Business Link June 2012

Business Link G r e a t e r H a l l C h a m b e r . c o m

Chairman's Column page 2

Awards & Recognition at the 104th Annual Meeting & Gala Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012 Business Awards were presented at the 104th Annual Meeting & Gala on May 10 at the Chattahoochee Country Club.

Annual Meeting & Gala Highlights pages 4 -5 Upcoming Events page 6 Ribbon Cuttings page 10 Member Announcements page 10

The Distinguished Citizen Award was presented to Virgil Williams pictured with family (L-R): Grandson Matthew Bowling, daughter Mendy Williams Bowling, wife Sara and Virgil Williams. (See pages 4-5 for more highlights.)

TSPLOST: Top 10 Reasons to Support page 11

Greater Hall Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs (left), Jacobs Media Corporation, with Greater Hall Chamber President/ CEO Kit Dunlap and incoming Chairman, Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin and Frost. Randall officially takes office on July 1 and will serve a one year term as Chairman of the Greater Hall Chamber.

New Leadership Classes Page 12 Small Business of the Month page 14 Hackers Holiday Highlights page 15

Small Business of the Year: Highland Mountain Beverage Family Business of the Year: J & J Foods W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award: Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award: Virgil Williams, Williams Group International; Lake Lanier Islands Resort Ambassador of the Year: Bill Kokaly, Cox Communications & Electronics Silver Shovel Award Recipients: Chad Bolton, Northeast Georgia Health System Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda Bill Kokaly, Cox Communications & Electronics Doug Langman, TRC Staffing Guerry Norwood, Regions Bank Emily Whitehead, Milton Martin Toyota Greg Ours, Poly Enterprises Richard Riley, Community Volunteer Rosanne Short, Brenau University Jessica Tullar, City of Gainesville Erin Williamson, The Longstreet Clinic Srikanth Yamala, Gainesville Hall MPO Transportation Transportation Referendum

VOTE on JULY 31

The TSPLOST vote is July 31. Vote early starting July 9 at the Hall County Elections Office in the new Hall County Government Center, 2285 Browns Bridge Road at McEver Road in Gainesville. For a list of projects, maps and detailed TSPLOST information for the Georgia Mountains Region, visit online: ConnectGeorgiaMountains.org

Save the Date Thursday, June 7 Business After Hours

Mundy Mill Celebrates

Tuesday, June 12 Small Business NetWeaving

‘GRAND REOPENING’

Friday, June 15 Business Before Hours

JUNE 2012

A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

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From the Chairman

Chamber Makes a Difference, no cliché I have been honored to serve as Chairman of the Greater Hall Chamber this year. I take great pride in following the lead of my father and grandfather and am proud to have served as a third-generation chairman of this outstanding organization.

Jay Jacobs Jacobs Media Corporation Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber makes a difference, and that is no cliché.

Your Chamber is strong. It is important and viable. The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce provides resources and authentic direction for our community, the region and Georgia. This is recognized by many leaders in the state, such as Chris Cummiskey, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development who when recently addressing the Chamber Board stated, "If we had 159 counties like Hall County, we wouldn’t have a Department of Economic Development," Cummiskey said. "You get it. You get what it takes between business and economic development and the civic community… you sell yourselves well."

I am proud to have been associated with this organization and will continue to be. The Chamber is more than worthy of your time, your attention, and your commitment. This year, my efforts focused on membership relations to Connect, Communicate, Promote and Prosper. Authentic leadership – lead by Kit Dunlap, an experienced staff of Vice Presidents, a knowledgeable Executive Board, the Board of Directors, committee chairs and all volunteers assisted in our staying on mission and remaining the region's voice for business.

In addition to signing up dozens of new Chamber members, we provided existing members numerous ways to stay connected and improve their bottom line. Workshops, seminars, networking events, health expos, job fairs, business trade shows... The Chamber remains dedicated to helping businesses prosper. From large industry expansions to small business development, there are so many programs offered to members. I hope you will get involved, stay involved, and if you're not already a Chamber member, join today and reap the benefits.

I thank you for the trust you placed in me to Chair the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce this year. Good luck to Randall Frost and the new team of leadership, and I look forward to a very bright future for the Chamber.

Silver Shovel Award Recipients

Volume 18 Issue 6 mcKemie West, editor • email: kwest@ghcc.com greaterhallchamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

2011-2012 executive Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs Jacobs Media Corporation Chairman Elect Randall Frost Stewart, Melvin & Frost Treasurer Jody lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia Vice Chair, Economic Development Chris Braswell PB Property Management Vice Chair, Education elisabeth Baldwin BB&T Wealth Management

Vice Chair, Government Affairs Chair, VISION 2030 Kelly miles, Smith, Gilliam, lee Hemmer Williams & Miles, P.A. The Simpson Company meg Nivens, Executive Director Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications Co-Chairs, HALLmark melissa Tymchuk Paul Chambers, AT&T NEGA Health System David lee, Jackson EMC mimi Collins, The Longstreet Clinic Vice Chair, Membership Development Senior Advisor Jimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Jimmy Adams, The Adams Smith Insurance Companies Vice Chair, South Hall Council Immediate Past Chairman Geoff lee, Road Atlanta Darrell snyder, Georgia Power Vice Chair, Community Development Phillippa moss, Gainesville-Hall Co. Community Service Center

President & CEO Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors 2011-2012 David Abee, Regions Bank

