Business View winter & spring 2023 | Part 1

BUSINESS

CHAIRMAN'S CLUB 2023 The Chairman's Club includes businesses that are committed to the vision and mission of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce at the three highest investment levels.

Chairman's Club members provide a financial foundation so the chamber can focus on providing services that impact positive growth and change in our community.

The 2022 Chairman's Club Investors have invested $70,000+ to date and we are so appreciative of each and every one of them! Thank you all for your continued support!

LEGACY INVESTORS

TRUSTEE INVESTORS

VISIONARY INVESTORS

Tim Broyles

CHAMBER STAFF Maggie Milner President

president@eatonton.com

Rachael Bradley Public Relations Director pr@eatonton.com

Hannah Tyson Tourism Director

tourism@visiteatonton.com

Contributing Photographer: Brock Creative Company

Mission Telling the story of our community to promote and support economic prosperity and tourism Vision To be an organization that serves, encourages, and represents the Eatonton-Putnam community.

Cover Image Drone image of the Great Waters Course

The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 4088 108 W. Marion Street Eatonton, GA 31024 706.485.7701

MESSAGE FROM THE

CHAIRMAN It has been another wonderful start to the year for our Chamber. First, I want to thank all our investors for their continued support of the Chamber. Without your continued support and investment our events, our growth, and our community would not be what they are today. We need you and are grateful for your efforts and time.

A. McKenzie Davenport Chair, EPCOC Board of Directors Fowler Flemister Concrete

Speaking of time, this year and especially this summer are flying by. Summer Break is always a time I look forward to. Spending time relaxing with family and friends over long summer evenings is always a highlight of the year for me. While we have been fortunate to gather and have this time together, I believe you can remove the word “break” from this season, as this time of year seems busier and busier.

Our beautiful city and county thrive during the summer. With an influx of lake traffic and out of town visitors, summer gives us an opportunity to show off our beautiful area to people from all over the world. Restaurants are full, shops are being patroned, and construction of new homes and development are ongoing. We have a lot to be thankful for.

A major Chamber highlight of the year so far for me was the Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament at Harbor Club. I would like to thank all our sponsors and participants. This event is always well run and a great time for all.

Again, thank you for all for your time, efforts, and financial contributions this past year. Maggie and her team will continue to work hard to support your businesses in any way they can. She and her team need your continued support so that we can take advantage and be a part of these all opportunities in front of us. I hope to see you at our upcoming events and look forward to an eventful remainder of 2023.

Mckenzie Davenport

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2023 BOARD OF

DIRECTORS Christina Hinz Vice Chairman PUTNAM COUNTY CHARTER SCHOOL SYSTEM

Amy McElhenney

Lisa Jackson Treasurer PUTNAM COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Jameelah Gater LAKE OCONEE URGENT & PRIMARY CARE

Lennie Brame

Ford Jones IV

GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

DELL LAW FIRM, PC

Cynthia Wallace

Holly Lindsey

Matt Hammons

WALLACE & KING ALGIN REALTY

LAKE OCONEE LIFE LAKE SINCLAIR LIFE

ROCK EAGLE 4-H

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK

Justin Strickland TRI-COUNTY EMC

Doris Clemons THE PEOPLES BANK

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MESSAGE FROM THE

PRESIDENT As life and business for most has gotten back in full swing in 2023, the Chamber has been no exception. We've welcomed 18 new investors into our family in these first six months, with nearly all of them being new businesses in the community. Eatonton is seeing incredible growth and improvements weekly and we are excited to be playing a part in the expansion.

Maggie Milner, President & CEO

We've seen our staff grow, take on new challenges and learn to adjust to the evolving needs of our businesses and community. I think it's safe to say our business community is diversifying more and more and there is a palpable energy coming in again.

However, it's not just with the business culture, it's also in the people choosing to call Eatonton-Putnam County home. Having the privilege to meet new neighbors and colleagues regularly and hearing the incredible stories they carry is a true honor. Our office has become a hub for both new and old, friends, visitors, and family. We are striving to meet people where they are at and do our best to guide them in their journey here.

As we quickly move into the second half of the year, I am excited for the continuation of our programming, after taking a brief summer break from events.

We have taken this time to build our programs up greater than ever and I can assure you, you don't want to miss out!

