Edition Highlights: Moonshine Festival nears Corn maze opens Community gathers for day of caring Service honors POW/MIA Ambassador Spotlight: Bob Couch
October 2011
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 292 Hwy. 400, North Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
Lanier Tech breaks ground on expansion By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Chamber of commerce president Linda Williams is looking forward to telling potential businesses interested in moving to the area that Lanier Technical College will soon have a bigger presence in Dawson County. “Having a college campus in one’s community is an economic development driver in itself,” Williams said. “With the expansion and new campus for Lanier Technical College in downtown Dawsonville, the college will be
able to increase its offerings and thus give students the choice of a variety of skill sets.” Lanier Technical College broke ground Sept. 15 on a major expansion that will more than double educational space at its Dawson County campus. “We’re very excited to be here,” said Russell Vandiver, president of the college. “We think it’s a wonderful opportunity for the community, the county and the city of Dawsonville.” Construction on the $5 million See EXPANSION | 3
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Local officials toss shovels of dirt Sept. 15 to signify the groundbreaking of Lanier Technical College’s new Dawson County location.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
STEPHANIE MATHIS
Happy fall, and other things to celebrate I have taught my little nephew Cody how to toast. He’ll take his sippy cup and I’ll take whatever I have to drink and we’ll say “Cheers!” and clink our glasses. He wants to do it all the time and I told him, “No, it’s
just for when we are celebrating,” but I realized that, in my house, we actually toast often. It is not that we have so many celebratory occasions, it’s just that we celebrate the little things. A few common toasts in my house are:
• “To good food and good friends.” •“To making the best of what’s around.” • “We made it through another day!” (This one gets used a lot.) Whether it is just Kelly and I
sitting down to dinner or we are with a group of friends or family, I like to toast. It is my way of saying, “I’m happy we are here together” and it makes the event feel special. So I raise my glass to anoth-
er fall; I am glad to see it arrive. Mathis Soon leaf lookers and festival-goers will be visiting our county and it is important See CELEBRATE | 2
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
LINDA WILLIAMS
Veterans Day ceremonies will be special This year’s Veterans Day ceremonies and activities promise to be the most moving we have ever hosted here in Dawsonville and Dawson County. Since we have just passed the 10th anniversary of the most horrific act of terrorism on our homeland, it is fitting that our celebration will focus not only on our veterans, but our active military as well. This year, 2011, marks the seventh year the Dawson County Veterans Affairs has hosted a local celebration. The event has grown each year and the last five years our celebration has earned the designation as a Regional Site by the National Department of Veterans Affairs Committee. There are currently only 54 Regional Sites in the nation and the only other
one in Georgia is in Atlanta. We can be proud of all the work our local Williams Veterans Affairs of Dawson County committee has done to honor our military veterans. The grand marshals for the parade this year will be some of our wounded warriors. Be sure to line the streets of Dawsonville to honor them and show our support and appreciation. The sacrifices made by all of our veterans and active military are what insures that we are, and always will be “the land of the free.” The official ceremony will begin at 2:45 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Dawson County Middle School in downtown Dawsonville. We are
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Celebrate that we are all ready. Now is a great time to spruce your place up so you look your best for company. A few tips to make sure your exterior is welcoming: Pressure wash your exterior, clean your windows, replace burnt out light bulbs and freshen up your landscaping. Make sure passing customers can easily tell you are open and
‘Since we have just passed the 10th anniversary of the most horrific act of terrorism on our homeland, it is fitting that our celebration will focus not only on our veterans, but our active military as well.’ most honored that Col. James “Lindy” Linder will be our keynote speaker. Linder is in the top 50 of the most highly decorated officers and was recently presented another Bronze Star. For the past seven years, the Dawson County Public School System has been an integral part of our Veterans Day Celebration. The schools will once again have an early release day at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. This will allow children time to go home and return with their families for the ceremony and parade. School
ready for business. No one travels anywhere without money so make sure visitors know they should stop and spend it with you. Cheers to the changing of the seasons. Football games and baseball playoffs, cooler days with the windows open and watching our landscape change to a beautiful, multi-colored quilt that makes me proud to call north Georgia my home. I hope you enjoy the season and find many reasons to toast. I’m happy we are here together.
Superintendent Keith Porter will deliver the welcome address. I will be humbled once again to present the Veteran of the Year Award along with the entire Veterans Affairs Committee for Dawson County. We all have so many things to be grateful for in all aspects of our lives. As business people be sure to thank a veteran, as free enterprise is not free. A huge price has been paid by our military that we may conduct business by our own choosing and have the ability to prosper. So please mark your
Correction In last month’s Chamber Chronicle, the contact information for Blue Ridge Glassworks was listed incorrectly. Blue Ridge Glassworks can be reached at (706) 216-2881 or by e-mailing brgworks1978@ yahoo.com. The company is at at 45 Heath Road, Dawsonville or on the Web at www.blueridgeglassworks.com.
calendar for Nov. 11, Veterans Day, and join us at 2:45 p.m. at the Dawson County Middle School for the official ceremony and then help us line the streets of Dawsonville for the parade at 4 p.m.
