EATONTON.COM
QUARTERS 3&4
BUSINESS VIEW
WHAT’S INSIDE... 3
Chamber Staff
4
Board of Directors
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Letter from the Chairman
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Message from the President
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Message from the PR Director
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Welcome Center Manager
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Message from the Engagement Director
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Intern Introduction
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Leadership Putnam
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Renewals
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New Investors
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Ribbon Cuttings
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Taste of Eatonton
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Annual Dinner
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Upcoming Events
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New Board Members
108 W. Marion St. Eatonton, GA 31064 706.485.7701
Welcome to
BUSINESS VIEW We’re glad you’re here! The purpose behind Business View is to showcase the amazing things we get to be a part of at the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. We are proud to be a part of this community and we look forward to the continued expansion of what Eatonton & Putnam County have to offer. This edition of Business View is recapping the second half of 2023. Enjoy!
Join our Facebook Group: The Putnam Portal
Eatonton Putnam Chamber of Commerce @EatontonPutnamChamber Eatonton.com
CHAMBER
MAGGIE MILNER
STAFF
President/CEO
president@eatonton.com
HANNAH TYSON Tourism Director
tourism@visiteatonton.com
RACHAEL BRADLEY Public Relations Director
pr@eatonton.com
DANA NINNEMAN
Welcome Center Manager info@eatonton.com
ROBBIE KING
Business Engagement Director connect@eatonton.com
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McKenzie Davenport
Christina Hinz
Lisa Jackson
Dr. Jameelah Gater
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Fowler Flemister Concrete
Putnam County Charter School System
Putnam County Planning & Development
Lake Oconee Urgent & Primary Care
Justin Strickland
Amy McElhenney
Lennie Brame
Ford Jones
Tri-County EMC
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Georgia Power Company
Dell Law Firm PC
Doris Clemons
Cynthia Wallace
Holly Hackinson
Matt Hammons
The Peoples Bank
Wallace & King Algin Realty
Lake Oconee Life & Lake Sinclair Life
Rock Eagle 4-H
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN 2023 has been another wonderful 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. This fall and winter have been a blur with the many chamber events taking place. The Taste of Eatonton was a great success and I thank you all for your support and attendance. This event is my favorite event, and I was very glad to see its return last year and am already looking forward to 2024’s version. We had several new vendors, and they all provided some fantastic food and treats. Additionally, we celebrated our Annual Banquet at Rock Eagle in November. Again, thank you all for your support for this great event. It was very well attended, and we were happy and honored to issue several awards that evening, from “Rookie’s of the Year to MVP’s,” we have many exciting new businesses and existing businesses that are doing great things! 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 a wonderful 2024. A. McKenzie Davenport
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With the close of 2023 came the fruition of my third year with the Chamber. This year came with the most challenges I’ve experienced in my entire career and taught me lessons even seasoned leaders sometimes never experience. I have seen the Chamber and its support system show resiliency, integrity, character, and pride. Our team has continued to grow and evolve and it makes me incredibly excited for the future.
FROM THE
PRESIDENT The last two quarters of 2023 were fast-paced and brought great growth in our programming and investor engagement. We saw a total of 48 new investors in 2023, which is more than we’ve brought in in a given year in over ten years. It is proof that our community has trust in us but more importantly, it’s proof that our community is continuing to show value as a place for people to live and do business. Fall is always a bustling season and 2023's proved no different. Two of our three main events were completed and saw great turnout. The new format we’ve implemented for Taste of Eatonton, giving support back to the vendors, has taught us all how much more we can give, and should. And, our 44th Annual Awards Dinner had the highest attendance we’ve had to date and gave recognition to more community investors for their dedication and hard work to keep Eatonton-Putnam County thriving. Despite the movement in varying directions, what I value most about this time is the reflection. The time when we truly begin to see where our impact has been successful in the community and if we are still in line with our mission. We have the opportunity to begin making changes for the year ahead. It’s the most pivotal time of year.
