Best of Dawson 2018

We are proud to be a part of Dawson County and we are honored to be your hometown Chevy dealer.

1392 Hwy 400 South • Dawsonville, GA 30534 Authorized

SERVICE CENTER

706-265-5400 Sales: MON-FRI 9am-8pm • Sat 9am-7pm

MegelChevy.com

visit us online at: www.

Best of Dawson is a publication of Dawson County News, 30 Shoal Creek Rd., Dawsonville GA. A Swartz-Morris Media Inc. property.

706-265-3384

Stephanie Woody Publisher swoody@dawsonnews.com Jennifer Lyness Advertising Director jlyness@dawsonnews.com Allie Dean Editor adean@dawsonnews.com Jessica Brown Staff Writer jbrown@dawsonnews.com Kerri Ivie Creative Services Manager kivie@gainesvilletimes.com Mark Hall Production Director mhall@gainesvilletimes.com Scott Whitworth Packaging & Distribution Director swhitworth@gainesvilletimes.com

Now we have the Best of Dawson Readers’ Choice awards winners for 2018!

The competition has drawn to a close after a nomination and voting period, which took place online at bestofdawson.com. Anyone could nominate their favorite businesses and service providers, and anyone could vote.

The third annual event was more successful than ever with more participation and votes.

Winners now have the privilege of being named the very best in Dawson County, and will enjoy bragging rights for the rest of the year.

But next year’s awards are right around the corner. If you are a business in Dawson County, it’s time to start thinking about the 2019 Best of Dawson nominations and voting. As a business owner, you have complete control over whether you get nominated and increasing your chances of claiming an award next year can be as simple as utilizing the tools available at the Dawson County News to promote your business in print, online and in social media.

Our team is standing by to help you achieve that goal.

In the meantime, we urge our readers and community members to celebrate this year’s winners, who have worked hard to claim the Best of Dawson title.

Congratulations to all who were nominated, and all those who came out on top.

CONTENT From the Editor......................................................................................................................................... 6 Complete 2018 Best of Dawson WINNERS List............................................................................................ 8 Dawsonville’s Fit Body Boot Camp............................................................................................................ 11 Winners’ Award Presentation Photos......................................................................................................... 15 Northeast Georgia Health System............................................................................................................. 29 United Community Bank........................................................................................................................... 46 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Swartz-Morris Media Inc.

4

dawsonnews.com

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge offers: 56 Room Hotel • 14 Cabins 24 RV/Tent Sites with Water & Electricity 5 Covered Picnic Shelters Fine Dining at The Maple Restaurant 45’ Vertical Climbing Wall 2 Unique Gift Shops • Miles of Hiking Trails Weddings, receptions & rehearsal dinners (Both indoors or outdoors)

VOTED BEST PLACE FOR A WEDDING

Experience the best zip line in Northeast Georgia!

15 Miles from Dawsonville or 19 Miles West of Dahlonega on Hwy. 52 in Dawsonville, GA. For Lodge and Restaurant Information Call 706-265-8888

BEST OF DAWSON The Dawson County News is proud to present the 2018 BEST OF DAWSON Reader’s Choice Award winners.

For the third year in a row, we asked our loyal readers to determine which businesses, professionals, restaurants and charities have risen above the rest in their service and outreach to the community.

With over 100,000 votes cast online, our readers delivered.

This magazine features those who were chosen as the prime example of the standard their field or industry should provide. The winners exemplify what it means to be honored and loved by the community they are a part of – and what an honor that is.

Take a look inside, browse each category for the community’s favorites in auto and transportation, education, medical, businesses, professionals, community groups and events and food and beverage.

Maybe it will prompt you to return to an old favorite, or maybe try out a new business you haven’t visited before.

Our readers have told us you’ll like what you find.

As a community newspaper, we pride ourselves on keeping our readers up to date on what’s going on in Dawson County, with accurate information from trustworthy sources. That’s why it is our pleasure to once again present to you the 2018 BEST OF DAWSON. We are honored to be a businesses in a community that has such fine examples of all industries and fields, and hope that you will join us again next year for the enjoyable process of selecting the best that Dawson has to offer.

Wishing you all the best, Allie Dean, Editor

6

dawsonnews.com

Thank you for voting us

BEST SELF STORAGE of DAWSON COUNTY!

We love our community and appreciate our customers. It is an honor to serve Dawson county.

“WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON EXCELLENT SERVICE” 8 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Dawsonville | Dahlonega Gainesville | Murrayville Alto | Baldwin | Cleveland AUTHORIZED DEALER

706-216-4470

www.byrdsministorage.com

COMMUNITY Best Art Gallery

WINNERS

Outside the Lines! Art Studio

AUTO & TRANSPORTATION Best Auto Body Shop

Best Church Set Free Church Best Civic Club Rotary Club of Dawson County Best Community Event Mountain Moonshine Festival Best Elected Official Nicole Stewart Best Firefighter Tim Cameron

Best Assistant Principal

Best Auto Parts Store

Mandy Smith, Black’s Mill Elementary School

Slack Auto Parts Best Athletics/Coach Best Auto Repair Shop Disharoon Automotive Best Oil Change Tower Auto Repair Best Towing Service K&K Towing of Dawsonville Best Used Car Dealership

War Hill Tire & Auto

2018

Best Place to Volunteer Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County Best Pastor Cory Gilleland

Nicole Stewart 8

EDUCATION

Best Children’s Dentist

Nature’s Way Chiropractic Center Best Cosmetic Dentistry Lanier Dental Partners Best Family Practice

Best Principal

Anderson Family Medicine

Teresa Conowal, Kilough Elementary School

Best General Dentistry

Best Private School Dawson Christian Academy Best Public School Black’s Mill Elementary School

Lanier Dental Partners Best Hospital Presence Northeast Georgia Health System Best Massage Therapy A Touch of Hope

Best Administrator Best Volunteer

MEDICAL

Best Chiropractor

Best Tire Store

Jeff Banks

Jackie Lynn, Records Clerk, Black’s Mill Elementary

Best Small Engine Repair/Sales

Randy Harkness

Best Paramedic/EMT

Best Secretary/ Bookkeeper

Dentistry for Children

Dawsonville Hardware

Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County

Charles Beusse, Dawson County Junior High School

John Megel Chevrolet

Best Law Enforcement Officer

Best Nonprofit Organization

Charles Beusse, Dawson County Junior High School

Disharoon Automotive

Best Charity Event Mountain Moonshine Festival

Best Teacher

Janice Darnell, Director of Student Support

Best Optometry Practice Dawson Eye Group dawsonnews.com

Thank you Dawson County for Voting us

Best Pediatric Practice

It is an honor to serve this community.

