Business Link November 2011

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

Annual Legislative Forum

Chairman's Column page 2 Most Fit Company Awards page 4 Existing Industry of the Month page 5

Casey Cagle

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce continues to assist local businesses and citizens in communicating their concerns and discussing issues with our legislative delegation at the Annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast. Sponsored by Jackson EMC, the event is Thursday, December 8 and will feature Georgia Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and the Gainesville-Hall County legislative delegation for the Georgia House of Representatives and State Senate. Open to the public. $20 for Chamber members; $25 for non-members and at the door. Includes a full buffet breakfast. Reservations required. Joy Sims, 770-532-6206.

Email: jsims@ghcc.com, or make your reservation online at greaterhallchamber.com

y. Building Relationships.

Upcoming Events page 6

Thursday, December 8

Georgia Lt. Governor

7:30 - 9:00 a.m. • Gainesville Civic Center

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

Member Announcements page 10

and the Gainesville-Hall County legislative delegation

Ribbon Cuttings page 12

26th Georgia House District

49th Georgia Senate District State Senator Butch Miller

ed Community Bank you can get the extraRep. money needed to manage your business, while building Carl Rogers New Members page 13 & 14

27th Georgia House District Rep. Doug Collins

Senator Butch Miller

Rep. Carl Rogers

Rep. Doug Collins

Rep. Tommy Benton

49th Georgia Senate District

26th Georgia House District

27th Georgia House District

31st Georgia House District

Your Reservations to expand your business or get it off the ground, invite you to consider aMake strong bank where you Now! Small Business of Rep. Tommywe Benton today. the Month 25th Georgia House District Annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast 31st Georgia House District

page 14

Workforce Development page 15

Save the Date

TBD

Sponsored by

Pictured left to right: Thursday, December 8 Dick Valentine: 678-989-3631 Gainesville Civic Center Joyce Stephens: 678-989-3628 7:30-9:00 a.m. • Open to Public • Full Buffet Breakfast Sam Hulsey: 678-989-3627 Will White: 678-989-3570 Rick Frazier: 678-989-3571 Chris England: 678-989-3626

Friday, November 4 Business Before Hours Tuesday, November 15 Farm City Breakfast Thursday, November 17 Holiday Business After Hours

NOVEMBER 2011

A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

From the Chairman

Buy Local in Gainesville-Hall County When you shop, dine and purchase services in Gainesville-Hall County, you give our community the best gift of all – your sales tax dollars. Your local buying generates sales tax dollars that work throughout the year to improve our community in many different ways.

Your dollars spent in locally-owned businesses not only have a great impact on the local economy, but also simultaneously create jobs, fund more services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development. Let's support our area businesses that are working hard to survive, pay taxes and employ our citizens in this tough economic environment. When your dollars are spent in another community, those dollars stay in that community. The sales tax generated goes to paying for their roads, schools and parks.

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

Locally owned businesses create jobs locally!

Small, local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community provide the most jobs to residents. Some 85% of Greater Hall Chamber members are small businesses. Shopping online with out-of-state companies or in malls in neighboring counties does not contribute a penny to our local economy. We need to change our buying habits and unite us as a community by combining our greatest resources: local customers and local small businesses. And, you'll find local businesses value, respect and appreciate your patronage. During the holiday season, consider gifts from a local company. We are fortunate to have a wide range of diverse shopping opportunities right here in Gainesville-Hall County.

Several upcoming events promote our buy local campaign. The Holiday Business After Hours on November 17, 5:00-8:00 p.m., is sponsored by Main Street Gainesville, and the entire Downtown Square comes alive with festivities and open houses. Bring the entire family for holiday fun, caroling, Santa on the Square, delicious food and treats, and bargains at Downtown businesses. No charge.

November 1, 2011 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber's Buy Local Business Expo is scheduled for January 19 and will feature exhibits spotlighting dozens of businesses and services available here in Gainesville-Hall County. The event is open to the public and offers great networking opportunities and product awareness for local companies. Sponsorship opportunities are now available along with exhibit sign-ups.

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Buying locally. It’s about making your hard-earned money go further, fueling the local economy, and helping to preserve the unique character of Gainesville-Hall County. You have a choice of where you eat, shop, and do business. On your next purchase, make the best decision. Buy local.

Buy Local Business Expo on January 19 Exhibit Space & Sponsorships Now Available!

The Greater Hall Chamber's Annual Buy Local Business Expo is Thursday, January 19, 2012 and will highlight the many great products and services that you can find right here in Gainesville-Hall County! Booth space and sponsorships are now available. The Expo will be held in meeting rooms ABC at the Georgia Mountains Center from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and will feature dozens of local businesses and non-profits. Business After Hours with food, drink and a cash bar coincides with the event from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Exhibits are $195 each for Chamber Members; $300 for Non-Members; $100 Non-Profits. Exhibits include a six (6) foot table, a table cloth, a table skirt and two chairs.

Electricity is available for an extra $25 fee. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to reserve your booth space, call Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206.

Email: mwiley@ghcc.com

Business Link Volume 17 Issue 11 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, Government Affairs Chair, VISION 2030 lee Hemmer Kelly miles, Smith, Gilliam, 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

Vice Chair, Education elisabeth Baldwin BB&T

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 Council

Carol Burrell, NEGA Health System

larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville

Ruth Bruner, Mayor, City of Gainesville

Terry Roberts, Lake Lanier CVB

Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management

Will schofield, Hall County Schools

Bob Coleman, Coleman & Chambers

Dr. ed schrader, Brenau University

lance Compton, Red Clay Interactive

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

Associate Directors 2011-2012 Julie Nicholson, Community Bank & Trust

Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness Jimmy Hernandez, Milton Martin Toyota

Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & Design

emmett Forrester, NEGA Diagnostic Clinic

spence Price, The Adams Companies

Doug langman, TRC Staffing

Dan slott, Service Master

Chris mcCall, Keller Williams Realty

Jessica Tullar, City of Gainesville

Jody Nelson, Georgia Power

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 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 sara lewis, Intern, NGCSU Marketing & Communications Kemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant Greater Hall Chamber Welcome Center Robin Halstead, Manager

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Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in July 201- May 2011. Ypour experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

November 1, 2011 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Economic Development

Chamber officials present 2011 Most Fit Company Awards

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As part of the VISION 2030 HealthSmart Community Challenge, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce presented the "Most Fit Company Awards" at the HealthSmart Breakfast on October 12. Over 20 companies entered the competition.

