Business Link G r e a t e r H a l l C h a m b e r . c o m Open to the Public and featuring Lt. Governor
Chairman's Column Page 2
Casey Cagle
Most Fit Company Awards Page 4 Economic Development Page 5 Meetings & Events Page 6
Thursday, December 15 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. • Gainesville Civic Center Featuring
Member Announcements Page 10
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
New Members Page 11
State Senator John Wilkinson
Leadership Hall Page 12 Small Business of the Month Page 13 Ribbon Cuttings Page 14
49th Georgia Senate District
State Senator Butch Miller
2016 Industry of the Year Awards The Greater Hall Chamber's 8th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon is Thursday, November 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Chattahoochee Country Club in Gainesville and will include presentation of the 2016 Industry of the Year Awards. The program includes awards honoring area existing industries based on workforce excellence, economic impact and corporate responsibility. The keynote speaker is Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. 2015 Industry of the Year Awards were presented to Poly Enterprises (0-50 Employees); Mugele of America (50-200 Employees); Marel Stork Poultry Processing Inc. (251+ Employees); Wrigley Manufacturing (Corporate Responsibility Award); Sapa Extrusions NA Gainesville Facility (Safety Recognition Award); ZF-TRW Automotive (Environmental Steward Award); PERFORMANCE Foodservice (Workforce Excellence Award); IMS Gear Georgia Inc. (Workforce Development Award). Cost: $35 Chamber Members; $50 guests. Includes buffet lunch. Reservations: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com 2016 Industry Appreciation Luncheon presented by
50th Georgia Senate District
A SANOFI COMPANY
27th Georgia House District
Representative Lee Hawkins 29th Georgia House District
Free! Open to the Public! Bring the Family!
30th Georgia House District
Main Street Gainesville's Jingle Mingle Holiday Business After Hours
Representative-Elect Matt Dubnik Representative Emory Dunahoo, Jr. 103rd Georgia House District
Representative Timothy Barr Sponsored by Jackson EMC Eggs & Issues Reservations: Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106 Email: gcollins@ghcc.com • Online: greaterhallchamber.com
Thursday, November 17
5:00-8:00 p.m. on the Square in Downtown Gainesville Photos with Santa - Open Houses - Carriage Rides - Kiddie Train
Save the Date Tuesday, November 8 Small Business Seminar Thursday, November 10 Business After Hours Thursday, November 17 Jingle Mingle on the Square
NOVEMBER 2016
A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
From the Chairman
Membership: A Stake in Your Future The Greater Hall Chamber is one of the most influential business organizations in the state and region that represents 2,400 businesses and their employees in Gainesville-Hall County. Since 1908, the Chamber has proudly served businesses of all types and sizes. These are dynamic times for the Gainesville-Hall County business community. Your Chamber works hard to provide the programs and support to make our community more accommodating for commerce. Multiple new and expanding businesses are dotting the landscape. And, studies show continued population growth. So what can we as business leaders do to keep up with all this activity and position our companies to ride the wave of growth and prosperity? My suggestion is straightforward – join the Greater Hall Chamber.
Lee Hemmer The Simpson Company Chairman, Greater Hall Membership in the Chamber provides unparalleled opportunities to connect Chamber of Commerce
with peers, current and prospective clients, and partners up and down our supply chains to keep our lines of communication open. In my opinion, the Chamber stands out as our area’s premier business enabling and advocacy organization. We all have a stake in the future, and your Chamber membership gives you the opportunity to shape it. Your Chamber investment helps you run your business more effectively, improves the business climate in the area and the state and gives you unparalleled networking opportunities – including access to the highest levels of business and government. Perhaps the greatest advantage of membership is networking and the opportunity to meet fellow professional members, make business-to-business connections and build relationships.
November 1, 2016 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
In addition to networking, you will find the Chamber is Greater Hall County's Voice for Business as we advocate for small business development, job creation, transportation, infrastructure, workforce, education and other initiatives.