I hope to see you on Veterans Day, if not before. If you are not a member of our organization already, won’t you join us?
DAWSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Askew United Community Bank Brooke Anderson (ex-officio) Etowah Water and Sewer Authority Pat Anderson Anderson Family Medicine Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio) Development Authority of Dawson County, executive director
Peter Hill Hill Design Associates Architects Warren King Individual Stephanie Mathis (2011 chair) Bank of the Ozarks Kristie Myers The Norton Agency Keith Porter (ex-officio) Dawson County schools
Jennifer Baker (2012 chair elect) United Community Bank
Denny Putlak Denny Insurance Group
Mike Berg (ex-officio) Dawson County Board of Commissioners
Carol Tyger Ambassador representative
Carla Boutin State Farm Insurance
Mike Underwood (2010 chairman) First Citizens Bank of Georgia
Doris Cook Etowah Water and Sewer Authority James Grogan (ex-officio) Dawsonville City Council
Linda Williams (ex-officio) Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Kathy Fuller K.C. Fuller and Associates
Gloria Wyatt Northside HospitalForsyth
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Russell Vandiver, president of Lanier Technical College, called the school’s new campus in Dawson County a great opportunity for Lanier Tech and the entire Technical College System in Georgia.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 13: Lunch with the chamber at noon at Lakeview Center. The guest speaker will be Gary Pichon. He will be speaking about The Grand Park concept for Dawson Forest. Special thanks to luncheon sponsor, Northside Hospital-Forsyth. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 2656278. Oct. 13: North Georgia College & State University and The Mike Cottrell School of Business are proud to host its annual speaker series. Industry leaders share their perspective on what it takes to succeed in domestic and international markets characterized by increasing competition and complexity. On Oct. 13, Mike Higley, managing director, U.S. international, Fed Ex Express, will be the guest speaker. All sessions are free and open to the public. The series is held from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. in the banquet room (second floor) of the new dining hall on the main campus in Dahlonega. For more information, contact Dr. Max Burns at (706) 864-1620 or at mburns@ northgeorgia.edu. Oct. 18: Leadership Dawson Alumni Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. All alumni of the Leadership Dawson Program (formerly called Leadership 2000) are invited to attend the annual get together. Registration details will be announced soon. If you are a graduate of the program and have not received correspondence by e-mail or mail, contact the chamber at (706) 265-6278 or e-mail Linda Williams at l.williams@dawson.org. Oct. 20: North Georgia College & State University and The Mike Cottrell School of Business are proud to host its annual speaker series. Industry leaders share their perspective on what it takes to succeed in domestic and international markets characterized by increasing competition and complexity. On Oct. 20, John Trautwein, president and COO, Source Support Services will be the guest speaker. Trautwein is also cofounder of The Will to Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives and the “Will to Live” of teen-
agers everywhere. All sessions are free and open to the public. The series is held from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. in the Banquet Room (second floor) of the new dining hall on the main campus in Dahlonega. For more information, contact Dr. Max Burns at (706) 864-1620 or at mburns@northgeorgia.edu. Oct. 21-23: 44th annual Moonshine Festival in downtown Dawsonville. KARE for Kids Inc. sponsors the event. All funds raised go directly to helping children. All members are volunteers. For more information, call (706) 2165273 or visit www.kareforkids.us. Oct. 25: The quarterly community forum will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, upstairs in the Community Room.The meeting is an information sharing session for elected officials and other leaders in Dawson County. No public comment is scheduled. No official business will be conducted.The public is invited to attend. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278. Oct. 25: Community & Southern Bank, Dawson Forest Road/Hwy. 400 branch, will host Business after Hours from 5-7 p.m. Come as your favorite Halloween character. No masks please. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors; AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency-Kristie Myers and United Community BankJames Askew. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. Nov. 1: Dawson County Chamber of Commerce 11th Annual Consumer Expo at the Lakeview Center. Get to know more about the chamber’s members and their businesses. Great networking opportunities. See all that the chamber has to offer. Special thanks to event sponsor Carla Boutin/State Farm Insurance. Nov. 5: Cornerstone Christian Church in Dawsonville will be having a Health Fair from 10 a.m.-2p.m. Contact Dianne Brooks at (706) 216-3950 for more information.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
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Expansion expansion off Hwy. 9 north near Dawson County Middle School is expected to be complete within a year. Enrollment is projected at 300 students in the first year at the new site. Local officials began talking about the need for a technical college in the county more than a decade ago. Roger Slaton spearheaded on effort to lease a building owned by the local board of education to the college. “So we renovated it at the expense of $300,000 and leased it to them for $1 a year,” he said. The Dawson campus welcomed its first students in October 2005, and when it became apparent the building was too small to accommodate the growing needs, the school board, Lanier Tech and the Dawson County commission each donated $100,000 to buy adjacent land for future expansion. “Technical schools create the opportunity for business to come because they know they can get the workers, or at least, retrain the workers,” said Mike Berg, commission chairman. “I’m real proud. [We] took a leap of faith ... because we understood the need for business in the community and training for future business employees.”
