Quarterly Commerce Magazine Winter 2020

QUARTERLY COMMERCE THE EATONTON-PUTNAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FALL/WINTER 2020

CHEERS TO 40 YEARS! Roddie Anne Blackwell celebrates retirement after 40 years of dedicated service

LEADERSHIP PUTNAM PROGRAM Get ready for the New Year!

Networking events and much more planned for 2021

QUARTERLY COMMERCE TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome from the Chairman Cheers to 40 Years

03 04-06

Retirement Celebration

07

Putnam County Commissioners Award

08

Welcome to the New President

09-10

THE CHAMBER STAFF

Hello to the Membership Manager

11-12

Membership Update

13-14

Maggie Milner President

New & Renewed Members

15

Emily Holt

Chamber Events

16

Michael Payne

2021 At A Glance

17

Board of Directors:

2020 Events

18-19

Shop Small

20

Tourism Marketing & Special Events Coordinator Membership Director

Maddie Atkinson - Chairman McKenzie Davenport - Vice Chair Jason Green - Treasurer

Sarah Peacock

21

Dr. Jameelah Gater

22

Cynthia Wallace

I Am the Chamber

23

Amy McElhenney

Legislative Breakfast

24

Georgia Power Plant Sign Ornaments

25

Passport Project Jingle the Elf

Jesse McMillen Keith Hill Tommy Jeffords

Leadership Putnam Program

Justin Strickland

26-27

Tourism Update

28

Fall Intern

29

Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament

30

Chamber Champions

Dr. Haley Lance

31 THE EATONTON-PUTNAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 4088 | 108 W Marion Street Eatonton, GA 31024 (706) 485-7701 | info@eatonton.com | www.eatonton.com www.facebook.com/epchamber | www.twitter.com/eatontonchamber The Quarterly Commerce is published by the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce.

Editorial and design created by Emily Holt.

Photography by Tytan Pictures, HHL, Twynn Takes Photography, Kaley Wilson Photography, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, and the Chamber.

JOIN THE CHAMBER! Contact our Membership Manager at (706) 485-7701.

Visit our website to download an application!

WELCOME

From the Chairman of the Board

I am so excited to be your new Chamber of Commerce Chairman for 2020-21. When I was first introduced to the Chamber in 2014, I learned first hand how the Chamber worked. I was fresh out of college and was amazed at the different programs the Chamber had to help better the businesses and communities in Putnam and even in the surrounding counties.

The Mission of the Chamber is to promote economic prosperity and tourism for our Community. We have many different programs that the staff and board of directors are very passionate about. We have created and adjusted programs and events in order to flourish. It is my honor to be the Chairman and am very excited to grow the Chamber while here. We are all here for you.

If you are interested in membership, please let us know. Your membership will benefit your business and the community. I thank you for your support and I look forward to working with all of you during my time as Chairman.

Thanks, M A D D I E A T K I N S O N , Chairman of the Board Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce

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Cheers!

TO

40

YEARS

For those that have not heard, Chamber President, Roddie Anne Blackwell, is celebrating her 40th anniversary at the Chamber of Commerce this year as well as announcing her retirement at the end of 2020. She began with the Chamber in 1980, less than a year after the Chamber was founded and has been a guiding force ever since.

Over the past 40 years, Roddie Anne has raised the Chamber like one of her own children. She has been the cornerstone of the organization and has grown it into what it is today. She will be quick to tell you that it was a team effort and she had a big one. She has seen the Chamber through 5 different locations, growth in membership, countless fundraisers, community events, and endless economic and community development projects.

For the first 7 years of the Chamber, Roddie Anne was the only employee until she hired her first part-time employee in 1987. In 2005, the two full-time positions of Membership Manager and Tourism & Special Events Coordinator were created. "I never felt alone in this job," said Roddie Anne. "I have always thought of the Chamber as a team. I have had great employees and amazing Board Members over the years that supported the Chamber in so many ways."

During her time with the Chamber she has acquired many certifications in her role. She graduated from Chamber Institute (a 6 year program at UGA), the Economic Development Institute at Ga. Tech, numerous Leadership Development course, and her latest was as a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive (currently only 24 in the state). She sits or has sat on numerous boards including the Central Georgia Technical College board, Tri-County EMC Foundation, the Plaza Arts Center, the Downtown Development Authority and the Eatonton Main Street Board. She has also served on numerous state and regional boards, including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Association board, holding officer’s positions on all she served on.

