Official Newsletter of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
THE CHAMBER CORNER
February 2013
Volume 13, Issue 2
Board Approves Two Goals for Chamber
Business Report Converts to Magazine Winter 2012
CHAMBER BUSINESS REPORT
Page 1
On Thursday, Jan. 17, the Board of Directors voted to approve a three year strategic plan with two specific goals, “Support Business and Community” and “Support Tourism.” In December 2012, the Chamber staff, Board of Directors and local Chamber members from the community assembled for two days to discuss the current situation of the Chamber, evaluate its role The Chamber Business Report published by Smith Communications is being converted from newspaper print to a magazine! If you are interested in advertising in this award winning publication, contact your ad rep for more information! The deadline to advertise in the Spring issue is March 6.
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
...Continued on page 2.
Leadership Putnam 2013
The Chamber is proud to announce the Leadership Putnam Class of 2013! Participants include Jill Brown, Howell Cardwell, David Collis, Angela Criscoe, Doug Dozier, Titus Dunn, Diane Gallagher, Maribel Gonzalez, Maurice Hill, Jr., Jennie Marshall, Robbie McNeill, Katy Meeks, John Montgomery, Stacy Paine, Matt Powers, Scarlett Prater, Jennifer Rainey, Joseph Simmons, Mark Smith, Jr., Brandi Stapp and Fred Ward. On Thursday, Jan. 24, Leadership began with the first session, Understanding Leadership, taught by President Roddie Anne Blackwell at The Plaza Arts Cen...Continued on page 2.
OPEN for Business!
Mattress Center of Lake Oconee
The Mattress Center of Lake Oconee is open! A ribbon cutting ceremony co-hosted with the Eatonton-Putnam and Greene County chambers of commerce celebrated this milestone with owner Lucky Ethridge on Monday, Jan. 29. With over 4000 square feet of mattresses in 11 different national brands manufactured by Park Place Corporation, customers are sure to find a mattress “for the ‘rest’ of their life, as the slogan promises. The business is located across from Goodwill at 1027 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suites # 1 & 2, Eatonton, Ga. 31024. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (706) 4849777.
RSVP for Events
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Celebrating: Banner Advanced Screening Services, LLC
Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. to celebrate the new business! 1020 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Greensboro, Ga. 30642 www.banneradvancedscreening.com
Welcome!
New Chamber Members Mattress Center of Lake Oconee
www.rrinsurancegroup.com
Lucky Ethridge & Ed Gerstner (706) 484-9777 1027 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suites 1-2 Eatonton (Across from Goodwill) Mattresses and Sleep Systems
Coffee Connections
a2b Fulfillment, Inc.
R&R Insurance Group
Friday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. to celebrate the new location! 1060 Salem Walk Drive, Suite 1, Greensboro, Ga. 30642
Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Chamber office in The Plaza Arts Center located at 305 N. Madison Avenue, Eatonton, Ga. 31024. Meet with board and staff while connecting with fellow Chamber members over coffee. Sponsored by: Georgia Power Company, Putnam County Charter School System, Putnam General Hospital, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Bug House Pest Control of Lake Oconee Inc.,The Peoples Bank and Pinnacle Credit Union.
TenderCare Clinic Business After Hours
Thursday, Feb. 28, 5 to 7 p.m. Event will be co-hosted with the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. TenderCare Clinic is located at 803 S. Main Street, Greensboro, Ga. 30642. Network with members after work from Putnam and Greene!
Serenity Hospice Care Networking@Noon Wednesday, March 20, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Reception Hall of The Plaza Arts Center, 305 N. Madison Avenue Eatonton, Ga. 31024. Agenda includes lunch, table talk, sponsor presentation, commercials and general networking. $15 for members, $25 general admission.
Allison Chesnutt & Ayal Lotz (866) 843 3827 Physical: 119 South Forrest St., Eatonton Mailing: 150 Stewart Parkway, Greensboro 3rd Party Logistics Provider & Customer Service Contact Center Leadership Putnam from page 1... ter. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the class took a tour of the community to visit points of interest throughout the county. Pictured, the Leadership class poses with Brer Rabbit before touring the Uncle Remus Museum, part of the community tour. Leadership Putnam is sponsored by Smith Communications, Georgia Power Company, Putnam General Hospital, The Peoples Bank, Pinnacle Credit Union, Putnam County Charter School System, Bug House Pest Control of Lake Oconee Inc. and Farmers & Merchants Bank.
Strategic Plan from page 1... in the community and then create a three year plan to move forward. Under the direction of facilitator Jennifer McKenna Weinbaum of Universal Abundance, the group arrived with two specific strategic goals with objectives. Under “Support Business and Community” the objectives include “Develop a marketing plan to promote Chamber, members and community” and “Educate and provide resources on advocacy, leadership and workforce development.” Under “Support Tourism” the objectives include “As the Designated Marketing Organization, develop and implement a marketing plan to promote EatontonPutnam County as a premier tourist destination” and “Enhance the local tourism product.” The group also determined that the values of the Chamber include “Growth, Prosperity and Unity.” After the planning session, the collected feedback was articulated into a condensed message that ensures crystal clarity, driven direction and attainable goals for the Chamber. At the January board meeting, this one page strategic plan that includes the mission, goals, objectives and vision was officially approved by the Board. With the Board approval of the plan, committees are now being formed to support each objective by determining the action steps, timeline and accountability. Each committee contains staff, board members, attendees from the strategic planning session and other Chamber members. Over the next three months, the committees will meet and define these next steps to support the goals. The Chamber will present the complete strategic plan and program of work that supports the plan to the community at the Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, May 6. February 2013 / Page 2
Coffee Connections invites members to ask questions, share good news and connect! On Tuesday, Jan. 29, Coffee Connections invited members to meet with Chamber staff, board and fellow members to ask questions, share good news and connect to build business relationships. Pictured, Brittany Curry, Oconee Area Citizen Advocacy; Lisa Thompson & Susan Tuller, Serenity Hospice Care; Duncan Criscoe, Crooked Pines Farm; Donnan Oyler, R&R Insurance Group; LeAnna Grimes & Samantha Duthler, Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS); and Joe Diletto, Louie Herron Auto Sales. Coffee Connections is sponsored by: Farmers & Merchants Bank, Bug House Pest Control of Lake Oconee Inc., The Peoples Bank, Pinnacle Credit Union: Putnam County Branch, Georgia Power Company, Putnam County Charter School System and Putnam General Hospital.
Meet Chelsea Gruber, the Chamber’s Spring Intern!
TenderCare Clinic Gets Members Moving at Networking @ Noon.
Meet Chelsea Gruber, the Chamber’s spring intern! Chelsea is a senior Mass Communication major at Georgia College with a double concentration in Public Relations and Broadcast Media and a minor in Marketing. During her internship at the Chamber, Chelsea will assist the Chamber staff with planning events, running errands, writing press releases, and greeting each guest with a smile and southern hospitality. At school, Chelsea has been involved in numerous oncampus organizations. She is currently the Secretary for Public Relations Student Society of America where she helps lead other Mass Communication students with interest in the Public Relations concentration. In the spring of 2012, she promoted and helped plan the University’s annual Battle of the Bands through Campus Activities Board. Last summer, she landed her first internship as a field marketing intern with SanDisk Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia. She gained experience making strong connections with store managers, planning weekly demoday events, creating store contests for the employees and implementing promotions.
Networking @ Noon was held on Wednesday, Jan. 16, sponsored by TenderCare Clinic. Forty Chamber members met over lunch to network with a game of trivia, a sponsor presentation that got everyone moving and commercials. Pictured, Brandi Mayo of Banner Advanced Screening Services and Kevin Murphy of Peachtree Pest Control dance as they wave a paper plate, part of TenderCare Clinic’s sponsor presentation to relieve stress. February 2013 / Page 3
February 2013 Newsletter Member-2-Member Events Feb. 8: Crooked Pines Farm presents an Ultimate Hoedown, Throw-down, from 6 to 9 p.m. Saddle Up and Mosey on over where we will be dancing the night away to some good ole' country tunes! $12 for adults, dinner is provided (BYOB). For more information, contact Duncan Criscoe (706) 347-0274 or www.crookedpinesfarm.com. Feb. 9: Gatewood Schools Open House, noon to 3 p.m. at the Main Campus, 139 Phillips Drive, Eatonton. Enrollment Open House for the 2013-14 School Year. For more information, contact Cristi Sheppard at (706) 485.8231, ext. 13. Feb. 9-18: The Plaza Arts Center Second Annual Fine Art Show will open to the public. For more information, contact The Plaza Arts Center (706) 923-1655 or www.theplazaartscenter.com. Feb. 9: Putnam County Primary School presents a Parent and Child Valentine's Dance, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. A fun event for PCPS parents and their children. $1 per family. Refreshments will be provided and a photographer will be available to take pictures for purchase. For more information, call (706) 4855141 or email fernando_aker@putnam.k12.ga.us. Feb. 9: Steffen Thomas Museum of Art Family Workshop: Pop Heart Valentines, 10 a.m. to noon. Make a Valentine for someone special or create a centerpiece. All ages will enjoy creating this work of "heart." Fee - $10/adult, $8/child. Reservations are required. For more information, call (706) 342-7557, email info@steffenthomas.org or visit www.steffenthomas.org.