Programs that will be offered at the Dawson campus include medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, business administration, welding and cosmetology. Automotive technology and electrical systems technology will also be offered exclusively at the site. Kevin Tanner, chairman of the board for Lanier Tech’s foundation, called creating jobs “the single most important issue we face if we are going to get our economy moving in the right direction.” “Ninety-percent of all Lanier Technical College graduates are working in a good, full-time job within six months of graduating,” Tanner said. “This is an impressive statistic and having a fully operational campus here in Dawson County will prove to be a tremendous asset to our economic vitality.” Will Wade, chairman of the Dawson County school board, said the college campus will also be a great asset to the local school system. “It’s going to help kids today and even tomorrow, and it’s going to give them another opportunity,” Wade said. “Right now, if you look out into the business sector, the majority of companies are hiring kids with degrees from technical colleges. “For the employment to come back, for us to turn around the economy, this is just one key component.”
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Corn maze celebrates its 10th anniversary
Huck’s Apple Barn celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting Sept. 16 at its Dawson Forest Road location near the outlet mall. Pictured, from left, co-owner Denise Mosley, manager Dawn Pruett and coowner Melani Grindley.
By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
James G. Wolfe Jr. Dawson Community News
Local apple business has grand opening By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
A new local apple business has been surprised by its own success, according to its manager. Dawn Pruett, manager of Huck’s Apple Barn, said that the grand opening weekend and the following week were wildly successful. “We were just extremely busy during the grand opening weekend [Sept. 16-18],” Pruett said. “It went very well, I was really surprised by how great it went.” Located just off Ga. 400 on Dawson Forest Road, the apple barn is in prime position for tourists on their way to the north Georgia mountains and those who come to Dawson County to visit the outlet mall. “A lot of people have been coming in and a good bit of them are stopping on their way up [Ga. 400] to the mountains,” Pruett said. “They don’t have to go all the way over to Ellijay for those good apples, they can just get them here.” Huck’s Apple Barn offers a variety of apple products, including pies, fritters, cider, bread, honey, jam and jellies. “After the first week, we’ve almost
OCTOBER 2011
sold out of everything,” Pruett said. “We were almost completely out of the apples themselves, and had no fritters, bread or pies. It was crazy.” The barn is also an authentic general store filled with unique gifts that include kitchen and home décor, vintage toys, stuffed animals, bird feeders and more. Inventory is geared more toward tourists and Pruett said there have been plenty in the store. “A tour bus came in one day during the first week,” Pruett said. “That was really great, a lot of our inventory went out that day.” The Barn also offers a large tent and picnic tables that can be reserved at a discounted group rate for birthday parties, church groups or any other community outing. Owners Denise Mosely and Melani Grindley are long-time business owners who wanted to open a business that their combined six children could be involved in. Huck’s Apple Barn’s fall hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact the business at (706) 429-0065.
A local business owner has found a way to make a trip to a corn maze educational. Mike Pinzl, who owns Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze on Hwy. 53 East, has begun to offer school tours this fall, with the goal of educating children while they are having fun. “We’ve got three, what we call, cornference rooms, set up,” Pinzl said. “They are three tents in the middle of planted corn and for 15 minutes in each tent, the students do a hands-on activity that relates to a lesson they are learning in the classroom.” After the lessons, students enjoy a 15-minute hayride before going into a smaller version of the regular 12-acre corn maze. “We call it the maze of knowledge,” Pinzl said. “Hopefully what they learn in there will help reinforce what they’ve learned in the tents and in the classroom.” Students then go home with a coloring book that relates to what they learned at the corn maze. “I just think it’s a wonderful way for them to learn when they don’t even think they’re learning,” Pinzl said. “For 10 years we’ve hopefully been a family, church, scout and civic friendly place that’s grown into a family tradition, which is really exciting for us.”
File photo
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Uncle Shuck himself is the design for the 2011 corn maze at Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze.
