series” is produced by the City of Dahlonega’s Better Hometown Program and Downtown Development Authority. All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. Dancing and socializing are encouraged.
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For More Information: Joel Cordle 706-864-6133 dahlonegadda@windstream.net 465 Riley Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 dahlonegadda@windstream.net 706-864-6133
One of The Newest Faces On Our Board of Directors. Alan Grizzle, a life-long resident of Dahlonega, is one of the newest faces on our Board of Directors. “I got involved with the Chamber because of all the promotion it does for Dahlonega and Lumpkin County and I hope to have the opportunity to do something positive for our community.” Alan started his term this past January, but has been a familiar face in the community for many years. Alan earned his real-estate license in February 2000 and as been with EXIT Four Seasons Realty in Dahlonega ever since. Alan has excelled in his field and EXIT Georgia named Alan its Top Closing Agent for 2007. Alan is a family man – he has been married for 21 years to his wife, Rosa, and the couple has two children: 16-year old son Chase, and 12-year old daughter Bridg-
et. Both children are LUMPKIN COUNTY REAL ESTATE REPORT straight-A students 373 Active Single Family Homes in April 08 and are very involved in extra-curricular ac12 Foreclosures Available tivities – Chase is an 27 Residential Homes Closed in March 08 accomplished pia*Statistics taken from First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) nist and is in the Key and subject to change daily. Club and Beta Club at Call for current market analysis or investment opportunities Lumpkin County High School and Bridget Alan Grizzle plays softball and basLife-long resident of Lumpkin County ketball for the middle Cell: (706)344-7096 Bus: (706)864-9200 school. A member of alangrizzle@alangrizzle.com Cavender Creek Baptist Church, Alan likes to attend his children’s activities and hunt and fish in his spare time. If anyone has any questions about real estate, you can contact Alan at 706-344-7096.
Jones and Company Moves to New Location on Square Gayle Jones started Jones and Company, specialty retail and gift shop, 15 years ago. Exciting changes are happening at Jones and Company as it moves to another location on Dahlonega’s historic square. Gayle Jones is extremely excited about her new location as she is now on the main sidewalk downtown, which attracts more shoppers. Her new space is charming both inside and outside. Gayle enjoys the history and ambience of the building she is now located in, 98 North Public Square, and sharing that information with visitors. It is evident that Gayle and her staff treasure the people, historic atmosphere and small town charm that no other town can match! Gayle always wanted a shop in Dahlonega that had a southern feel. Two of her best friends in Dahlonega, Page Maxwell and Wendy Jenkins, convinced her that she could do it….and “do it” she did! Gayle feels her success in business can be attributed to customer service. “Whether a customer makes a purchase or not, we always let them know that we are grateful they walked in” Jones says. Gayle also attributes success to lovely free gift wrap for her clients, fresh displays, being open seven days a week and carefully selected merchandise such as Brighton handbags, jewelry, home gifts, sunglasses and key chains, bath and body products, Aromatique potpourri and candles, exclusive jewelry and many other items to give to yourself or someone special. Gayle Jones has not only been successful as a business owner but as a good steward of this community, which cannot help but to add to her success. Gayle served
as a past president of the Merchant’s Association, Chairman of the DDA, Bear on the Square, Mountain Flower Festival, Autumn Festival and Old Fashioned Christmas. You will still see Gayle hard at work during the holidays making sure that downtown looks magical. Gayle received the “Magnificent Gold Award” in 2004, recognizing her dedication. Gayle encourages the Chamber of Commerce, City Mayor McCullough, and City Council members to maintain our historic significance and tourism and encourages all business owners to make our town better. In this light, Gayle would love to see the addition of “high end” shops, the square expand and flowers in front of all shops. She also encourages involvement from our local community to support our businesses and events throughout the year. Gayle recognizes challenges for businesses today, including big box stores, gas prices, shipping cost, and higher rent and utilities. However, Gayle feels that The Chamber | Page 14
with continued help and support from Dahlonega’s DDA and Main Street Program, the Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor’s Center, Historic Commission, City of Dahlonega, Merchant’s Association and our local bank’s and lenders (for Gayle personally Eddie Wayne and Jeff Armstrong at Appalachian State Bank), and a community who buys locally, Jones & Company and other Dahlonega businesses can look forward to growth and great relationships for the next 15 year’s!
SAINTS Workshop Provides Wealth of Information On Tuesday, April 8, local small business and non-profit managers attended a free informational workshop produced by students from the Mike Cottrell School of Business on the North Georgia campus. The team did a great job at presenting a wealth of information, covering topics that can help managers with their day-to-day operations, including business plans, strategic planning, human resource management, marketing, loss prevention, and more. This workshop was a service learning outreach of the Mike Cottrell School of Business, in which students provide a service that reinforces academic knowledge and skills to or through a community partner. The Chamber is excited about the great resources the college has to offer our com-
munity, and is looking forward to more service learning partnerships. If you missed the great information the workshop had to offer, don’t fret! Within the next month, the information will be uploaded into a new section of the Chamber web site, www. dahlonega.org.
Clothes, toys, books, strollers, car seats and anything else you may need for your Totz !
Dahlonega Farmer’s Market Returns in May Good diet and high quality, locally grown food are priorities for shoppers these days. Did you know that the finest quality vegetables, fruits, honeys, and culinary herbs (as well as decorative flowers and plants) are available in downtown Dahlonega at our local Farmers Market? There is no better source for quality produce, locally grown and fresh picked from the garden. Buy direct from your local farmers and get great prices for the best produce in the region. Shoppers will also find delicious jams, jellies, honey, dried flowers, and garden seeds. This year, the Market begins on Saturday, May 3. It is held every Tuesday and Saturday in beautiful Hancock Park, at the corner of North Park Street and Warwick Street. There is abundant free parking. The local farmers begin setting up their products around 7 a.m., and you can shop the super selection until 3 p.m. or until the daily inventories are sold. Each week, shoppers will see new products available at the market. Because all of the items are locally grown, the products are seasonal. Shoppers may talk with the farmers and inquire about the schedule of availability for specific products in each growing season. Shoppers will notice the special high quality of the produce. It is obvious that the fruits and vegetables are grown with great pride and care. Long-time market vendor Herman McDonald still plows his garden with a mule. This is an example of the concentration on quality that is typical among our local Farmers Market participants. All products at the market are locally grown by the farmers who are also selling them at the park. Treat yourself and your family to the best quality, low prices, and good selection, and feel good about supporting our local farm-
er/growers. Bring along the kids and grand kids for a nice produce shopping experience and linger in Hancock Park. Make it a romantic morning out. Bring along your spouse and enjoy downtown Dahlonega’s extensive dining opportunities and linger for some great shopping at the amazing retail stores in the downtown area. Downtown Dahlonega has it all.
In the little yellow house - Open 7 Days!
(706) 482-9998
21 Enota Street, Dahlonega
Farmers and growers can acquire their Farmers Market permits at City Hall, 465 Riley Road, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Permits cost only $10 per month for growers. The Downtown Dahlonega Farmers Market is sponsored by the City of Dahlonega’s Better Hometown Program and Downtown Development Authority. Contact Joel Cordle, 706-864-6133.
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465 Riley Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 dahlonegadda@windstream.net 706-864-6133
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Dahlonega - Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce
Site of the First US Gold Rush. 13 South Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Tel: 706-864-3711 Toll Free: (800) 231-5543 www.dahlonega.org