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UPDATE FROM PUBLIC RELATIONS
As the Public Relations Director, my role has been a rewarding journey filled with encounters with incredible individuals who are collectively committed to preserving and enhancing the vibrant spirit of our community. In my position, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the unwavering dedication of people who strive to make Eatonton not just a place to live, but a place for businesses and families alike. Building genuine relationships with our investors has been one of the best parts of my role as the Public Relations Director. It's not just about business transactions; it's about ensuring that our investors feel heard, supported, and valued. I take pride in being a reliable point of contact for them, someone they can trust to navigate the dynamic landscape of our community and business environment. These relationships go beyond mere professional connections; they are rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for the prosperity of Eatonton. Within the second half of this year, I have had the opportunity to experience my first Taste of Eatonton and Annual Dinner. With these being 2 large events put on by the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber, I am dedicated to making sure these events continue to be something eagerly anticipated by the community. 7
-RACHAEL BRADLEY
meet Dana!
WELCOME
CENTER
MANAGER We are so excited to welcome Dana to the team as our new Welcome Center Manager! If you have already met Dana, then you know she does not meet a stranger! With her genuine kindness and joyous personality, she is a great addition to the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. Dana keeps the office running smoothly! She is responsible for visitor assistance and resource management. She handles merchandise and keeps the front orderly and inviting. Dana is also very creative and is taking the lead on our seasonal decor as well as being a top contributor in our decorating committee for big events! “Hi, my name is Dana and I am a happily married mother of two beautiful, brilliant daughters. I have an extensive background in hospitality/special events. I’ve developed a deep love for this community and enjoy nature, the Arts and a good BBQ!”
-Dana N 8
INTRODUCING After spending over 25 years in the Telecom industry, in sales and management roles, I retired from Comcast Business, as a Regional Director of Sales, in 2015. My wife Marsha & I decided to explore our entrepreneur side, saw a market opportunity with the rapidly growing Fort Gordon, and opened/operated the successful Belair Donuts and Coffee shops in Augusta & Grovetown, GA, serving the busy morning commuters and growing local communities. We eventually sold the operation in September of 2019. During that time I founded Lead Augusta, a training and event organization serving both individuals & businesses to become their best version, teaching and mentoring in leadership, communications, sales, coaching and networking skills. Additionally, with a passion for community and business growth, I worked closely with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, in various capacities, including business membership, engagement and serving as a Mentor in the Young Men on the Move (YMOM) mentoring program. While we enjoyed living in the Augusta area, we knew we wanted somewhere different for our “real” retirement home. With three grown sons, plus a growing (still growing!) number of grandchildren, we wanted to find a place more conducive to the next season of life! Marsha & I spent a lot of time looking for just the right place to retire. There were a lot of boxes to check, but a couple of big ones were: Lifestyle - Somewhere we could enjoy a variety of activities, especially outdoor. Water recreation, on a lake, river or coast was a plus! Location - We needed the logistics of close proximity of our kids/grandkids, which included Augusta & Birmingham The People – We enjoy meeting people, socializing and entertaining In the end, Lake Oconee and Reynolds checked all the boxes and more! We had visited several times over the years, always enjoyed it, even looked at some homes, but this time we got serious. Despite being right in the middle of Covid, after a lot of looking, we were able to find the perfect home in Great Waters, at the end of a quiet street, with plenty of room inside and out, for the grandkids to play, in a very safe environment. For me, retirement has never really worked, at least not in the traditional sense. I enjoy staying busy, always learning & growing and most importantly, sharing knowledge and lessons learned to help others. Creating a new entity “Lead the Lake”, and with a goal of helping businesses succeed and grow, I spend a lot of time working with individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners, strategizing plans for successful personal & business growth. Currently, I have started offering workshops on utilizing artificial intelligence for both personal and personal applications.
