Official Newsletter of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
THE CHAMBER CORNER
August 2013
Volume 13, Issue 8
Does your company have a culture? It does and if you are not intentionally setting it then it’s being set for you!
Savor the date! The 14th Annual Taste of Eatonton will be held on Monday, Oct. 7. The 2013 location is a change from previous years in hopes of bringing in new attendees and restaurants. The Taste of Eatonton will be held at The Village at Harmony Crossing this fall and will begin rotating alternate years with The Plaza, returning in 2014 to The Plaza Arts Center. We’re currently signing up restaurants to participate and businesses to donate items for the silent auction. There are also sponsorship levels available. Tickets will go on sale Sept. 4. Visit www. tasteofeatonton.com for all the juicy details!
On Tuesday, July 30, Stewart Rodeheaver, president of Vizitech USA, a local high tech company and Chamber member presented the Chamber staff with new TechBooks. “These are open source tablet computers specifically designed by us for high speed graphics and educational programs. They are dual core, Android 4.0.2 tablets with the most current Ice Cream Sandwich operating system so that they will be able to handle the advanced graphics and details that students and businesses need,” said Rodeheaver. Vizitech focuses its business model on interactive training and education systems for the Department of Defense, schools from K-Secondary and commercially for companies such as Georgia Power and the Georgia Department of Transportation. “We developed these tablets because we were asked by so many schools to help them replace their written text books with technology driven systems. Our first shipment of 500 came in last week and was immediately purchased by Irwin County School System for the sixth through eighth grades. The school is ordering another shipment of 800 for high school students,” said Rodeheaver. Richard Boyer of Eatonton is the tablet program manager for Vizitech and is working with several school systems that are developing orders for the product. Boyer stated “the schools are really happy with the TechBooks because of the ability to load electronic textbooks, as well as the price of $250 per tablet.” For further information, please contact either Boyer at 478-414-8133 or Rodeheaver at 404-725-5104.
Join the Chamber for a half-day workshop on Corporate Culture on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at LakePoint Community Church. The workshop will be taught by Robert Betzel, Eatonton native, CEO of Infinity Network Solutions, and author of “The Company Culture Challenge.” Companies grow to over $1 billion based primarily on their culture. Developing a stronger company culture is the most important thing you can do as a leader to make your firm a fun place to work and motivate your staff to think like owners. An added benefit of a great company culture is having customers that are raving fans who spend more money with you and tell others about you. During this workshop, attendees will work through the foundation of their own great company culture. From your Why (Mission, Vision, Values) to The Perfect Client Experience (Experience Bookends and Always/Never Standards), Betzel will lead you through how he built a multimillion dollar IT business by intentionally focusing on company culture. The seminar is $25 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members and includes the workshop, a copy of the book “The Company Culture Challenge, a light breakfast, snacks and lunch. LakePoint Community Church is located at 940 Harmony Road, Eatonton, GA 31024.
Upcoming Events RSVP: 706-485-7701 | epchamber@eatonton.com Thursday, Aug. 8: Business After Hours, co-sponsored by Farmers & Merchants Bank and Rock Eagle 4-H Center from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening will feature food and beverage, door prizes and fun for everyone. The event will be held at the downtown Eatonton branch of Farmers & Merchants Bank at 100 South Madison Ave. in Eatonton. Tuesday, Aug. 20: Sip n’ Bites, Putnam Greene Young Professionals monthly meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is the donation of a canned good for local food drives. Support, grow, lead and connect with young professionals from Putnam and Greene counties over food and drink specials. The meeting will be held at Da Corrado Ristorante at 1061 Village Park Drive in Greensboro. For more information, contact Sarah Evans at 404-597-6620 or like the facebook page at www.facebook.com/PutnamGreeneYP. Thursday, Aug. 22: Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Open House in conjunction with the Greene County Business After Hours at Spotlight Theatre from 5 to 7 p.m. Spotlight Theatre is located at Parkside Main 8, 1050 Parkside Main in Greensboro. Tuesday, Aug. 27: Coffee Connections presentation by Putnam County Charter School System from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Plaza Arts Center. Connect over coffee with a representative of the Chamber board and staff along with fellow members while learning about important issues affecting our community. The guest speaker will be Eric Arena, superintendent, with the Putnam County Charter School System. The Plaza Arts Center is located at 305 North Madison Ave. in Eatonton. Coffee Connections is sponsored by The Peoples Bank, Pinnacle Credit Union, Georgia Power Company, Putnam County Charter School System, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, Putnam General Hospital, Smith Communications, Farmers & Merchants Bank and Bug House Pest Control of Lake Oconee Inc., Thursday, Sept. 5: Corporate Culture Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to noon at LakePoint Community Church, $25 for members, $45 for non-members. Developing a stronger company culture is the most important thing you can do as a leader. LakePoint Community Church is located at 940 Harmony Road in Eatonton. The workshop is sponsored by Bug House Pest Control of Lake Oconee Inc., Smith Communications, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Putnam General Hospital,The Peoples Bank, Pinnacle Credit Union, Georgia Power Company, Putnam County Charter School System and Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. Wednesday, Sept. 18: Networking @ Noon, sponsored by Crooked Pines Farm from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Lodge on Lake Oconee, $15 for Chamber Members, $25 for non-members. Agenda includes lunch, Chamber updates, sponsor presentation, table introductions, commercials and general networking. The Lodge on Lake Oconee is located at 930 Lake Oconee Parkway in Eatonton. August 2013 / Page 2
Talking Tourism Over Coffee On Tuesday, July 30, Coffee Connections was held at Spillin’ the Beans Café for members to connect with Chamber staff and board members while also learning about state and local tourism. Board member Brandy Huskins welcomed the attendees and introduced the guest speaker Rebekah Cline, Historic Heartland tourism project manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Cline gave a presentation on Georgia Tourism, the state’s partnerships with Eatonton as a tourism partner and the business community’s role in tourism. Cline gave praise to the Chamber as a tourism partner for having our brochures in the state welcome centers, listings on Exploregeorgia. org and for advertising in the state travel guide, just to name a few. Eatonton also recently hosted the Heritage and Culture seminar this past May, which gave our local economy a $7500 boost just from 50 attendees. That conference alone shows the power of the heritage tourist. Other discussions touched on what the business community can do to embrace tourism. Some highlights included delivering the southern hospitality that visitors expect from the South. Examples ranged from giving out directions and recommendations for places to explore, eat and shop to being patient when there is a slow driver with an out of county/ state tag in front of us. Cooperative advertising was also discussed among the group and everyone was encouraged to not only advertise their business but to also promote the Georgia’s Lake Country and the Briar Patch brands in any marketing. Coffee Connections is sponsored by Putnam General Hospital, Smith Communications, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Bug House Pest Control of Lake Oconee Inc., The Peoples Bank, Pinnacle Credit Union, Georgia Power Company, Putnam County Charter School System and Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee.
Lake Oconee Animal Hospital celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 30, in honor of Dr. Michael Chapman’s new ownership since May 1. The Chapman family welcomed fellow Chamber members, friends and family for an open house with refreshments and drawings for product giveaways including a cat and dog basket. With the slogan “we want to be your ‘other’ family doctor,” Lake Oconee Animal Hospital’s focus is establishing relationships and creating value. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. Lake Oconee Animal Hospital is located at 613 Old Phoenix Road in Eatonton. For more information, call (706) 4855119 or visit www.facebook.com/LakeOconeeAnimalHospital.
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that President Roddie Anne Blackwell is a new board member for the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the professional society of chamber executives and staff. Blackwell started her term July 1 and will serve for three years. Pictured, Blackwell stands with the board during the Executive Leadership Conference July 16-19, an annual professional development conference that teaches executives how to become more effective in developing their local communities.
Insert a flyer in this newsletter for $50. Submit 350 copies and an electronic version.