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Involvement is always a key to success, and taking advantage of your membership begins with involvement. Focus on an issue – small business, healthcare, leadership, government affairs and more – and get involved on a committee. Attend one of the many upcoming events and share information on your business, reach out to prospects and customers and gain visibility. Promote your product or service by volunteering for the Chamber or through sponsorship involvement. And, showcase your company through the Chamber's online membership directory, the online membership news section or a ribbon cutting ceremony. We will continue to strive to be one of the best Chambers in the state and nation and stand behind our members to help their businesses flourish. We hope you will join us and enjoy the many benefits of membership and support of our mission. Join NOW and enjoy a host membership benefits. Call the Chamber at 770-532-6206 or visit the Chamber online at GreaterHallChamber.com As an investor in the Greater Hall Chamber, businesses are entitled to a host of benefits offered to members. The potential dividends from investment are unlimited. Join online: greaterhallchamber.com
Benefits of Chamber Membership • Listing in the Chamber's Membership Directory • Listing in the Chamber's Online Business Directory • Subscription to Business Link newsletter & Mailers • Access to Networking Opportunities and Events • Access to Forums, Seminars and Peer Groups • Volunteer Opportunities and Community Involvement • Advertising, Publicity, Sponsorship Opportunities • Business Referrals / Leads & Networking Groups • Gain in Exposure / Ribbon Cuttings • Make Business Connections
Business Link VOLUME 22 ISSUE 5 McKemie West, Editor • Email: kwest@ghcc.com
greaterhallchamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
2016-2017 Executive Committee Chairman Lee Hemmer The Simpson Company
Vice Chair, Marketing Tate O'Rouke University of North Georgia
Chairman Elect Perry Barnett, CPA Rushton
Vice Chair, Membership Development Katie Dubnik Forum Communications
Treasurer Jimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance Vice Chair, Economic Development Brian Rochester Rochester & Associates Vice Chair, Education Deborah Mack, Volunteer Vice Chair, Government John Breakfield Breakfield & Associates
Co-Chairs, HALLmark Paul Chambers AT&T Randall Frost Stewart, Melvin & Frost David Lee Jackson EMC
Senior Advisor Vice Chair, South Hall Council Dixie Truelove Andy Kalinauskas Truelove Dairy Conditioned Air Systems Immediate Past Chairman Vice Chair, Community Brian Daniel Development Carroll Daniel Construction Co. Lila Weaver Westmoreland President & CEO Brenau University Kit Dunlap Chair, VISION 2030 Greater Hall Chamber of Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Commerce Georgia Health System Elizabeth Higgins, Exec Director
Board of Directors 2016-2017 Phil Bonelli, Wells Fargo Jay Cooper, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia Dr. Wanda Creel, Gainesville City Schools Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville Sam Evans, Councilman, City of Oakwood Josh Everett, New Leaf Landscape Services Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda Brett Fowler, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance Tony Funari, Funari Realty Col. Bill Gallagher, Riverside Military Academy Joy Griffin, United Way of Hall County Kenitra Halyard, Georgia Power Emily Hayes, Milton Martin Toyota Morgan House, Lake Lanier Olympic Park Anna Jacobs, Jacobs Media Lane Jones, Community Volunteer Jay Kelly, Signs By Tomorrow Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy Caroline Lewallen, Jaemor Farms David Lloyd, Liberty Utilities Mike McGraw, PrideStaff / Ranger Lock Dick Mecum, Chair, Hall County Commission
Terry Merck, American Yazaki Mike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch Steve Naughton, Enterprising Solutions James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont Dr. Richard Oates, University of North Georgia Bill Orr, Mayor, Town of Braselton Dr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical College Larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville Barbara Rambo, ProCare Rx Jeff Reinhardt, MD, The Longstreet Clinic Josh Schlieman, Sullivan & Schlieman Will Schofield, Hall County School System Dr. Ed Schrader, Brenau University Carol Shirley, South State Bank Louis Smith, Northeast Georgia Health System Jody Spain, Cotton Eyed Joe’s Kevin Strada, The Atlanta Falcons Grier Todd, Lanier Islands Milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging Arrik Williams, Tatsumi Intermodal USA
Associate Directors 2016-2017 Irineu Bragante, Mugele Tara Carney, AEON Global Health Kate Cook, Cook Law Group Brad Gooch, Lawson Air & Plumbing Jim Grier, Champion Capital Alliance Andrew Joyner, The Simpson Company Shane Lazenby, Lazenby Law Group
Sarita Madera, Homestar Financial Corp Kingsley Peeples, Bates Carter Steven Pettit, Peach State Bank & Trust Stacey Poole, McDonald's, NEGA Alan Schuetze, Carroll Daniel Construction Ahna Still, Halski Systems Darryl Workman, BrandBank
Staff Executive Kit Dunlap, President & CEO Gerri Collins, Executive Assistant Economic Development Tim Evans, Vice President Shelley Davis, Vice President Existing Industry Amanda Lewis, Project Manager Garrett Wiley, Project Manager Finance & Operations David Umberson, Vice President, Finance and Human Resources Membership Development Mandy Lathem, Vice President, Events Christen Wilbanks, Vice President, Sales