We Are Patient Centered!

Patient Centered Medical Home means that you will be surrounded by a dedicated team of health professionals, working together with you, to optimize your health goals using the best evidence-based medicine and resources available for you today.

Our providers: Honorio Bulos, MD Carmina Babao, MD Glenda Pettaway, MD

Ronald Magat, MD Holly Vali, PPCNP-BC, CLC Anna Kinley, CPNP

Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:30am -11:30am

706-216-2771

300 Dawson Commons Suite 320, Dawsonville, GA

Best Orthodontics Field Wilson Orthodontics

WINNERS

Best Pediatrics Practice Dawson Pediatrics Best Pharmacy Kroger Pharmacy

Best Estate Planning/ Attorney Shelly Martin

Paige Sweany, Sole Photography

Best Esthetician

Best Plumber

Paige Thompson, Clarity Skin Solutions Best Family Physician

Best Urgent Care

Dr. Larry Anderson

Medical Plaza 400 Urgent Care

Best Hair Stylist

PROFESSIONALS Best Accountant/CPA Brad Maple Best Artist (nonmusical) John Lundy Best Auto Mechanic Danny Disharoon Best Bank Teller

Alicia Bolton Best Insurance Agent Phillip Turk Best Jeweler Tripp Brackett Best Mail Carrier Amanda Sheffield Best Massage Therapist Hope Chism

Pamela Pilcher

2018

Best Licensed Barber

10

Best Photographer

Best Musical Artist or Group

Rebecca Lee

Shaky Willow

Best Boss

Best Nail Technician

Owen and Warren Welch

Natalie at Moon Nails & Tan

Jackie Townley Best Professional Adult Caregiver Rita Sosebee Best Real Estate Agent Sunny Parker, Keller Williams Best Server Shannon Spry Best Store Clerk Allyson Haynes at Skechers Best Tattoo Artist Robby Ingram Best Veterinarian Dr. Brandon Mills BUSINESS Best Accessories Store Soul Sisters Antiques

Best Civil Attorney

Nurse

Best Accounting/ Tax Prep

Joey Homans

Sandy Sawyer

Bradley Maple CPA

Best Contractor

Best Pediatrician

Best Antique Store

Brian Westbrook

Renee Waters

Soul Sisters Antiques

Best Counselor

Best Personal Trainer

Jason Glaze

Abbey Redmon

Best Assisted Living Community

Best Criminal Attorney

Best Pet Groomer

Joseph E. Stauffer

Samantha Turner

North Georgia Assisted Living and Memory Care dawsonnews.com

Fitness center wins most votes “The hardest part is taking that first step and walking in the door,” said Sierra Nobles, owner of Dawsonville Fit Body Boot Camp. “The hardest part is convincing yourself that you’re worth it.”

After starting as a client at another Fit Body Boot Camp location and losing 42 pounds, Noble’s passion for fitness was reignited and she knew she wanted to help others.

In Feb. 2017, she opened the doors to Dawsonville Fit Body Boot Camp and has seen the business thrive in its first year. Nobles estimates that there has been a 300 percent increase as 1,200 people have been served and there are currently over 300 longterm members.

It wasn’t hard for Nobles to pick Dawsonville to start her business. Of all the surrounding areas she could have picked, she knew in her heart that there was something special about Dawsonville. She took a leap of faith and the community has been there to support her.

“You never know how a community is going to take, and Dawsonville’s been awesome, like honestly the best people,” said Nobles. “It is the people in this community. It’s just a special type of person.”

Nobles said Fit Body Boot Camp fosters a welcoming environment that isn’t judgmental. She doesn’t even have mirrors on the walls to make sure no one feels self-conscious as they work out.

Classes are high intensity interval training that focus on cardio and weight training and last 30 minutes.

No two classes are the same either, as Nobles and her team write new workouts every day to keep the classes fresh and unique. dawsonnews.com

Unlike other gyms, Fit Body Boot Camp is an environment that offers group training with personal trainers, so members always get a more personal touch with a staff that is always eager to help instruct or modify workouts.

As a franchise, Fit Body Boot Camp is very much about giving back to the community and helping where help is needed through monthly charity events as well as special fundraisers for local causes.

“For years I wanted to have a job where I could give back in some way,” said Nobles. “When I started getting back into fitness I realized that not only was that in itself a great way to give back and help people but it would give me a vehicle that would allow me to give back in a bigger capacity than what I could as an individual.”

Of course, Nobles credits the success of Fit Body Boot Camp to the people who come in day in and day out to make it the welcoming and supportive

environment she always dreamed of.

“I want to give a huge shout out to my team for providing such a great experience for our members and for being loving and encouraging to the people,” said Nobles. “And a huge shout out to Dawsonville and the community as a whole because they were very welcoming to me as a new business and immediately started supporting the business.

“I’m just very grateful to everybody because it wouldn’t have been possible without the great team or the great members that really helped me grow the business.”

Most votes in any one category in 2018!

11

WINNERS

Best Bail Bond Company

Best Cleaning Company

Best Financial Planner

Liberty Bail Bonds

KG Cleaning Service

Scott Yochum Yochum Financial Group

Best Bank United Community Bank

Best Commercial Real Estate Company

Best Fitness Center/Gym

Best Banquet Facilities

The Welch Team- Keller Williams Community Partners

Dawsonville Fit Body Boot Camp Best Florist

Best Beauty & Hair Salon

Best Computer Repair/ Services

Refuge Hair Salon

AML Computer Services

Best Beer/Spirits Selection

Best Convenience Store

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame

Dawson Fine Wine & Spirits Best Wine Selection Dawson Fine Wine & Spirits Best Boat Services Lanier Marine Liquidators Best Boutique Ten Point Boutique Best Cable or Satellite Provider Comcast Best Car Wash Auto Craze Car Wash Best Carpet Cleaning