Deborah mack, Community Volunteer

emily Bagwell, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

mike miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch

Brenda Bahel, The Starke Companies

Willie mitchell, Gainesville City Schools

Perry Barnett, Rushton & Company

Dr. martha Nesbitt, Gainesville State College

Wade Beavers, Beavers/Rogers Law & Advisory

James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont

Col. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy

Tom oliver, Chairman, Hall Co. Commission

William H. Beyer, NEGA Heart Center

Bob Pennington, Willis Investment Counsel

Carol Burrell, NEGA Health System

larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville

Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management

Terry Roberts, Lake Lanier CVB

Bob Coleman, Coleman, Chambers & Rogers

Will schofield, Hall County Schools

lance Compton, Red Clay Interactive

Dr. ed schrader, Brenau University

Danny Dunagan, Mayor City of Gainesville

Joyce stephens, United Community Bank

sam evans, City of Oakwood Councilman

Dennis stockton, The Times

Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda

milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula

Kathy Fauscett, Keller Williams Realty

Russell Vandiver, Lanier Technical College

Tony Funari, Mayor Pro-tem, Town of Braselton

Greg Vitek, IMS Gear

Rob Geoffroy, The Atlanta Falcons

Dr. mary Watkins, Watkins Chiropractic

Tommy Howard, The Norton Agency

Darrell Wiley, J&J Foods

Dr. Bonita Jacobs, North Georgia College & SU

Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Materials

Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy

Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging Materials

Kelly lee, Wells Fargo Advisors

June 5, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

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Business Link

Associate Directors 2011-2012 Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness

Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & Design

emmett Forrester, NEGA Diagnostic Clinic

spence Price, Prime Pak Foods, Inc.

Doug langman, TRC Staffing

Dan slott, Service Master

Chris mcCall, Keller Williams Realty

Jessica Tullar, City of Gainesville

Julie Nicholson, Community Bank & Trust

Carla Walker, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

staff Executive Kit Dunlap, President/CEO Joy sims, Executive Assistant

South Hall Council Kit Dunlap, President/CEO michelle Wiley, Membership Vice President

Economic Development Tim evans, Vice President shelley Davis, Vice President Existing Industry Jean mcCullough, Project Manager

Community Development Robin Halstead, Vice President

Finance & Operations David umberson, Vice President Finance and Human Resources

Silver Shovel Award Recipients (L-R): Greg Ours, Poly Enterprises; Chad Bolton, Northeast Georgia Health System; Jessica Tullar, City of Gainesville; Erin Williamson, The Longstreet Clinic; Rosanne Short, Brenau University; Bill Kokaly, Cox Communications & Electronics; Richard Riley, Community Volunteer; Srikanth Yamala, Gainesville Hall MPO Transportation. Not Pictured: Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda; Doug Langman, TRC Staffing; Guerry Norwood, Regions Bank; Emily Whitehead, Milton Martin Toyota.

Education & Workforce Development Dana miller, Vice President Government Affairs Kit Dunlap, President/CEO Joy sims, Executive Assistant

VISION 2030 meg Nivens, Executive Director Membership Development michelle Wiley, Vice President Kara matter, Membership Coordinator Marketing & Communications Kemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant Greater Hall Chamber Welcome Center Robin Halstead, Manager

104th Annual Meeting June 5, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

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Family Business of the Year J&J Foods

Small Business of the Year Highland Mountain Beverage Highland Mountain Beverage, a provider of spring water and their own blends of coffee, was founded in 1981 by Lane Jones and his wife of 34 years, Doris. Doris did the company’s receivables for the first 12 years, while holding down another fulltime job.

J&J Foods and the Wiley Family, recipients of the Family Business of the Year Award (L-R): Nick Williams, Arrie Mae Wiley, Crevolyn and Darrell Wiley, and Emily Wiley Williams.

Family of the Year Award Recipient, J&J Foods, is a group of three supermarkets, with locations in Gainesville and Dahlonega. In 1976, Johnnie Wiley and his brother-in-law, Junior Reece purchased the Warehouse Foods Store on Broad Street, near downtown Gainesville. They called their new company, J&J Foods. Like many businesses, J&J struggled at first and in less than six months, Junior sold his share of the company to Johnnie.

Johnnie’s emphasis then, just as it is now, was to offer genuine value to his customers. Johnnie expanded his fresh meat and produce varieties while also lowering prices. The changes worked. Sales increased and after the first year, the original 12 employees had grown to over 30. Through the 80’s and 90’s J&J Foods grew to become one of the highest sales-volume stores in Georgia. In 1991, Johnnie's son, Darrell, returned to the family grocery store after selling his own music and audio companies.

In 1994, J&J Foods survived the opening of two supercenters in Gainesville.

While sales suffered with competition from the big box stores, by 1996, J&J had regained the business lost by continuing to offer the kind of service not available at its competitors. By 1999, Darrell was operating the company; he and Johnnie decided the time was right to expand. In early 2000, J&J added a second location in Dahlonega. In 2005, J&J opened its third store on Limestone Parkway in Gainesville.

J&J Foods continues to be a family operated business and a community-centered business, operating on Christian principles. In the early years, J&J’s donations were made primarily to schools and a variety of non-profit organizations. In recent years, the Wiley’s and J&J sought to be even better stewards of the blessings God has provided. Contributions were expanded to provide assistance to organizations serving the hungry and homeless in communities served by J&J. In addition, Johnnie’s appreciation for the mission of the YMCA led him to be the first to pledge financial support for construction of a new facility.

J&J Foods’ founder, Johnnie Wiley, passed away in January 2012. However, Johnnie’s legacy as an honorable businessman, a quiet contributor, and a selfless leader, is honored still today by his wife, Arrie Mae Wiley, by his family, and by J&J Foods associates. jandjfoods.com

Shane Taylor was Lane’s neighbor when he started Lane and Doris Jones; Michelle and Shane Taylor of the coffee service. He was Highland Mountain Beverages, recipients of the Small around twelve or so at the Business of the Year Award. time. When starting the bottled water business in 1989, Lane was ready to hire someone, and it turned out to be Shane. Shane has been a great employee, Lane’s right-hand man, and is now a partner in the business. He has also recently been accepted in the upcoming Leadership Hall class.

