Official Newsletter of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
THE CHAMBER CORNER
Volume 12, Issue 7
July 2012
Vote YES on July 31 for TSPLOST! On July 31, voters will have the opportunity to make a positive difference for transportation in Georgia by voting yes for transportation. What is the 2012 TSPLOST? The 2012 TSPLOST is an opportunity for all Georgians to take control of their future by choosing to make significant investments in transportation projects that are vital both to the economy and quality of life throughout the state. The vote for this one percent regional sales tax will take place in each of Georgia’s 12 regional commission districts this July. Mark your calendars and save the date! The Taste of Eatonton will be Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. The Chamber is starting to create our promotional materials for our largest event of the year! If you would like to sponsor the Taste of Eatonton, the sooner you sign up, the more exposure your business will receive! There are three levels to choose from: Platinum ($500), Gold ($300) and Silver ($200). Each level includes various benefits. Sponsors signed up so far include: (Platinum) Farmers & Merchants Bank, Putnam General Hospital, Dock 103.9 WDDK-FM, The Peoples Bank, Putnam County Charter School System, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, WMGZ 97.7 FM and Smith Communications, and (Gold) Georgia Power Company. To sponsor the Taste, email bonnie@eatonton.com.
What exactly will the TSPLOST pay for? Local officials in each region have developed a list of transportation projects that can be funded by the additional revenue generated — and only projects on this approved list will be funded. Projects include roads, bridges, transit, freight and passenger rail, ports, airports, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities as determined by each region. Regions where voters do not approve the transportation tax will not receive the additional funds to pay for proposed projects in their area of the state. Who decided the list of transportation projects? Regional roundtables made up of county commission chairs and mayors were formed in each of Georgia’s regional commission districts. Each group worked with the public and the Georgia Department of Transportation to create a list of transportation projects for their region. Those projects have been vetted both by GDOT and voters through public hearings. Lists were finalized on Oct. 15. Who will benefit from the 2012 TSPLOST? All Georgians could benefit from the TSPLOST referendum — one of the most important economic development opportunities in our state’s history. If passed in all regions, it would pump up to $19 billion in direct investment into the state’s economy over the next 10 years while connecting communities, reducing congestion and improving road safety. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration estimates that
every $1 billion spent on roads and bridges supports 28,000 jobs and generates up to $2.5 billion in direct and indirect economic activity. How will the money be used? All funds generated through the 2012 TSPLOST would stay in the region in which they were raised and be distributed in two ways: •75 percent would go to the regional projects on the approved list — many of which have been on the drawing boards for years but lacked the funding to go forward. •25 percent would be returned to the region to be used for local projects chosen by city and county officials. Cities and counties will receive these extra funds in direct proportion to their population and the number of road miles in their jurisdiction. Who will oversee these projects? A citizens’ accountability committee in each region will ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. How long will the one percent increase be in place? If passed by a region’s voters, the TSPLOST will be in effect for 10 years or until the funds are collected, whichever comes first. It cannot be collected beyond this 10-year period unless the voters in the region approve an extension. Why should voters say “yes” to the 2012 TSPLOST? Despite our fast-growing population, Georgia spends less per capita on transportation than almost any other state. This is beginning to make our state less attractive to employers and negatively impact our quality of life. Across the state, bridges are falling apart, roads are unpaved and in disrepair, and truck traffic clogs community streets. The states we compete with for new jobs have taken transportation seriously, investing in it while Georgia has stalled. Buttons and yard signs are available at the Chamber. Visit www.connectgeorgia2012.com for more details.
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RSVP For Events!