2018

KG Cleaning Service

12

Best Catering A Perfect Gathering Catering

Dawsonville Florist Best Furniture Store Soul Sisters Antiques

Kangaroo Express Best Garage Floors Best Crafts Store Hobby Lobby

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

Best Customer Service

Best Grading & Hauling

KG Cleaning Service

Bolton Grading

Best Dance Studio

Best Grocery Store

Cumming Dance Academy, Dawsonville

Kroger Marketplace Best Gun Store

Best Door and Window Installation

Appalachian Armory

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

Best Gutter Service Bear Mountain Custom Painting

Best Dry Cleaners Top Cleaners

Best Hardware Store Dawsonville Hardware

Best Electrical Contractor Carl Pruitt

Best Heating/Air Service Elite Heating & Air

Best Exterior Painting Best Hobby Store

AT&T

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

Best Child Care Center

Best Feed & Seed Store

White Oak Learning Academy

Brooksher Feed & Farm Supply

Best Home DĂŠcor/ Furniture

Best Cellular Dealer

Hobby Lobby

Soul Sisters Antiques dawsonnews.com

Thank you for voting us # 1 in 2018 Integrity Quality Experience

FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

CUSTOM HARDWOOD PLANTATION SHUTTERS 1 7/8”, 2 1/2”, 3 1/2”, 4 1/2” CUSTOM BASSWOOD & COMPOSITE BLINDS 2”, 2 1/2” SILHOUETTES, PLEATED SHADES, WOVEN WOODS, ROMAN SHADES, VERTICALS, MINI BLINDS, WINDOW TINTING FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

See why over 80% of our business referral!

3 TO 5 DAY DELIVERY

Call Phil 770-617-4742

LIFETIME WARRANTY

www.adamshutters.com Credit Cards Accepted

We want to sincerely thank Dawsonville and all the people who voted for Big D’s BBQ as your favorite Takeout & BBQ in Dawson!

Our family and the families of all our employees take great pride striving each and every day to prepare great food and provide great customer service.

Without you, we are nothing!

Thanks to all of you and your families for supporting us.

It is truly an honor to be part of Dawsonville!

WE CATER!

Voted Best of Dawson 2009-2018

On-Site Catering for...

Weddings • Corporate Events Reunions • Breakfast Events TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: GA 400 & Hwy. 53 E Intersection 706-216-6706

Downtown Dawsonville: Hwy. 53 W, just west of Square 706-429-0069

WWW.MYBIGDSBBQ.COM dawsonnews.com

13

WINNERS

Best Home Repair/ Handyman

Best Pest Control Company

Brian Dean, HomeRite of North Georgia

Gilstrap Exterminating Best Septic Services Townley Construction Company

Best Insurance Company

Best Pet Care

Best Spa Services

Vankeith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville

Thompson Creek Animal Hospital

A Touch of Hope

Quality Inn & Suites

Best Specialty Shop Best Interior Design Firm

Best Place for a Wedding

Adams Custom Shutters and Blinds

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

Best Jewelry Store Tripp and Company Jewelers

Bear Mountain Custom Painting Best Junk Removal 400 Waste and Scrap Best Landscape Design Bradley’s Landscaping Best Nail Salon

2018

Byrd’s Mini Storage

Country Home Kennels

Best Hotel/Motel

Best Interior Painting

14

Best Pet Boarding

Best Self-Storage Facility

Best Place to Buy Gas

Soul Sisters Antiques Best Sporting Goods Retail BK Sports

Kroger Marketplace Best Tanning Services Best Place to Work

Daffodil Salon and Day Spa

The Welch TeamKeller Williams Realty Services

Best Tattoo Shop

Best Printing & Graphics Company

Gold City Tattoo Company Best Thrift Store RIC Rack

McEver Signs and Graphics Best Travel Agency Best Propane Company

Misty Wilkie, The Travel Peddler

Moon Nails & Tan

Amicalola Propane

Best Nursery/Greenery Abbott Creek Nursery

Best Residential Real Estate Group

Best Outdoor Specialty Store

The Welch TeamKeller Williams Community Partners

Best Vitamin Store

Best Roofer

Best Window Tinting

Best Vape Shop My Vape Shack Dawson

Nature’s Health Store

Outside World Outfitters Best Paint Store

Metal Roofing Sales

Mathew Hughes

Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Best Pawn Shop

Best RV Sales and Rentals

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Dawsonville Gun & Pawn

American Dream Vacations

The Purple Corn Boutique dawsonnews.com

Soul Sisters Antiques Voted Best...Accessories Store, Antique Store, Furniture Store, Home DĂŠcor/Furniture Store and Best Specialty Shop

400 Waste and Scrap Voted Best...

Junk Removal

Abbott Creek Nursery Voted Best...

Nursery/Greenery dawsonnews.com

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge Voted Best...

Place for a Wedding

Appalachian Armory Voted Best...

Gun Store

Cumming Dance Academy Dawsonville Voted Best...Dance Studio

Amicalola Propane Voted Best...

Propane Company 15

FOOD & BEVERAGE

WINNERS

Best American Food Chick-fil-A Best Appetizer LongHorn Steakhouse Best Asian Food Little Peking Best Bagels Panera Bread Best Bar Friends Sports Grill Best Barbeque Big D’s BBQ Best Breakfast Papa’s Place Best Business Lunch LongHorn Steakhouse Best Custard Culver’s Best Coffee Dunkin Donuts

2018

Best Delivery Restaurant Johnny’s New York Style Pizza

16

Best Dessert Jacki’s Kitchen

Best Family Restaurant Papa’s Place Best Fast Food Chick-fil-A Best Fine Dining LongHorn Steakhouse Best French Fries Five Guys Best Fun Atmosphere Friends Sports Grill Best Hamburger Dawsonville Pool Room Best Happy Hour Sonic Best Health Food Panera Bread Best Hot Dog The Varsity Jr. Best Ice Cream Dairy Queen Best Italian Food Brooklyn Joe’s Best Lunch Chick-fil-A

Best Mexican Food La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Best Pizza MOD Pizza Best Place to Buy Meat Ingles Best Place to Eat with Children Chick-fil-A Best Sandwiches Panera Bread Best Seafood Captain D’s Best Soup Panera Bread Best Sports Bar Friends Sports Grill Best Steak LongHorn Steakhouse Best Sushi Osaka Steak & Sushi Best Sweet Tea Chick-fil-A Best Takeout Big D’s BBQ

Best Margarita Best Dinner LongHorn Steakhouse

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

Best Wings Old Dad’s Wings

Best Drive Through Chick-fil-A

Best Martini LongHorn Steakhouse

Best Salad Zaxby’s dawsonnews.com

OUR MISSION IS TO FEED THE HUNGRY OF DAWSON COUNTY We thank the community for your continued support; we know you have choices when making your donations. We use the monies received from the sale of clothing and furniture to support the purchase and distribution of food to the needy citizens of Dawson County.