2011 Award recipients:

Small category (50 or less) - Electronic Sales Electronic Sales employs 25 people, selling and installing security systems for residential and commercial properties. The company's Weight-Loss Program is employee based, and what started as an idea between coworkers is now a companywide involvement program that has become life changing for its participants. A group of employees were discouraged with their weight and decided to throw $10 per person into a pot and at the end of the month, whoever lost the most weight won the pot! Counte overheard the plan and "upped the annie." The program has brought the team closer together through support and encouragement of one another and has also allowed each individual to show their competitive side! Owners, Counte and Jackie Cooley also offer a free annual membership to the First Baptist ChurchFamily Life Center for employees participating in the program. The current overall winner has lost 17.4 lbs at 9.01% of body weight. The company as a whole has lost 96.8 lbs! An average of 10 lbs per person in a 10 week period. electronicsalesco.com Medium category (51-250) - Harris Products Harris Calorific has operated in Gainesville for over 30 years manufacturing gas welding and cutting equipment, industrial and specialty gas regulation equipment, and gas distribution systems. The industry employs 130 full-time employees and 1520 temporary employees. The prohibition on smoking and tobacco use on campus was implemented by company President, Dave Nangle, in 2008, and safety programs include regular training, a Safety Team of first-aid certified employees in each department, regular CPR training, an AED on site in the First Aid Room, and a focus on safety along with ergonomic studies and improvements to prevent injuries.

The company provides a reimbursement program for fitness center participation, and in partnership with their medical plan provider, provides biometric screening and health assessments with follow-up health coaching. The company is providing an incentive of reduced medical plan premiums for participants who complete both the biometric screening and the health assessment. A Weight Loss Challenge and a Walk for Wellness Program is now in place with the motto, “Motivation, Perspiration, Celebration!” The focus on Wellness is promoted by parent company, Lincoln Electric -- realizing a Culture of Wellness benefits employees and their family members as well as the company. harrisproductsgroup.com

County Cooley (above center) and staff of Electronic Sales received a Most Fit Company Award. (Left): Chamber Healthcare Committee Co-Chair Chad Bolton, Northeast Georgia Health System, and Jack Chapman, MD, Committee CoChair, Gainesville Eye Associates, present Most Fit Company Award to Cathey Sexton and Randy Edenfield of Harris Products.

(Below): Carol Burrell, President and CEO, Northeast Georgia Health System (center with plaque) with staff and officers at the October 12th HealthSmart Breakfast.

Large category (251+ employees) - Northeast Georgia Health System Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of the people of Northeast Georgia. Through the services of a medical staff of over 500 physicians, the residents of Northeast Georgia enjoy access to the state's finest and most comprehensive medical services. NGHS offers an employee wellness program that includes: - Free health screenings for employees including fasting blood sugar and lipid profile - Health insurance discounts for employees who do not use nicotine products - Health management programs for employees with diabetes and hypertension and free medications for these conditions through the Employee Pharmacy - An employee portal website to track health information and wellness services - Wellness programs, with prize giveaways - Employee Assistance program staffed by licensed counselors with free counseling for employees and immediate family members Led by volunteer boards made up of community leaders, the 557-inpatient, 261skilled nursing bed health system serves almost 700,000 people in more than 13 counties across Northeast Georgia. As a not-for-profit health system, all revenue generated above operating expenses is returned to the community through improved services and innovative programs. Northeast Georgia Medical Center's Charity Care Policy supports the provision of care for indigent patients, regardless of their ability to pay. nghs.com

Farm City Breakfast on Nov. 15

The Hall County Extension Service and Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Farm City Breakfast is Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 a.m. at the East Hall Community Center. Since 1995, the breakfast has recognized local farmers and those working in agribusiness and has encouraged the building of strong relationships between our rural and urban community and city businesses and leaders.

We recognize these hard-working individuals and companies who help spur our economic prosperity and feed our county, state, country and the world. Event sponsors are Jackson EMC (Breakfast Sponsor), United Community Bank, Crystal Farms, Ag GA Farm Credit, MarJac, Hall County Soil and Water, Avian Technologies, Farm Bureau, Jacobs Media, Peckerwood Farms, Mountain Fresh Creamery.

Reservations required: Robin Halstead, 770-532-6206.

Elite Exhibits, LLC is privately-held and specializes in the development of threedimensional marketing environments worldwide. Elite was established in 1999 in Gainesville and expanded in 2007 to a 126,000-square-foot facility on 16 acres in Oakwood South Industrial Park in Flowery Branch. Elite designs, builds, rents and sells tradeshow exhibits and provides turnkey exhibit management for their clients.

In addition, Elite designs and produces corporate events and constructs lobbies, One of the many displays produced by showrooms and corporate environments Oakwood-based Elite Exhibits for GE. for companies as diverse as Coca-Cola, Verizon Wireless, Nokia-Siemens and GE Healthcare as well as many other Fortune 500 industry leaders. They also work with a number of local companies like Harris Products Group, Chateau Elan, Panoz Auto Development and Maxxis Tire.

Elite has 38 employees and produces exhibits in sizes from 10x10 feet up to multistory 47,000-square-feet. With the latest in large-format printers, Elite can image direct-to-substrate on paper, wood, fabric and more. All engineering, design, coordination, logistics, fabrication, construction, warehousing, shipping and receiving are handled from their Flowery Branch facility. By specializing in the rental of custom exhibits, Elite offers their clients financial benefits with no storage fees, no refurbishment costs and no warehouse handling fees. In addition to their U.S. headquarters, Elite Exhibits has partnerships in Germany and Japan that allow them to supply the same product and service offering anywhere in the world.

Masters of Innovation Awards

Featherbone Communiversity's "Entrepreneurs... Masters of Innovation Awards” were recently presented at Lanier Technical College's Manufacturing Development Center. Sponsored by BB&T, the program recognized nine local entrepreneurs who shared their stories of success. The entrepreneurs spoke about how they differentiated themselves in the marketplace and what innovations enabled them to sustain success. 2011 Masters of Innovation Recipients: • James E. Daniel, Jr., owner of JD Electronics • John Geyer, owner and CEO of J. Geyer Advertising & The Trophy Case LTD • Emmie Howard, co-owner of Southern Proper • Dave Simpson, owner of Simpson Custom Photography • Jody Spain, CEO of Cotton Eyed Joe’s • Jim Syfan, owner of Turbo Truck Center & Syfan Logistics, Inc. • Bill Turk, president of Pest Control Insulation Systems, Inc. • R.K. Whitehead, president of Whitehead Die Casting Company • Darrell Wiley, owner and president of J&J Foods "Featherbone Communiversity presents the program encourage and provide a path for others to strive for excellence through innovation, by showing community recognition and appreciation for the hard work and talent of local entrepreneurs," said Featherbone founder Gus Whalen. "North Georgia has many entrepreneurs of all types who use innovation, the heart of entrepreneurship, to create jobs and provide important goods and services to our community."

Industry Appreciation Awards 2012 Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Industry Appreciation Awards, presented to small, medium and large manufacturers/processors/distributors is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 12 noon at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Details: Shelley Davis, VP Existing Industry, 770-532-6206. Email: sdavis@ghcc.com

"Our corporate culture fosters a freedom to create, resulting in a high rate of employee retention," said owner and CEO Larry Oley. "Over half of our employees have been here over 10 years."

More Information: Chris Anderson, Vice President of Sales, 770-718-9282. ext. 250. eliteexhibits.com

Economic Development

Existing Industry of the Month Elite Exhibits in Flowery Branch

ZF Wind Power Ribbon Cutting

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ZF Wind Power President Elizabeth Umberson, Dr. Michael Paul (center), ZF Board of Management, and Hans-Georg Härter, CEO of ZF Industries, along with Governor Nathan Deal and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle cut ribbon at ZF Windpower’s new state-ofthe-art plant in Gainesville Business Park off Calvary Church Road. The plant represents a $98 million investment in construction and equipment and will add 250 new jobs. The new 250,000-square-foot Gainesville plant will specialize in building gearboxes used in wind turbines that generate electricity. ZF Industries is a Germany-based corporation that a century ago began by making mechanical components for zeppelin airships. Today ZF employs over 60,000 people worldwide. ZF Industries has operated in Hall County for over 20 years manufacturing vehicle transmissions and transmission components.

November 1, 2011 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

1/4 Page Ad

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Meetings & Events

November 2011 Tuesday, November 1 Political Forum 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. – Spout Springs Library Wednesday, November 2 Healthcare Committee 8:00 a.m. – Chamber Wednesday, November 2 Leads Group 11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli Friday, November 4 Business Before Hours 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. – Delta Community Credit Union in Gainesville Tuesday, November 8 Small Business Success Seminar Safety Awareness Program presented by the Gainesville Police Department 7:45 - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber

November 1, 2011 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, November 10 Chamber Executive Committee 11:30 a.m. – Chamber Friday, November 11 Economic Development Council 7:30 a.m. – Lanier Charter Career Academy Tuesday, November 15 Farm City Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – East Hall Community Center Tuesday, November 15 VISION 2030 Board of Directors 11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, November 8 Ambassadors Council 3:45 p.m. – Scott's on the Square

Wednesday, November 16 Issues Committee 8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, November 9 Network Over Coffee 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. – Calliope Sweets on Main Street in Flowery Branch

Wednesday, November 16 Leads Group 11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Wednesday, November 9 Beautification Committee 10 a.m. – Georgia Forestry Commission Office in Lula

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Thursday, November 10 South Hall Marketing Workshop Utilizing Free Google Tools for Business Presented by Ron Simmons, UGA SBDC 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. – Mulberry Creek Community Center in Flowery Branch

Wednesday, November 9 Human Resource Council 11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant Thursday, November 10 Leadership Hall County Education Program 8:00 a.m. – Gainesville Civic Center

Business Before Hours Friday, November 4 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Delta Community Credit Union Village Shoppes at Gainesville, 891 Dawsonville Highway, Suite 140 in Gainesville • No Charge Join us for this special morning networking event and delicious complimentary breakfast at Delta Community Credit Union. Delta Community offers personal service, competitive interest and dividend rates, fewer fees and convenient access to full-service financial centers in 11 counties in metro Atlanta. Delta Community is a cooperative financial institution, owned by its customers. Details: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

Small Business Success Seminar Tuesday, November 8 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Free for Members; $15 Non-Members Sponsored by Jacobs Media Corporation and United Community Bank

Safety Awareness for Businesses & Individuals Presented by Officer Joe Britte and Officer Kevin Holbrook of the Gainesville Police Department. Get all the latest information from our law enforcement professionals. Learn shopping and retail awareness as well as crime prevention and safety tips. Details: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: jean@ghcc.com. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

Thursday, November 17 Environmental Health & Safety Ergonomics presented by Damon Nix, GTRI 8:30 a.m. – Chamber Thursday, November 17 Greater Hall Chamber Board Meeting 12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center Thursday, November 17 Holiday Business After Hours and Downtown Open House Sponsored by Main Street Gainesville 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Gainesville Square

Holiday Business After Hours Thursday, November 17 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Main Street Gainesville Downtown Gainesville's Jingle Mingle No Charge! Bring the Family!

Food & Drink • Open Houses • Santa on the Square Carolers & Sing-a-longs • Holiday Fun Check-in at Frames You-Nique, 104 Main Street on the Square.

Details: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com

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siness or get it off the ground, we invite you to consider a strong bank where you Pictured left to right: Dick Valentine: 678-989-3631 Joyce Stephens: 678-989-3628 Sam Hulsey: 678-989-3627 Will White: 678-989-3570 Rick Frazier: 678-989-3571 Chris England: 678-989-3626

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Member Announcements November 1, 2011 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

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• Clipper Petroleum President Tom Bower announced Clipper and BP's commitment to supporting local area schools via the Fueling Communities grant program. $22,500 was presented to East Hall area Schools, which included a Fueling Communities grant donation. The funds will support student leadership programs, academic teams, athletics and technology upgrades to enhance learning. clipperpetroleum.com • Gainesville businessman and Jacobs Media founder John W. Jacobs, Jr., is one of this year's Governor's Awards in the Humanities recipients. The award celebrates the impact of public humanities programs across Georgia. jacbosmedia.net • The Chamber is sponsoring an Art Contest for all 3rd graders and Essay Contest for all 5th graders in Gainesville-Hall County. The topic is “My Favorite Tree & What it Needs to Grow!” and art/essays are due to the Chamber by December 2.

Winners will be announced at the Arbor Day Celebration on February 17, 2012.

Details: Robin Halstead, 770-532-6206.

Email: rhalstead@ghcc.com.

• Greater Hall Chamber Board meetings are open to Chamber members.

The meetings review division reports and feature a guest speaker, usually on a timely topic or issue facing Gainesville-Hall County. Learn more about the inner work-

ings of the Chamber and network with Chamber leadership! The next meeting is Thursday, November 17, 12 pm, at the Gainesville Civic Center. Cost $12. Reservations required. Space limited. Joy Sims, 770-532-6206. Email: jsims@ghcc.com • Profile your company in the Chamber Welcome Center! The Information and Resource Display located in the Welcome Center at the Greater Hall Chamber’s office offers a great way to get your business noticed. Spaces limited. Details: 770-2252843 or online at touchhall.com • The North Georgia Community Foundation will honor Walter and Winkie Boomershine with the 2011 Philanthropist of the Year award at the Foundation's annual luncheon on Nov. 17 at the First Baptist Church of Gainesville Banquet Hall. The award is bestowed each year to deserving individuals within a 15-county region in Northeast Georgia known for their humanitarianism and good will.

Previous winners include: Martha and John Jacobs, Anne and George Thomas, Mike and Lynn Cottrell, Lessie Smithgall, Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit, and Jim Walters. Tickets are $50. ngcf.org • Vickie Neikirk is Hall County's new Director of Financial Services and comes from the City of Toccoa, where she served as finance director. She formerly served

Membership Campaign Results

as chief financial officer for White County and is a former Hall County employee, working as financial administrator from 2001-2004. hallcounty.org • The Fockele Garden Company’s Maintenance Manager Brad Mitchell received Professional Landcare Network’s Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Manager certification, reflecting essential turf grass management practices and procedures that are standard in the green industry. fockelegardencompany.com • Leadership Hall County class member, Luis Santos-Rivas, Hispanic Leadership Development Coordinator at Gainesville State College, has published a bilingual English/Spanish children's adventure book found on Amazon.com. "Chasing A Rainbow" tells a true story about the author and his son discovering rainbows when living near the red rock mountains of Sedona, Arizona.

• The Longstreet Clinic (TLC) announces that Juli M. Dyer, FNP-C, has joined the Department of Internal Medicine as a certified family nurse practitioner.

TLC is offering walk-in flu shots. Those interested should go to the second floor of the 725 Jesse Jewell Parkway location in Gainesville from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while supplies last. Cost is $20 (cash and check only). 770-718-1122. longstreetclinic.com • The Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) was recognized as Georgia's #1 Heart Hospital for the 7th consecutive year. HealthGrades® study finds Northeast Georgia Medical Center is one of only six hospitals in the nation to rank #1 in all four cardiac categories and in the top 5% in the nation for cardiac care for the 7th year in a row (2006-2012). Find full HealthGrades study at healthgrades.com • Governor Nathan Deal appointed Hall County Warden Avery D. Niles to the state Board of Juvenile Justice. Before

serving as warden of the Hall County Correctional Institution, Niles served as commander of the Hall County Detention Center and worked over two decades in the Sheriff ’s Office. hallcounty.org • The Northeast Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking groups interested in participating Holiday Mail for Heroes by sending cards to soldiers. 770532-8453. negaredcross.org • The Medical Center Auxiliary and Willis Investment Counsel present the 20th Annual Marketplace, November 3-5 at the Gainesville Civic Center. Proceeds will benefit Radiation Oncology at Northeast Georgia Medical Center's Cancer Center.

Preview Party is Thursday, November 3, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets, $40 per person.

Details: 770-219-1830.

• Merial Select of Gainesville received the Georgia Department of Labor’s Superior Innovations Award for workplace safety.

Merial Select won the award based on its success in instituting lean manufacturing concepts. merial.com

GOT NEWS? Email: kwest@ghcc.com

Register Now for Booth Space!