When asked what Chamber projects she is most proud of she said “Which category? Business & Leadership Development? Tourism? or Economic Development (as she worked for the Putnam Development Authority for over 15 years)? ”

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She created Leadership Putnam in 1990 as a way to grow and develop future leaders in the community. This July, the program graduated its 25th class pushing the total number of graduates to well over 500. Participants in the program learn about the community as well as develop their own personal leadership style. This 3 month long program is so empowering and inspires the students to get out and do more in their communities following graduation. Each class is charged with a project which will make a difference in our community; The Plaza Arts Center being one of them which housed the Chamber for 13 years before its recent move to Marion Street. "I am so proud of the Leadership Program," said Roddie Anne, "It feels good knowing that you are giving back to the community by training up a new generation of leaders."

The Putnam Campus of CGTC was opened in 2002. At the time, the Putnam Development Authority contracted with the Chamber and Roddie Anne doubled as its director. When she saw that there was an issue with student's transcripts being transferred from technical schools as they were called then to other colleges and universities, she worked to solve this problem as well as to create a space where Putnam County residents would have a local facility to further work force skills and higher education. She served on the Board of the Technical College and through grant funding and donations from local industries and businesses; she solidified more than $500,000 to build the Putnam Campus of CGTC. President Dr. Mel Palmer said, when she asked what I needed to put a campus in Putnam County and I told her to build me a building, she said ok, and she did to my surprise. Since then, the Chamber has been a huge supporter of the technical college and offers a $1,000 scholarship to a CGTC student every year.

She was a founding member of Georgia’s Antebellum Trail and Georgia’s Lake Country marketing associations. Ga’s Antebellum Trail was Georgia’s first organized and state recognized Trail and has been the model that many associations have followed since. It has been promoted worldwide and brings in many international tourists each year. And of course everyone recognizes the reference to “Lake Country” on the weather reports on the Atlanta TV stations. In 2018 she was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement” award for her work in the field of tourism by the Historic Heartland Travel Association.

Being part of the team of the Putnam Development Authority allowed her to help recruit and negotiate for many industries and businesses that have come to Putnam County. She commented that confidentially was one of the most important aspects of the game and the citizens didn’t always realize that. Just a few of the larger projects were Hanes/Sara Lee Knit Products, Haband, Gro Tech, Perky Cap, Ingles, Wal Mart, Hylite Windows, the development of the Rock Eagle Technology Park, and numerous small businesses creating thousands of jobs.

The Chamber has also seen many fun events and programs that were designed to engage members and allow them to network with their business colleagues. These have included everything from Mystery Dinner Theater events to the infamous Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament. Roddie Anne's favorite event though is the Annual Awards Banquet because she likes to recognize others in the community who are making an impact.

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Roddie Anne and the Chamber of Commerce are one in the same. She has done an outstanding job of raising up an organization that is well known and respected in the region. In fact, she received the “Legacy Award” from the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) in 2016. This is the highest award that can be received by a Chamber Executive and is given to someone who has served the Chamber for many years producing high quality work in their community. Roddie Anne is the longest serving Chamber Executive in Georgia.

When she isn't at the Chamber, which isn't very often, you can find her in her garden or enjoying outdoor activities. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Eatonton and Putnam County should be proud to have such a dedicated servant in the community who has a true passion for small business.

Thank you Roddie Anne for your 40 years of service!

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Roddie Anne's Retirement Celebration F R I D A Y ,

D E C E M B E R

4 T H

A T

T H E

P L A Z A

A R T S

C E N T E R

Family and friends spent a wonderful day honoring Roddie Anne, Friday, December 4, as she nears the beginning of her retirement. The celebrations began Friday afternoon at the Chamber office with a casual drop-in reception with several colleagues and friends stopping by to congratulate Roddie Anne on her retirement and reminisce on the 40 years of service she gave the Eatonton-Putnam community.

The celebrations continued at the Plaza Arts Center that evening where family and friends gathered for a more formal affair, fully appropriate for all that Roddie Anne is and has done. Toasts were given by current Board Chair Maddie Atkinson; long time colleague, and friend, Hank Griffeth; fellow Chamber President, Keri Orwin; eldest son, John Beall, and a few other friends and colleagues.