Thank you for voting us Best Thrift Store!

706-265-1371 • RIC-RACK.ORG 829 Hwy 9N, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Thank you Dawson County!

We appreciate everyone who has voted and supported us through this new journey of ours.

We take excellent care of your pets when you need us. We provide dog boarding and cat boarding services for your beloved furry family members when you’re away from home. We also have dog grooming at our dog salon. Plus, we offer pet daycare for those who need someone to keep their pet company during the day.

Thank you Dawson County for Voting Us Best Business Lunch, Best Dinner, Best Steak, Best Fine Dining & Best Martini in Dawson County!

Congrats to our own Shannon Spry for being voted Best Server of Dawson County!

Bring your appetite to LongHorn Steakhouse®. We believe in doing things the right way, the LongHorn® way, serving steaks, chicken and fish that are always fresh, never frozen. And our steaks are legendary, perfectly seasoned and expertly grilled to your liking. We’re fired up about bringing you a better steakhouse experience.

795 Hwy 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-2007 Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm Fri & Sat 11am-11pm

www.LongHornSteakhouse.com

LongHorn Steakhouse®, LongHorn® and You Can’t Fake Steaktm are owned by RARE Hospitality Management, Inc. 2013

We want to thank all of our wonderful, kind customers for voting us

BEST NAIL SALON AND BEST NAIL TECH OF DAWSON COUNTY! We value our friendships that we have made through the last 20 years with so many.

Now Offering S&S Nails

BOARDING | DAYCARE | GROOMING Located 10 minutes west of downtown Dawsonville at

336 Elliott Family Parkway, Dawsonville 706-265-3142 countryhomekennels.com

Full Nail Salon

Acrylic, Pink and White Manicure & Pedicures | Massages

Wedding or Birthday Parties are welcome!

MOON NAILS & SPA 706-216-6100

Located on Hwy 53 East in center just before Sonic. dawsonnews.com

17

Thank you Dawson County for voting us

BEST ITALIAN

Thank you for trusting us and helping us grow.

We love our clients and Dawson County!

“Finally a REAL NY Pizzeria” Take out A vaila

ble We C ater

Entrees • Appetizers Subs • Salads • Pasta Desserts • Beer & Wine

5 OFF

$

Any Purchase of $30 or more One Coupon per check. Must present coupon. Expires 4/30/18.

EVERYTHING FRESHLY MADE WITH QUALITY INGREDIENTS! Located in Dawson Crossroads (Publix Center) 706-265-8000 | www.Brooklynjoespizza.com

Open 7 Days - 11am-10pm

LAW OFFICE OF SHELLY TOWNLEY MARTIN, LLC 133 Prominence Court, Suite 110 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-1430 Telephone | 706-265-1411 Facsimile

Thank You to all my loyal customers and friends for voting me

Best Dessert!

It is a pleasure to serve Dawson County as a Made-to-Order Bakery and Catering Service. I feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful community and look forward to fulfilling your dessert needs.

Cakes · Pastries · Candies · Sandwiches

Jacki Scarborough

(678) 756-1923 18

@jackiskitchen | jackiskitchen@aol.com dawsonnews.com

Thank you Dawsonville for celebrating 22 years with us.

Wholesale Flower Grower Open to the Public

In Business Since 1996

Come see our colorful array of Annuals and Perennials Flowers.

Hanging Baskets and Pots, Herbs & Tomato and Pepper Plants 884 Thompson Rd, Dawsonville, Ga 30534 Open Seasonally: Mid April thru May & Oct. - Nov.

706-265-1607 www.abbottcreeknursery.com

Thank you to our community for your support and voting us the Best!

Hours: Mon-Sat 9-3 Sundays 10-2 Closed Sundays in Nov

We appreciate our customers and we value our high standard of customer service.

TOWER AUTO REPAIR LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

We offer all types of mechanical repairs, maintenance services, and YES we still do tires! We are an AAA Approved Auto Center and a NAPA Auto Care Center which gives you nationwide warranty. We are a proud installer of Jasper engines and transmissions with a 3-year/100,000 mile warranty. Call us today for an appointment!

Monday - Friday 8:00-5:00

Approved Auto Repair

dawsonnews.com

www.towerautorepair.com • 706-265-6152 Hwy. 53 & GA 400, Dawsonville 19

United Community Bank Voted Best...

Bank

Danny Disharoon Voted Best...

Mechanic

Pamela Pilcher Voted Best...

Bank Teller

Disharoon Automotive Voted Best...

Auto Body Shop and Auto Repair Shop 20

Shannon Spry Voted Best...

Server

Dairy Queen Voted Best...

Ice Cream

LongHorn Steakhouse Voted Best...Lunch, Dinner, Fine Dining, Martini and Best Steak dawsonnews.com

Thank you Dawson County for voting us BEST FEED AND SEED STORE again!

We love our customers and are honored to receive this award.

We also offer: Puppy Shots • Yearly dog vaccines • Cat & Dog De-wormer Pine straw • Wheat straw • Mulches • Grass seed • Fertilizers Lime • Fence post • Wire • Gates •Wild Bird Feed • Feeders

706-344-1431 • 647 Hwy 136 East, Dawsonville, GA Hours: M-F 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-3pm • Closed Sunday

Thank you Dawson County for voting us Best Florist of 2018!

We truly appreciate each one of our valued customers & love being a part of this community since 1969.

Dawsonville Florist Gail and Wayne Wright

1131 Hwy 9 South, Dawsonville 706-265-3162

THANK YOU DAWSON COUNTY FOR VOTING US Best Residential Real Estate Group & Best Commercial Real Estate Company

Thank you Dawson County!

Locally owned and operated for 10 Years.

We’re 24/7 Reasonable Rates

706-429-0277 dawsonnews.com

• • • • • •

Accidents/Wrecks We are on our local Dawson Co. Rotation towing companies Dawson County’s ONLY Non-consensual Towing Off road recovery Impound 21

KG Cleaning Solutions Voted Best...Carpet Cleaning, Cleaning Company and Best Customer Service

K&K Towing Voted Best...

Towing Service

Country Home Kennels Voted Best...

Pet Boarding

Moon Nails & Tan Voted Best...

Nail Salon and Best Nail Technician 22

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Voted Best...

Mexican Food and Best Margarita

Liberty Bail Bonds Voted Best...

Bail Bond Company

Autocraze Car Wash Voted Best...

Car Wash dawsonnews.com

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR YOUR TRUST IN GILSTRAP EXTERMINATING AND OUR TEAM!

EXTERMINATING EXTERMINATING

WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT ALL OF OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS, OUR ENTIRE TEAM AND WETHOSE WOULDTHAT LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE HAVE VOTED FOR US! FOR YOUR TRUST IN GILSTRAP EXTERMINATING AND OUR TEAM!

THANK YOU

WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT ALL OF OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS, OUR ENTIRE TEAM AND THOSE THAT HAVE VOTED FOR US!

30 Industrial Park Rd. Suite 103 Dawsonville, GA 30534 678-697-4430

THANK YOU

www.gilstrapexterminating.com

706-216-8277

Voted Best Vape Shop in Dawson County We would like to thank all of our customers for this award and I would personally like to thank all the employees that made it happen.

Both stores are operated by Veterans and are FDA Compliant.

We offer a wide selection of locally crafted e-liquid as well as many of the Premium brands, with the latest equipment and accessories plus a variety of CBD products.

We opened in 2014 and remain at the same location with plenty of parking. We are proud to offer discounts to Veterans, First Responders, and Students.

Check us out on Facebook at myvapeshackdawson and visit us at Dawson Village behind O’Riley Autoparts on Ga. 400.

dawsonnews.com

23

Thank You. with more than 100,000 votes cast by Dawson County News readers, we've been named 2018 Best of Dawson in the following categories: Best Urgent Care Urgent Care Dawsonville

Best Hospital Presence Northeast Georgia Medical Center

www.nghs.com

Brooksher Feed and Farm Supply Voted Best...

Feed & Seed Store

John Megel Chevrolet Voted Best...

Used Car Dealership

Dawsonville Florist Voted Best...

Florist

Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County Voted Best...

Place to Volunteer and Best Nonprofit Organization 26

Dawson Eye Group Voted Best...

Optometry Practice

Nature’s Health Store Voted Best...

Vitamin Store

Dentistry for Children Voted Best...

Children’s Dentist dawsonnews.com

Thank you Dawson County for voting us

2018 BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT& BEST MARGARITA

Great quality, service and selection.

Customer satisfaction is our goal.

20% OFF Total Purchase Excludes Alcohol

706-265-0030 • 219 Crossroad Blvd Dawsonville, GA 30534 • haciendabarr.com

W E’ R E H O N O R E D TO B E VOT E D

THE ‘ BEST BANK’ I N DAWSO N COUNT Y

FOR THE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR Thank you to our loyal customers for naming us ‘Best Bank’ and our very own, Pam Pilcher, as ‘Best Teller’. We value your continued business and trust, and look forward to serving you and our community for many years to come.

DAWSONVILLE 6372 Highway 53 East | 706-216-8444 109 Highway 53 West | 706-265-3232

Member FDIC. © 2018 United Community Bank | ucbi.com

dawsonnews.com

27

Thank you Dawson County for voting us The Best again this year.

Voted Best Hair Salon 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018

Experience a high-end salon atmosphere without all those high-end salon prices. Detailed consultations, experienced stylists, professional products, and a knowledgeable staff will make your visit to Refuge an enjoyable one.

THANK YOU for VOTING US

BEST JUNK REMOVAL

Metal Recycling

We appreciate all your votes for the 2018 Best of Dawson!

We pledge to provide a customer-friendly & efficient recycling service for our customers to make it easy to recycle rather than placing these items in a landfill.

Waste Disposal

Roll Off Dumpsters

We all love what we do and it shows!

M-Th 10-6 Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3 Extended hours available with appointment

refugehairsalon.com refugehairsalon@gmail.com 258 Beartooth Pkwy, Suite 120 706-265-8074 Dawsonville (Located off 53 East across from Sonic)

Located just off Lumpkin Campground Road, behind the outlet mall.

63 Daisy Drive, Dawsonville

706-216-1485

Soul Sisters Antiques and Décor We would like to thank our community for voting us Best Antique Store, Best Furniture Store, Best Accessories Store, Best Home Décor Store and Best Specialty Store.

We are so blessed to have such amazing customers.

BUY – SELL – TRADE GA 400

Hwy 9 North

Class III/NFA Firearms & Accessories

y 53

Hw

t

Eas

*

IAN APPALACH ARMORY Bill Elliot

53 Hwy West

ic tor e His thous ur Co

Specializing in aftermarket parts for Jeep, Truck, SUV’s and ATV’s

40 Hightower Parkway Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 770-871-1631

Family Owned & Operated

Open 5 days a week: Tues-Thurs 9-6 • Fri 9-7 • Sat 9-4

706-216-2113

Located in Downtown Dawsonville, on the square

40 Hwy 9 North, Dawsonville, GA 30534 28

dawsonnews.com

Northeast Georgia continues to improve medical services in Dawson County Northeast Georgia Health System has been a committed healthcare partner with the residents of the 400 corridor for decades.

Medical Plaza 400, which opened in April 2013, expanded our commitment to the Dawsonville community and allowed Northeast Georgia Health System to bring even more needed outpatient services and advanced physician specialties closer to home.

With more than 25,000 square feet, Medical Plaza 400’s services currently include urgent care, imaging, outpatient labs, family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, sports medicine and numerous other specialty physicians.

Northeast Georgia Physicians Group’s family and internal medicine board certified physicians serve Dawsonville and its surrounding communities with the highest quality patient care in acute and chronic diseases, minor procedures, spider vein sclerotherapy, occupational medicine and physicals. Our physicians focus on better access to care, greater patient satisfaction and improved clinical out-

dawsonnews.com

comes – particularly for chronic conditions. Their affiliation with Northeast Georgia Medical Center ensures patients have access to the latest technology and receive top quality care.

Medical Plaza 400 offers patients convenient access to imaging and clinical lab diagnostics, with same-day appointment availability.

Our Imaging Center offers patient amenities such as warm robes, gourmet refreshments and private waiting areas for men and women in a spa-like atmosphere that has earned national recognition. In-house MRI and CT, with an onsite ACR board certified radiologist, is also available at Medical Plaza 400.

Northeast Georgia Health System recently purchased the vacant restaurant adjacent to Medical Plaza 400 last spring with future plans to expand services.

