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

CHAMBER STAFF

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

2 0 2 3 B O A R D O F

D I R E C T O R S

R

L i s a J a c k s o n

T r e a s u r e r

P U T N A M C O U N T Y P L A N N I N G & D E V E L O P M E N T

D r . J a m e e l a h G a t e r

L A K E O C O N E E U R G E N T & P R I M A R Y C A R E

J u s t i n S t r i c k l a n d

T R I - C O U N T Y E M C

A m y M c E l h e n n e y

F A R M E R S & M E R C H A N T S B A N K

L e n n i e B r a m e G E O R G I A P O W E R C O M P A N Y

F o r d J o n e s I V

D E L L L A W F I R M , P C

C y n t h i a W a l l a c e W

H o l l y L i n d s e y L

M a t t H a m m o n s

R O C K E A G L E 4 - H

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E 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!

Public Relation

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 something incredibly fulfilling about 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

Rachael Bradley, Publi

Meet the Intern!

Hi there!

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

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

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

B E A V E N D O R , S P O N S O R ,

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!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

winter & spring 2023

Cheerful Hearts Ministry, Inc.

2/7/23

951 Harmony Road Suite 203

Eatonton, GA 31024

Lumberjaxe

3/1/23

113 E Marion Street

Eatonton, GA 31024

Oconee Wild Eatery

4/14/23

1133 A Lake Oconee Parkway

Eatonton, GA 31024

5/5/23

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

Dough Daddy Dough

MILESTONES

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

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

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

NEW INVESTORS

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.

GEORGIA CHAMBER RETIREMENT PLAN EXCHANGE

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

Chamber Smart Plan Member Information Center

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

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

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

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 n 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 community involvement and quality of essay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terrell Abernathy receives "Most Outstanding Leader" Award

Michael Benton Maria Alexander Rebekah Esau

grats

CLASS OF 2023

G R A D U A T E S

Anthony Frazier

Nadia Graveran

Tina Gregory

Martha Farley

Jim Fain

LaChelle Jordan

Elaine Hynes

Robbie King

Melanie McLemore

Rob Paltz

Rebecca Wilson