Tuesday, July 10: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Chamber Open House & Mock Wedding Reception for The Barn at Crooked Pines Farm, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place prior to the reception at 5:45 p.m. Tour the rustic but elegant 5000 sq ft. barn, built for special event rentals and experience a mock wedding reception with multiple food stations, photography and flowers. Attire: Golf or Wedding Casual. This event is open for all to attend. Please RSVP: https:// crookedpinesfarm.wufoo.com/forms/rsvp-to-mock-reception-and-chamber-open-house. See insert for more information. Wednesday, July 18: Networking @ Noon sponsored by Lake Oconee Urgent & Specialty Care Center, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Lodge on Lake Oconee, $10. 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, Eatonton, Ga. 31024. Friday, July 20: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for PostNet, 12 p.m., celebrating the new ownership and remodel! PostNet offers shipping, brochures, notary services, graphic design, laminating, mail boxes, forms, signs, branding, marketing, direct mail, business stationery, large format, printing, banners and binding. The business is located at 6350 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suite 102, Greensboro, GA 30642.
On Friday, June 8, the Chamber participated in the Georgia On My Mind Day at the Columbus Visitor Information Center. Staff spent the day speaking with tourists and locals about vacationing in Eatonton-Putnam County!
On Tuesday, June 12, Maximum Retail graduated! The five week course was presented by the Macon Small Business Development Center and made possible by a OneGeorgia Authority Grant.
Tuesday, July 31: Coffee Connections, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at Spillin the Beans. Connect over coffee with a representative of the Chamber board and staff along with fellow members. Located at 646 Old Phoenix Rd., Suite B, Eatonton, GA 31024. Coffee Connections is sponsored by Central Georgia Technical College, Putnam General Hospital, The Peoples Bank, Putnam County Charter School System, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, Smith Communications and Farmers & Merchants Bank. Thursday, August 9: Business After Hours sponsored by Putnam General Hospital, 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy networking, refreshments and a 50/50 cash raffle. The event will be held at Farmers & Merchants Bank located at 100 South Madison Ave., Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information or to RSVP, call (706) 485-7701, email becky@eatonton.com or visit www.eatontonchamber.com. July 2012 / Page 2
Business After Hours was held at Brand Mortgage on Thursday, June 14. We had a wonderful crowd of Chamber members in attendance. Everyone enjoyed the networking activity of exchanging stickers when meeting someone new and the 50/50 cash raffle!
Welcome! New Chamber Members!
PostNet, Tonya Chandler
(706) 453-4901 | 6350 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suite 102, Greensboro, Ga. PostNet offers shipping, brochures, notary services, graphic design, laminating, mail boxes, forms, signs, branding, marketing, direct mail, business stationery, large format, printing, banners and binding. www.postnet.com
On Tuesday, June 19, the Chamber facilitated a tour, on behalf of the Eatonton-Putnam Tourism, Arts & Heritage group, of all Putnam County attractions and assets to eight employees of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, Department of Community Affairs and Council for the Arts.
Michael’s Window Treatments, Michael Ponder
(706) 923-2929 | 103 Harmony Crossing, Suite 5 , Eatonton, Ga. Michael’sWindow Treatments offers blinds, shades, shutters and custom drapery.
Bob Landau
(706) 484-2331 | 164 Rock Springs Road, Eatonton Ga. Individual Member.
Lunch-N-Learn: “The Joy of Connecting;” was held on Wednesday, June 20, presented by Bonnie Ross-Parker, “America’s Connection Diva.” More than 30 Chamber members attended and learned lots of really great tips to put to use in order to stand out from the crowded marketplace of competition.
Sunday, June 24 through Thursday, June 28, Becky Needham, Membership Manager, completed her third year of US Chamber Institute for Organization Management, a four year program.