The Chamber is proud of the foundation Roddie Anne has built over the past 40 years and we wish her all the best life has to offer in her retirement. Cheers to endless beach trips and glasses of wine by the pool.

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Putnam County Commissioners A W A R D

R O D D I E

A N N E

B L A C K W E L L

F O R

4 0

Y E A R S

Congratulations to Mrs. Roddie Anne Blackwell on her retirement after 40 years as the President/CEO of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. She is the first recipient of the BOC Special Achievement Award which was presented to her at the December 15, 2020 board meeting. We would like to thank Mrs. Blackwell for being a dedicated servant to Putnam County.

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WELCOME THE NEW PRESIDENT! The ending of one era brings on the beginning of a new one. With the retirement of longtime President, Roddie Anne Blackwell, The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the welcoming of new President, Maggie Milner.

MAGGIE MILNER President

Maggie comes to the Chamber from The Plaza Arts Center, where she served as the first Development Director for the organization, overseeing grants, sponsorships, the membership campaign, and worked to expand their programming.

Her career in Nonprofit Management spans over the past decade, beginning when she entered the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance at Georgia College, where she became a Certified Nonprofit Professional. She has since spent time working with Habitat for Humanity of Milledgeville-Baldwin County and the Ocmulgee Court Appointed Special Advocates, where she is still an active volunteer advocate for children in foster care.

Having been in the Eatonton-Putnam area for nearly 7 years, Maggie has been involved in various community events and organizations that led her to get to know the area better, including Chamber related events. While working in Milledgeville, Maggie joined the Young Professionals Board and even attended a couple of Putnam-Greene Young Professional events, in effort to show support for neighboring communities. She was also on the Board of The Eatonton-Milledgeville Film Festival as it was expanding into Eatonton, gaining insight into local venues and businesses in Eatonton-Putnam. Through both tenures, along with residing in Putnam county, Maggie was able to gain many contacts throughout EatontonPutnam.

Most recently, she is a 2020 graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Putnam class where she was awarded as Most Outstanding Leader of the group, a vote that came from her classmates. It was during her time in Leadership that her desire to serve the EatontonPutnam community grew. “Being part of a group of driven and diverse individuals, sharing a N E WMembers common goal, to see Eatonton-Putnam grow and prosper, showed me the potential this small town has and the ability of its citizens to make it happen.”

LAKE OCONEE PARTNERS IN HEALTHCARE As she begins her new role, Maggie is looking forward to getting to know the names and STARTfaces TO FINISH of the CONSTRUCTION Chamber’s membership base. When asked about what goals she has to J&J BRICK AND MATERIALS continue serving the current members and attract new prospects, she stated, “I’m looking THE INSURANCE PEOPLE forward to getting feedback from the current members to see what needs are being met and where there are areas we could grow. We all know this year has brought a very new range of needs to everyone and I believe the Chamber has done a wonderful job staying QUARTERLY COMMERCE

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FALL/WINTER 2020

relevant and in touch to provide resources. What someone may have been interested in to help their business grow before 2020 may be different than what they are interested in after. I expect a continued focus on sustainability and a lot of creativity!”

Maggie is also excited to play a part in the future of tourism in Eatonton-Putnam. As smalltown revitalization continues to spread throughout the nation, she aims to see EatontonPutnam stay on the trajectory it has been on to be a part of that economic development.

She plans to continue to strengthen the relationships among the several Arts organizations, museums, and the growing film industry in efforts to bring a diverse population in. “When you have tourist attractions to draw a diverse group in for a day or weekend, you have attractions to build a diverse residence. I see people being able to bring their friends, families and neighbors together for a trip that satisfies all walks of life”.

Maggie is very excited for her new role as a leader in the Eatonton-Putnam community. She knows she has big shoes to fill, but she is determined to continue the hard work ethic and build on the legacy Roddie Anne has established for the Chamber.

Originally from Coweta County, Maggie moved to Milledgeville in 2007 to attend Georgia College, where she received a B.A. in Liberal Studies along with her certification in Nonprofit Management. She moved to Putnam County in 2014 and is now a resident of the Eatonton Historic District. In her spare time, you can find her walking with her dogs, Rooney and Joie, around town or enjoying any activity that gets her outside.

Please join the Chamber’s Board of Directors in welcoming Maggie to her new role!

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HELLO TO THE NEW MEMBERSHIP MANAGER!

MICHAEL PAYNE

The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Michael A. Payne has joined the Chamber as its new Membership Director.

Membership Director

Michael joined the Chamber team November 30th and formerly worked in sales and marketing for Smith Communications, Inc. “I am blessed and excited for this opportunity to help the EatontonPutnam Chamber of Commerce grow and I'm eager to engage with the businesses that are the backbone of the community.

This has been a tough year for every business and I look forward to bringing new energy and ideas that will continue the momentum and legacy that has been established by retiring President, Roddie Anne Blackwell.”

At the Chamber, Michael will oversee membership engagement, recruitment, and retention as well as lead the Chamber Ambassador program to ensure member needs are met. He has a passion for helping businesses succeed and his strengths lie in marketing and business development. “Increasing membership is important, but the bigger part of this is being a part of the momentum that is happening in Eatonton. New businesses may not know how to do that. By bringing on more member businesses, we can introduce them to what is happening all around Eatonton and Putnam County.”

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Michael is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Putnam where he and a fellow graduate were voted as Most Outstanding Leaders of the group by fellow classmates. He has actively worked with the chamber as an Ambassador since 2017 where he has worked in various capacities such as volunteering at the annual golf tournament and the Taste of Eatonton. He is the President of the Friends of the Eatonton-Putnam County Library, a member of the Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society, a volunteer with Ferst Readers of Putnam County and a licensed foster parent for Eatonton and Putnam County.

Michael and his husband, Colby Hunter moved to Middle Georgia in 2016 and then relocated to the downtown Historic District of Eatonton in the fall of 2017. He received his B.S. in Political Science from the University of North Georgia and is originally from Forsyth. In his free time, Michael enjoys amateur gardening and spending time with his family and their three rescue dogs, Grace, Lucy and Jackie.

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Membership Update IS IT 2021 YET? It’s my third week on the job as the newly appointed Membership Director and as I finalize the 2021 Chamber Events calendar, I'm excited for the new year and optimistic that we will all be able to gather inperson at a chamber networking event soon!

The Chamber recognizes and understands the challenges facing our members and we are working tirelessly on your behalf. From reaching out to members at the beginning of the pandemic, providing resources as federal legislation was passed to advocacy for our members and community, the Chamber is committed to helping navigate this shared journey. We are busy making plans for the new year and eager to work with area businesses to make it the best one yet! Currently, we are working on converting several of our in-person networking events to virtual networking events to kick-off the new year.

Information will be made available as soon as all of the details are finalized.

Renewal letters were sent out to over 150 members this past week and I want to sincerely thank all of our valued Chamber members for their continued support! We acknowledge and appreciate that the foundation of our success is built upon you and your commitment to our mission. Simply put, our story is your story and we are extremely grateful for your continued support and always value your voice!

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Your continued commitment to the Chamber enables us to: Stimulate the local economy through programs, events, and services.

Advocate for business by promoting a pro-business climate and adopting positions to influence public policy through communications with elected officials.

Spotlight businesses and gain visibility for our community.

Provide timely communications about issues that impact local businesses.

Provide resources such as online job postings, an expanded web presence through the membership directory, and digital and print advertising opportunities.

Since 1979, the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce has served the Eatonton and Putnam business community by providing unparalleled support for our members and working to strengthen our community. The business community is, at its core, the backbone of our organization and the driving force in making our region a thriving one. Any business that is interested in joining the Chamber or any current member business that is up for or approaching renewal and experiencing budgetary constraints, please contact the office at 770-485-7701 or membership@eatonton.com and let us help!

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NEW & RENEWED MEMBERS Thank you for your continued support of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce! Without your commitment we wouldn't be able to serve our local business community in the same capacity. We understand firsthand the challenges that the entire business community has been facing. We have been working hard on your behalf and have been busy connecting with our members to provide the most upto-date resources and essential information available.