In addition to the student tours, Uncle Shuck’s is continuing to offer its massive corn maze. For each of the last 10 years, Pinzl and his staff have reconfigured the maze into different shapes that are designed to be challenging, but still allow visitors to exit at any time they wish. “Our maze is well attended, but the haunt is something the teens and those in their early 20s love to do even more,” Pinzl said. The Haunted Maze, held every Friday and Saturday in October, is a
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
nighttime adventure through the corn patch, lit only by the moon. Flashlights are not allowed and all children 12-andunder must be accompanied in the maze by a parent. Visitors begin entering the maze at dark, with the last ticket sold at 10 p.m. This year, the Haunted Maze will also be open on Sunday, October 9 for the maze’s Haunt Night. The event will feature bonfires and maze hayrides. For more information on what Uncle Shuck’s offers, or to learn how to register for a school tour, visit www.uncleshucks.com.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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Product ‘going to take off’ Organization
holds banquet
By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
Over 25 years after it was founded, Frosty Mountain Pure water may soon change the way water is purchased. Johnny Glass, the new manager of the company, has partnered with Darren Willman of Pure Source water to create a new way of containing and selling the liquid. “It’s the bag in box method that you see with wine and juice,” Glass said. “We’re applying that to water, as far as I know, we’re the first in the country to do it.” The bag and box will fit in a specially-made cooler that Glass hopes will replace the usual office coolers with the large bottle on top. In addition, Glass hopes to get the new distribution method into grocery stores as soon as possible. “We’re getting good reviews from three different marketing people so far,” Glass said. “The whole package will sell for inhome and office coolers.” Production will begin with a 10-liter bag and box to start, and then move up to 15 liters. “We’ve got a guy in New York interested in a 5-liter box, and we’ll do that if the demand is there, but for right now we’re looking at 10 and 15,” Glass said. One of the biggest benefits of the new packaging is the storage space required for it. “They don’t take up as much space as the traditional bottles and they are a lot cleaner and friendlier to the environment,” he said. Each part of the bag and box is fully recyclable and made with no products that are harmful to the environment or to drink. “There are no BTAs used in making our bags, and that’s the stuff that’s really bad for you,” Glass
By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
James G. Wolfe Jr. Dawson Community News
Jason Harben, grandson of Warren and Maude Harben who founded Frosty Mountain Pure, prepares the labeling machine before boxing a shipment of water jugs.
said. “That also means that, unlike water in plastic jugs, if the water sits for a while it doesn’t collect that plastic taste over time. It can sit for six days, six weeks, six months or six years and will always taste like fresh spring water.” Glass said that there is already a significant interest in the new product. “We’ll run three shifts if we have to,” he said. The cost of the in-office boxes
isn’t set yet, but Glass estimated the company would begin with a 12-month lease at $25 per month, including a $50 set up fee. “We want to make it affordable for big and small offices,” he said. The company hopes to begin full scale production by the start of 2012. “I really believe this is going to take off and be something big. And so does everyone else that we’ve spoken with,” he added.
Young Life of Dawson County held its annual banquet Oct. 11, and Director Shawn Dutcher said the group anticipated a success. “The purpose of the banquet is two-fold,” Dutcher said. “It is our primary fundraiser for the year and also a great opportunity to share stories and the vision of Young Life in Dawson County.” Dutcher said the event, held at First Baptist Church, always draws a large crowd. “We have a complimentary meal and then a silent auction which is live that night but also online in the weeks leading up to the banquet,” he said. “We have some sports pieces, pottery, Christmas decorations, framed prints, and different sorts of music things. It was really quite a selection and appealed to everyone.” According to Dutcher, Young Life is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization that focuses on reaching out to children in middle and high school with the goal of improving their lives. “One of the key parts of our ministry is building relationships and going where kids are, we call that contact work,” Dutcher said. “We go to
Dutcher where kids are, on their turf, and we invite them to our events, clubs and camps. We have team leaders that build relationships with kids and try to walk through life with them.” Founded in 1941, Young Life is an international organization that is present in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. The local chapter of Young Life has existed since 2003 and Dutcher said his mission is the same as all of the chapters worldwide. “We want to reach every kid, especially those with no church home or those who don’t necessarily have a foundation in their lives,” Dutcher said. “Those that come from great families and have great support systems, we want to help develop into leaders.” For more information, call (706) 265-6510.