Education & Leadership Andi Harmon, Vice President Government Affairs Garrett Wiley, Project Manager South Hall Council Mandy Lathem, Vice President, Events Community Development Robin Halstead, Vice President VISION 2030 Elizabeth Higgins, Executive Director Marketing & Communications Kemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant Greater Hall Chamber Welcome Center Robin Halstead, Manager
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November 1, 2016 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
V I S I O N 20 3 0
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2016 Most Fit Company Awards presented at HealthSmart The Greater Hall Chamber presented Most Fit Company Awards at the 10th Annual HealthSmart Breakfast. A VISION 2030 Initiative, judging criteria for the contest included wellness, nutrition and fitness opportunities provided for employees. Awards were presented in three categories: Small companies (50 or less employees), Medium companies (51-250 employees), Large companies (251+ employees). Congratulations to Electronic Sales Co., Conditioned Air Systems and the Hall County School System. Electronic Sales Company, winner, small employer category. (L-R): Jackie and Counte Cooley, Elizabeth Higgins, Executive Director, Vision 2030. Founded in 1958, Electronic Sales Company employs 22 people at its Hilton Drive location in Gainesville and is a Certified Drug Free Workplace. They sponsor First Baptist Church’s “Dash Through the Decades 5K”, and they offer employees free membership to the Family Life Center. Electronic Sales Company is currently challenging their employees to get fit by participating in a “Biggest Loser” weight loss challenge. They are in week 6 of this four month long challenge and the total weight loss for all participants is 63 pounds! The top loser overall has lost 19.4 pounds! Electronic Sales Company matched employee cash prize contributions, so the top three winners will receive cash prizes totaling $2,000. electronicsalesco.com
The 2016 HealthSmart Expo, presented by CIGNA, kicked off with a breakfast featuring a motivational speaker Olympian Jeff Galloway. Thank you breakfast sponsors AEON Global Health and Whitehead Die Casting. (L-R): Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; R.K. Whitehead, Whitehead Die Casting; Chamber VISION 2030 Chair Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Georgia Health System; Laura Darr, CIGNA; Jeff Galloway; Dr. David Miller, Brenau University; Amanda Robinson, CIGNA. Andy Stewart, Peach State Bank, participates in the free health screenings provided by The Longstreet Clinic at the HealthSmart Expo. Some 200 people took advantage of the screenings that were open to the public and included Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Blood Pressure and more. The expo also included over 60 wellness vendors with great door prize drawings and giveaways.
Conditioned Air Systems, winner, medium employer category. (L-R): Tracy Gramer, Escape Health & Wellness; Doug Magnus and Elizabeth Higgins, Vision 2030. Conditioned Air Systems encourages its 75 employees to utilize their fitness facility and has a trainer that comes to their facility on Hilton Way. Employees who participate are rewarded with weekly massages. They recently hosted a health fair with free screenings for employees. They use the Vitality Health Program by Humana that offers discounts on health insurance for employees that participate in wellness activities and also challenge employees to stay fit with company sponsored fitness challenges. conditionedairsystems.com
Large employer winner Hall County School System (L-R): Steve McDaniel, Director of Student Services; Mamie Coker, Health Services Coordinator; Jacob Weiers, Wellness Facilitator; Elizabeth Higgins, Vision 2030; Nath Morris, Chairman, Hall County School Board. Hall County Schools created a wellness challenge for its 3,500 employees that focused on physical activity levels and water intake. The challenge lasted 16 weeks and over 900 staff members participated. Through their health benefits plans, employees are offered incentives for completing an annual physical, including biometric screening, personalized wellness coaching, and a personalized well-being plan and assessment. Hall County Schools hosts a Fit Families 5K annually, designed for school staff, students, families and community members. Some 913 participated in the race this year. Approximately 600 staff members are currently certified in CPR/AED, along with a trained AED Response Team, located in all 35 schools. Hall County Schools also has 22 nationally recognized schools for wellness and Spout Springs Elementary was voted as one of the top 10 healthiest schools in the nation. hallco.org
Thank You HealthSmart Sponsors CIGNA
Silver & Media Sponsors:
AEON Global Health
Aetna Medicare-Coventry BGW Dental Group Blue Cross Blue Shield Fairway Outdoor Advertising Highland Mountain Water Jacobs Media McDonald's
Gainesville Eye Associates Northeast Georgia Health System The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. Northeast GA Diagnostic Clinic Whitehead Die Casting
Milton Martin Honda The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center NEGA Physicians Group Sapa Extrusions The Little Clinic of Kroger The Times
ProCare RX Expands in Gainesville
South Hall Business Coalition
2 columns 4.4167 x10"
November 1, 2016 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