The company is committed to customer service as well as high quality products.

They service Hall County, Northeast Georgia and Metro Atlanta, offering bottled spring water in both glass and plastic bottles in all sizes, office coffee service and cooler filtration. With 14 employees, they service 2,900 customers.

Lane Jones has been involved with the Chamber for many years in Small Business Programs, attending and offering his expertise. In the last couple of years, Lane and Highland Mountain Beverage employed the services of an Action Coach to better compete in this fast paced business environment, and will join the Chamber Board next year.

The company has also been involved in the March of Dimes "Walk for Babies" since 1984, and Shane is currently logistics chairman. Lane has worked with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for many years, and his latest role is Chairman of the Parking and Logistics committee. Highland Mountain Beverage Service continues to donate water and coffee to the Chamber and a number of charities for walks, runs, and even chicken pie suppers! highlandmountainwater.com

104th Annual Meeting & Gala Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 201112 Chairman Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media, with wife Anna and mother Martha Jacobs at the Greater Hall Chamber's 104th Annual Meeting.

Jay's father, John Jacobs Jr., and grandfather also served as chairmen.

When a senior engineering student at Georgia Tech, Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award Recipient Virgil Williams developed a 40-home subdivision, a gas station and an apartment complex in his native Atlanta. He grew a company into a multimillion dollar leader in industrial maintenance before he was 30. Today, the group is a 17-company conglomerate, Williams Group International, with over 5,000 employees. In 2005, he purchased lease rights to the hotels and businesses of Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Since the family's acquisition, the entire Lake Lanier Islands Resort has been completely repositioned and rebuilt. The Williams family has invested approximately $70 Virgil Williams, Lake Lanier Islands Resort, recipient of the million in capital and infrastructure improvements.

Distinguished Citizen Award.

The Islands now employs 400 people with improvements including: $12.5 million replacement of the Waste Water Treatment Plant; $15.6 million in road system/roundabouts, landscaping, lighting and signage; paved bike/walk path system; Islands Bridge; Refurbishing of the Emerald Point Hotel, now Legacy Lodge; Redesigning, lengthening and rebuilding the entire Legacy Golf Course; Addition of 6 new luxury Villas with 36 new rooms; Rebuilding and refurbishing Lake Houses; 5 wedding venues; new world-class spa; new major community entertain complex with 5 restaurants, 2 floating pavilions, a teen after hours park and Lanier World; new “Community Investment District” from GA 985 to the Islands upgrading the road system, major landscape investments, new running trails.

Virgil serves on the Boards of Young Harris College, the Carter Center, Savannah School of Art & Design, the Georgia Chamber, and the Gwinnett Chamber.

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The W.G. Mealor Award is named after the first chairman/ president of the Chamber, W.G. Mealor, who served from 1908-1917. The award is given by the Chairman to a Chamber volunteer who has gone beyond the “call of duty.”

As Northeast Georgia Health System's Director of Marketing and Public Relations, W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award Recipient Melissa Tymchuk assists with communication between the healthcare system and local, regional, state and national media. She recently celebrated her 15-year anniversary at NGHS with the last 11 years serving as manager of Public Relations.

As the Greater Hall Chamber’s Vice Chair of Marketing and Communications, Melissa has spent countless hours extending her expertise to benefit the Chamber. Projects developed under her leadership include the redesign of the Chamber and VISION 2030 websites. Melissa helped create a Membership Survey to poll Chamber members Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast for input on how to better communicate to them.

Georgia Health System, recipient of She is a member of the VISION 2030 Board of W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award. Directors, and, along with Bill Sanders of Jackson EMC, chairs the new Senior Leadership Program, The Wisdom Project, that was launched last month. Melissa was also a vital part of the 5th Annual Chamber Chase 5K, served as Hospitality Chair of the Red Carpet Tour last year, and headed the successful Chamber Membership Campaign in 2010. Melissa is a graduate of Leadership Hall County and is a member of Leadership Georgia this year.

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June 5, 2012 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

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W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award Melissa Tymchuk

104th Annual Meeting

Distinguished Citizens Award Virgil Williams

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Meetings & Events

JUNE 2012 Wednesday, June 6 Healthcare Committee 8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, June 19 VISION 2030 Board of Directors 11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, June 6 Leads Group 11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Wednesday, June 20 Issues Committee 8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Thursday, June 7 Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – The Gardens at Wessell Drive in Gainesville

Wednesday, June 20 Leads Group 11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Friday, June 8 Economic Development Council 7:30 a.m. – Spout Springs Library in Flowery Branch

Thursday, June 21 Chamber Executive Boards Retreat 2011-12 & 2012-13 Executive Boards 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands Resort

Tuesday, June 12 Small Business NetWeaving 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. – Lanier Tech MDC at Featherbone Communiversity

Wednesday, June 27 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Calliope Sweets in Flowery Branch

Thursday, June 28 Tuesday, June 12 Chamber Board of Directors Existing Industry Roundtable 8:00 a.m. – Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville 12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center Wednesday, June 13 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Longstreet Cafe

JULY/AUGUST 2012 Tuesday, August 14 Small Business Success Seminar Government Procurement by Joe Beaulieu, Government Contract Counselor, Georgia Tech 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. – Lanier Tech MDC at Featherbone Communiversity

Wednesday, June 13 Human Resources 11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant in Downtown Gainesville

Get all event details and make reservations online at greaterhallchamber.com

June 5, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, June 14 Leadership Hall County Intro Program 8:00 a.m. – NEGA Health System

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Friday, June 15 Business Before Hours 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville - Food Court

The TSPLOST vote is July 31, 2012.