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Public Relation

STATION

When I began my role as the Welcome Center Manager at the Eatonton Putnam Chamber of Commerce, I knew I had found my calling. I've always had a deeprooted love for meeting new people and hearing their stories. There was

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being part of ribbon-cutting ceremonies and various celebrations – they were not merely formalities but heartfelt celebrations of hard work, dedication, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

As time went by, my passion for connecting people and promoting local businesses only grew. It wasn't long before my responsibilities at the Chamber did too. I was promoted to the position of Public Relations Director – a role that enabled me to use my skill set to its full potential. Now, my days are filled with coordinating networking events, managing media relations, and putting our local businesses in the spotlight where they belong.

The journey has been rewarding, and I can't wait to see where this path leads me next.

-Rachael Bradley 5

Meet the Intern!

Hi there!

My name is Tyler Wallace, and I was an intern for the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce this summer.

A little bit about me: I am a lifelong Putnam resident as well as a PCHS graduate.

Currently, I am attending the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta while majoring in computional media, aka using computer science to do really cool things.

I have been able to supplement my learning in school with work at the chamber this summer. I have largely worked on the Taste of Eatonton, which has allowed me to strengthen my design skills by creating marketing and getting feedback on my work. Additionally, I have been busy reaching out to vendors, artists, videographers, etc. for the event as well, which has helped a lot with my speaking and communication skills. Moreover, seeing how an event like this is planned has given me some business sense that would be useful to have in whatever job I go into after college.

All in all, I am grateful to have worked in the chamber and I know the skills I have gained here will serve me well in my future pursuits.

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September 9, 2023 at The Plaza Arts Center from 4pm-8pm

BE A VENDOR, SPONSOR, ATTENDEE OR VOLUNTEER! for more info, go to tasteofeatonton.com

We are excited to welcome the community back to one of Eatonton's biggest events of the year. The Taste of Eatonton features different restaurants of varying tastes from Georgia’s Lake Country and the Middle Georgia Region. The very best of the best gather to impress attendees with their skills, create delectable dishes, and showcase their best treats. Vendors will also have pre-made food goods such as canned jellies/jams, cookies, etc., for sale. The Chamber is committed to helping small businesses, therefore, vendors will collect tickets throughout the night and give them to the Chamber at the conclusion of the evening. Within one week, checks will be sent to vendors with their total ticketed earnings.

In addition to the tasty bites, wine & brews, and music, we will feature a car show, a VIP area and a 50/50 raffle along with all the tried-and-true favorites from Taste's past. Come join us and help celebrate small businesses, bring your appetite, and join us for the area’s largest foodie event of the year!

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RIBBON CUTTINGS winter & spring 2023

Cheerful Hearts Ministry, Inc. 2/7/23

Lumberjaxe 3/1/23

Oconee Wild Eatery 4/14/23

Dough Daddy Dough 5/5/23

951 Harmony Road Suite 203 Eatonton, GA 31024

1133 A Lake Oconee Parkway Eatonton, GA 31024

113 E. Marion Street Eatonton, GA 31024

1124 Lake Oconee Pkwy Eatonton, GA 31024

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies are a significant way to mark milestones such as a grand opening, a business anniversary, or joining the Chamber of Commerce.

They're symbolic events that not only publicly celebrate the achievement but also serve as an opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings and garner visibility within the community. As a vibrant tradition, they provide an ideal platform for businesses to connect with their peers, potential customers, and local media.

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MILESTONES winter & spring 2023

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RENEWALS 1st Quarter - 2023 ACS Affinity Outdoor Living Anchor's Marina AU Health Bill and Jennie Sharp Blue Stem Bug House Century Bank Clayton and Pam Lancaster Cowles Clinic Craig-Massee Insurance Agencey Cuscowilla Cutting Edge Cynthia Wallace-Algin Realty David Giddens CPA Dell Law Firm Eatonton Cooperative Feed Co., Inc. Eatonton Elks Lodge Eatonton Housing Authority Eatonton Kiwanis Club Eatonton Medical & Surgical Eatonton Presbyterian Church Embry Farm Service Exchange Bank FERST Readers First Baptist Church Fowler Flemister Concrete Georgia Center for Sight GA Dept of Labor GA Writers Museum Gary McElhenney Gatewood Schools Goodwill Lake Oconee Gregory Bridge Company Gro Tec Habitat for Humanity of Putnam Heather L. Kennerson, CPA Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway Holloway's Ace Hardware