RENEWED MEMBERS Bug House Pest Control Sunset Marina & Inn The Artisans Village Art Gallery Circle Ranch Inc. Audit Micro Controls, Inc. Elk River Company, LLC. Ethen Richardson Foundation, Inc. RTS Oconee Wing Maxx Smith Communications Putnam General Hospital Jere-Shai Lakeside St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital

Tytan Pictures PAXIS Group All Angels Episcopal Church Plantation Olive Oil Company Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning Choice One Dental Care Responsive Technology Partners Sanchaz & Craig Orthodontics Advanced Audiology & Hearing Care Supreme Tanning 1 Accord Technologies The Glen at Lake Oconee Village Harbor Club Stair South

NEW MEMBERS Ruth's Stop-N-Shop Lake Oconee Eyecare Vision Center Keystone Professional Group Briarpatch Farms Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Oconee Your Town Magazine Anchors Marina RE/MAX United Alliance Hickory Hill Farm & Garden QUARTERLY COMMERCE

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Chamber Events Business After Hours is a monthly networking event hosted at a different member's business each month. Held on the second Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., members enjoy beer, wine and refreshments while meeting other professionals and business owners.

Putnam Greene Young Professionals (PGYP) bring together the young professionals of the Lake Oconee area to connect, give back and engage in leadership and developmental training.

PGYP hosts a monthly event at a member location in Putnam or Greene County. Each event has an entrance fee of $5 that is given to a different charity. No proceeds go to benefit either Chamber.

Lunch N' Learns are held every other month and are designed to bring business professionals together in an informal atmosphere to collaborate and learn. The topics are different each time and are used to drive personal. team and business development. Lunch is also provided.

Coffee Connections is a bi-annual networking event that is held in the morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Members enjoy freshly brewed coffee while meeting other business professionals. Members are encouraged to bring their business cards and best elevator pitch to share. This is a great opportunity to get information out to the community.

** Please note that dates in the calendar are subject to change based on recommendations by the Governor and the CDC in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Make sure to check our website and our Facebook page for the most up to date information on events.

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EVENTS 2021 JANUARY

FEBRUARY

1/14 - PGYP 1/27 - Lunch N' Learn

MARCH

2/11 - Business After Hours 2/18 - PGYP 2/24 - Coffee Connections

APRIL

3/11 - Business After Hours 3/18 - PGYP 3/24 - Lunch N' Learn

MAY

4/8 - Business After Hours 4/15 - PGYP 4/19 - Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament

JUNE

5/3 - Annual Awards Dinner 5/13 Business After Hours 5/20 - PGYP 5/26 - Lunch N' Learn

JULY

AUGUST

OFF

6/17 - PGYP

SEPTEMBER

8/12 - Business After Hours 8/19 - PGYP 8/25 - Lunch N' Learn

9/9 - Business After Hours 9/16 - PGYP 9/28 - Coffee Connections

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

10/4 - Taste of Eatonton 10/14 - Business After Hours 10/21 - Legislative Breakfast 10/28 - PGYP

11/11 Business After Hours 11/18 - PGYP

12/2 - Business After Hours

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Lake Country Medical Group Ribbon Cutting

Keystone Professional Group Ribbon Cutting

Roberts Dental Center Ribbon Cutting

Ruth's Stop-N-Shop Ribbon Cutting

2020 Events

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | COFFEE CONNECTIONS RIBBON CUTTINGS | PUTNAM GREENE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS QUARTERLY COMMERCE

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Coffee Connections at the FolksArt

11th Annual Legislative Breakfast

Active Shooter Seminar Lunch N' Learn sponsored by FMB

Peoples Bank Lake Oconee Branch Business After Hours

2020 Events

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | COFFEE CONNECTIONS RIBBON CUTTINGS | PUTNAM GREENE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS QUARTERLY COMMERCE

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S SH HO OP P SMALL! American Express cares deeply about thriving communities and believes small businesses are at the core of every successful neighborhood. That's why — in the midst of the recession in 2010 — they created Small Business Saturday® on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses.

The first Small Business Saturday was a success. One year later, as the Shop Small Movement gained momentum, local officials across the nation took notice and moved to promote the day. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day, and officials in all 50 states participated. It even got a shout-out from the president of the United States.

In an effort to support local communities, organizations across the country sign up to serve as Neighborhood Champions. These supporters bring their community together with events and activities on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. The Chamber of Commerce has been a Neighborhood Champion for several years now.