Vote early starting July 9th at the Hall County Elections Office in the new Hall County Government Center, 2285 Browns Bridge Road at McEver Road in Gainesville. For a complete list of projects, maps and detailed TSPLOST information for the Georgia Mountains Region, visit online: ConnectGeorgiaMountains.org

Business After Hours Thursday, June 7 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

THE GARDENS Wessell Road in Gainesville $5 Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members • Cash Pot Prize!

THE GARDENS is a 36-homesite community on Wessell Road between Dixon Drive and Piedmont Road in Gainesville. Set within a forest sanctuary, the in-town neighborhood recently underwent a multi-million dollar redevelopment by McKibbon-Robison. Don’t miss this Business After Hours and the unveiling of an exceptional array of new and upgraded amenities, including a swimming pool, pavilion and sidewalks. And of course, great food, drinks, networking and the exciting Cash Pot Prize! Details: 770-532-6206.

Small Business Success Seminar Tuesday, June 12 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Lanier Tech's Manufacturing Development Center at Featherbone Communiversity Free for Members • $15 Non-Members Sponsored by United Community Bank and Jacobs Media

NetWorking & NetWeaving Networking has long been an effective means of making new professional contacts, often leading to new business. Now there's a new twist: NETWEAVING, come and learn how to utilize both techniques in your business. Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. jean@ghcc.com

Business Before Hours Friday, June 15 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Lakeshore Mall - Food Court 150 Pearl Nix Parkway in Gainesville No Charge • Free Breakfast

shoplakeshoremall.com

Join us for this special morning networking event and delicious complimentary breakfast at in the Food Court at Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville.

Details: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com. Get the details on this and other events online: greaterhallchamber.com

Small Business Success Seminar Tuesday, August 14 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Lanier Tech's MDC at Featherbone Communiversity Free for Members • $15 Non-Members

Identify, Compete & Win Government Contracts Presented by Joe Beaulieu, Government Contracting Counselor with the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center. Joe has over 33 years of management and consulting experience with the federal government and 13 years of hands-on experience in federal acquisition and contracting. Details: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. jean@ghcc.com

Member Announcements June 5, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

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• Gainesville Small Business Development Center's "Starting A Business Q&A" sessions are June 6, July 11, August 1, September 12. Attend one of these free, 2 hour sessions (5-7 pm) at 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. Register by calling 770-5315681 or online: georgiasbdc.org • The Greater Hall 2012 Industrial Directory includes profiles on 240+ manufacturers, processors and distributors located in Gainesville-Hall County.

The new publication contains up to 18 facts about each industry featuring 39 international subsidiaries representing 15 countries. $15 for members; $30 non members. Includes tax. Additional shipping and handling charges. 770-5326206. Online: greaterhallchamber.com • Over 400 children in Gainesville will be provided lunch daily over the summer as part of Smart Lunch, Smart Kid, a program through Action Ministries.

Children who receive free/reduced-price lunch during the school year will be given a sack lunch each weekday. To volunteer, call Rebecca Whicker, 678-283-2885.

• Red Clay Interactive and United Community Bank earned a Webby Award for the redesign of the bank's website, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. redclayinteractive.com • Gainesville State College Alumni Association's STARLIGHT – Rockin’ Through the Decades is Friday, June 8. Join the alumni, faculty, staff, students and families for the 2-band concert and fireworks at the Bailey Amphitheater. Gates open at 4:30 pm. $10 car and $20 for large vans/buses.

Rain date is June 9. 678-717-3648. gsc. edu/alumni

• With the consolidation of Gainesville State College and North Georgia College & State University, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ approved the name “University of North Georgia" effective January 2013.

• North Georgia Christian School will relocate ahead of schedule. For 14 years, the 28 year-old school was located on Thompson Bridge Road. Chestnut Mountain Church offered its campus as a transitional facility in South Hall County while the school identifies a new, permanent home in the area. northgeorgiachristian.org • The Medical Association of Georgia Foundation announced that Frank McDonald, MD, a neurologist at The Longstreet Clinic, P.C., in Gainesville, was one of 10 physicians in the state to graduate from the Georgia Physicians Leadership Academy. longstreetclinic.com • Rehabilitation Industries of Northeast Georgia, a Gainesville-based non-profit that provides vocational services to individuals with disabilities, has expanded and now services 19 counties in North Georgia. rehabindustries.org • For 115 years, Wallace Sheet Metal has serviced Greater Hall County and now has a state-of-the-art laser that will propel the organization into the next 100 years. The laser of the only of its kind in Georgia. wallacesheetmetal.com • Direct South, Inc., a 50-year-old food service and equipment dealer in Macon, announce the merger of Citisco Food Service Equipment, an 83-year food company in Gainesville. directsouth.com

GOT NEWS? Email: kwest@ghcc.com

Mountain Fresh Creamery Fourth generation dairy farmer Scott Glover, wife Jennifer and daughter Elizajane cut ribbon at Mountain Fresh Creamery, "Where milk is so fresh that the cow doesn't even know it's gone!" The family opened the business in 2011 offering farm fresh, all natural, non-homogenized dairy products.