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ROBBIE KING One of the unexpected bonuses of living in the lake area has been the opportunity to meet an incredible variety of very interesting people, amazing non-profit organizations and intriguing local businesses. In order to tell their stories, I created and host a local podcast called “Lure of the Lake”, a weekly podcast where we share their stories, lessons and more. And we always find out what brought them, or“lured” them, here! As a long time supporter of local Chambers of Commerce, I naturally became involved with the Putnam County Chamber. Despite a small staff, this energized Chamber, led by Maggie Milner, was doing great work and always super active in the business community! I immediately engaged with the Chamber and, after completing the Leadership Putnam program earlier this year, I wanted to become more involved. To that end, I have taken on a more active role with the organization as Director of Business Engagement, and will assist in its continued growth in both membership/investor growth and business engagement. There is so much business potential in the lake area and we know that the more engagement, the more business growth, the more business advocacy and the more everyone benefits! There is no better way to create awareness and support for local businesses and non-profit organizations! In addition, I am a member of the Greene & Putnam Rotary Club, attend Lake Oconee Church and enjoy boating, reading, investing, lots of walking and, on occasion, a round of golf! Marsha & I love to travel, entertain and will often be seen chasing the beautiful sunsets around the lake!
-Robbie King
meet INTERN INTRODUCTION Meredith!
My name is Meredith Robertson. I am the Eatonton-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce intern for Fall 2023. I was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia but currently reside in Milledgeville, Georgia to attend school. I am a senior at Georgia College and State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Public Health. I wanted to take this internship so I could learn more about event coordination and programming. I am interested in event planning and this internship allows me to see all of the behind the scenes aspects of how to properly plan. Through this internship I am gaining skills in effective communication, networking, and organization. Interning for the chamber has allowed me to further my abilities in order to execute successful events. This internship is also giving me good insight into how to support longlasting relationships with the members and businesses of the surrounding community.
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LEADERSHIP
PUTNAM ‘24 Halfway through the Leadership Class program, and our incredible participants are making waves! They've not only raised funds to distribute 144 Thanksgiving turkeys to those in need but also orchestrated a heartwarming initiative to bring Christmas joy to 5 deserving families. Their dedication knows no bounds, and with more exciting projects in the pipeline, stay tuned for the inspiring impact this motivated group is set to make!
Taylor Addison Rachael Bradley Diane Carter Nash Cullens Shennon Daggs-Armstead Rindi Daniel Justin Hadden AJ Nugent Lynde Schubert Yolanda Rodriguez Ian Tocher Tiffany Vanstone
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JULY
Butler-Baker Alumni Community Project, Inc. High Priority Plumbing Phillip Jones The Lodge on Lake Oconee
SEPT
1 Accord Technologies, LLC Briarpatch Farm Cheerful Hearts Ministry, Inc. FitCo Health Club Lake Oconee Eye Care Vision Source McDonald's of Lake Oconee Putnam County Charter School System Roberts Dental Center Your Town Magazine
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RENE AUG
Jere-Shai Lakeside Lakeview Sr. Gardens-Fairway Management, Inc. Lockerly Arboretum Magic Hat Productions Most Valuable Smiles Mt Pleasant Baptist Church Ocmulgee CASA Oconee Electric, Inc. PAXISgroup Pretty Girlz Fitness LLC. Prudential Advisors Realty 1 Georgia St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital, Inc. Advanced Audiology & Hearing Care Algin Realty C. & M. Masonry Contractors Group, Inc. Calvert Custom Homes, LLC Choice One Dental Care of Lake Oconee Circle Ranch Inc. Dalton Carpet One Floor & Home Hallman Recycling, LLC Hannah Meigan Miller, DMD Harbor at Harmony Crossing Assisted Living Jennifer Lassen
WALS OCT
Anchors Marina Chick-Fil-A at Lake Oconee Circle of Love Center, Inc. Cool-N-Dry Storage Denise's Designs Fickling & Company Lake Country JLW Trucking Company, Inc. Leon Grace LLC Merrily Monroe Boutique Responsive Technology Partners Sanchez & Craig Orthodontics Yellowstone Landscape Lake Oconee
NOV
Eatonton-Putnam County Library Harbor Club on Lake Oconee Hickory Hill Nursery & Landscape Supply Liberty Roofing Group, LLC Mellow Mushroom Oconee Regional Humane Society STAIR SOUTH, INC. The Dumpster Company
DEC
Savannah Court of Lake Oconee
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WELCOME INVESTORS
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Y S
Jessi Lynch
AJ Nugent
Crooked Creek Consulting
THANK
OU FOR YOUR UPPORT!