Michael’s Window Treatments Ribbon Cutting Ceremony On Friday, June 29, Michael’s Window Treatments, LLC, celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce, in honor of the new showroom at Harmony Crossing that opened in late May. The shop, known for quality custom window treatments, blinds, shades, shutters, drapery and drapery hardware, proudly offers the complete line of Hunter Douglas products as well as numerous lines of quality window coverings. Michael Ponder is the owner of Michael’s Window Treatments. Christina Barro is the Showroom Manager and she and Ponder have worked together for three years. Combined, they have more than 20 years of experience in window coverings and interior finishes. The most recent addition to the team is Terry Watkins, a professional installer. The showroom is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, call (706) 923-2929 or visit 103 Harmony Crossing, Suite 5. July 2012 / Page 3
Contact Us: Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
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305 N. Madison Avenue P.O. Box 4088, Eatonton, GA 31024 (706) 485-7701 | (706) 485-3277 (F) Becky@eatonton.com | www.EatontonChamber.com
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Chamber Sta Roddie Anne Blackwell, President Becky Needham, Membership Manager Bonnie Simmons, Tourism Manager Chairman: Wes Lewis, Georgia Power Company Land Department Vice Chair: Jon Butler, Sears at Lake Oconee Treasurer: Lowell White, III, Calvert & White Custom Homes Terri Camp, Rock Eagle 4-H Center Marcia Clanton, Putnam County Charter School System 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 July 2012
Chamber Champions! Thank you to our 2012
Member Events & News
Events (weekly and series events listed on back)
July 9: Bodyplex presents a Free Weight Loss Seminar, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call Jennette Snider for more details and to reserve your seat at (706) 986-9376. July 10: Crooked Pines Farm presents a Mock Wedding & Chamber Open House from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tour the new barn, built for special event rentals and experience a mock wedding reception! Picture your big day at Crooked Pines Farm. Please RSVP at https://crookedpinesfarm.wufoo.com/forms/rsvp-to-mockreception-and-chamber-open-house. July 14: Mothers Against Crime presents The Great Gospel Reunion, 6 p.m. at Putnam County Middle School. Admission $10. Featuring The Walker Brothers, The Kindred Spirits, The Mighty Sons of Zion, The Gospelettes, The Dorsey Brothers and the Bullard Sisters. See any Mothers Against Crime member for tickets. July 19: Serenity Hospice Care is hosting a monthly grief support group for any community members who have lost loved ones. The group will meet every third Thursday at St. Stephens Episcopal Church (220 South Wayne Street) at 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Serenity Hospice Care’s Chaplain, Linda Gattis, at (478) 454-1884. July 20: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for PostNet, 12 p.m., celebrating the new ownership and remodel! PostNet offers shipping, brochures, notary services, graphic design, laminating, mail boxes, forms, signs, branding, marketing, direct mail, business stationery, large format, printing, banners and binding. The business is located at 6350 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suite 102, Greensboro, GA 30642. July 21: Saturday at the Rock, Canoe Adventures from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Saturday at the Rock is geared for all ages and is $5 for participants five years old and up and free to anyone four and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is needed prior to arrival. Call Matt Hammons at (706) 484-2862 or e-mail mhammons@uga.edu to register. For more information http://www.rockeagle4h.org/ee/ community/SaturdayattheRock.html. July 26: Infinity Network Solutions presents Heroes, Villains & Virtualization at AMSTAR CINEMA, Solution Expo at 2:30 p.m. / Movie at 5 p.m. Christopher Nolan revolutionized the on-screen superhero. Now Citrix, Cisco and EMC are doing the same in the world of computing. We’ll show you what Xen,VDI, UCS and SAN all mean. To register, visit www.techtartare.com. July 28: The Plaza Arts Center Presents Meet Me at The Plaza Outdoor Summer Concert Series: Swingin’ Medallions, 7:30 p.m. on the lawn of The Plaza Arts Center. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, fun for the whole family! Tickets available at the gate, both July 2012 Insert