Lake Oconee Dentistry celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 19, to celebrate the practice’s move to its new office located off Highway 44, between the Publix parking lot and the movie theater. Lake Oconee Dentistry is operated by Drs. David and Patti Bradley and specializes in affordable, comfortable and customized dentistry made to fit your budget and lifestyle. In addition to providing standard preventative maintenance exams and cleanings, the practice also offers additional services, including Invisalign, Fast Braces short-term orthodontics, advanced cosmetic procedures, dental implant placement and restoration, teeth whitening and oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea. Lake Oconee Dentistry is located at 1011 Parkside Main in Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-453-1333 or visited online at www. drsbradley.com.
Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate School sponsored Networking @ Noon on Wednesday, July 17 at The Plaza Arts Center. Attendees enjoyed meeting new people over lunch catered by Save Room for Seconds and a sponsor presentation that included student demonstrations. For more information on Saltamacchio’s, call 706-991-9925 or visit 170 Scott Road, Suite 7, in Eatonton. August 2013 / Page 3
After Hours
BUSINESS Co‐Sponsored By:
Thursday, August 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. Business After Hours: Food & Beverage Door Prizes Fun for Everyone Bring a Friend
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS will be held at the Downtown Eatonton Branch of Farmers & Merchants Bank 100 South Madison Ave. Eatonton, GA 31024 Eatonton‐Putnam Chamber of Commerce
706‐485‐7701 | fax 706‐485‐3277 PO Box 4088 | 305 N. Madison Ave. People do business with those that they know, like and trust. Business After Hours creates Eatonton, GA 31024 opportunities to make new connections. epchamber@eatonton.com | www.eatontonchamber.com www.facebook.com/epchamber www.twitter.com/eatontonchamber
A PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA SBDC NETWORK
Manage Better, Grow Faster!
SBDC GrowSmart™
Whether in business for two years or twenty years, many small business owners are so busy working IN the business, they neglect working ON it.
This program gets results! In five full day weekly sessions, learn to analyze and manage your business like a seasoned CEO.
If your business is ready for growth, SBDC GrowSmart gives you the tools and strategies to reach your goals.
• 35 hours of class time covering all areas of business
GrowSmart was developed by the Georgia SBDC Network to meet the needs of growing businesses. Combining the latest ideas with timeless principles, GrowSmart will propel your business forward!
operation
• Evaluate your business, competition and markets • Hands-on, interactive program promotes sharing of best practices
• Expert speakers add insights to the topic of the day • Step-by-step development of your company’s strategies for growth
Georgia SBDC training has helped thousands of business owners build a foundation for growth. GrowSmart is the product of our experience and commitment to Georgia’s small businesses.
Combined with long term one-on-one consulting with SBDC professionals, learn to apply course principles and build a business for today’s challenging times.
The Georgia SBDC is the go-to resource for growing businesses!
Macon Program: September 24 – October 22, 2013
478-757-3609 www.georgiasbdc.org/growsmart
Scholarship Sponsor
GrowSmart™ Statewide Sponsor
A PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA SBDC NETWORK SBDC GrowSmart™ is a dynamic program for owners and senior managers of growing businesses with: • At least two years of successful operation • At least one non-owner employee • Annual revenues of $300,000 or more • The opportunity and desire to grow SBDC GrowSmart™ recognizes the need for flexibility and agility in today’s rapidly changing world. Using a one-page strategy map designed especially for this program, participants identify company goals and the strategies to achieve them. SBDC GrowSmart™ was developed by the Georgia SBDC and builds on our experience with Georgia’s growing businesses.
The GrowSmart Program GrowSmart raises the bar, providing business owners with the foundation for profitable growth!
Module1: Planning for Growth
“The year I took the training, we increased gross profit and net income by 15 percent. In the next year, revenues nearly tripled. This growth spurt put us on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s list of 50 Fastest Growing Private Companies.” Gene Carlton, GC Electrical Solutions
Module 3: Leadership and Management Focus on your changing role as the leader of your company. Identify people resources and leadership strategies that will be necessary to achieve your growth plan. Explore proven methods for hiring, compensating, and motivating your team.