“We are honored to serve the people of this region and excited

about the possibility of expanding our services at Medical Plaza 400 as the region grows,” said Executive Director Jo Brewer.

29

Thank you to all the people of Dawson County for their supporting our effort to help our community.

The Rotary Club of Dawson County practices

DANCE DAWSONVILLE (Located at the intersection of Hwy 53 and Ga 400 - next to Osaka)

“Service Above Self”, and without your support, we would never be able to

“Make A Difference” in our community.

Offering classes for ages 2 years and up!

Mention this ad and where you saw it to RECEIVE FREE REGISTRATION A $40 Value. Offer expires 10/01/2018.

NEWS | FORSY NTY TH OU

FORS YTH C

NEWS | FORSY NTY TH OU

.COM WS NE

2015

.COM WS NE

FORS YTH C

Thank you again, The Rotary Club of Dawson County

BEST OF FORSYTH2016 BEST OF FORSYTH R

EA

DER

S’ C H O

IC

E

R

EA

DER

S’ C H O

IC

E

CUMMING & DAWSONVILLE LOCATIONS

www.cummingdanceacademy.com • 770-781-4922

Together, we crate a strategy to ensure your retirement assests LAST!

We Focus On:

Safety, Growth & Keeping it Simple.

Let us help you with your Retirement Strategy now!

“We love and appreciate our customers. It is a pleasure to serve you and make your experience at Papa’s enjoyable and satisfying.” -Dawn Powell

Thank you Dawson County!

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Breakfast 2018 Best Family Restaurant 2018 DAILY SPECIAL Still ONLY $8.99 includes 1 meat, 2 sides, bread & dessert

Call for your

FREE

Strategy Session YOCHUM FINANCIAL GROUP Scott Yochum | 404.307.4574 | Pepper Pettit

30

HOURS Mondays – Saturdays: 6:30 am – 9:00 pm Sundays: 6:30 am – 3:00 pm CALL IN TO-GO ORDERING (With Drive Thru Window)

3651 Dawson Forest Road • 706-265-6194 LOCATED BEHIND OUTLET MALL AT ROUND ABOUT www.papasplacedawsonville.com

dawsonnews.com

Thank you for voting me

“Best Hair Stylist” 2018!

This is truly an honor and I am beyond grateful for my amazing clientele!

Located on Hwy 53 East Dawsonville

Alicia Bolton 404.313.9217

Thank you Dawson County for voting us BEST AUTO BODY SHOP, BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND A SPECIAL CONGRATS TO OUR OWN

Danny Disharoon for being voted Best Mechanic!

Trained

706-265-2118

1680 Highway 53 East - Dawsonville, GA 30534 • www.disharoonautomotive.com dawsonnews.com

31

We appreciate all of our great customers and we will always be here to help you with your insurance needs.

Thank you Dawson County for voting us

VANKEITH

BEST GRADING AND HAULING OF DAWSON COUNTY!

Winning Best Insurance Company & Best Agent for 3 consecutive years.

Insurance Agency

Auto • Home • Life • Business Annuity • Rentals • Church Classic Car • Motorcycle • RV • Boat Condo • Umbrella • Renters

randy@vankeith.com nancycarpenter@vankeith.com shana@vankeith.com jessicacambron@vankeith.com ritaedge@vankeith.com sydney@vankeith.com phillipturk@vankeith.com

Congrats to our own Phillip Turk, voted Best Insurance Agent

706-429-0172 • Fax: 877-795-1406

131 Prominence Court, Suite 110 Dawsonville, GA. 30534 Just off Hwy. 400 near Dawson 400 Cinemas

www.vankeith.com

John & Blake Bolton

BOLTON GRADING, INC.

GRADING, HAULING AND CLEARING

Over 35 Years Experience

Call 678-776-9313 or 678-283-0360

Want your business advertised here?

It’s time to start positioning yourself for the Best of 2019 nominations and voting!

Call Jennifer Lyness today at 706-265-3384 and find out how we help you make the most out of advertising & multimedia marketing to keep you and your business top of mind with both new and returning loyal customers!

30 Shoal Creek Rd., Dawsonville GA 30534

www.dawsonnews.com

32

dawsonnews.com

Anderson Family Medicine Voted Best...

Family Physician and Best Family Practice

Alicia Bolton Voted Best...

Hair Stylist

RIC Rack Voted Best...

Thrift Store dawsonnews.com

Refuge Hair Salon Voted Best...

Beauty and Hair Salon

Sandy Sawyer Voted Best...

Nurse

Jason Glaze Voted Best...

Counselor

Tower Auto Repair Voted Best...

Oil Change 33

Brooklyn Joe’s Voted Best...Italian Food

Shelly Martin Voted Best...Estate Planning/Attorney

Byrd’s Mini Storage Voted Best...

Self-Storage Facility 34

Scott Yochum, Yochum Financial Group Voted Best...Financial Planner

Dawson Pediatrics Voted Best...

Pediatrics Practice

Elite Heating and Air Voted Best...

Heating and Air Service

The Welch Team- Keller Williams Community Partners Voted Best...Commercial Real Estate Company, Boss, Place to Work and Best Residential Real Estate Group dawsonnews.com

FIT BODY BOOT CAMP Voted Best Fitness Center/Gym A special congrats to our own ABBEY REDMON Voted Best Personal Trainer

TRY US FOR 3 WEEKS FOR

ONLY $67*

*OFFER EXPIRES MAY 31, 2018. APPLIES TO NEW MEMBERS ONLY PLEASE.

Please visit our website at www.fitbodydawsonville.com to see our full schedule & to register for your free trial!

706.216.8672

Located in Publix Center, Cross Roads, Dawsonville

www.fitbodydawsonville.com • dawsonvillefbbc@gmail.com

dawsonnews.com

35

Eye Care for the Whole Family

Dawson Eye Group is a leading provider of eye and vision care in north Georgia. Doctors Kelley and Michael Dasinger, our experienced and compassionate optometrists, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of ocular diseases, conditions, and problems.

We use advanced diagnostic technology and vision correction products to provide high quality eye care for all age groups. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff make every effort to create a memorable eye care experience. We look forward to seeing you soon for all of your eye care needs!

Thank you for your patronage.

Serving you for 26 Years.

Voted Best Health Food/Vitamin Store Hours Mon-Thur 10-6, Fri 10-5 Sat 11-3 54 Lumpkin Campground Rd S, Ste 130 Dawsonville, GA • 706-216-1035 Melodie Cunningham

706-216-6595 5983 Hwy 53 East, Suite 250, Dawsonville

Thank you Dawson County for voting me

Best Real Estate Agent 2018

I have been a resident of both Forsyth and Dawson County for over 27 years. I am passionate about the needs and goals of my clients and specialize in bringing peace of mind to First Time Homeowners and Homeowners who previously have struggled with selling their own Home Individually or with another Agent. Aside from be a licensed Real Estate Agent, I also Ranked in the Top 15 with Keller Williams Realty Community Partners, High Volume Producer, MRP Certified (Military Relocation and Veteran Specialist) and a member of 400 North Board of Realtors and Circle of Excellence Recipient.

I also bring an abundance of energy, dedication and knowledge to my work, so you can be assured I will stay on top of all details involved in your Realtor needs and to help provide an easy and smooth transaction.

Sunny Parker 36

Cell: 706-429-5351 Office: 678-341-7400

dawsonnews.com

THE MOST POWERFUL CANCERFIGHTING NETWORK IN GEORGIA

Taking on cancer requires an elite clinical team. That’s why Northside Hospital Cancer Institute has the most board-certified medical oncologists in Georgia. We diagnose and treat more new cancer cases than any other hospital in the state—providing care at 48 cancer centers. Backed by expertise and experience, we’re built to beat cancer.

Learn more at builttobeatcancer.com

Thank you Dawson County for voting me Best Bail Bond Company Thank you Dawson County for voting us # 1 for

“WE UNDERSTAND ... BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE”

Liberty Bail Bonds

Best Bar, Best Fun Atmosphere and Best Sports Bar

SERVING DAHLONEGA & DAWSONVILLE

We appreciate our customers and love this community.

Good food and service, families and sports Cozy Patio • Full bar including draft beer

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

706-216-2800

837 Hwy 400 South, Ste 175, Dawsonville www.friendsamericangrill.com

For Over 20 Years “Giving You Immediate, Professional, Dependable & Confedential Service”

OPEN 24 HOURS

Immediate Friendly Service

FINANCING AVAILABLE

No Bond Too Small No Bond Too Large

706-216-3733 www.libertybonding.org Dahlonega • 706-864-0122

WE ARE HONORED TO BE VOTED

Best Beer/Spirits Selection & Best Wine Selection in Dawson County!

Thank you for our fabulous customers!

We could not have won this without you.

DR. KARA ZAJAC OF NATURE’S WAY CHIROPRACTIC OFFERS: 15 years experience Quality, Effective Chiropractic Care Braincore Neurofeedback Therapy Stress Management Drugless ADD/ADHD Options Natural Anxiety Relief Back and Neck Pain Specialist Auto Accident/Personal Injury

FINE WINE & SPIRITS

WE STRIVE TO BE YOUR ONE STOP FOR BEER, WINE & SPIRITS Located in Dawson County on Hwy 400 just past the Forsyth/Dawson line

706.265.2065

706-265-7339 6564 Hwy. 53 E. Ste 100

(Highways 53 and 400 behind Big D’s BBQ)

Dawsonville, GA 30534

www.dawsonfinewines.com

38

dawsonnews.com

A Touch of Hope Voted Best...Massage Therapist, Massage Therapy and Best Spa Services

My Vape Shack Dawson Voted Best...

Vape Shop

Papa’s Place Voted Best...

Family Restaurant and Best Breakfast dawsonnews.com

Friends Sports Grill Voted Best...

Sports Bar, Fun Atmosphere and Best Bar

Jacki’s Kitchen Voted Best...

Dessert

Nature’s Way Chiropracter Voted Best...

Chiropractor

Set Free Church Voted Best...

Church 39

Northeast Georgia Health Center/ Medical Plaza 400 Urgent Care Voted Best...Hospital Presence and Best Urgent Care

Gilstrap Exterminating Voted Best...

Pest Control Company

Dawsonville Fit Body Bootcamp Voted Best...Fitness Center/Gym and Best Personal Trainer

Lanier Dental Partners Voted Best...

Cosmetic Dentistry and Best General Dentistry 40

K.A.R.E. for Kids Voted Best...

Community Event and Best Charity Event

Joey Homans Voted Best...

Best Civil Attorney

Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits Voted Best...

Beer/Sprits Selection and Best Wine Selection dawsonnews.com

! n i a g A

Thank you for voting us #1

VISION Our vision is for all people to live in peace and with purpose.

MISSION Our mission is to glorify God and serve our community by assisting people in finding freedom from their past, peace in their present, and hope for their future.

STRATEGY Our strategy is to create a safe place where people can experience Discipleship Counseling, Professional Coaching, Spiritual Direction, and Effective Training.

200 OLD DAWSON VILLAGE ROAD, SUITE 120, DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534 | 706-265-8128

www.newname.cc

Tripp & Company

R U OWN

YOMETELER

JEWELERS

O H JEW

Thank you

Dawson County for voting us Best Jewelry Store and Best Jeweler

Friendly and knowledgeable staff with more than 80 years of combined experience.

Fine jewelry Store • Custom Design Studio • Full Service Jeweler

Bring this coupon in for

$2.oo off watch battery replacement

North Georgia’s New Bridal Headquarters

Must Present Coupon for Offer.

Julio, Janet, Valerie and Owner Tripp Brackett

Dawson Crossroads Shopping Center 145 Forest Blvd, Suite 310, Dawsonville, Ga 706-265-1030 • TrippCoJewelers@gmail.com dawsonnews.com

41

Rotary Club of Dawson County Voted Best...

Civic Club

Phillip Turk, Vankeith Sunny Parker, Insurance Agency Keller Williams Voted Best...Insurance Agent Voted Best...Real Estate Agent

Big D’s BBQ Voted Best...

Barbeque and Best Takeout 42

Tripp and Company Jewelers Voted Best...

Jewelry Store

Tripp Brackett Voted Best...

Jeweler

Phil Adams, Adams Custom Shutters Voted Best...Interior Design Firm

Vankeith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville Voted Best...

Best Insurance Company dawsonnews.com

Thank you for voting us 2018 Best Ice Cream of Dawson County!

Thank you Dawson County for voting us Best Propane Company!

We appreciate our customers!

DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL

ONLY

$5.00 DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL

Milita & Seniory DiScoun r

ONLY

$6.00

tS

AMICALOLA PROPANE your hometown propane company

amicalolapropane.com | amicalolapropane@windstream.net

706-265-8075

107 Hwy 53 East • Dawsonville

Thank you Dawsonville for voting us Best Massage Therapist Best Massage Therapy & Best Spa Service We take great pride in caring for our clients.

We love and appreciate our community.

A Touch of Hope Day Spa is an organic day spa. Our therapists are highly trained in their scope of practice and customize each session to thier clients needs. A Touch of Hope uses the purest organic products. We take great pride in being The Best of the South. Bringing all the most driven health and beauty modalities with a sweet touch of Georgia.

383 Highway 53 West, Dawsonville, GA

706-344-1GAS A SPECIAL ...to Dawson County for voting Mountain Moonshine Festival BEST COMMUNITY EVENT and BEST CHARITY EVENT of Dawson County.

It gives us so much pride in being elected for these categories.

We succeed because of your kindness and generosity.

Kare for Kids, Inc. 706-216-6031 • www.dawsonmassage.com 3651 Dawson Forest Rd, Ste 100, Dawsonville, GA

dawsonnews.com

“One Child At A Time” 43

Thank You

Dawson County!

—Joey Homans

Voted Best Civil Attorney Fox Chandler homans hiCks & mCkinnon, llp ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Joseph a. homans 706-265-3090 - 272 Highway 9 South, Dawsonville

Dr. Leslie McGuinn Davis | Dr. Lauren Palmer Freitag Thanks for Voting us BEST Cosmetic Dentistry and BEST General Dentistry in Dawson!

Our Services

• Preventive Care • Crowns & Bridges • Whitening • Root Canals • Porcelain Veneers • Dental Implants

Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Lauren Palmer Freitag and Dr. Leslie McGuinn Davis

Smile with Confidence

Call us today to schedule your appointment 706.265.1399 Dawsonville | 770.889.6370 Cumming 2390 Thompson Road, Suite 200, Dawsonville, GA 30534 smiles@lanierdentalpartners.com | info@lanierdentalpartners.com

www.lanierdentalpartners.com

44

dawsonnews.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST.

WE LOVE OUR PATIENTS!

678.813.1909 | D4C.com

100 Dawson Commons Cir., Suite 110, Dawsonville, GA 30534

We are so grateful and humble that we have been voted Best of Dawson “Cleaning Company” 3 consecutive years in a row, Best of Dawson “Carpet Cleaning Company” 2 consecutive years in a row, and were blown away that we won “Best Customer Service” of Dawsonville this year! We always want to thank God first and give him the glory! Thank you so much to a community we truly love so much and serve Dawsonville proudly! It is an honor for us to represent our town and we will not let you down, as we continue striving to raise the bar for Service and re-define the industry with excellence in every way we can! For us, it’s about the people and making a positive difference in this community by serving others to the very best of our abilities. THE PURPOSE OF BUSINESS IS TO PROVIDE HAPPINESS AND SERVICE. We have worked very hard to do just that. We would also like to give a shout out to all the other companies that worked hard this year as well!

“Autograph Your Work With Excellence” COLOSSIANS 3:23-24

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Cleaning Service, Inc. Expert Carpet Cleaning

10% OFF ANY SERVICE www.kgcleaningservice.com #ServiceBeyondYourExpectations #SmallFamilyBusiness #GodFirst #Integrity /kgcleaningserviceinc FOR VETERANS, FIREFIGHTERS , #HelpingToKeepDawsonvilleClean #BeyondGrateful #GodBlessDawsonville FIRST RESPONDERS AND POLICE 706.525.9102 SERVING YOU SINCE 2011

dawsonnews.com

45

Community involvement sets most awarded business ahead of the rest...

Great customer service and community involvement are not options at United Community Bank, but commandments.

“To me, our bank is only as good as our community is. If you have healthy customers, you have a healthy bank,” said James Askew, president of the Dawson County branches of United Community Bank.

Askew has been with the bank for over 20 years, serving as president and CEO since 2001, after UCB merged with Dawson County Bank.

He said that UCB operates under the golden rule, and that his employees are instructed to treat others as they want to be treated.

And the bank does just that, by treating customers at both the Ga. 400 location and the Dawsonville location like family.

“That’s basically been our motivation and our calling, to do it different than everybody else,” he said. “Because every bank pretty much has the same services, the only thing that sets you apart is your customer interaction and your customer service levels.”

United Community Bank has been awarded for excellence in customer service and ranks highest in the U.S. banking industry for customer satisfaction, according to Customer Service Profiles. For several decades, the bank has been giving back with Customer Appreciation Day.

“It’s fun for us because you get to see people you haven’t seen for years,” Askew said.

But each bank is run by a local board and bank president who are able to make decisions locally.

Community involvement goes handin-hand with the bank’s customer service philosophy. Askew encourages his employees to find their passion, whether that be with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, or any other organization or cause.

“In our opinion that provides a much better model because I know the community, I know the market, so if I put a loan up or if I need to help somebody out, we know our community and if the decision is made in Charlotte or Huntsville, Ala., they don’t understand the market,” Askew said.

“A lot of people when they come in, they’ll say ‘what got me to come is because you guys are so involved in the community, I see you guys everywhere,’” Askew said.

Askew maintains that UCB offers the same services and technology as other banks, but it’s the values of the company that has seen customers vote them the Best of Dawson year in and year out.

Askew leads by example, and has served as the chairman for the chamber twice and as Rotary Club president. Employees who are involved in the community are happier and better able to service customers, he said.

“I do feel very much that we kind of love the community and they tend to kind of love us back,” he said.

The structure of the bank is also a benefit to customers, Askew said. UCB is an $11 billion company, with 156 locations across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

“We do it out of a feeling of giving back, but the side benefit is it has helped us grow, and we’re number one in market share in the county and have been for years,” he said.

UCB has two branches in Dawson County. One is located at 6772 Hwy. 53 E near Ga. 400, and the other in downtown Dawsonville at 109 Hwy. 53 W. You can reach the Ga. 400 branch at (706)216-8444 and the Dawsonville branch at (706)2653232.

Each year on the first Friday in May the bank holds Customer Appreciation Day, or “Tomato Day.” The employees cook and serve hot dogs, popcorn, cake and cookies, and give away between 8,000 and 9,000 tomato plants. People line up for hours to get a plant.

46

dawsonnews.com