The Greater Hall Chamber's South Hall Business Coalition recently met at Houndstooth Grill in Braselton for an Economic Development Review and breakfast sponsored by Funari Realty. (L-R): Tim Evans; Greater Hall Chamber Vice President of Economic Development; Senator Butch Miller; Tony Funari; Funari Realty; Gary Smith, Milton Martin Honda (an event sponsor); Chamber Vice Chairman South Hall Council Andy Kalinauskas, Conditioned Air Systems. The Coalition meets monthly and is sponsored by AccessWDUN, Milton Martin Honda, Red Clay Interactive and Store More Self Storage. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 1 at Sterling on the Lake with an overview of the development and updates from Flowery Branch City Manager Bill Andrew. South Hall Business Coalition meetings are $5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Details: Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mlathem@ghcc.com
1/2 Page Ad
Economic Development
ProCare Rx held a groundbreaking in October to expand facilities at its 23-acre ProCare Park headquarters, located at I-985 at Exit 20 in Gainesville. (L-R): Zack Thompson, Gainesville City Council; Emory Dunahoo, Georgia State Representative; Roger & Barbara Burgess, Owners and Founders of ProCare Rx; Billy Powell, Hall County Commission; Dick Mecum, Chairman, Hall County Commission; Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville. ProCare Rx has more than doubled its Georgia employment to 217 employees since opening its headquarters in 2012. Founded in 1988 by Roger and Barbara Burgess, the company is a leader in Healthcare Information Technology, specialty pharmacy and pharmacy benefit management services. The expansion will allow the company to continue to provide innovative solutions and cost saving home delivery pharmacy alternatives. "ProCare Rx is a leader in its industry in leveraging technology and top quality talent into competitive advantage in servicing prescription drug benefit programs and serving patient needs for millions of lives,� said Tim Evans, Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Hall Chamber. procarerx.com
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Meetings & Events
NOVEMBER 2016 Tuesday, November 1 South Hall Business Coalition "Sterling on the Lake & Flowery Branch" Bill Andrew, Flowery Branch City Manager 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Main Clubhouse Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch Wednesday, November 2 Healthcare Committee 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber Tuesday, November 8 Small Business Seminar "Business Success Begins with NICE!" Dr. Carroll Turner, Director, Lanier Tech Business Incubator 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Lanier Tech MDC at Featherbone Communiversity 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville Tuesday, November 8 Ambassadors Council 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. 2 Dog Restaurant in Gainesville Wednesday, November 9 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Midland Station in Gainesville Wednesday, November 9 Human Resources Council 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Luna's
November 1, 2016 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, November 10 Leadership Hall County 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Thursday, November 10 Chamber Executive Committee 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. – Chamber Thursday, November 10 Industry Appreciation Luncheon 2016 Industry of the Year Awards 11:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club
Thursday, November 10 Business After Hours Sponsor: Premier Storage 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 2240 Friendship Road in Buford Friday, November 11 Economic Development Council 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. – Chamber Tuesday, November 15 Youth Leadership Hall 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 15 Farm City Breakfast 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. North Hall Community Center Tuesday, November 15 VISION 2030 Board of Directors 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Chamber Wednesday, November 16 Issues Committee 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber Wednesday, November 16 Lunch 'n Learn 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood Thursday, November 17 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting Sponsored by AT&T 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club
Networking Event on November 10
Enjoy food, fellowship and fun on Thursday, November 10 from 5-7pm as Premier Storage hosts a Thanksgiving feast prepared by Southern Smoq BBQ with turkey, pork, mac 'n cheese, baked beans, okra, tons more fixins and delicious desserts. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Premier Storage is partnering with World Language Academy through their Backpack Love ministry, so please bring a canned good along with you to the event. Premier Storage is Braselton's own locally owned storage facility providing climate controlled and drive up storage units, parking and moving supplies for residential and commercial customers in a well maintained, gated and well lit secure environment. Serving the Braselton, Gainesville, Hoschton, Flowery Branch, Hamilton Mill and Buford areas. PremierDuncanStorage.com Bring a canned food item! $5 Chamber Member; $15 Non-Members. Details: Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mlathem@ghcc.com Located at 2240 Friendship Road near the Chateau Elan Golf Club in the Duncan Corners Community (Spout Springs and Thompson Mill). Parking available in Kroger Shopping Center across the street.