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Moonshine Festival benefits children By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
Every October thousands of residents and visitors fill the Dawsonville city limits for the Mountain Moonshine Festival. Held to benefit the KARE for Kids’ initiative to provide for underprivileged children in Dawson County, the festival celebrates the roots of local residents. This year, Calvin Byrd, the organization’s president, expects the 44th version of the festival to be even larger than normal. “This year we’ve spent more money in advertising and have teamed up with the [Dawson County Chamber of Commerce], so we’re expecting the crowds to be a lot bigger,” Byrd said. “The chamber has helped us with [advertising] by getting it out to their
resources.” Byrd said over the years, the organization has nearly tripled the amount it spends to put on the festival. The increase in advertising should lead to a larger number of visitors to the area and enable the organization to make more money, according to Byrd. He said once the festival is over, the organization’s “real purpose starts.” “The Monday after the Moonshine Festival, we start taking applications for children in need in Dawson County,” he said. “Our whole goal is to provide toys and clothes at Christmas and we do provide meals too. There’s nothing worse than not having something at Christmas on Christmas morning under the tree when you’re a child.” Byrd added that the organi-
zation understands that there is more than just Christmas needs in the community. “So we’ve tried to expand our organization into backto-school assistance,” he said. “We do provide some medical aids when we can and clothing around the year.” Byrd stressed the role of the organization in the community is one of the big reasons the festival is so important. “The more that we can raise and the more the community knows about us, the more we can do,” he said. “Our purpose is for the kids; to help them have a better childhood and life.” The 44th annual Mountain Moonshine Festival kicks off with a moonshine run featuring authentic ‘shine hauling cars at 9 a.m. Oct. 21 and
Antique cars line the streets during the 2010 Mountain Moonshine Festival, many of them ’40 Fords.
File photo
continues with the cruise-in and live music in the City Hall parking lot. The festival’s parade and opening ceremonies, featuring grand marshal and NASCAR great Rex White, will be held at 9 a.m. Oct 22, followed by an all-day cruise-in and swap meet featuring entertainment, food and arts and crafts. The festivities continue Oct.
23 with the all-day car show that’s always a fan favorite. Dennis Gage will be attending this year’s festival to film for the weekly TV series Classic Car which airs weekly on the SPEED channel. The episode featuring the festival will air during the 2012 season. For more information about KARE for Kids or the festival, call (706) 216-KARE.
BB&T DONATES DICTIONARIES TO STUDENTS Mandy Power, assistant vice president of BB&T bank, speaks with Riverview Elementary third graders Sept. 20. The bank, in partnership with H&R Block of Dawsonville and the Reading Education Association of Dawson County, donated a total of 272 dictionaries to third graders at all four county elementary schools.
• Improve your skills … take an online class. For more information, visit www.dawson.org. • Are you certified Work Ready? For more information, visit www.gaworkready.org. Past issues of the Dawson County Chamber Chronicle can be found on the chamber’s Web site, www.dawson.org. • Remember to shop local. James G. Wolfe Jr. Dawson Community News
Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
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We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people chooseNorthside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care. Visit us online at www.northside.com
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Authority lowers fees By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
With large red balloons, United Way board members announced its 2012 fundraising goal at $105,000. The funds will support local partner agencies such as Boy and Girl Scouts, Rape Response, WEE Books and Challenged Child and Friends, among others.
United Way sets fundraising goal By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
United Way for Dawson County recently announced its 2012 fundraising goal during a luncheon that followed the annual Day of Caring. Holding large, red balloons, United Way board members on Sept. 16 said they hope to raise $105,000 within the next few months to support local partner agencies such as Boy and Girl Scouts, Rape Response, WEE Books and Challenged Child and Friends, among others. Several representatives of those partner agencies shared stories on how the United Way has affected their lives. Diane Dinsmore, whose grandson Zach is working on his GED through Reading Education Association of Dawson County, talked about what the program means to her family. She said a chance meeting at Rock Creek Park with READ board member Julie Hughes Nix made it possible. “She started talking to Zach and telling him how important it was to get his
GED. And she came to me and said, ‘I’m going to help him,’” Dinsmore said. Her grandson is well on his way to the achievement. “I am so thankful that someone came along, and I’m thankful for United Way for helping him get his GED,” she said. United Way for Dawson County Chairwoman Sue Seldomridge called the testimonials her favorite part of the luncheon. It’s rewarding, she said, to “hear such inspiring stories and to know that the work that we do in the community for United Way and our agencies produces results.” The luncheon was part of the organization’s annual Day of Caring, which organizes volunteers to work on projects throughout the community. Some volunteers peeled apples at the senior center, while others took time to revitalize a playground at NOA, a women’s shelter in Dahlonega that also serves Dawson. “We’d like to thank every single one of you for helping us reach our goals,” Seldomridge said.
New lower fees from Etowah Water and Sewer Authority may help entice new businesses to Dawson County. Beginning Sept. 1, the authority lowered its capital recovery fees for new commercial and residential water and wastewater connections. The change should put the authority on more even footing with regional water and sewage providers. While the fees were not lowered specifically to attract new businesses, the authority’s general manager said officials are happy about the possible byproduct. “If a developer is comparing two areas where they may wish to build, our new fees may encourage the developer to come to Dawson County,” Brooke Anderson said. “And we’re very excited about that.” Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, said the new rate is a positive move. “[The reduction] will certainly make Etowah more competitive versus counties around us and in the general region,” Auvermann said. “... As a county, we’ve got to continue being competitive in every economic aspect and this move is definitely consistent with that.” Commercial recovery fees fall into four categories: Fine dining; fast food; retail; and office. The total fee for connecting a new fine dining restaurant will drop more than $87,000, to $138,486, while a fast food connection will fall nearly $36,000, to $63,093. Retail shops will dip by nearly $110,000, to $182,129, with office developments falling more than $12,000, to $28,537. The cost of a new residential connection will decline by nearly $4,000, to $7,160. Approved by the authority’s board of directors at its Aug. 16 meeting, the fee structure stems from lower
‘If a developer is comparing two areas where they may wish to build, our new fees may encourage the developer to come to Dawson County.’ Brooke Anderson Title
growth expectations. “We were able to reforecast our expected growth and re-evaluate the fee,” said Jim King, the authority’s board chairman. “We’ve been aware that our fees were higher than some of the surrounding providers.” The capital recovery fee is a onetime charge used to pay for existing and future services, according to Anderson. He said the changes won’t affect the authority’s operations. “The fee is a portion of the cost to provide our existing capacity and our planned future capacity,” Anderson said. “So when developers pay this fee, we consider it a buy-in approach.” Due to various factors, projected growth has shrunk, leaving room to lower the fee that pays for some of that growth. “The trend of growth is flatter than it once was,” Anderson said. “... There is less capacity needing to be developed in the next 10 years.” The authority operates on a 10-year plan and all but two of its planned projects have been moved outside of that time frame. “It would not be fair to ask new customers now to pay for something that is 15 years or more into the future,” Anderson said. Two of the capital improvement plans will go ahead as scheduled: The Russell Creek Reservoir and the Hightower Water Treatment Facility Expansion.
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MEMBER RENEWALS Special thanks to the following members that renewed memberships in the last two months: • AFLAC • American Red Cross • ANH Collision Specialist LLC • Richard S. Bergen Jr. • Chestatee Golf Club • Diane and Larry Lemley • DiscoverDawson.com • Joe and Barbara Fulmer • MB Resources LLC • Mobile Mender-Onsite Mobile Welding • New Name Counseling and Teaching Center • North Georgia Premium Car
Wash • Norton Agency- Gina Johnson • Ragsdale, Beals, Seigler, Patterson & Gray, LLP • Regions Bank • SmHeartCard • Southern Select Properties LLC • St. Vincent de Paul, Christ Redeemer Conf • Visiting Angels of Lake Lanier • Young Life of Dawson County
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
NEW MEMBERS The Home Depot Tim Trask (706) 531-0046 801 Hwy. 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 Timothy_trask@homedepot.com Category: Building materials A Computer Tutor Susan Baldwin (706) 429-0056 115 Crooked Tree Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 Baldwinfamily_2000@yahoo.com Category: Private computer tutoring Martin Contracting Inc (rejoined) Bryan Martin (770) 887-8747 3435 Gravitt Road Cumming, GA 30040 Category: Grading hydro-seeding
MONTHLY TOTALS Walk-in visitors: 523
Telephone referrals: 3,025
Property Investment Associates
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OCTOBER 2011
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Couch remembered for good nature By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
A longtime Chamber of Commerce ambassador and active member of the community passed away Sept. 15. Robert “Bob” Couch, 73, had been a resident of Dawsonville for the past nine years and will be remembered by his companions at the chamber for his good nature and big smile. In his role as an ambassador, President Linda Williams said Couch was the perfect liaison between the organization and the community. “He was always just so
pleasant and upbeat, we’ve really enjoyed his friendship here,” Williams said. “Our thoughts and prayers Couch are with his family because, in a way, we feel like he was part of our family as well.” “He was just an all-around great person,” Dawson County Board of Elections and Voting Chairwoman Glenda Ferguson said. “He was always smiling and always
willing to help with anything we needed.” Couch served as a poll worker at the central precinct for many years during Dawson County elections, among his many community contributions. Calvin Byrd, city councilman and KARE for Kids president, said Couch’s passing came as a shock. “He was involved with KARE for a long time, he actually designed our first T-shirt,” Byrd said. “He was at our annual meeting two or three days before he passed, so it was just a big shock. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Couch also served as vice president of Dawson County Veterans Affairs and President Pam Hamalainen said he loved his work with the organization. “He gave 100 percent,” she said. “He loved the Veterans Affairs and loved being involved in it. His favorite part was on Veterans Day when he got to dress up like George Washington for the unwavering line.” Hamalainen added that Couch was someone “who’s going to be missed for a very long time.” A member of Liberty Baptist Church, Couch was also an
avid collector of model railroads and enjoyed war reenactments. Couch is survived by his wife, Inez Couch of Dawsonville, sons and daughters-in-law Robb and Sheri Couch and Terry and Lisa Couch, all of Orlando, Fla., three grandchildren and two sisters. Memorial services were held Sept. 17 at the Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Donations were requested made to Veterans Affairs of Dawson County, 200 Kathy Lane, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News Michele Hester Dawson Community News
AMBASSADORS GET LOST AT CORN MAZE
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors would like to thank Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze for allowing the group to take a special hike through the stalks Oct. 4. The ambassadors had a great time finding their way through the maze.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE SUCCESSFUL
Steve Melching, Diane Lemley and Tommy Honea represented the Ambassador Program in the chamber’s Amazing Race membership drive Aug. 30. The group focused their efforts on businesses located within the Dawsonville city limits. Overall, the race brought in 15 new members.
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OCTOBER 2011
POWs, MIAs honored during annual service
Russell Grace’s Dawsonville Printing Service is open just off the square in downtown.
By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
James G. Wolfe Jr. Dawson Community News
Printing service opens By James G. Wolfe Jr. jwolfe@dawsonnews.com
A family owned and operated printing business is now open in Dawsonville. Located just off the square, south of the historic courthouse, Dawsonville Printing Service is operated by Russell Grace, whose mother Maureen Grace owns Grace Bindings, also of Dawsonville. The business offers a variety of services, including wide format color scanning, fax, business color and black and white printing, scanning, digitizing, laminating, binding and Web design. Russell Grace is a graduate of the Louisville Technical Institute where he earned his degree in drafting. He worked for the past 10 years as a service engineer for everything from fax machines to high production printing equipment. “I worked mostly in Georgia and Florida and I spent a lot of time in small towns like Dawsonville,” Grace said. “I noticed that most towns have a local printing service and that Dawsonville was missing that.” Grace said he has always wanted to open his own business and
that the printing industry seemed a natural calling. “Printing has always been in our family,” he said. “My parents met in a print shop and my uncle and cousins own print shops, so it just seemed like it was in our nature.” Originally from England, Grace moved to the United States in 1985 with his family and is now dedicated to forming ties within the Dawsonville community. “I’m all about keeping it local,” Grace said. “I want to get involved with the community and be able to provide services to members of the community.” Grace said he hopes that by offering free wi-fi and forming connections in the area, he will be able to turn his business into a relaxed environment that people can visit for their needs. “I really want to make a life in Dawsonville and create a closeness with the residents,” Grace said. “So I hope my business will help to do that.” Dawsonville Printing Service is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (706) 216-4399, e-mail service@dawsonvilleprinting.com or visit www.dawsonvilleprinting.com.
A service was held Sept. 16 at Veterans Memorial Park to honor the nation’s prisoners of war and those missing in action. “We’re here today to remember two sacred promises that should never be taken for granted or broken,” said organizer and Vietnam veteran Dave Hildebrand. “To pledge our lives to support and defend this country is the first promise.” The second, he said, is a promise to leave no one behind in combat. “Today, I want folks to know why we make this second promise to all our men and women overseas, how they can rely on this promise and how we honor their commitment.” According to current records, there are close to 88,000 American soldiers that remain unaccounted for from foreign conflicts. “This number includes 78,000 from World War II, of which 43,000 were lost at sea and are considered unrecoverable,” Hildebrand said.
Additionally, nationwide there are 8,100 soldiers missing from the Korean War, 1,683 from Vietnam, 120 from the Cold War, one from the Gulf War and three from Iraq and Afghanistan. “We make the promise to never leave anyone behind because Americans overseas and in captivity depend on it for inspiration,” Hildebrand said. “They are willing to pay the highest price for our freedom and do so with confidence knowing that if captured, injured or killed in battle our nation will make every effort to bring them home and they will never, ever be abandoned or forgotten.” As of Friday, nearly 900 missing in action soldiers have been located and brought home to their families. “Honoring our promise to them is an obligation we have to them,” said Hildebrand, who added he hoped gatherings like the recent service could bring peace to those families. “Let us carry our obligation to honor our POW’s and MIA’s beyond this day of remembrance.”
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Attendees pause for a moment of silence Sept. 16 to remember the prisoners of war and those missing in action during a service at Veterans Memorial Park.
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OCTOBER 2011
Dance studio moves, expands By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Bank of the Ozarks welcomed the chamber membership to a Business After Hours tailgate party Sept. 27 at the bank.
