Business Link G r e a t e r H a l l C h a m b e r . c o m Chairman's Column Page 2
Expanding education and workforce development Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, said with the new campus, Lanier Tech will be the epicenter of technical education in the region, noting that the region's manufacturing, allied health and hospitality sectors are growing.
Economic Development Page 4
In his remarks, Deal also spoke of workforce development, noting the number of new private sector jobs in the state since he took office in 2011. As of May, that number was 550,000, according to Deal's office. "What does that bring with it? It brings the requirement that we have people who are qualified and skilled enough to take those jobs."
Meetings & Events Page 5 Small Business of the Month Page 6 Member Announcements Page 10 Leadership Hall Page 12 Key Economic Indicators Page 14 Ribbon Cuttings Page 14-15 New Members Page 15
Governor Nathan Deal was on hand as part of the groundbreaking celebration at the new campus of Lanier Technical College in early September. Chamber leaders, government officials and dignitaries gathered on the 95-acre property on Ga. 365 at Howard Road in Gainesville. The new campus is estimated to be complete in the fall 2018 and will replace the current campus in the Oakwood. Lanier Tech President Dr. Ray Perren noted that the school was founded in 1964, and classes met 50 years ago for the first time last month. "The new campus will assure that Lanier Tech continues to provide workforce development for Northeast Georgia for the next 50 years and beyond," said Perren. Perren said when the campus is complete, it will represent an overall investment of about $110 million.
The Chamber’s Workforce Development Task Force is a partnership of Lanier Technical College, Hall County Schools, Gainesville City Schools, Brenau University, the University of North Georgia and private businesses. The group’s mission is to ensure businesses can acquire the talent and skills they need for future growth and to replace an aging workforce. Chaired by Chamber Chairman-Elect Perry Barnett, the group is dedicated to making an impact by building on a sustainable workforce that possesses the skills needed by today’s and tomorrow’s employers. Since creating this initiative in 2015, the number of work-based learning students employed in manufacturing has quadrupled.
Wednesday, October 5
7:30 am – 1:30 pm • Gainesville Civic Center Free Health Screenings • Free Seminars • Open to the Public No Admission Fee • Shuttle Service • Door Prize Drawings Over 60+ Wellness Exhibitors
Save the Date Tuesday, October 11 Small Business Seminar Tuesday, October 18 South Hall Business Coalition Tuesday, October 25 Business After Hours
OCTOBER 2016
A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce