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
What does the Chamber do and why join? The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on its members with ongoing benefits and opportunities. With a staff of 12 professionals and dozens of volunteers, we continue to seek ways to provide you with tools to survive and thrive and make your business more viable. The Chamber provides services designed to help members meet their business goals. We offer networking and educational opportunities, leadership development and ways to increase the visibility of your business.
Economic Development Report pages 4 - 5 Upcoming Events page 6 Member Announcements page 10 Ribbon Cuttings page 12 Small Business of the Month page 13 New Members page 13 New Member Campaign page 14
The Chamber is actively involved in the area, representing Gainesville-Hall County and the business community at the local and state level. We are active in local politics; advocating on the issues that govern our business climate and affect our quality of life. Since 1908, the Chamber has been the "voice of business" and on the forefront of change in our community. We believe the business community has a responsibility to provide for future generations; and we pride ourselves on leading with integrity, vision and action. Through programs like VISION 2030, the Chamber is committed to helping our members achieve business success while fostering our quality of life. Kit Dunlap
President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Economic and Workforce Development The Chamber's first objective is to create jobs. Our staff and volunteers focus on both bringing in new industry, businesses and retail development and on assisting and expanding our existing industries. Education and leadership programs like Leadership Hall, Youth Mentoring and Partners in Education are building a viable workforce. Small Business Benefits The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce strives to support our small business community. Small Business Success Seminars, the South Hall
Save the Date Tuesday, August 16 Small Business Success Seminar Thursday, August 18 Business After Hours Tuesday, August 30 South Hall Business Coalition
AUGUST 2011
Business Coalition, Human Resource Council and ongoing workshops and forums help keep our members informed. Working in collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Chamber created a partnership to provide our members with an exclusive program offering better access to a wide-range of health insurance. Workplace initiatives like Drugs Don't Work, with workers compensation insurance savings, are providing bottom line value and allowing businesses to remain competitive. Connect – Communicate – Promote Using new Greater Hall Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs' motto – Connect, Communicate, Promote – the Chamber offers dozens of networking events annually to connect members to the people who can help their business succeed. From monthly Business After Hours to the Annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast, the Chamber sets the stage to build relationships. The Chamber also helps businesses by offering strategic marketing opportunities to help members reach their target audiences. Print, Direct Mail, Sponsorships Opportunities, Expos, Job Fairs, Ribbon Cuttings – whatever your goals, we have an opportunity for you. Get Involved. Give Back. Get Results. If you're not a Chamber member, join during the membership campaign that kicks off on August 18 with special incentives. Details: Chamber Membership VP Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com
Open to the Public!
5th Annual HealthSmart Expo Wednesday, October 12, 2011 Georgia Mountains Center 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sponsorship & Exhibit Opportunities Now Available! FREE Health Screenings • No Admission Fee
Moore’s
Wealth Management “Protecting Your Furture”
A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce