contents Chairman’s Column page 2 Meetings & Events page 4 Small Business of the Month page 7 Member Announcements page 10 Welcome New Members Page 11 Tourism Industry Report page 12 Residential Beautification Awards page 14 Hackers Holiday Highlights page 16
save the date Tuesday, July 14
Small Business Seminar Tuesday, August 11
Small Business Economic & Political Forecast Lanier Technical College Thursday, August 13
Business After Hours Georgia Mountain Food Bank
ECONOMY FORWARD Task Force The Greater Hall Chamber established the ECONOMY FORWARD Task Force to assist the Gainesville-Hall County business community in returning to the economic vitality for which it is recognized. The Task Force engages stakeholders from all facets of the economy – Government, Education, Healthcare, Economic Development, Small Business, Construction, Industry, Finance, Hospitality – to move our ECONOMY FORWARD, with a set of Strategic Initiatives. • Communicate a positive message for all sectors of our economy via social media spotlights and continued training and information sessions to help businesses thrive in Gainesville-Hall County.
• Serve as the JOB resource for business and continue to be the “Go To” Source for companies that are hiring locally.
• Expand workforce development initiatives by encouraging employers to implement intern, apprenticeship and work-based learning programs. Address internet access for all. Work with daycare providers on opening to support workforce availability.
• Focus on small business by promotion of "Buy Local" urging spending locally. Promote small business on social media, traditional media and Chamber marketing and communication. Continue to educate businesses with informative seminars on PPP loans, CARES Act, Main Street Lending, and other important issues.
• Serve as a clearing house for Best Healthcare Practices for Business Reopening by being a source for PPE equipment. Work with Northeast Georgia Health System and other organizations to promote awareness and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and business reopening.
• Strengthen government partnerships with our municipalities (Gainesville, Hall County, Oakwood, Flowery Branch, Lula) and work on processes to expedite building and development permits. Promote spending on infrastructure projects and communicate regularly with State and Federal government representatives.
• Expand the use of e-Commerce for the NEW normal in business.
• Encourage construction of new infrastructure, transportation and home building. Push publicprivate partnerships projects forward.
For more on ECONOMY FORWARD, contact Kit Dunlap, 770-532-6206. kit@ghcc.com
OPEN for BUSINESS The Greater Hall Chamber office is open and fully staffed. Practicing social distancing. Call and let us know how we may be of service. Visit: 230 E.E.Butler Parkway in Gainesville Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Call: 770-532-6206
Southern Baked Pie Georgia Small Business ROCK STAR
• Target businesses that expand our economy by promoting business sector diversification. Proactively seek pharmaceutical and food manufacturing companies. Focus on existing industry and seek supply chain opportunities.
featured member
J U LY 2020
Gainesville-based Southern Baked Pie Company, founded by Amanda Wilbanks in 2012 and headquartered in Gainesville, was named a Georgia Small Business ROCK STAR by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and is one of only four statewide recipients. See page 2 for more.