Buy Local Business Expo January 19, 2012 Georgia Mountains Center EXPO 1:00-6:00 pm BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 4:00-6:00 pm

Small Business Success Seminar The Greater Hall Chamber Membership Campaign was a tremendous success bringing in a record 135 new members. The campaign concluded September 30 with the Top Recruiting Team “Worst to First” led by Team Captain Spence Price of Adams Transfer & Storage bringing in 32 new members! The "Worst to First" Team (L-R): Robin Halstead, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce; Emily Reed, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia; Spence Price, Adams Transfer & Storage Co, Inc.; Bill Kokaly, Capital Data Service, Inc. Not pictured team members: Alan Schuetze, Carroll Daniel Construction, Co.; Phillip Wilheit Jr, Wilheit Packaging; Namon Collins, Allstate Insurance; David Umberson, Greater Hall Chamber. The team won Falcons sideline passes and game tickets for November 20th.

The campaign's Top Individual Recruiter was Bill Kokaly, Capital Data Service, Inc. with nine new members and runner-up was Cherie Bates with eight new members. Bill won $1,000 prize and Cherie won $100 for bringing in the 120th new member.

Clockwise from top: Dick Valentine, United Community Bank (event sponsor with Jacobs Media); Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber; Program presenters Jullie King and Holmes Marchman, MD, The Longstreet Clinic; Chamber Chairman Elect Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost.

HealthSmart Wellness Expo draws record crowd for free screenings

The Longstreet Clinic, Good News Clinics and Lanier Technical College assisted in the free health screenings at the HealthSmart Expo. Over 250 people took advantage of the dozens of services such as this vascular screening by Northeast Georgia Health System.

HealthSmart organizers Jullie King, The Longstreet Clinic, Kit Dunlap, President and CEO, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Rob Fowler, Turner, Wood and Smith Insurance. The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Annual HealthSmart Expo is a VISION 2030 Initiative.

The expo was free and open to the public with over 60 exhibitors participating with interactive displays, "Ask the Expert" seminars, healthrelated food and giveaways.

Thank You Event Sponsors

Thank you to the following companies that recently sponsored various Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce programs and activities: Atlanta Falcons • Charter Business • Chattahoochee Country Club • CIGNA Dairy Queen/Green St. • Fairway Outdoor • Gainesville Parks & Recreation Gainesville Eye Associates • Georgia Medport Medical Transport Jacobs Media • McDonald's • Milton Martin Honda • NEGA Diagnostic Clinic NEGA Health System • NEGA Heart Center • NEGA Physicians Group NEGA General, Restorative & Implant Dentistry • NGMT Ambulance Service Peachtree Plantation • Regions Bank • The Longstreet Clinic • The Times United Community Bank • United Healthcare • WDUN Radio • Wells Fargo

Community Development

Dr. Linda Barrow, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Wendy Stafford, Dental Hygiene Instructor, manned the Lanier Technical College booth offering dental health tips and services.

South Hall Business Coalition

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The Atlanta Falcons hosted the South Hall Business Coalition in October (L-R): Andi Farmer and Curt Sloyer, Milton Martin Honda (event sponsor with WDUN Radio); Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; South Hall Council Chairman Geoff Lee, Road Atlanta; Rob Geoffroy, Atlanta Falcons; Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta Falcons; Mark Boggs, Gary Smith and Chris Browning, Milton Martin Honda. Don't miss the next South Hall Business Coalition on....

November 1, 2011 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

1/4 Page Ad

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November 1, 2011 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cuttings

Hamilton State Bank

Ginger Hubbard, Branch Manager, and Bob Oliver, Chairman & CEO, cut ribbon at Hamilton State Bank's new branch at 5350 McEver Road in Flowery Branch. Hamilton State is one of the fastest growing banks in Georgia. Headquartered in Braselton, the bank has branches throughout the state in Barrow, Bartow, Cobb, Hall, Forsyth, Jackson, Butts, Jasper and Henry counties, including a branch in Oakwood off Winder Highway in the Robson Crossing shopping center and on Washington Street in Gainesville. The new operation center is located in Oakwood. 770-868-2690. hamiltonstatebank.com

South Hall Rotary Club

South Hall Rotary Club President Bill Patterson and President-Elect Sabrina Sanderson are joined by fellow Rotarians and club members in cutting the ribbon at the new meeting location at The Oaks at Lanier Charter Career Academy. The club was founded in 1985 and meets Wednesdays at noon. Rotary is the largest service organization of business people in the world committed to it’s motto of “service above self.”

Full Media locates to Green Street

Kris Nordholtz and Davis White cut ribbon at Full Media's new location at 393 Green Street in Gainesville. Full Media is a web development and internet marketing firm that focuses on helping organizations, regardless of size or type of industry. Full Media has locations in Gainesville and Chattanooga, TN, and company professionals focus on web design, content management and internet marketing. 770534-2515. fullmedia.com

Arrow Exterminators

Arrow employees Kevin Burns, Mike Strickland, Mearle Wetherford, Jeff Blackwell, Tim Pollard, Billy Jones, John Davis and Kevin Malone cut ribbon at the facility, 542 South Enota Drive in Gainesville. Family owned since 1964, Arrow Exterminators uses the STEPS® Total Protection System™. With STEPS, they control pests in the most effective and environmentally friendly manner available, including termites, mice, ants, roaches, mosquitoes and fire ants and offer additional home services like wildlife control and exclusion, removal and reinstallation of damaged insulation and handyman services. 770-535-7670. arrowexterminators.com

Help Your Business

Take Off! 1/4 Page Ad

1/4 Page Ad 2 columns 4.4167 x5

2 columns

G r e A t e r H4.4167 A l l C H A m b e r. C o m x5

Advertise in

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

Chairman's Column page 2

offers the HealthSmart Expo HealthSmart

Existing Industry of the Month page 4 Small Business of the Month page 5 Upcoming Events page 6 Member Announcements page 10 Ribbon Cuttings page 12 New Members page 13 Partners in Education page 15