After being in the dairy business for the past 12 years, earning milk quality awards each year including the top honor of "Cream of the Crop" award from the Georgia Dept of Ag for the past 10 years, "Outstanding Young Dairy Leader" in 2009, and "Young Breeder of the Year" in 2010, the Glover's decided to start a processing plant for their milk in Clermont. Their products are all minimally processed and include whole milk, low fat milk, buttermilk, chocolate milk, heavy cream, and everyone's favorite fresh churned butter and ice cream. They also have fresh, all natural ground beef, fresh free range eggs, yogurt, local honey, jams, grits, coffee and jellies. 770-983-1MOO. 6615 Cleveland Highway in Clermont. mountainfreshcreamery.com

Advantage Staffing Kevin Ireland, Linda Liles, Amy Michael, Chandra Patton, Stacey Roebuck, Jackie Poole and Kelly Zavagnin cut ribbon at Advantage Staffing,. Advantage's primary objective is clear-cut: To perfectly align the best people with appropriate positions around the globe. Daily, they talk to hiring managers, HR directors, procurement managers and senior management to learn their needs, while bringing in candidates and associates with a variety of skills and backgrounds. This happens around the globe, at every Advantage office – in just about every industry – with a talent roster that includes finance and accounting professionals, engineers, scientists, light industrial workers, clerical associates, and warehouse and manufacturing contractors. In addition, Advantage helps businesses with some of their most critical day-to-day tasks, providing assistance with workforce consulting, payroll, procurement, recruitment outsourcing and project management. Advantage Staffing, 975 Dawsonville Hwy, # 10, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-534-6024. advantageresourcing.com

MedLink Gainesville Relocates Steve Smith, MedLink CEO (left) and Sherrie Maxwell, Human Resources Director (right) hold ribbon for Sammy Zaidi, MD, MedLink Gainesville physician; Myrtle Figueras, City of Gainesville Councilwoman and Deborah Mack, community volunteer and former Hall County Commissioner.

MedLink Gainesville’s move to their new location enhances the center’s ability to provide primary medical care to Gainesville-Hall County citizens, businesses and their employees. Commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are filed and patients who qualify for fee discounts are seen on a sliding fee basis. Dr. Sammy Zaidi and Ms. Rhonda Frazier, APRN, see patients of all ages. Minor procedures can be scheduled and performed on site. Appointments are preferred, and same-day appointments are made whenever possible. MedLink Gainesville offers an array of services, such as employee physicals and worker’s compensation care to support businesses in the area. 528 Broad Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-287-0290. medlinkga.org

Pray Gainesville Pastors Dewayne and Jan Payne cut ribbon at Pray Gainesville, a non-denominational alliance of churches, ministry organizations, business and community leaders who share a commitment to work together to encourage and support movements of evangelism and discipleship in every segment of Gainesville. Founded in 2007, the organization has no sectarian or political agenda, and no wish to duplicate or compete with any ministry or outreach program. Rather, to help others succeed by providing a city-wide prayer covering. Visit the Prayer Garden, 673 Bradford Street in Gainesville. 770-654-8823. praygainesville.org

My Top 10 Reasons to Vote "YES"

From the widening of heavily congested Spout Springs Road in South Hall to a new highway connecting Thompson Bridge Road and Sardis Road, TSPLOST provides something for everyone. But there’s a much bigger picture here than simply making it easier to drive around town – and at least 10 key reasons to vote Yes. Here’s my TSPLOST Top Ten List: 1. As an economic center for Northeast Georgia, Hall is a “recipient county,” which means we would actually receive more TSPLOST dollars than we spend – approximately $1.45 for every $1.

VISION 2030's Senior Leadership Committee (Front, L-R): Dana Miller, Greater Hall Chamber; Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Georgia Health System; Kathy Amos, Brenau University; Meg Nivens, VISION 2030; Bill Sanders, Jackson EMC. (2nd Row): Buzz Gibbs; Sissy Lawson; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; Linda Barrow, Lanier Tech. (Back): Ann Nixon; Phillippa Moss, City of Gainesville, Charles White, Stan Appleton.

The Wisdom Project, one of the Greater Hall Chamber's VISION 2030 "15 Big Ideas," kicked off on May 22 in a joint conference held by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Brenau University Center for Lifetime Study. The new Senior Leadership Program hopes to recruit and prepare retired and semiretired individuals over the age of 50 to share their wisdom, experiences and talents.

Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Georgia Health System, and Bill Sanders, Jackson EMC, co-chair the Senior Leadership Program and noted that The Wisdom Project applications are available online at www.vision2030.org. The deadline to submit applications is June 29, with the first session on August 24. Sessions are held the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details, Meg Nivens, Executive Director of VISION 2030, 770-532-6206. vision2030.org

2. Because we are one of the state’s fastest-growing counties, Hall County needs highway infrastructure to continue “driving” economic development and new jobs to our community.

3. Without TSPLOST, many of our most critical road improvement projects could be delayed by 20 years or more due to insufficient funding.

5. If TSPLOST were to fail here, we could fall behind economically to other regions of the state that vote to support it.

6. The spending of local TSPLOST revenues would be carefully monitored by a citizen oversight committee.

7. Healthcare has been an economic engine for Gainesville-Hall County, and TSPLOST revenues will allow us to increase regional access to our medical facilities, including the new South Hall hospital.

8. Greater transportation access is also vitally important to our children and schools.

9. An additional penny in sales tax is estimated to cost the average consumer a little over $100. That’s a small investment for such a large economic return.

10. Last but certainly not least, we simply need to free our roadways of stress and congestion – for safety reasons and everyone’s benefit.

The TSPLOST vote officially takes place July 31, but you have the chance, vote early starting July 9th at the Hall County Elections Office in the new Hall County Government Center, 2285 Browns Bridge Road at McEver Road.

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June 5, 2012 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

4. One-hundred percent of the TSPLOST revenues would remain within our 13county Georgia Mountains area – with three-fourths going to regional projects and the remainder going to Hall and other individual counties and their municipalities for local improvements.