Celebrating Farm City Week The 21st Annual Farm City Breakfast is Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 am at the North Hall Community Center. Since 1995, the Hall County Cooperative Extension and the Greater Hall Chamber have coordinated the event in observance of National Farm City Week to recognize local farmers, along with those working in agriculture and agribusiness. The program features Mike Giles, President of the Georgia Poultry Federation as keynote speaker and honors these hard-working individuals and companies who help spur our economic prosperity and feed our county, state, country and the world. The event is presented by the Hall County Farm Bureau. The breakfast/meal sponsor is Jackson EMC, and additional sponsors include Ag Georgia Farm Credit, Cargill, Chandler Equipment, Crystal Farms, Hall County Soil & Water Conservation District, Jaemor Farms, Bagwell Insurance, Crystal Farms, Hall County Parks & Leisure Services, Mar-Jac and Peach State Bank. The complimentary breakfast is open to the public (no charge). Reservations required. Becky Rogers at the Hall County Extension Office, 770-535-8293. Email: brogers@hallcounty.org
Jingle Mingle on the Square
Thursday, November 17 Jingle Mingle Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Downtown Gainesville Square Get information on these and more upcoming Chamber events online: GreaterHallChamber.com
Vote on November 8 Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, and the Hall County ballot will include the following: U.S. President & Vice President; U.S. Senator & Congressman; State Senators, Representative & Public Service Commissioners; Hall County Board of Education (Posts 3 & 4); Hall County Commissioners (Chairman and Posts 2 & 4); Clerk of Superior Court, Sheriff, Tax Commissioner, Coroner, Surveyor, Chief Magistrate, Probate Judge and Magistrate Judge; City of Lula Liquor by the Drink; Amendments & Referendums Details: Hall County Registrar/Elections Office, 770-531-6945. hallcounty.org
Main Street Gainesville's Jingle Mingle is Thursday, November 17 on the Downtown Gainesville Square from 5:00-8:00 pm. Join us for the lighting of the Chicken atop Main Street Market, live music in various locations, carriage rides, visits with Santa and more! Shops around the Square will have extended hours and be hosting Open Houses with Holiday treats! No charge – collections for charity! Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mlathem@ghcc.com
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November 1, 2016 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Member Announcements
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• Brett Fowler of Turner Wood & Smith Insurance is the recipient of the Gus Whalen Young Philanthropist Award, presented by the North Georgia Community Foundation. Brett was also named to Georgia Trend Magazine's prestigious "40 Under 40" list, an outstanding group of 40 individuals under the age of 40 poised to lead our state’s commercial, cultural, academic and governmental institutions into the future. In addition to "40 Under 40", the October 2016 issue of Georgia Trend also spotlights Gainesville-Hall County. Copies available at the Greater Hall Chamber, 230 E.E. Butler Parkway in Downtown Gainesville. 770-532-6206. • Master Entrepreneurs will be honored at the annual Masters of Innovation event at the Brenau Downtown Center Theatre on Wednesday, November 16 from 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lila Weaver at 770-538-4707 or email Lila at lweaver1@brenau.edu • Performance Foodservice Milton’s donated 6,837 pounds of food to Georgia Mountain Foodbank following a food drive supported by its employees and vendors. The local foodservice distributor participated with over 40 other Performance Food Group (PFG) locations nationwide in the company’s annual National Food Drive resulting in 640,000 pounds of food donated to food banks across the country in 2015. PFG is a supporting sponsor of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization with more than 200 local food banks in its network. pfgc.com • Chamber Treasurer Jimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance, and Staci Vinton, The Academy Child Development Center, have been selected as members of the 2017 Class of Leadership Georgia, one of the nation's oldest and most successful leadership training programs for young business, civic, and community leaders. Leadership Georgia seeks to prepare strong and effective leaders for the future development of the state. leadershipgeorgia.com • The Chamber's Lunch and Learn (3rd Wednesday of month) is November 16 at 12pm at Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood and includes a casual lunch with Chick-fil-A catering, a short presentation followed by an open forum of conversation and leads development. Reservations required. $15 Members; $25 Non-Members. Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206. Email: mlathem@ghcc.com
• The Medical Center Foundation’s 25th Annual Medical Center Open raised $282,454 for Habitat for Humanity Hall County through this year’s golf tournament. The contribution will be used to build three new homes for families in Hall County. nghs.com • Disney’s Beauty and the Beast opens November 8 at Brenau’s Hosch Theatre in the John S. Burd Center at 429 Academy Street in Gainesville. The Gainesville Theatre Alliance, now in its 37th season, is a nationally acclaimed collaboration of the University of North Georgia, Brenau University, theatre professionals and the North Georgia community. gainesvilletheatrealliance.org • Hall County officials are urging citizens to sign up for the Citizen's Alert System, an online tool that notifies residents of severe weather, fires, floods, toxic environmental issues and in-process violent crimes. alerts.hallcounty.org • MSN named Gainesville #10 on its list of the "Healthiest City in Every State" based on these statistics: Premature death rate: 330.6 (per 100,000 residents); Adult obesity rate: 25.7%; Adults without health insurance: 17.6%; Median household income: $51,036. MSN.com • Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia announce that Rob Robinson has joined the bank’s Board of Directors. Robinson is CEO of Walters Management Company, an organization headquartered in Gainesville with over one hundred offices in Georgia, Texas, Tennessee and Alabama. chattahoocheebank.com • Jackson EMC Foundation awarded Elachee Nature Science Center with a $15,000 Grant for student science education funding to enable Elachee to serve even more K-12 students in the cooperative’s 10-county service area through STEM-based field trips and outreach programs. jacksonemc.com • Brian Hollis announced Piedmont Tractor & Equipment has relocated their retail sales to 910 West Ridge Road in Gainesville, (Hwy 129 across from Quik Trip & Race Trac). Parts and service remains at 1780 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. With dealerships in Gainesville, Cleveland and Arcade, Piedmont offers a large selection of homeowner, professional, agricultural and construction equipment along with restaurants/ catering at the Gainesville and Cleveland locations! piedmonttractor.com
GOT NEWS? Email: kwest@ghcc.com
Chamber Staff Spotlight
Robin Halstead Vice President, Community Development & Welcome Center Manager
Robin Halstead joined the Chamber staff in 2003 as Welcome Center Manager and was named Vice President of Community Development in 2006. Robin is responsible for managing the Chamber's business and residential Beautification Awards, Arbor Day Celebration and student art and writing contests, Agribusiness Awards and programs, VISION 2030 activities and managing the Chamber Welcome Center. The Chamber Welcome Center sees an average of 100 people a month and receives 50+ calls weekly for inquiries about everything from assisted living facilities and economic development statistics to the "day the leaves change in North Georgia"!! When inquiries are made, the Chamber only refers Chamber Members. For more info, call 770-5326206 x 100 or email Robin: rhalstead@ghcc.com
Outstanding Tradesmen Honored
The 5th annual awards were presented in October as part of the Featherbone Communiversity Master Series Program in partnership with Lanier Technical College. The awards showcase the construction industry and promote to young people and the community the importance of construction in the economy while recognizing those individuals with outstanding skills in their trade. The 2016 Master Craftsmen Award Recipients (L-R): Zach Thompson (Sitework/ Landscape); Fred Weaver (Mason/Stone/Concrete); Lee Wagner (Residential Builder); Robert Ingram (Plumber); Tim Gee (HVAC); Kevin Pethel (Electrician); Curtis Moose (Machinist/Toolmaker); Titus Shadburn (Finish Tradesman); Al Bengtson (Welder/Fabricator); Bill Bolton (Carpenter).
Chamber Marketing Opportunities The Chamber offers members a reasonably priced marketing opportunity by including business promotional piece in a Monthly General Mailing. Chamber members provide a promotional piece and mailing/insert fee, and the piece is mailed to approximately 1650 member representatives. For details, contact Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106. Email: gcollins@ghcc.com How can your business reach thousands of prospects? Consider advertising in the Chamber's monthly Business Link newsletter. A partnership with The Times, Business Link is circulated to newspaper subscribers the first Tuesday of each month. Additionally, the newsletter is mailed to each Chamber representative. For advertising information, contact The Times, 770-532-1234.
Thank You Chamber Sponsors! We appreciate these organizations that sponsored Chamber Events: AT&T AccessWDUN Caldwell Electrical Contractors Chattahoochee Country Club Chick-fil-A Gainesville Gainesville Paint & Flooring Georgia Power Hall County Farm Bureau Highland Mountain Water
Jackson EMC Jacobs Media Corporation King's Hawaiian Lanier Technical College Liberty Utilities Main Street Gainesville Merial Select, Inc. Milton Martin Honda Milton Martin Toyota Premier Storage
Red Clay Interactive Rushton Signs by Tomorrow Spectrum Business Spherion Sterling on the Lake Store More Self Storage SYFAN Logistics, Inc. The Times WSI Digital Rainmakers
Welcome New Members North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center Dr. Brooke Means 726 South Enota Drive NE Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501 EMJ Construction -Medical Matthew Patterson 5985 The Twelfth Fairway 678-971-4647 yourhearinglink.com Suwanee, GA 30024 -Construction Sleep Number Store 404-405-7974 Mandy Skinner emjcorp.com 1134 Dawsonville Hwy Gainesville, GA 30501 Grato Holdings, LLC -Retail Mike Evans 770-538-1482 2312 Centennial Circle sleepnumber.com Gainesville, GA 30504 -Manufacturer/Processor Contact Christen Wilbanks, 712-647-3133 Vice President Membership apothecacompany.com Sales, to join the Greater Hall Chamber or learn about memKeller Williams Lanier Partners /Kim Yarrington bership benefits and incentives. 631 Dawsonville Highway 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: cwilbanks@ghcc.com Gainesville, GA 30501 -Real Estate 770-503-7070 kwlanier.yourkwoffice.com
Ceramic Tile Lamar Hughes 470 Woodsmill Road Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501 -Floor Coverings 770-538-7855 ceramictileservices.net CMA Agency Jeff Loggins 305 Green Street NW Gainesville, GA 30501 -Insurance 770-534-9911 ext 2245 cmaagency.com Cross Point Church Chad Logan 1800 Satellite Blvd
Why Join the Chamber? “When asked how we rebounded from the economic downturn, I always say the Chamber. The positive exposure from participating in the Chamber allows us to develop long term relationships with business partners and give back to the community.”
Mark Your Calendar! Thursday, December 15 Eggs & Issues Breakfast Annual Legislative Forum 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Job Fair & Career Expo For Employers & Job Seekers 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Thursday, February 16, 2017 Business Expo 2017 Business Luncheon and Taste of Gainesville 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Thursday, March 30, 2017 Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Riverside Military Academy
Thursday, March 9, 2017 Transportation Forum 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus
Friday, April 28, 2017 Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Legacy on Lanier Golf Club at Lanier Islands
Thursday, May 18, 2017 Chamber's 109th Annual Meeting & Gala 6:00 p.m. Outdoor Reception 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Program Chattahoochee Country Club Sponsorship opportunities available for these and other Chamber Events! For details, contact Mandy Lathem 770-532-6206 x 115 Email: mlathem@ghcc.com
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things for which we’re truly grateful. At Edward Jones, we’re thankful to serve our clients and our community. During this holiday season and every day, we wish you all the very best. Rick Kimpling, AAMS® Financial Advisor
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November 1, 2016 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
Tony Paramore Owner, Gainesville Paint
Happy Thanksgiving
Membership Development
Duluth, GA 30097 -Non-profit 770-362-4689 cpmillcreek.org
Boot Barn Priscilla Moran 858 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 -Retail 770-535-1752 bootbarn.com
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November 1, 2016 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Education & Leadership
Leadership Hall County
The Leadership Hall County class enjoyed Industry Day by touring Lake Lanier Olympic Park, King’s Hawaiian, Kubota, Jaemor Farm, and several business parks. An Economic Development Review was presented by Tim Evans, Chamber VP Economic Development. (L-R): Ricky Rich, Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice; Shane Lazenby, Lazenby Law Group, and Mike McGraw, Ranger Lock, at the King's Hawaiian tour. Thank you to Chick-fil-A Gainesville for sponsoring breakfast and to Gainesville Paint & Flooring for sponsoring lunch at Fish Tales. Consider sponsoring a Leadership Hall program, lunch or transportation. Promote your organization while supporting this important leadership initiative. Details, Andi Harmon, VP Education. 770-532-6206 x 113. Email: aharmon@ghcc.com
Youth Leadership Hall (L-R): Tucker Hardison and Lesle Valentin, East Hall High School, during hike at Don Carter State Park. Youth Leadership Hall recently had their Etiquette and Lake Lanier Day. They participated in Effective Communication and Letter Writing Skills with Juli Clay of Brenau University, Social Etiquette with Connie Davis of Tastefully Growing Up, and Ballroom Dancing lessons with Carla Walker of Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard and Walker. The afternoon was spent at Lake Lanier Olympic Park followed by a nature hike at Don Carter State Park. Thank you to the Chattahoochee Country Club for hosting and providing breakfast and lunch for the class. The Chamber’s Youth Leadership Hall was initiated in 2005 as a student leadership initiative. The program, for high school juniors and seniors, enables students to develop leadership skills while increasing awareness of the community and inspiring students to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Preparing our Future Workforce Established in 1990, Partners in Education, is a joint effort of the Greater Hall Chamber, the Hall County School System and Gainesville City School System. The program has supported the formation of over 250 business-education partnerships which serve to enrich the educational process and strengthen our schools. These partnerships foster closer links between schools and the business community and are essential in preparing a better educated workforce. Partners in Education objectives include:
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• Increase career awareness and promote free enterprise • Provide firsthand experience with models of success • Provide on-the-job opportunities • Improve grades and increase graduation rates To learn about Partners in Education and how to get your company involved, contact Andi Harmon, VP Education, 770-532-6206 x 113. Email: aharmon@ghcc.com
ADDING YEARS TO LIFE & LIFE TO YEARS 984 Thompson Bridge Rd • Gainesville, GA
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770-532-1217 • www.vetamc.com Serving Northeast Georgia Since 1967
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12 Dr. Denise Funk • Dr. Chris Potter
Small Business Success
The Chamber's Small Business Seminar on October 11 featured Bruce Cutler, Area Director, The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. (L-R): Steve Naughton, Enterprising Solutions; Ahna Still, Halski; Bruce Cutler, UGA SBDC; Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint; Charles White, SCORE. Mark your calendar for the November 8 seminar, presented by Dr. Carroll Turner, Director of the Lanier Tech Business Incubator,7:45-9:00 a.m. at the Lanier Tech Manufacturing Development Center at Featherbone Communiversity, 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. No charge for Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Small Business Seminars are sponsored by Caldwell Electrical Contractors, Highland Mountain Beverage, Jacobs Media, Signs by Tomorrow and WSI Digital Rainmakers. Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com