12

Breakfast Wedn esday

Octob er 12

Georgia Mountains

Center

Downtown Gainesville

7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Featuring

America's Fitness

Coach®

Dave Hubbard $10 Chamber Members $15 Non-members

Reservations: 770-532-6206 mber.com Online: greaterhallcha

public freethehealth as part of the Greater FREE health screenings Geor-

miss 12 at the You'll not want to Expo on October fee and Annual HealthSmart There is no entry Hall Chamber's 5th in Downtown Gainesville. - 1:30 p.m. gia Mountains Center from 7:30 a.m. open to the public screenings will be to raise wellness awareness 2030 Initiative, seeks include: HealthSmart, a VISION community. Screenings workplaces in the Artery, Asthma and and promote healthy Pressure, BMI, Carotid and Blood Risk Assessments, Glucose, Cholesterol, Sleep Disorders, Balance/Fall legs. Flu shots available Hearing Screenings, clots in to check for blood ABI-Vascular screenings at a minimal cost. former NFL speaker, author and and motivational on Kickoff Breakfast Dave Hubbard, coach speaker at the HealthSmart Mountains Center.

Player, will be guest a.m. at the Georgia 7:30 at 12 spoken has and Wednesday, October for over 30 years and fitness speaker books inDave has been a health companies. Dave’s 500 and Fortune 100 "Fat to Fit Dave Hubbard to hundreds of Fortune fail with fitness" and Why most Americans Coach® Awards will America’s Fitness clude "BAD CHUTE, Most Fit Company a day." The Chamber's members; $15 in only 10 minutes Greater Hall Chamber at the Breakfast. $10 Reservations: 770-532also be presented Expo Info and Breakfast mber.com non-members. HealthSmart .com. Online: greaterhallcha 6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc

ess Expo Open to

the Public!

Welln art Expo 5th Annual HealthSm er 12

Wedn esday , Octob p.m.

• 7:30 a.m. - 1:30

Center in Gainesville Fee Georgia Mountains s • NO Admission FREE Health Screening

Save the Date 11 Tuesday, October Seminar Small Business Success 18 Tuesday, October Coalition South Hall Business 25 Tuesday, October Business After Hours

OCTOBER 2011

the Greater A Publication of

• 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.

Hall Chamber of

Commerce

Publication Date: First Tuesday of every month for advertising contact Sherrie Jones • 770.535.6304 sjones@gainesvilletimes.com

291537 11-1 em

Conowal-Welch, LLP Joshua Welch 200 W Academy Street NW Suite 208 Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 535-0225 - Attorney conowalwelch.com

Accurate Automotive Specialists Anthony "Tony" Jones 2301 C Browns Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30504 (770) 297-9032 - Automobile Repair & Service

Count On Tools, Inc. Curt Couch 2481 Hilton Drive Suite 3 Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 538-0411 - Manufacturer / Processor cotinc.com

Ava White Tutorials & Academy Ava White 332 Washington Street Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 536-6898 - Educational Institution avawhitetutorials.com Chase Bank Sheila Fugate 7354 Spout Springs Road Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (770) 965-9479 - Financial Institution chase.com Coleman & Chambers, LLP Cale Rogers, Attorney Rob Chambers, Attorney 1370 Thompson Bridge Road Suite 300, Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 534-3770 - Attorneys colemanchambers.com

Crisp Lawn Care Plus Jason Crisp 6213 Little Cove Drive Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (678) 936-0032 - Landscape Cummings & Kelley P.C. W. Douglas Jacobson 142 Forrest Avenue Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 531-0007 - Attorney cummingskelley.com Designer Treasures Linda Barnette 1062 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 534-8110 - Retail

ECOM America Drew Wilson 1628 Oakbrook Drive Gainesville, GA 30507 (770) 532-3280 - Manufacturer / Processor ecomusa.com Eye Site of Gainesville Dr. Jason Gabrels 1681 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-0532 - Medical / Optometry eyesite4u.net Fitness Forum Shirlice Irick 1210 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 535-2985 - Fitness Center fitnessforumgainesville.com Green's Grocery Ed Waller 971 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 534-5621 - Grocery facebook.com/greensgrocery Holiday on Lake Lanier Marina 6900 Holiday Road Buford, GA 30518 (770) 945-7201 - Boat Storage holidaylakelanier.com

Joan L. Bancroft 162 Enota Avenue NW Gainesville, GA 30506 (678) 549-8383 - Individual Member calljoanb.com Joseph D. Weber, DMD 1146 S Enota Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-8521 - Dentist weberfamilydental.com Lanier Health & Wellness Foundation, Inc. Peter Saddler 3774 Cochran Road Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 875-9431 - Non-Profit Law Office of Ryan M. Reid, LLC Ryan Reid 615 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 971-4664 - Attorney ryanreidlaw.com McKibbon-Robison Properties Robbie Robison P.O. Box 115 Murrayville, Georgia 30564 Steve McKibbon P.O. Box 249 Murrayville, Georgia 30564 • 24 Place Apartments • Ankara Naturals

• Avalon Hills Community avalon-hills.com • Clermont Station Community clermontstation.com • Grant Station Community grant-station.com • McKibbon-Robison mckibbon-robison.com • Monarch Ridge New Homes monarch-ridge.com • Riverbrook Village Shopping Center - riverbrookvillage.com • The Gardens Community gainesvillegardens.com • Wahoo Falls Community • Wahoo Meadows Farm Melanie Mobile Spa Consultant Melanie Brown 2322 Floral Ridge Drive Dacula, GA 30019 (678) 936-8555 - Spa / Salon beautipage.com Moonies Texas BBQ Jason Martin 5545 Atlanta Hwy Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (770) 617-4448 - Restaurant & Catering mooniesbbq.com Mundy Mill Brenda Bahel 4038 Chestatee Road Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 532-3400 - Property Management mundymill.com