Dress up in October for Business After Hours By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Get your Halloween gear ready for Community & Southern Bank’s annual costume contest from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 during the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours event. Come as your favorite Halloween character for a chance to win door prizes donated by various chamber business members. There’s also a chance to take home the chamber’s monthly cash drawing prize. Remember, you must be present to win. The chamber would like to thank the following cash drawing sponsors: AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency-Kristie Myers and United Community Bank-James Askew. The bank is located on Dawson Forest Road, near the entrance to
Ballet Etc. has a new and improved studio that allows owner Mary Warnke to offer a variety of classes and dance techniques. Located at 258 Beartooth Parkway, Ballet, Etc. offers dance classes beginning at 3-years-old to adults. Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, creative movement, lyrical, modern, adult tap, adult ballet, special needs dance classes, pilates and zumba. A new four-week adult ballroom dance class has also formed. The studio also recently began offering
banjo lessons. Warnke said the studio prides itself on offering a clean, safe environment for students to learn and where they are encouraged to excellence. Her mother, Cindy, said parents can also rest assured that dance moves are taught in a conservative manner. “Our costumes are also very conservative,” she said. The music used in class and performances will be classical or other fun, upbeat, and clean pop, rock, contemporary Christian and country songs. For more information, call (706) 974-9161.
‘We couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon.’ Stephanie Mathis
Chamber chairwoman
Walmart. There were also a couple people dressed up in their favorite team colors during last month’s Business After Hours affair when Bank of the Ozarks welcomed the chamber to a barbecue and tailgate party at the bank. “We couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon,” said Stephanie Mathis, chairwoman of the chamber’s board of directors and Bank of the Ozarks representative. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Owner and dance instructor Mary Warnke recently moved her dance studio to a larger facility on Beartooth Parkway. On Sept. 30, she and her family were joined by members of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the expansion.
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OCTOBER 2011
Expo spotlights chamber business By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Invite your family, co-workers, neighbors and friends to the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Consumer Expo. Now in its 11th year, the mini-trade show is intended to shine a spotlight on dozens of local companies and encourage the shop local initiative. “This expo has been so successful for so many years and grows bigger each year,” said Pam Hamalainen, chamber membership director. Chamber officials said the event promotes shopping local and showcases the businesses that shoppers may not realize are available in Dawson County. “It’s so important to shop locally. It fuels the local economy,” said Linda Williams, president of the chamber. The expo will feature a variety of local businesses, ranging from banks
'It’s so important to shop locally. It fuels the local economy.' Linda Williams
President, chamber and financial services, to real estate professionals and non-profit organizations, among others. Williams said last year’s event “was a real positive experience and a good opportunity for our members and the community.” The consumer expo, sponsored by State Farm Insurance-Carla Boutin and Legal Shield-Roy Cunningham, will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, East. Admission is free. To register a booth or to learn more about the networking opportunity, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Doughnut company hopes to open here From staff reports
A popular franchise is looking for a home in Dawson County. The Development Authority of Dawson County announced Sept. 16 that Dunkin’ Donuts is currently looking to open a franchise in the community. The well-known doughnut company is seeking a potential franchise owner interested in starting a business in the area. Dunkin’ Donuts has been steadily expanding along the Ga. 400 cor-
For more information Contact the authority at (706) 2658761 for information about a Dunkin' Donuts franchise.
ridor toward northern Georgia and has now set its sights on Dawson County, according to the release. “This is an excellent business opportunity for someone in our county that wants to open a quality franchise,” said Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the authority.
Veterans Day event is Nov. 11 By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Organizers are putting the final touches on the seventh annual Veterans Day Celebration. “This year will be so special,” said Pam Hamalainen, president of Veterans Affairs of Dawson County. Designated as a 2011 Veterans Day Regional Site by the Veterans Day National Committee, Dawsonville is one of only two regional sites in Georgia to receive the recognition. Formal ceremonies will be held at 2:45 p.m. Nov. 11 in the gym at the Dawson County Middle School, followed by a parade through downtown Dawsonville that begins at 4 p.m. Capt. Larry Freeland is scheduled to serve as Master of Ceremony, while the event’s keynote speaker will be Col. James (Lindy) Linder, one of
'Our 2011 Veterans Day program will serve to honor our American heroes.' Pam Hamalainen
President, veterans affairs the top 50th highest decorated officers in the country. “We will pay tribute to our 2011 Veteran of the Year, as well as present our American Spirit Award,” Hamalainen said. “Our 2011 Veterans Day program will serve to honor our American heroes.” Veterans and active military personnel from all wars and all branches will be honored. The public is invited to line the streets in downtown Dawsonville and show support for our veterans and active military.
Pichon to discuss park at luncheon By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
The guest speaker for the chamber’s October luncheon will be County Commissioner Gary Pichon. The district 1 commissioner is scheduled to talk about his idea for a grand park on land surrounding a proposed reservoir in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area. The luncheon begins at noon on
Oct. 13 at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road. Registration is available online at www.dawson.org. Follow the Chamber of Commerce link to Event Registration and Membership Luncheon. Reservations received after the Oct. 10 cutoff date will be $15 for members or $18 for visitors. You may also R.S.V.P. by calling the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
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OCTOBER 2011
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