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Houseman Services Lake Oconee Area Builders Assocation Lake Oconee Dentistry Lake Oconee Lutheran Church Lake Oconee Partners in Healthcare Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church Law Office of Russell Wall Lights of Oconee Mansfield Cares, Inc Mercer Medicine Middle Georgia Timber Oconee Climate Control Oconee Communications Oconee Valley Healthcare Oconee Wild Watersports OPAS Peaceful Purpose PGH Piedmont Financial Partners Pilot Club of Eatonton Precision Approach, LLC. Pure Chiropractic Rebekah Coker RF Designs, Inc Savannah Court of Lake Oconee Skyline Construction Smith Communications, Inc. Steffen Thomas Museum The Gailey Law Firm The Peoples Bank The Villages at Harmony Crossing Tim Broyles-State Farm Tom and Sandra Rosseter Tri-County Twin Bridges Landing Uncle Remus Museum Williams Funeral Home Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning Zaxby's

! u o y k n tha

RENEWALS 2nd Quarter - 2023

1st Franklin Financial American Legion Post 583 Amy's Tickets AT&T Audit Micro Controls Beth's Boarding and Grooming Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. Bo Trawick State Farm Bug House Cement Technology Country Financial Crowe Marine Dreambuilt Dutton Construction Eatonton First United Methodist Church Eatonton Health & Rehabiliation Eatonton-Putnam Historical Society Eatonton Service League Edward Jones - Teresa Doster Erika Reade LTD Evergreen Development FMB Hargray Harmony Pet Resort J & J Brick Materials Joe's Roofing Juturna Kristine R Moore Tarrer Lake Country Outfitters Lake Oconee Partners in Healthcare Lake Oconee Rental Middle Georgia Consortium Noles Landscaping Noles Maintenance

Outdoor Options Oconee Cabinet Shop Oconee Land Development Permatect Facility Solution Putnam Christian Outreach Putnam County Extenstion Putnam County Health Department Putnam General Hospital Putnam Jasper Support Services Rich Hardin Construction Robert A Reynolds Rotary Club of Greene & Putnam County ServPRO Sinclair Custom Awards Skier's Marine Smith Built Homes Southeastern Portable Buildings SunMark Bank Sunset Marina & Inn The Artisans Village Art Gallery The Insurance People Town & Country Outdoor Prodcuts Window Wizards

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NEW INVESTORS winter/spring 2023

US Breaker, Inc. 115 S Main St. #14 Greensboro, GA 30642

Giles Outdoor Power Equipment 651 Twin Bridges Rd. Eatonton, GA 31024

The Boat Shop 170 Scott Rd. Eatonton, GA 31024

JACKIE HILL FINE ART

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Office of Trevor J. Addison Clerk of Courts 100 S Jefferson Ave., Ste. 236 Eatonton, GA 31024

Oconee Bridal 107 Harmony Crossing Bldg. 500, Ste. 5 Eatonton, GA 31024

Jackie Hill Fine Art 1067 Milledgeville Hwy. Lot A Milledgeville, GA 31061

Cooper Homeworks 138 Bearcreek Rd. Eatonton, GA 31024

Unity Grove Farm 257 Hwy. 212 Eatonton , GA 31024

Randstad 1952 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville, GA 31061

welcome!

NEW INVESTORS winter/spring 2023

Dough Daddy Dough 1124 Lake Oconee Pkwy.

Eatonton, GA 31024

Fortis Siteworks, LLC 174 Sammons Industrial Pkwy.

Eatonton, GA 31024

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Milledgeville Alumnae Eatonton, GA 31024

Risk Management of Atlanta 1479 Parker Rd. SE Ste. 100 Conyers, GA 30094

Grimes Landscape Company 170 Scott Rd. Ste. 7 Eatonton, GA 31024

HerDoc 121 Harmony Crossing Ste. 1 Eatonton, GA 31024

Red Bird GA 125 Arbors Lane Unit D Eatonton , GA 31024

Shaffer Landscaping 805 Harmony Rd. Eatonton, GA 31024

Colonial Armament LLC 111 N Jefferson Ave. Eatonton, GA 31024

welcome!