branches of Farmers and Merchants Bank or online at www.ThePlazaArtsCenter.com. August 3: The Village at Harmony Crossing presents First Friday. There will be live entertainment, kid’s events on the lawn and merchants will be open late offering specials and discounts to shoppers. For more information, call (706) 923-0190 or visit www. vharmonycrossing.com. August 9: Steffen Thomas Museum of Art Annual Meeting of the Membership, 5:30 to 7 p.m. This event is open to anybody interested in the museum, wants to know what all STMA does, and/ or wants to get involved. The evening will be wrapped by with a reception which will include refreshments, tour of Richard Olsen’s fabulous show Vietnam Revisited III: Another Focus along with the Museum Shop in all its summer finery. Please feel free to come and learn more about the museum, shop, and enjoy the art. For more information about STMA visit www.steffenthomas.org or call (706) 342-7557. August 11: OPAS presents the 4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta & World’s Fastest Cardboard Kayak Challenge at Village Pond located at 1050 Parkside Main in Greensboro from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. In the event of rain, the challenge will be held Aug. 18. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.opas.org. August 18: Rock Eagle 4-H Center presents Saturday at the Rock, Watershed Sampling from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Saturday at the Rock is geared for all ages and is $5 for participants five years old and up and free to anyone four and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is needed prior to arrival. Call Matt Hammons at (706) 484-2862 or e-mail mhammons@uga.edu to register. For more information http://www.rockeagle4h.org/ee/community/SaturdayattheRock.html. August 18: The Plaza Arts Center presents Meet Me at The Plaza Outdoor Summer Concert Series: Grapevine. 7:30 p.m. on the lawn of The Plaza Arts Center. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, fun for the whole family! Tickets available at the gate, both branches of Farmers and Merchants Bank or online at www.ThePlazaArtsCenter.com. August 30: Infinity Network Solutions presents Happy Hour with Happy Clients at Bonefish Grill, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Summer is coming to a close and we’re beginning the homestretch of 2012. Take a moment to join the Infinity team for a relaxing, happy hour. Drinks are on us! Visit www.techtartare.com.
Series Events Eatonton Elks Lodge presents a Free Junior Golf Clinic at the Uncle Remus Golf Course. The clinic will take place on Tuesday over three consecutive weeks, July 10, 17 and 24. Each clinic will
Continued on back...
Member Events & News
...Member Events continued from front.
begin at 9 a.m. Registration will take place on July 10 at 9 a.m. prior to the first class. Clinic is for boys and girls five years to 12 years of age. Lessons will be provided for chipping, putting, iron & wood play and golf etiquette; some clubs will be provided. There will be a tournament on the final day with prizes. Any golfers that would like to volunteer are welcome! For more information, call (706) 485-8606. Wall Breakers presents a Summer Bible Study. Connect, educate and encourage, “the power of 3 continues.” Three consecutive Thursday nights, July 12, 19 and 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join us for one, two or all three at The Peoples Bank at Lake Oconee. No Charge. For more information contact Jennifer Camp at (770) 617-5991 or visit www.wallbreakers.org. RSVP appreciated but not required to attend. The Plaza Arts Center presents Summer Camp, July 16-20, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Kids will have a blast with Paper Mache`, Weaving Bracelets, Drawing, Calligraphy, Intro to Dance, Clay working and Poetry Writing! Children must have completed Kindergarten and may not be any older than 12. Pre-Registration and payment required as space is limited. $80 per Camper. Please call The Plaza to register - (706) 923-1655 or visit www.theplazaartscenter.com Little Scholars Academy presents Camp Scholars, weekly, now through July 27. The camp is designed to promote problem-solving and creativity in children (ages two to 12). Creative themes include: Sports Scholars, Art Scholars, Glee Club Scholars, Spanish Scholars, Summer Reading Fun and Friday Water Parties! Pick one week or all eight weeks. Two options are available: Half-Day Camp (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., only $75 per week) or Full-Day Camp (7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., only $135 per week). Call (706) 817-8013 for more information. Saltamacchio Tang Soo Do Karate School announces its Martial Arts Summer Camp. The martial arts summer camp is a safe, high-energy, supervised environment where your child will have fun as he/she learns how to defend themselves, grow in confidence and develop a positive attitude. Daily, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Two more weeks are available: July 9-13 and July 23-27. For more information, call (706) 991-9925.