Community Development

If you’ve driven anywhere around Gainesville-Hall County lately, you’ve seen enough campaign signs to know it’s election time again. And if you’ve been stuck in traffic while looking at those signs, then you have at least one very good reason to get out and vote this summer in support of TSPLOST. Though nearly lost among all the candidate races, the TSPLOST referendum is one of the most important votes that we’ve faced in recent years. The vote to authorize a one-penny sales tax to fund much-needed highway projects in our community and region is critical to keep pace with a population projected to more than double by the year 2040. The shortfall in state transportation Kit Dunlap dollars – stretched by the recent recession and dwindling President, Greater Hall revenues from the tax on gasoline – adds even more Chamber; Co-Chair, Citizens urgency. Last year, after receiving input from citizens in for Better Transportation, Georgia Mountains Region 2 our community, a roundtable of local and regional officials developed a list of necessary road expenditures that covers virtually every corner of Hall County and the rest of the Georgia Mountains region.

(For a complete list, visit www.ConnectGeorgiaMountains.org).

The Wisdom Project Kicks Off

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E d uc at i o n & Wo r k f o r c e June 5, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

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2013 Leadership Hall Class

New Youth Leadership Hall Class

Founded in 1983, Leadership Hall County (LHC) now has over 700 graduates. The LHC Class of 2013 Selection Committee included Chamber Vice Chair of Education Elisabeth Baldwin, BBT; Dr. Denise Funk, Animal Medical Care; Elizabeth Zamora, Jackson EMC; Neal Booth, Hamilton State Bank; Avery Niles, Hall County Correctional Institute; Chamber Vice Chair of Community Development Phillippa Lewis-Moss, City of Gainesville. The Leadership Hall County 2013 Class includes:

Brenau Academy Abigail Umberger

Samantha Miller Alexandra Taggart

Emily George Danielle Hansel

Chestatee High School Fernanda Arcaraz Blaine Brown Andrew Barnett Carolina Gijon Taylor Jarrard Lauren McNitt Joey Scheman

Gainesville High School Feliciano Divinagracia Chase England Ginny Highsmith Elizabeth Leneski Maggie Hood Anh Nguyen Zoe Wulz

North Georgia Christian School Jeremiah Castleberry

East Hall High School Kaitlin Buffington Chase Cooper Mayra Deras Lilly Echols JD Holloway Brittney Campbell Jhonny Lorenzo

Johnson High School McKenna Barkley Cynthia Castaneda Isaac Cooper Maitlan Henry Savannah Ledford Michelle Rivera Katie Turner

Flowery Branch High School Imani Abrahamsen Caden Boullon Jacob Hansen Marissa Ivey Joanne Jacob Megan Kirk

Lakeview Academy Marissa Baer Seth Black Ted Reynolds

Kristi Barker - Georgia Power Company Jeff Butler - Morton, Vardeman & Carlson Nairika Cornett - The Arts Council Shanna Cronic - Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic Ryan Doss - BatesCarter Josh Everett - New Leaf Landscape Services Laura Fowler - Red Clay Interactive Tiffany Gillespie Turner Wood & Smith Alyson Graham - Stewart, Melvin & Frost Jake Green - Regions Bank Elisabeth Kendrick - The Oaks-Limestone Elizabeth Lattta - Forrester & Brim Janet Lowery - ZF Wind Power Brian Martin - Regions Bank Kara Matter - Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Jake Moran - The Simpson Company Steve Morgan, MD - Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Steve Napier - Action Ministries-Gainesville Kelly Norman - Hall County Parks & Leisure Tate O’Rouke - Senator Johnny Isakson’s Office Pam Patterson - The Longstreet Clinic, PC Angela Payne - Northeast Georgia Health System Casey Ryals - Georgia Farm Bureau Lauren Samples - Tillman, Bailey, & Associates, LLP Alan Schuetze - Carroll Daniel Construction, Co Amber Sowers - Hall County Solicitor-Generals Office Vanessa Sykes - Hulsey, Oliver & Mahar, LLP Shane Taylor - Highland Mountain Water & Coffee Tonya Tucker - Rushton & Company Staci Tunkel - Center Point Carla Walker - Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard & Walker, LLP Michael Wheeler - Hall County Extension Office Charles White - Community Volunteer Brandon Young - OHL Transportation Services For more on Leadership Hall County or other Greater Hall Chamber Education programs, contact Dana Miller, Vice President of Education, 770-532-6206. Email: dmiller@ghcc.com.

Lanier Charter Career Academy Kayla Dinkel

North Hall High School Matt Bain Julie Anne Eavenson Mackenzie Potts Victoria Rogers McCoy Savage Sarah Schofield Andrew Smith Henry Taylor Riverside Military Academy Michael Sims Skyler Toney West Hall High School Lily Cantu Jenny Gault Kelsi Jones Juan Ramirez Chetanya Sharma Max Wilson

Put Your buSineSS in the SPotliGht • Publication is distributed to The Times daily circulation of 22,000 on the 1st Tuesday of the month.

• Reach decision makers from the area businesses for current chamber membership in excess of 2700.

• Featured member of the month gets 2 full pages or center spread.

• Advertising pricing is available for 1,6 or 12 issues.

1/4 Page Ad

s Link Busines o m e r . c a m b l C h o 2012 H a l a t e r Business Exp G r e Buy Local

's Annual Hall Chamber Thursday, is The Greater Business Expo the many Buy Local and will highlight that you can January 19 and services great products at home. Booth space find right here ips are now available. and sponsorsh rooms in meeting will be held Center The Expo Mountains Georgia ABC at the and will feature - 6:00 p.m.