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INVESTOR BENEFITS

Are you taking advantage of your benefits?

DRUGS DON'T WORK Members can increase productivity and reduce annual worker's compensation premiums by 7.5% by participating in the Drugs Don't Work program. This program educates employers about the prevention, intervention, and elimination of substance abuse in the workplace. As a drug-free workplace, you'll increase productivity and reduce the cost of doing business.

The Georgia Chamber Retirement Plan EXCHANGE® is a new 401K program offered to businesses across Georgia, in partnership with Transamerica and Gallagher.

This plan offers employers a wide range of retirement management services including administrative offload, simplified payroll contribution processing, loan and distribution support, time savings, fiduciary risk management and more.

Member Information Center

Chamber Smart Plan

Be sure you're using one of the most powerful tools of your membership, the Member Information Center (MIC).

In partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, we've teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to administer the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan, a new health coverage solution that can lead to rate stability and potential savings for groups with 2 to 50 eligible employees. This plan allows smaller employers to be part of a larger, selffunded pool, with financial protection backed by Anthem.

The Membership Information Center allows Chamber Members to: Market your business Manage and customize your business information List of employees/representatives Post a Community Event on our website Post a Hot Deal (online coupon) Post a Member to Member Deal for Chamber Members If you need help accessing your MIC login please contact membership@eatonton.com.

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GEORGIA CHAMBER RETIREMENT PLAN EXCHANGE

In addition to financial protection, these innovative alternatives offer: Competitive rates Predictable, fixed monthly payments Flexibility in your choice of benefit plans Anthem's broad Open Access POS network and Essential RX Formulary

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2022-23 School Year

Congratulations to The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Scholarship Recipients! Applicants submitted a resume and an essay for consideration and were scored based on transcript, academic excellence, community involvement and quality of essay.

AIDAN RAINEY

JAIDA JACKSON

Aidan graduated from Gatewood Schools and will be attending Clemson University.

Jaida graduated from Putnam County High School and will be attending Augusta University.

ANGELICA ALEXANDER

PARKER RAINEY

Angelica graduated from Putnam County High School and will be attending Young Harris College.

Parker graduated from Gatewood Schools and will be attending The University of Georgia.

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INVESTOR APPRECIATION Thursday May 4, 2023

On May 4, 2023. The EatontonPutnam Chamber of Commerce held the second annual Investor Appreciation. This year, Investor Appreciation was sponsored by and held at Realty1.

The support of Investors directly impacts the growth and state of the community. Investor Appreciation is an event to thank Investors for their contribution to Chamber causes.

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thank you to all Investors!

9TH ANNUAL SWEET TEE OFF Monday, May 22, 2023

On Monday, May 22, 2023 the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held the ninth annual Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee. The purpose of this event is to help raise money for the Chamber’s local community efforts. This fundraiser supports the Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to fund community outreach programs and local high school students in their college expenses.

Thank you to every participant from golfers to sponsors to volunteers. Sweet Tee Off had a great turnout this year and it wouldn't be possible without the combined efforts of the teams, businesses and individuals who were involved.

First Place - Rossee Oil Team

Second Place - ABM Team

Third Place -Williams Funeral Home Team

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LEADERSHIP PUTNAM Class of 2023

The 28th Leadership Putnam Class concluded in the spring of 2023, with 15 new graduates ready to continue serving the Eatonton-Putnam community with passion and creativity.

This year's class raised $2,605 in support of the Butler Baker Schools and Putnam Christian Outreach as part of their project. They also played an active role with Operation Picking Up Putnam, a community-wide workday lending hands to nearly a dozen organizations in need of extra help. This was done in partnership with the GMC Corps of Cadets and the Putnam County High School JROTC, with a total of over 250 individuals showing their support for Eatonton.

To date, the Chamber has graduated 596 Leadership Putnam participants. The Leadership Putnam Class of 2023 kicked off and started in the Fall of 2022.

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Rebekah Esau

Maria Alexander

Terrell Abernathy receives "Most Outstanding Leader" Award

Michael Benton

Tina Gregory

Nadia Graveran

Anthony Frazier

Martha Farley

Jim Fain

LaChelle Jordan

Elaine Hynes

Robbie King

congrats Melanie McLemore

CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATES!

Rob Paltz

Rebecca Wilson

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BUSINESS