Feb. 15: The Plaza Arts Center presents a Wine Lover's Opera, 6:30 p.m. Opera South, Kazanetti and Classic Wines join forces to bring you an incredible night of Amore! Celebrate the Valentine Holiday at The Plaza with a taste of music and wine from Tuscany... a lover’s paradise! $40 General Admission, wine tasting included in ticket price. For more information, call (706) 923-1655 or visit www.theplazaartscenter.com. Feb.16: Eatonton Elks Lodge #2549 presents the C.V. Alligood Memorial Critter Supper at Eatonton Elks Lodge, 7 p.m. $15 Donation. Non Members are welcome. The Lodge is smoke free. For more information, call (706) 485-8606. Feb. 16: Rock Eagle 4-H Center presents Got Shade? Grow Moss, 9:30 a.m. Learn how to embrace the easy to grow plants that will add evergreen beauty to your shady space. Admission is $5 for five years and older, children four and younger are free. Preregistration is required. For more information, visit www.rockeagle4h.org or call Matt Hammons at (706) 484-2862. Feb.23: Eatonton Elks Lodge presents Rowdy Ron. Dancing and singing starts at 8 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Non Members are welcome. The Lodge is smoke free. For more information, call (706) 485-8606. Feb. 26: Classic Wines presents a Wine Dinner, 6:30 p.m. at Richard's Wine Bar. This will be a four course dinner, each course paired with a particular wine. For more information, call (706) 4534180 or visit www.facebook.com/RichardsWineBar.
Feb. 10: Mothers Against Crime Combination Valentine's and Birthday Party at Eatonton Health and Rehabilitation Center, 2:30 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to celebrate these holidays with the residents! For more information, call (706) 4855332.
Feb. 26: Putnam County Primary School Governance Authority (SGA) Meeting at 5:30 p.m., in the Putnam County Primary School Media Center. Regular Monthly Scheduled SGA Meeting. For more information, call (706) 485-5141 or email fernando_aker@putnam.k12.ga.us.
Feb. 11: Pure Chiropractic-Lake Oconee presents Goal Setting for Winners, 5:40 p.m. Dr. Ted Smith will take an in depth look at the seven components of an overall balanced "Wellness Wheel:” Physical, Financial, Family, Social, Career, Spiritual and Mental Health. For more information, call (706) 485-1010 or visit www.pclakeoconee.com.
Feb. 26: Eatonton Elks Lodge #2549 Country Cookin’ at the Elks Lodge, 7 p.m. Menu includes country fried steak and trimmings. Adults $10 and Children 12 and under $6. Non Members are welcome. The Lodge is smoke free. For more information: (706) 485-8606.
Feb 12: Eatonton Elks Lodge #2549 Country Cookin’ at the Elks Lodge, 7 p.m. Menu includes country fried steak and trimmings. Adults $10 and Children 12 and under $6. Non Members are welcome. The Lodge is smoke free. For more information, call (706) 485-8606.
Feb. 28: Putnam County Primary School Black History Program, 5:30 p.m. in the Putnam County Primary School Cafeteria. PCPS students and staff will celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans as a part of the Black History Program. For more information, call (706) 485-5141 or email fernando_aker@putnam.k12.ga.us.
Feb. 12: Classic Wines presents a Champagne Wine Dinner, 6:30 p.m. at Richard's Wine Bar. Enjoy a four course dinner, each course paired with a different champagne. This is a unique tasting and excellent opportunity to experience champagne and food pairings. $70 + +. For more information, call (706) 453-4180 or visit www.facebook.com/RichardsWineBar.
March 1: The Plaza Arts Center presents "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" at 8 p.m. Longest running off-Broadway musical reveals the hilarious secrets of dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws. Tickets are $16 each. For more information, contact The Plaza Arts Center (706) 923-1655 or www.theplazaartscenter.com.
Member-2-Member Events continued…
Member-2-Member News
March 8: The Plaza Arts Center presents Aesop's Dinosaur Fable, 6:30 p.m. Dinosaur Fable features singing and dancing by six giant prehistoric puppets and the live actor leader of our tale, TryANTasaurus. Tickets are $10 General Admission for all ages. For more information, contact The Plaza Arts Center (706) 923-1655 or www.theplazaartscenter.com.
Cardiology Care Clinic of Lake Oconee is excited to announce its new website: www.cardiologycareclinics.com.