Northwestern Mutual Chris Nish 3939 Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 561-8160 -Financial Services nmfn.com/chrisnish The Norton Agency / Will Cobb 434 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 718-5261 - Real Estate / Commercial nortoncommercial.com Paul Davis Restoration of North Georgia - Jeff Bos 5303 Browns Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30504 (770) 534-7476 - Construction / Builder pdrnga.com Payne Plumbing John Payne 360 Oak Street, Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 534-6883 - Plumbing Plato's Closet Tammy Hensley 960 Dawsonville Hwy, Suite 300A Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 265-4753 - Retail platoscloset.com New members, thru 9/29/2011 – Continued on page 14

Welcome New Members

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) Sandy Headley 3173 Hwy 129 N Cleveland, GA 30528 (706) 348-6609 - Non-Profit aceloans.org

We’re All Business.

4 columns 9 x5

Bank with confidence.

Hamilton State Bank.

That’s who we are at Hamilton State Bank. We are one of the state’s strongest and highest capitalized community banks, growing steadily across Georgia since 2004. Committed to making our communities strong, we offer a full range of banking products, true local decision-making and friendly, personal service.

You can count on us.

HamiltonStateBank.com Member FDIC

November 1, 2011 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

1/2 Page Ad

At Hamilton State Bank, we know the kind of personal commitment it takes to run a business successfully. And we understand that having the right nancial partner by your side is something you need to be able to count on.

13

New Members, continued from page 13 New members, thru 9/29/2011 Pray Gainesville Dewayne Payne 673 Bradford St Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 654-8823 - Religious Non-profit praygainesville.org Princeton Salon & Spa Heath Gayton 106 Washington Street NW Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 287-1088 - Spa & Salon princetonsalonandspa.com SalesChasers VCC, LLC. Michelle Conkle 615 Welford Road Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 822-1607 - Business Services saleschasers.com Sidebar 120 Christopher Richardson 120 Bradford Street, NE Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 450-4225 - Restaurant & Catering sidebar120.com The Simpson Company Will White 425 Spring Sreet Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-9911 - Real Estate simpsoncompany.com

Sinclair Gray 2946 Everson Ridge Ct Snellville, GA 30039 (770) 274-9899 - Individual Member Smith Gillian Williams & Miles Bill Rhoades 301 Green Street, Suite 200 Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 536-3381 - Attorney sgwmfirm.com Sunrise Cove Marina 5725 Flat Creek Drive Gainesville, GA 30504 (770) 536-8599 -Boat Storage sunrisecovemarina.com Syfan Logistics, Inc. Jim Syfan 2037 Old Candler Road Gainesville, GA 30507 (770) 287-8485 - Transportation & Trucking syfancorp.com Team Green Inc. Peter Kite 305 Julian Crk Dawsonville, GA 30534 (770) 530-6065 - Non-profit teamgreencycling.org Ted Quinn Painting, Inc. Ted Quinn 2246 Skyline Drive Gainesville, GA 30501

(678) 908-6496 - Paint Contractor Trinity Engineering Company Kevin Harrison 446 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 535-1044 - Engineers / Consultant trinityeng.net

Greater Hall County Area Jobless Employment Rates Hall County

Sept 2011

8.6 Previous Month

12-Month High

8

Latest

Jan 2011

10.3%

6

8.7

2

One Year Ago

Sept 2010

9.4

Cherokee Dawson

8.7 9.4

Forsyth

8.1

U.S.

S O N D J F M A M J J A S

9.1

Gainesville City

Gwinnett 9.3 Jackson 10.4 Ga Mountains 9.1 State of Georgia 10.4

4

Aug 2011

9.1

2011

2010

Updated 10/25

Retail Sales

3.0

The Norton Agency Key Economic Indicators $ 230,664,304 2 columns 228,502,478 228,746,600 4.4167 x 10 Hall County

2.0

Latest September 2011

Previous Month

One Year Ago

August 2011

September 2010

$

$

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 N D J F retail sales of approximately $100 million.

2010

M A M J J A

S

2011 Updated 10/25

Housing

Victory Janitorial Supplies Ed Dorminy 1112 Airport Street, SW Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 536-2771 - Retail - Industrial victory-gainesville.com

Permits Issued - Hall County Latest

September 19 Previous Month

Wayne Clark Real Estate Sheri Millwood 301 Washington Street, Suite 2 Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 519-8300 - Real Estate sherimillwood.com

One Year Ago

2010 Total

Aug 2011

Sept 2010

152

19

9

157

2011 YTD

Area Permits

County Barrow Dawson Gwinnett Forsyth Jackson

Sept 2011 3 2 48 75 1

Sept 2010 10 3 43 53 3

Aug 2011 6 4 39 120 1

Total 2010 45 33 647 1,012 39

2011 YTD 23 32 423 874 15

Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home

Area City

William I. "Sonny" Sykes 4525 Northampton Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (770) 532-4019 -Attorney williamsykeslaw.com Zimmermann Construction Randy Zimmermann 3642 Explorer Trl Oakwood, GA30566 (678) 943-8183 - Construction / Builder zimmermannconst.com

10

100’s millions of dollars

J. Geyer Advertising was established in 1994 in the home of Lisa and John Geyer.

The company began by offering custom promotional and advertising specialty items as well as custom screen printed and embroidered apparel. Over the years, the company has expanded and now includes The Trophy Case Ltd., selling awards and trophies in addition to retail spirit wear and high school letter jackets. They currently have nine full-time and three part-time employees.Lisa and John believe in the importance of community involvement and have both served on boards of several nonprofit organizations as well as contributing in-kind donations annually to schools and non-profit agencies such as Challenged Child, Edmondson Telford Center and the John & Lisa Geyer of J. Geyer Advertising.