Owner Malia Bolt at The Purple House, a full service, custom picture framing shop. Specialize in creative custom framing, all work is done in house. With the latest technology, the professionals at Purple House work to find the perfect frame to suit your piece and your budget and practice conservation techniques to make sure your artwork is preserved for years to come. In business since 2001, Malia received Picture Framing Certification in 2004 and Master Picture Framing Certification in 2008. Along with photo framing, art and frame restoration services are available as well as corporate framing and volume sales, delivery and installation services. The Purple House Gallery, 2335 Thompson Bridge Road, Suite C, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-531-1818. purplehousegallery.com
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November 1, 2016 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times
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Small Business
Small Business of the Month The Purple House Gallery
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Ribbon Cuttings
Lanier Lodge Assisted Living
Brian Sticker and Mike Pascoe cut ribbon at Lanier Lodge Assisted Living & Memory Care. Everything at Lanier Lodge is carefully planned to meet loved one’s needs – from elegantly detailed interiors, delicious menus prepared by the executive chef, to outdoor walking trails on a tranquil lake setting. Along with a positive and professional staff, partnerships with families not only ensure the best care for loved ones, but also provides peace of mind. Lanier Lodge's mission is to provide a home that residents are proud to call their own and achieve this by creating an environment that promotes physical, social and spiritual well-being. Providing such a high quality of life promotes dignified living, independence and lasting friendships in a family and home-like environment. 2601 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30501. 678 971 1900. LanierLodgeAssistedLiving.com
BeeHive Homes of Gainesville
Dan Hartley with Hazel, Nayna and Nikul Parikh, Rajendra and Sabena Dhamapurkar, Kathy Austin, and Tina Cyr cut ribbon for BeeHive Homes of Gainesville, a 19- suite Personal Care Home in a convenient, residential setting. BeeHive is proud of the quality of living they provide and the caring atmosphere they create. At BeeHive Homes of Gainesville, residents will never get lost in a crowd. The facility offers a smaller senior care setting in which residents get more personalized attention to their needs than in larger communities. BeeHive Homes of Gainesville, is "the next best place to home!" 1073 South Enota Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 678-696-8252. BeeHiveHomes.com
Michael Lancaster Edward Jones
November 1, 2016 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Cook Construction/Real Estate
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Owner Keith Cook and Oakwood City Manager Stan Brown cut ribbon for Cook Construction Real Estate. Featuring a robust set of development services, Cook prides itself innovative ways to develop better relationships that enrich the communities around us. Cook is a uniquely position construction and real estate development group that strives to develop a better quality of life. The company’s mission statement defines this vision: “We are a Real Estate and Construction Group that seeks to enrich the lives around us – our clients, our families, team, and network – through building better communities. 3120 Frontage Road, Gainesville, GA 30504. 678-207-1500. thecookandcompany.com
Michael Lancaster cuts ribbon at his newly opened Edward Jones firm in Flowery Branch. Edward Jones is a Fortune 500 company serving individual investors exclusively. The full-service financial firm emphasizes quality investments as well as a balanced portfolio. The company ranked "Highest in Investor Satisfaction" by J.D. Power in 2015. Michael Lancaster's new office brings these award winning services to Main Street Flowery Branch and notes that "personal relationships are key to building and executing solution-based plans to achieve clients' goals." 5506 Main Street, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. 770-967-3947. michael.lancaster@edwardjones.com
SCORE Northeast Georgia Chapter
Lakeside Car Wash in Gainesville Ralph McClelland cuts ribbon at Lakeside Car Wash. Ralph has been in the car wash business for over 24 years and recently renovated this location with the latest equipment and extras. They offer a package for everyone – from a $5 express wash, and one of 25 new, free self-serve vacuums to full service or detail, oil changes and car servicing. 950 McEver Road, Gainesville, GA 30504. 678-971-1622.
SCORE (Senior Core of Retired Executives) opens a Northeast Chapter with Leo Cortjens, Charles White, Sheila Sanchez and Bill Sanders. SCORE is a non-profit resource parter of the Small Business Administration (SBA), assisting individual starting or growing a business with free mentoring services. 1000 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30504. 770-538-2522. negeorgia.score.org
Thank you from Peach State Bank and the Massey Family to all who attended our Backevent Page Ad Abit Massey Day on October 6th. 10 x 7.5
325 Washington Street in Gainesville • 770.536-1100
Upcoming Chamber Events Tuesday, November 1 South Hall Business Coalition 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch Tuesday, November 8 Small Business Seminar Dr. Carroll Turner, Director, Lanier Tech Business Incubator 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Lanier Tech MDC at Featherbone Communiversity
Thursday, November 10 Industry Appreciation Luncheon 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club Thursday, November 10 Business After Hours Sponsor: Premier Storage 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 2240 Friendship Road in Buford Tuesday, November 15 Farm City Breakfast
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7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. North Hall Community Center Wednesday, November 16 Lunch 'n Learn 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood Thursday, November 17 Jingle Mingle Business After Hours on the Square 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Downtown Gainesville Square
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