March 9: Steffen Thomas Museum of Art presents a Family Workshop: I’m Looking Through You: Painting in Reverse, 10 a.m. to noon. This technique forces you to look at painting a whole new way but is really easy once you get the hang of it. Fee - $10/adult, $8/child. Reservations are required. For more information, call (706) 342-7557 or visit www.steffenthomas.org. March 16: The Plaza Arts Center presents Legends of Motown, 7:30 p.m. "The Legends of Motown and More" is no ordinary "Motown" show. Handpicked for their voices, their dancing ability, their humor, their likability, Horizon is a perfectly polished theatrical ensemble, complete with costuming and a world-class instrumental ensemble. For more information, call (706) 923-1655 or www.theplazaartscenter.com. March 16: Crooked Pines Farm Easter Egg Launch & Lunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Want to LAUNCH an Easter Egg instead of hunt for one? Join us to launch an egg with our huge sling shot. Cold Ham Plates with potato salad, fruit, bread and dessert for $6. Activities include hayrides, petting farm and kid's crafts. Continual Easter Egg Hunt for the little ones. Visit www.crookedpinesfarm.com for more information or call (706) 347-0274. March 16: Rock Eagle 4-H Center presents Snakes, Turtles and More, 9:30 a.m. Explore the wonderful world of reptiles and amphibians. Admission is $5 for five years and older, children four and younger are free. Preregistration is required. For more information, visit www.rockeagle4h.org or call Matt Hammons at (706) 484-2862. March 23: Gatewood Schools presents The Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival. The event showcases the region's most popular fare paired with an extensive wine selection, and features live entertainment along with the area's best silent and live auctions. For more information call (706) 453-9243 or visit www.oconeefoodandwine.com. March 23: Steffen Thomas Museum of Art presents Fascinatin’ Rhythm Spring Gala Fund Raiser, 6 p.m. STMA will be transformed into a glamorous, Roaring 20’s setting, reminiscent of a big Hollywood production picture. Tickets are $65 each and reservations are a must! Come dressed in your best “Great Gatsby” cocktail attire and enjoy music and dancing with the Laura Coyle Jazz Combo and the UGA Ballroom Performance Group. For more information, call (706) 342-7557 or visit www.steffenthomas.org.
The Plaza Arts Center announces the Fourth Annual Amateur Photography Show and Contest. Entries will be accepted March 4-11 at the Plaza Arts Center or by mail. The photographers' reception will be April 5 with the show open to the public April 6-13. Ribbons will be awarded in all categories and cash prizes will be given for the four Best in Show winners. For complete details and entry information, visit www.theplazaartscenter.com. Allgood Pest Solutions continues its growth with three acquisitions in the Southeast: Pied Piper of Charleston, SC; South Georgia Termite & Pest Control of Douglas, Ga.; and James Aiken Pest Control of Augusta, Ga. Read full press release for more information: www.allgoodpestsolutions.com/news/allgood-pestsolutions-acquires-three-southeast-firms/. Saltamacchio's Tang Soo Do Karate adds Adult Morning Classes on Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. A Senior Adults Class for those 55 and older has been added on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. Saltamacchio’s is also excited to announce the hiring of its first employee, Trey Screws, who has been taking karate from Saltamacchio Karate since he was 10 years old. As the new Assistant instructor, Trey holds a Second Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and is a senior at Putnam County High School. For more information, call (706) 991-9925 or email mrray@plantationcable.net. Putnam County Ferst Foundation is looking for vendors for the annual Spring Market Day and Yard Sale. The event will be Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Plaza. Cost: $25 for vendors. If you have goods or items you would like to sell and would like more information on reserving a space, please contact us: Linda Elkins, (706) 473-2256 or elki9330@bellsouth.net | Gail Godfrey, (770) 286-2174 or gailg@plantationcable.net. OPAS announces that tickets will go on sale for Craig A. Meyer – Almost Elton John & The Rocket Band March 4th to the public. The Concert will be May 3, 2013 at 8 p.m. at The Plaza Arts Center. OPAS will present entertainers Craig Meyer and the Rocket Band in a show called “Almost Elton John.” This group is the number ONE tribute band of Elton John. Cost: $75, $55, $35. Contact Information: www.OPAS.org or www.TicketAlternative.com (877) 725-8849.
We want to promote your business by sharing your events and news (employee updates, new services, expansions, awards and more)! Email submissions to becky@eatonton.com.
The Chamber Corner, February 2013
(706) 485-7701 | fax (706) 485-3277 PO Box 4088 | 305 N. Madison Ave. Eatonton, Ga. 31024 Becky@eatonton.com www.eatontonchamber.com www.facebook.com/epchamber www.twitter.com/eatontonchamber
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Eatonton, GA Permit No. 6
Chamber Staff: Roddie Anne Blackwell, President Becky Needham, Membership Manager Bonnie Simmons, Tourism Manager
Board of Directors: Wes Lewis, Chairman Georgia Power Company Jon Butler, Vice Chair Lowell White, III, Treasurer Calvert & White Custom Homes Eric Arena Putnam County Charter School System Terri Camp Rock Eagle 4-H Center Rita Daniel Eatonton Chiropractic Center Carrie Dietrich Central Georgia Technical College Jay Gregory Gregory Bridge Company Joe Hudson Farmers & Merchants Bank Bryce McCuin JBM Creative Marty Phillips Techknow Gurus Cynthia Wallace Real Estate Agent
2013 Chamber Champions!