This holiday season looks a little different, but we can still share joy. Shop Small and support your favorite small businesses – both in-store and online – all holiday season long.

- https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/

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PP AR SO SJ PE OC RT T

Thank you to everyone who participated in Small Business Saturday on November 28th. This annual shopping tradition helps support the economies in small towns just like ours by enticing people to shop local. This year, the Chamber of Commerce put on the “Shop Small Passport Program” that encouraged people to visit some of the small businesses we have in our community. Participants were given a passport that contained 10 local retail shops and restaurants from downtown Eatonton and Putnam County. The objective was to collect 5 stamps from the vendors listed in order to collect a free gift courtesy of Parkside Main 8 Theater from the Chamber of Commerce. With so many wonderful small businesses in the area, it was easy to encourage people to shop small. However, the campaign to shop small didn’t end on November 28th.

We encourage people to shop small year-round and to support those businesses we have right here in our community.

Thank you to all participating shops and restaurants: Bone Island Grill, Artisans Village Art Gallery, Pedego Electric Bikes, 44 Marketplace, The FolksArt, Frilli Focks, Holloway's Ace Hardware, Deer Run Florist, Moore 31024, and Maggie Lane.

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JINGLE THE ELF Jingle came back to Georgia's Lake Country this year for his month long shopping spree! His travels began on December 1st starting out at Holloway's Ace Hardware for supplies for Santa's Slay. Since then he has visited numerous local businesses including The Folks Art, Frilli Frocks, Blackwell Furniture, Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Oconee, 44 Marketplace, Deer Run Florist, and many more. Check out our Facebook page and guess where he is correctly, like the post and follow our page to be entered to win a gift basket with items from everywhere he has visited! The more times you guess during the month, the more chances you have to win! Jingle will be announcing the winner on December 23rd before he makes his journey home.

Thank you to all of the participating businesses!

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and

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11th Annual Legislative Breakfast The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held the 11th annual Legislative Breakfast on Thursday, October 22nd at the Plaza Arts Center Reception Hall. A light breakfast was provided and all guests had the opportunity to meet with some of our Federal, State and Local Elected Officials, or their representatives. Our goal is to give the community the opportunity to find out what our representatives will be working on this session and to let those representatives know what is important to the people of Putnam County. Speakers for this year’s breakfast included: State Senator Burt Jones, State Representative Trey Rhodes, State Representative Rick Williams, Congressman Jody Hice, Mark Elliott with the U.S. Congressman Jody Hice, Kyle Collins with GDOT, Davis Warnell representing the U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, and more. Putnam County Commissioners, Mayor Reid and members of City Council were also in attendance.

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For more information and to reserve ornaments, call the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce at (706) 485-7701 or email info@eatonton.com.

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Are you interested in developing your leadership skills? Do you have an exceptional leader in your network? Nominations for the Leadership Putnam Class of 2021 will open on October 1st.

The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce is looking for outstanding candidates within the community.

What is Leadership Putnam? It is a community development program organized by the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce and endorsed by the Fanning Institute at the University of Georgia. Leadership Putnam provides instruction, information and assists citizens in developing their leadership skills and knowledge about our community. Students are selected through nominations of alumni and a nomination review committee. Each class is diverse in age, race, gender and occupation. Our program began in 1990 and has graduated 25 classes.

Leadership Putnam will begin in January and will run approximately every Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. for 10 weeks. Also included in the schedule are three Saturday sessions and a weekend retreat. Throughout the program, participants will engage in a 34 Strong assessment, a tour of the community, a low and high ropes course at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, and various classes including Understanding Leadership, Socio-demographics, Valuing Community Diversity, Understanding Values, Conducting Successful Meetings, Effective Communications,

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Local Government, Group Dynamics, Economic Development and Building Communities Through Collaboration. Classes are held at various locations throughout the county and during the weekend retreat to St. Simons. After finishing the program, participants learn extensively about leadership and Putnam County, and make numerous new contacts and friends through their classmates.

The cost to produce this program is approximately $500 per student. However, because of the importance of this program, the Chamber is able to raise most of the funds through corporate sponsorships. Each participant is required to make a commitment of $250.

If you are interested in being nominated for Leadership Putnam, please contact the Chamber or a graduate from the program. Each nomination requires two signatures, with only one having to be a Leadership graduate.