Sponsors s and nonfrom 1:00 p.m. Event food, local businesse Union, 4:00 - 6:00 dozens of Hours with After the event from Delta Community Credit profits. Business bar coincides with Business, a cash Pages, Charter WDUN AM-FM Radio. drink and Real Yellow has Times and are AT&T and the event Honda, The years ago, g a variety Milton Martin Expo two s displayin is one Local Business ng 60-70 exhibitor ille Civic Center the first Buy services. This a.m. • Gainesv introduced We are anticipati er products and President 9:00 "We success.

7:30 us to-consum Chamber Vice been a tremendo and businessGreater Hall Casey Cagle to-business miss!" said n of businessnot want to Lt. GovernorCounty legislative delegatio event you'll NonWiley. networking $100 lle-Hall bers; hip Michelle and the Gainesvi of Members $300 for Non-Mem and two chairs.

Senate District Members; a table skirt your for Chamber 49th Georgia Butch Miller a table cloth, on or to reserve are $195 each a six (6) foot table, informati Senator Exhibits more State include $25 fee. For Email: mwiley@ghcc.com Profits. Exhibits House District for an extra 206. is available 26th Georgia Rogers Wiley, 770-532-6 Electricity call Michelle Rep. Carl booth space, District

Column Chairman's page 2 New Industry Ground Breaking page 4 Events Upcoming page 6

Thursday,

Ribbon Cuttings page 10 Member Announcements page 11 VISION 2030 page 12 s New Member Page 13 Small Business the Month page 14

of

December

8

Now for Booth

Space!

Register o Business Exp Buy Local January 19, 2012

House 27th Georgia Collins Rep. Doug House District 31st Georgia Benton Rep. Tommy House District6) er 25th Georgia on Decemb (TBD – Runoff

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EXPO 1:00-6:

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AFTER • BUSINESS

HOURS 4:00-6:

Save the Date

8 December Thursday, Eggs & Issues er 13 Tuesday, Decemb Success Seminar Small Business 15 December Thursday, Business Coalition South Hall

BER DECEM 2011

2 columns 4.4167 x5

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Got Your attention?

Publication Date: First Tuesday of every month for advertising contact

Sherrie Jones • 770 535.6304

Leadership Hall Class of 2011-2012 at their graduation at the Chattahoochee Country Club on May 11.

sjones@gainesvilletimes.com

Welcome New Members

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney/Chaz Roberts 3348 Cove Overlook Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 542-2975 - Financial Services

Church Nerds Productions Stanley Swain 4261 Goldmont Terrace Gainesville, GA 30507 (678) 960-9457 - Recording Studio/Audio Production churchnerds.com Jeffrey R. Stowe 1574 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-3107 - Individual Member

Cummiskey on Job Creation

Norton Agency Insurance / Lee Rogers 434 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-0022 - Insurance Agent nortoninsurance.com The Ryan Hendrix State Farm Agency 7380 Spout Springs Road, Suite 110 Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (770) 967-7789 - Insurance Agency ryanhendrixinsurance.com

Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs (right), Jacobs Media, looks on as Chris Cummiskey, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, addresses the Greater Hall Chamber Board of Directors at their May meeting sponsored by Georgia Power.

Commissioner Cummiskey spoke on Governor Deal's economic development and job creation initiatives and stressed the importance of the passage of the TSPLOST Referendum and it's impact on business recruitment and new jobs in Georgia.

Thank You Chamber Sponsors AT&T • Charter Business • Georgia Design & Graphics • Georgia Power Highland Mountain Beverage • J Geyer Advertising • Jacobs Media Lake Lanier Islands Resort • Milton Martin Honda United Community Bank • WDUN AM-FM Radio

2 columns 4.4167 x5

1/4 Page Ad 2 columns 4.4167 x5

June 5, 2012 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

1/4 Page Ad

ConnectGeorgiaMountains.org

Membership Development

Casey Ryals P.O. Box 908118 Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 536-3461 - Individual Member

13

Key Economic Indicators

Georgia MedPort LLC

Greater Hall County Area Jobless Employment Rates Hall County

Apr 2012

Previous Month

June 5, 2012 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

14

12-Month High

July 2011

6

8.9%

Gwinnett 7.8 Jackson 8.8 Ga Mountains 7.7 State of Georgia 8.9

4

Mar 2012

7.6

2

One Year Ago

Apr 2011

A M J

7.4

J

A

S O N D

J

2011

U.S.

F M A

8.1

2012 Updated 5/25

Retail Sales

3.0

The Norton Agency Key Economic Indicators $ 233,517,141 2 columns 216,493,324 209,839,566 4.4167 x 10 Hall County

2.0

Latest April 2012

Previous Month

One Year Ago

March 2012

April 2011

$

$

1.0

Hall County retail sales figures are estimated from the 1% sales tax collected for Hall. For example, $11 million in tax revenue represents retail sales of approximately $100 million.

J

J

A

S

O

N

D J

2011

F

M

A

2012 Updated 5/25

Small Business Success Seminar Clockwise, from bottom left: Will Hicks, Vice President Investments & Co-Branch Manager, Stifel Nicolaus; Chamber Small Business Development Chairman Doug Langman,TRC Staffing; Jim Baker and Andy Gaddis, Cotton States Insurance; Kristie Griffin, Bates Carter; Angela Cannon, The Times; Don't miss Small Business NetWeaving on Tuesday, June 12 at Lanier Tech's Manufacturing Development Center at Featherbone Communiversity in Gainesville.