Making strategic decisions requires careful consideration of internal and external factors. You will learn what makes a good strategy and effective methods for strategic planning. After examining your operating environment and documenting company vision and goals, develop growth strategies based on a thorough assessment of your company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Module 4: Financial Analysis and Tools
Module 2: Marketing Research and Planning
Module 5: Operations & Implementation
Thoroughly analyze your core competencies and competitive advantages—matching them to needs in the marketplace. Learn to protect your business from competition and develop strategies for profitable pricing. Connect with customers using the latest marketing and communication tools.
Documented, consistent processes are a key to building a scalable, well-managed company that has lasting, transferrable value. Assess your current operations and learn methods to document and streamline processes. We conclude with a challenge to put the program’s lessons to work in your business!
Learn how to analyze your company’s financial condition and develop strategies to improve profits and cash flow. Create a financial plan that quantifies the results of your marketing and management strategies. Determine how much money it will take to grow the business as well as how to fund it.
A PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA SBDC NETWORK Program Outline The program is divided into 5 full day modules:
Location: UGA SBDC, Macon Office 4875 Riverside Drive, Suite 202, Macon, GA 31210
Dates: All Sessions 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 1. Planning for Growth 2. Marketing Research & Planning 3. Leadership & Management 4. Financial Analysis & Tools 5. Operations and Implementation For information contact:
September 24 October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22
Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5
Tuition: $895 per person before scholarship. Thanks to our sponsors, a number of partial scholarships are available. Call for scholarship information!
Suzanne Malloy UGA SBDC, Macon Phone: 478-757-3609 Fax: 478-471-0637 smalloy@georgiasbdc.org
Enrollment:
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Georgia. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the SBDC at 478-757-3609 or write:
Application: (Email or fax application to address on the right.)
Josh Walton, Area Director UGA SBDC 4875 Riverside Drive, Suite 202 Macon, GA 31210
To allow maximum benefit from this interactive forum, enrollment is limited and an application is required. Applications are reviewed to ensure competitive conflicts are eliminated. Light breakfast,lunch and training materials are included.
Name: _______________________________________________Title: _______________________ Business Name:
_
Mailing Address: City: Phone: Number of employees:
State:
Zip:
Email: Years in Business: ______ Annual Revenue:
Description of Business:
Program Starts September 24, 2013 - Apply Today!
Scholarship Sponsor
GrowSmart™ Statewide Sponsor
The Chamber Corner, August 2013 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Eatonton, GA Permit No. 6
706-485-7701 | fax 706-485-3277 PO Box 4088 | 305 N. Madison Avenue Eatonton, GA 31024 Becky@eatonton.com www.eatontonchamber.com www.facebook.com/epchamber www.twitter.com/eatontonchamber
Chamber Staff: Roddie Anne Blackwell, President Becky Needham, Membership Manager Bonnie Simmons, Tourism Manager
Board of Directors: Lowell White, III, Chair Calvert & White Custom Homes Jay Gregory, Vice Chair Gregory Bridge Company Bryce McCuin, Treasurer Reynolds Plantation Eric Arena Putnam County Charter School System
2013 Chamber Champions!
Terri Camp Rock Eagle 4-H Center Duncan Criscoe Crooked Pines Farm Rita Daniel Eatonton Chiropractic Center Carrie Dietrich Central Georgia Technical College Brandy Huskins Huskins Law Firm LLC Wes Lewis Georgia Power Company Brett Mauldin MarbleWorks, Inc. Cynthia Wallace Real Estate Agent
Mission:
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce is committed to the promotion, enhancement and unity of the business community, and is vested in the development of Eatonton-Putnam County as a premiere tourist destination.
Strategic Goals:
1. Support Business & Community 2. Support Tourism
Values:
Growth, Prosperity & Unity