For more information on Leadership Putnam, please call the Chamber at 706-485-7701 or email president@eatonton.com.

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TOURISM UPDATE

Events & Recreation!

EMILY HOLT

Tourism Marketing & Special Events Coordinator

Celebrating the holidays has been a little different this year, but it hasn’t stopped tourists and newcomers from visiting Georgia’s Lake Country! At the beginning of Fall, the Welcome Center was able to put on a display at the Augusta Visitors Information Center. The display included beautiful local artwork from the Artisans Village Art Gallery and the Plaza Arts Center. The Augusta Visitors Information Center averaged 50 people a day coming to gather information and places you have to see in Georgia; Lakes Oconee and Sinclair being one of the main recreational attractions.

With our new location being right off of the Courthouse Square, the Welcome Center has averaged 50% more foot traffic than last year’s leads.

In October, visitors were greeted by lively and interactive scarecrows!

Downtown Mainstreet hosted its Annual Scarecrow Contest. Among the many great displays, the Chamber and Welcome Center featured a cut out of Brer Rabbit relaxing against a tree in fall with a pumpkin patch.

As it has become colder, downtown socially distanced events have been a hit!

On December 12th, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited the area to make sure they received all the wishes from children on the nice list. Along with the many different virtual or limited attendee events taking place, the downtown businesses and buildings have been reanimated. Enjoy the lights of downtown Eatonton until mid January!

Spring is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for the 2021 7th Annual Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament on Monday, April 19th. The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center would like to thank all the 2020 participants that worked with us through uncharted times during the COVID-19 pandemic. We truly appreciate your support and trust you've placed in us. We look forward to working with you again and hope to see you at 2021’s event!

For up to date information regarding local and annual events, be sure to follow us on our social media pages!

Many of our local restaurants are offering take-out, curbside pickup and delivery. Small businesses are offering gift cards, shipping and advanced orders. If you are in need of fresh air and need to stretch your legs, Eatonton and Putnam County have numerous recreational options! Butterflies and Blooms in the Briar Patch in downtown Eatonton is home to numerous butterfly species and flowers along with a .25 trail that is pet friendly. Rock Hawk Effigy and Trails offers running, biking, and educational trails that are pet friendly, along with museums and an archery range. Both Lake Oconee and Sinclair are still accessible through Georgia Power’s parks. Continue to support locally while distancing socially!

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Catching Up MANKESIA BROWN FALL

INTERN

The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Mankesia for all her hard work and dedication to serving our community.

We wish her luck and success in her sought after career.

Mankesia is from Eatonton, Georgia and is currently a senior at Georgia College State University at Milledgeville, Georgia. She will graduate in May of 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Public Health. As a public health student, she has learned how many different issues affect our population, globally and domestically. She has also learned disease prevention and promoting population health and healthcare systems. In addition, she has chosen Putnam Chamber of Commerce in Eatonton, Georgia to do service learning for her community health class. For this service-learning opportunity, she hopes to gain additional knowledge about her community and skills that could help her in the future. After graduating college in May, Mankesia plans to improve the health and well-being of all women and insure excellent care as an obstetrician and gynecologist in the future. She is also thankful for her opportunity in serving the community. She enjoyed meeting new faces and serving the public!

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TOURNAMENT C U S C O W I L L A

O N

L A K E

O C O N E E

Each player will receive a tee gift valued over $150, complimentary lunch, appetizers, and alcohol/soda/water (provided by local businesses) and the chance to play an exclusive club rated the #1 residential course in the state. All proceeds from this event will be to benefit the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber's outreach programs including Leadership Putnam and four $1,000 college scholarships for High School seniors.

Teams of 4-$1200 Individual Players $300 Sponsorship options from $125-$5,000

Monday, April 19th, 2021 QUARTERLY COMMERCE

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Chamber of Commerce CHAMPIONS Chamber Champions are given this title with President Circle and Executive Investors Mamberships. For more information on our membership levels, visit eatonton.com, email membership@eatonton.com or call (706) 485-7701.

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THE EATONTON-PUTNAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 4088 | 108 W Marion Street Eatonton, GA 31024 (706) 485-7701 | info@eatonton.com | www.eatonton.com www.facebook.com/epchamber | www.twitter.com/eatontonchamber