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. J. Recipients of the Greater Hall Chamber's Geyer has donated some 330 t-shirts to the Small Business of the Month Award.

Youth Leadership Hall County Program.

The Geyers feel very fortunate to have operated their business in Hall County for 17 years. Their goal is to offer exceptional customer service and quality products at a reasonable price and would like to encourage all citizens of Hall County to support their local business by shopping locally whenever possible.

Percent

Membership Development November 1, 2011 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

14

Key Economic Indicators

Small Business of the Month J. Geyer Advertising, Inc.

Sept 2011

Avg Sept Price 2010

Avg Price

Aug 2011

Avg Price

Total 2010

Avg Total Price 2011

Avg Price

8

75,477

11

263,181

15

94,731

119

130,529 132

125,357

North

29

162,007

28

194,533

31

190,151

279

203,389 293

176,807

East

16

96,993

111

79,745

20

71,945

144

89,653 181

83,266

South

29

127,760

23

170,166

36

165,610

172

133,791 204

140,315

West

40

222,815

46

193,807

56

228,083

374

170,098 417

214,994 Updated 10/25

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

Leadership Hall County Leadership Hall County visited the Quinlan Visual Arts Center and heard from Director Amanda McClure.

Gordon Sawyer spoke about the history and roots of Gainesville-Hall County and the Northeast Georgia region. Meg Nivens, Vision 2030, gave an update on Callie Flack, North Georgia Community Foundation; Katie Dubnik, “The Big 15 ideas” Northeast Georgia Health System; Tiffany Whitmire, Rushton & Company; Chris Wiley, Gainesville City Fire Department; Megan projects. At the Gainesville Public Martin, American Shredding.

Safety Complex, the class heard from Officer Kevin Holbrook and Officer Joe Britte, Jerome Yarbrough, Deputy Fire Chief, and toured the Gainesville Fire Department.

Hall County Canine Unit's Sgt. Joe Groover, K-9 Coordinator, Hall County Sheriff ’s Office, gave a presentation at the Rock Park Greenway’s amphitheatre. Michael Graham, Deputy Director and Julie Butler, Marketing Director, Gainesville Parks & Recreation, led the class on a tour of the Multi-Use Trail. At Brenau University’s Burd Center for Performing Arts, a back stage tour was given by Ed Cabell, Gainesville Theatre Alliance/GSC, including a condensed version of Hair Spray.

The class ended the day with a wine and cheese reception at the Burd Center. Many thanks to Jay Jacobs of Jacobs Media, for sponsoring lunch, Rick Walters of Dairy Queen for breakfast, and Jessica Butzer from Brenau Catering.

We’ll light the way.

Anyone running a business these days knows credit is tight.

Tougher federal regulations require banks — and their customers — to jump through more hoops than ever before.

In preparing corporate loan applications, we know the best path to securing successful refinancing. Better yet, we know pa what the regulators are looking for — which saves time for w everyone involved. We also stay abreast of lesser-known credit ev opportunities that you may not have considered. op Don’t wait on the economy to turn around before moving your business forward.

We open doors to brighter days.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 770.287.7800 | RushtonandCompany.com

November 1, 2011 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

1/2 Page Ad Get your company 4 columns out of the dark.

9 x5

At Rushton & Company, our vast expertise in corporate debt restructuring can help get your company out of the dark. We’ve worked with both sides of the lending equation, assisting businesses and banks together. In fact, our management team includes a former banker and a former bank examiner. fo

Wo r k f o r c e D e v e l o p m e n t

Youth Leadership Hall Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap engaged the students in an interactive presentation while the class learned about Lake Lanier, its history and future.

Kit encouraged the class to conserve water and take the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District's "I'm In Challenge.” (Details at mydropcounts.org). Julia Clay, Brenau University, led the class in an Effective Communications Skills discussion and collaborative activities. The class took part in a Business & Table Etiquette class led by Chris Wade Curry, Gainesville City Schools, followed by a lunch at Interactive Neighbor for Kids where they heard from Director Sheri Hooper about the important role the museum plays in attracting visitors to Gainesville-Hall Hunter Gibbs, County. Meg Nivens, Lanier Charter Executive Director, VISION Career Academy, (back) and 2030 and Vision board Brittany Gunter, member Julia Clay, discussed North Hall High the initiative and asked the School, milk cow class to list and present their at Interactive top ideas for the future of our Neighborhood community. Many thanks to for Kids (INK) Chattahoochee County Club as part of Youth for sponsoring lunch.

Leadership Hall.

15

CHATTAHOOCHEE BANK OF GEORGIA FREE DEbit CaRD, FREE atm withDRawals, FREE E-statEmEnts Back Page Ad 10 x 7.5

Community Owned, locally managed, locally invested 643 E. E. Butler Parkway • (770) 536-0607 • www.chattahoocheebank.com MEMBER FDIC

Upcoming Chamber Events Business Before Hours Friday, November 4 Sponsored by Delta Community Credit Union 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Small Business Success Seminar Tuesday, November 8 Safety Awareness Presented by Officers Joe Britte and Kevin Holbrook, Gainesville Police Dept.

7:45 - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber Sponsored by Jacobs Media and United Community Bank

South Hall Marketing Workshop Thursday, November 10 Utilizing Google Tools for Business Presented by Ron Simmons, SBDC 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Mulberry Creek Community Center Sponsored by AT&T

Holiday Business After Hours and Downtown Open House Thursday, November 17 Sponsored by Main Street Gainesville 5:00 - 8:00 p.m Downtown Gainesville Square Santa • Food • Carolers • Family Fun

Annual Farm City Breakfast Tuesday, November 15 Breakfast Sponsored by Jackson EMC 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

East Hall Community Center

Get Details & Register Online:

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

CAR-RT SORT

greaterhallchamber.com

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