Details, Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: jean@ghcc.com. Make your reservations for this and other events online: greaterhallchamber.com

Cherokee 7.3 Dawson 7.5 Forsyth 6.7

8

Latest

7.2

Gainesville City 8.1

10

100’s millions of dollars

Georgia MedPort Ambulance Service is a privately owned company established in 2008 by Jeremy Lord and Zach Nix. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare field, Jeremy and Zach have a passion for helping others and are dedicated Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs with Jeremy Lord (left) and Zach to providing the Nix of Georgia MedPort, Small Business of the Month Recipients. highest quality medical care to the patients they serve. Jeremy, an Athens-natvie, obtained his Emergency Medical Technician Degree, then joined the Gainesville Fire Department. Zach, a Gainesville-native, went to Gainesville High and by his junior year was working at Gainesville FD as part of the apprenticeship program.

Both are trained EMT's as well as fire fighters. Jeremy and Zach saw a need and decided to help patients from local nursing facilities get to and from their doctor appointments. The company was founded, and it wasn’t long that many facilities wanted more than just a wheelchair service from the MedPort team. After 12 months, Georgia MedPort changed gears and added Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Hall County area. The company has grown to house seven BLS Ambulances and three NET vans. They have a 17,000 square foot office on Chestnut Street, and Georgia MedPort prides itself on hiring locally and boosting the economy. They are still a small company, but make a big impact in the lives of their 50 employees and hundreds of patients. Georgia MedPort offers competitive pay with full benefits and retirement. The MedPort team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so whether it is a trip to a family reunion, dialysis, or the emergency room, they will satisfy all of your transporting needs. georgiamedport.com

Percent

Economic Development

Small Business of the Month

Housing Permits Issued - Hall County Latest

April 19 Previous Month

One Year Ago

2011 Total

Mar 2012

Apr 2011

180

15

20

58

2012 YTD

Area Permits

Apr Apr Mar Total 2012 County 2012 2011 2012 2011 YTD Barrow 6 2 4 25 16 Dawson 1 4 4 34 9 Gwinnett 83 48 83 555 275 Forsyth 257 102 132 1,099 567 Jackson NA 2 1 22 4

Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home

Area

Apr 2012

Avg Apr Price 2011

Avg Mar Price 2012

Avg Total Price 2011

Avg Total Price 2012

Avg Price

City

12 97,944 10 168,532

18 97,320 180 132,902 57 113,485

North

28 163,424 32 185,245

27 182,233 384

East

26 72,225 20 55,478 16 66,720 238

South

26 126,230 24 151,337

21 121,930 296 131,000 89 136,399

West

44 190,257 55 155,840

60 159,388 558

203,902 102 159,871 79,629 77 72,900 182,192 184 185,088 Updated 5/25

Data compiled by the Norton Agency. For additional information or other data products, please call:

Tommy Howard 770-718-5204

The Norton Agency thoward@nortonnorthga.com

The Power To Perform

33rd Annual Hackers Holiday

Outstanding golfers at the Greater Hall Chamber's Annual Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament on April 27 at Legacy on Lanier at Lake Lanier Islands Resort included: 1st Place, the Whitehead Die Casting Team with R.K. Whitehead, Lee Rogers, Troy Cain and Harry Barker. 2nd Place, the LaFarge Aggregates Team. 3rd Place, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority Team with Bill Donahue, Charles Burton, Jim Stormont and George Key. Closest to the Pin Winner was Kevin Ireland. Men’s Longest Drive Winner was Jimmy Lloyd, playing on the Georgia MedPort Team.

Women’s Longest Drive Winner was Kingsley Peeples of Bates Carter, and Carl Rogers was winner of the Golf Ball Drop Raffle! 35 teams and 138 Mike Williams, Lake Lanier Islands Resort, golfers participated in the 33rd Annual prepares to drop ball from his helicopter for Hackers Holiday! the Golf Ball Raffle.

Thank You Hackers Holiday Sponsors!

Title Sponsor

2 columns 4.4167 x10

June 5, 2012 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Hackers Holiday Golf Co-Chairs Jimbo Floyd (far left), Turner, Wood and Smith, and Brian Daniel, Carroll Daniel Construction (far right), with (L-R): Mike Weaver, Weaver Law Firm; Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media; Jim Moore, BB&T Insurance; and Jay's son John Jacobs, student.

1/2 Page Ad

Membership Development

The Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament 1st Place Team was the Whitehead Die Casting Team (L-R): Troy Gain, R.K. Whitehead, Lee Rogers and Harry Barker.

15

Back Page Ad 10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events SmallBusiness Business Marketing Workshop After Hours Tuesday, February Thursday, June 714 Marketing Trends 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Presented Gordon Sawyer THEby GARDENS 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. – The Oaks at Wessell Road in Gainesville Lanier Charter Career Academy

Great Food, Fun, Prizes Business After Hours

SmallThursday, Business NetWeaving February 16 Tuesday, 5:00 - 7:00June p.m.12 7:45 a.m.Restaurant - 9:00 a.m.

Luna's 200Tech's Main Street Lanier MDC at Hunt Tower in Downtown Gainesville Featherbone Communiversity

Arbor DayBefore Celebration Business Hours Friday, February 17 Friday, June 15 10:00- a.m.

7:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

Frances MeadowsMall Center Lakeshore Food Court

Safe & Green Regional Assembly Get Friday, Details February & Register24Online: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. greaterhallchamber.com Georgia Mountains Center Annual Transportation Forum Wednesday, March 14 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Gainesville State College

U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #47 GAINESVILLE, GA

Job Fair and Career Expo Small Business Seminar Wednesday, March 14 28 Tuesday, August 10:00Compete a.m. - 3:00and p.m.Win Identify, Georgia Mountains Center Government Contracts Presented by Joe Beaulieu Get Details & Register Online: Government Contract Counselor greaterhallchamber.com Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Lanier Tech's MDC at Featherbone Communiversity

CAR-RT SORT

This publication is printed on partially recycled paper.