July 2012 Insert
Weekly Events
The Plaza Arts Center presents Modern Clogging Dance Class for kids at The Plaza Arts Center every Thursday. Learn hip-hop moves set in a clogging format. Tap shoes (new or used) and street shoes are acceptable. Clogging at 3 p.m. for ages 3-6 and at 5 p.m. for ages 7-10. Jazz Dance Class at 4 p.m. for ages 5-8! Enjoy learning a combination of modern dance, hip hop and gymnastic moves in this energetic dance class. Tennis shoes are needed for class. $30 per four classes; $50 per four classes for two siblings. Please call The Plaza to register at (706) 923-1655 or visit www.theplazaartscenter.com. The Village at Harmony Crossing Farmers Market, every Saturday. Local merchants offering fresh produce, dairy, meats and an assortment of handmade arts and crafts. For more information, call (706) 923-0190 or visit www.vharmonycrossing.com. Eenoco Japanese Steak & Sushi presents Eenoco Loco Thursday, every Thursday receive 25 percent off your entire check from 5 p.m. to close end enjoy Karaoke from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. www. eenoco.com. Bodyplex Lake Oconee is offering Bootcamp Classes every weekday at 6:15 a.m. and 7 a.m. Group Personal Training, includes nutritional advice and body composition analysis. Contact Jennette Snider for more details (706) 986-9376 or visit www.bodyplex. com. Goodwill Lake Oconee will be offering Job Connection classes weekly to assist in job searching, resume building and more. For more information, call (706) 485-0245. Crooked Pines Farm presents weekly horse courses. Each Sunday the farm will host equestrian Julie House who will offer 45- minute lessons, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. These lessons are customized to meet the skill and experience of each rider.The cost for the lesson will be $45 per student. To reserve your space, please call (706) 347-0274. For more information, visit www.crookedpinesfarm.com.
Member News The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art’s first Junior Docent Program is being postponed until the fall, which gives potential applicants plenty of time to sign up for this wonderful opportunity. This program is geared for rising 4th through 7th graders who will have a great time while learning what a docent is and what it takes to become one. This fun course will include a tour of the museum, several art related mini workshops, plus a variety of small sessions about art and the artist Steffen Thomas himself. For more information, call (706) 342-7557 or email info@steffenthomas.org.
Please remember to submit your Member to Member News & Events formatted to 50 words or less to becky@eatonton.com by the 20th of each month to be included in the following month’s newsletter.
We request the honor of your presence at The Mock Wedding Reception & Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce Open House for
The Barn at Crooked Pines Farm
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 5:45 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 6 to 8 p.m. Reception & Open House Crooked Pines Farm presents a Mock Wedding & Chamber Open House from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tour the rustic but elegant 5000 sq ft. barn, built for special event rentals and experience a mock wedding reception with multiple food stations, photography and flowers. Now taking reservations for your next special event: Weddings, family gatherings, birthday parties and corporate meetings.
355 Harmony Road, Eatonton, Ga. | (706) 347-0274 The event is open for all to attend. Please RSVP at: https://crookedpinesfarm.wufoo.com/forms/rsvp-tomock-reception-and-chamber-open-house
BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER HAS MANY BENIFITES
$$$$$$$$ Want to Save $100 a year? AND Want to take 7.5 percent off your Workman’s Comp. Insurance? The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce can help you do this. Joining the Drugs Don’t Work program through the Chamber, you can take 7.5 percent off your Workman’s Comp. Insurance and get personal help through this easy process. This program is also known as the Drugs Free Work Place. If you have joined the program through the State Council on Alcohol and Drugs, you are paying $150 a year for your newsletters. Being a Chamber member you can transfer to us and pay only $50 a year. We can help you with that!
Contact: Sharon Thatcher | (478) 804-3988 | stmildgvil@aol.com