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RIBBON
111 N Jefferson Ave, Eatonton, GA 31024
107 Harmony Xing, Ste. 5, Eatonton, GA 31024
170 Scott Rd., Ste. 4 Eatonton, GA 31024
101 Lake Oconee Pkwy., Eatonton, GA 31024
8615 Browns Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506
111 S Jefferson Ave., Eatonton, GA 31024
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966 Greensboro Rd., Eatonton, GA 31024
117 Sara Lee Blvd., Eatonton, GA 31024
CUTTINGS
117 Sara Lee Blvd., Eatonton, GA 31024
130 C Sparta Highway, Eatonton, GA 31024
112 Harmony Xing 2 Bldg. 800, Eatonton, GA 31024
1137 Lake Oconee Pkwy, Eatonton, GA 31024
170 Scott Rd, Eatonton, GA 31024
113 Harmony Crossing, Eatonton, GA 31024
170 Scott Rd, Eatonton, GA 31024
124 W Marion St, Eatonton, GA 31024
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12 VENDORS
2 LIVE MUSIC ACTS
PHOTO-BOOTH
TRAILER
CAR
SHOW 20
Tri-County EMC Business of the Year
Georgia Writers Museum Community Organization of the Year
ANNUAL DINNER Bob Landau Roddie Anne Blackwell Service & Leadership Award
Bruzze Brewing Business Innovation Award
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hall of fame
Sylvia’s Breakout Business of the Year
AJ Nugent Emerging Entrepreneur Award
COMING UP... 10th Annual Sweet Tee Off
Monday, March 25 at Harbor Club
Play, Sponsor or Volunteer by signing up at https://eatonton.com/sweet-tee-off/
BUSINESS T
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INVESTOR meeting
RIBBON CUTTING
Business Breakfast Series
...AND MORE! 22
WELCOME TO THE BOARD
Susan Usry Susan spent the majority of her career as an administrator in the Putnam County Charter School System, serving as assistant principal of the Elementary School, Director of Special Education, and then principal of the Elementary School, the Primary School, and the Middle School before retiring.
She is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Elementary Education and of Mercer University with a masters in Middle Grades Education. She went on to obtain a specialist and doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Georgia. Susan currently serves as the Executive Director of The Plaza Arts Center and is in her third year there. She loves the theater atmosphere and enjoys interacting with all of The Plaza’s patrons. Susan and her husband, Tom, have one child, Addie Grace, who is currently in high school at Putnam County High School. They attend Liberty United Methodist Church and enjoy living in Putnam County with all it has to offer. Susan is very excited to be joining the Chamber’s Board of Directors. She believes Eatonton and Putnam County are experiencing big and exciting changes as the area continues to grow, and she is thrilled to be a part of that as the Chamber moves our area forward.
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WELCOME TO THE BOARD
Tim Broyles
Tim opened up his State Farm agency back in 2010. Since then, he has grown to have three different office locations within three different amazing communities, one being right here in Eatonton, GA. Tim opened up his second location, here in Eatonton, back in 2019, and hit the ground running. He was quick to join different organizations, committees, and groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce. He was also very adamant about wanting to pour back into the community that so generously welcomed him. During that first year, when the global pandemic had just begun, Tim made sure that him and his team provided food to all of the local hospitals and first responders throughout the community. He also pushed his team to eat and shop local as he knew firsthand how the pandemic was effecting small businesses. He has kept that same intent over the last several years, always trying to give back and make a difference for those around him. Just this past year, he was recognized by State Farm regarding his office here in Eatonton and was asked to do a video explaining his success. There were only eight agents who received this recognition out of over 19,500 agents across the country. Each community that Tim is a part of varies slightly due to the different type of environments, which makes them each special in their own way. The thing that Tim and his team love about Eatonton is that this community strives to grow, adapt, and always be a “Good Neighbor”. Tim is honored to be joining the Putnam County’s Chamber Board of Directors and becoming even more invested in such a wonderful community.
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THANK YOU TO THE CHAIRMAN’S CLUB 2023 LEGACY INVESTORS
TRUSTEE INVESTORS
VISIONARY INVESTORS
Tim Broyles