March Business Link 2018

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 Business Expo Highlights page 4 Meetings & Events page 6 Member Announcements page 10 Leadership Hall page 12 Small Business of the Month page 13 Ribbon Cuttings page 14 Welcome New Members page 15

11th Annual Chamber Chase The Greater Hall Chamber's 5K Chamber Chase & 2 Mile Wellness Walk is Thursday, March 22 at 6:00 pm at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. Register online at RunSignup.com/ChamberChase or register IN PERSON now through March 22 at the Chamber, 230 E.E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville. The registration fee is $30, and $35 after March 8. Free training passes to area fitness centers available (limited, 1st come-1st serve). Awards will be presented to the Fastest Corporate Team, the Fastest Community Team, Fastest CEO, Best Team Spirit and T-Shirt Contest Awards and more! Finish line results and race times will be done electronically and awards presented in several age categories. FREE food, drink, music and giveaways following the race at “Hall County’s Largest Office Party”! Tent rentals are also available to use as a team base or promote your company. 5K Chamber Chase Details: Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mlathem@ghcc.com

REGISTER NOW

RunSignup.com/ChamberChase – Chamber Chase 5K & Wellness Walk –

Thursday, March 22

6:00 pm | Riverside Military Academy Registration Fee Increases March 8!

Job Fair

Wednesday, March 21 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Gainesville Civic Center Great opportunity for both employers and job seekers!

The Chamber's Job Fair on Wednesday, March 21, 10 am-2pm, is Open to the Public! NO Entry Fee! Employers will meet hundreds of job candidates faceto-face during a short period of time. Job Seekers will spend coveted face-time with dozens of hiring managers. Presented by Express Employment Professionals, this community event features 60+ employer exhibitors. Complete job applications on site while making great business contacts and networking with companies that are hiring. Limited Employer Booths still available. Promote your company while recruiting qualified employees. Meet hundreds of job seekers in one day. Exhibit information: Amanda Lewis, Project Manager, Economic Development, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com. Exhibit Registration Online: GreaterHallChamber.com/events

No Entry Fee to the Job Fair!

– Open to the Public –

Save the Date Thursday, March 8 Transportation Forum Wednesday, March 21 Job Fair Thursday, March 22 Chamber Chase 5K

MARCH 2018

A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

From the Chairman

Transportation: Key to Healthy Economy There is no doubt that Hall County is growing and with this growth comes an increase in demand for transportation options. It may seem odd that traffic can be so difficult at times when the average car is parked 95% of the time. However, for many of us, we are all on the road at the same time. These peak traffic times not only make travel difficult for commuters, congestion actually cost the transportation industry $63 billion per year, according to the American Transportation Research Institute.

In Gainesville-Hall County we have created a great place to live and work.

We are attracting businesses, employees and retirees from all parts of the country, as well as seeing our existing industries and businesses experience significant growth. And now, residential construction, once a dormant industry during the recession, is thriving. Our corporate and individual Perry Barnett, CPA Rushton population continues to grow each year. Hall County is also providing Chairman, Greater Hall employment for people who drive in from all parts of Northeast Georgia.

Chamber of Commerce These permanent and daily population changes have increased the demands on Hall County’s infrastructure and transportation systems.

Technology is allowing many of us to gradually change how we conduct our businesses and live our lives. We may be part of the gig economy which has many of us traveling at odd and irregular times. And, now with 80% of us shopping online, we are helping to increase the number of delivery vehicles on the road during the day. However, we are still maintaining some of our regular weekend and after-hours retail travel as well.

Solving transportation issues is complex and expensive. Many solutions have been discussed and enacted to improve transportation in Hall County. To hear the latest transportation initiatives and projects for our area, plan to attend the Greater Hall Chamber's 2018 Annual Transportation Forum on Thursday, March 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the University of North Georgia, Gainesville Campus. Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry and Brent Cook, District 1 Engineer, will present the program as well as Srikanth Yamala, Planning Director, Gainesville-Hall County MPO. Call the Chamber NOW for your reservation, 770-5326206, or register online at GreaterHallChamber.com/events.

March 6, 2018 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Motivational program kicks off Expo

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Business Link VOLUME 23 ISSUE 9 McKemie West, Editor • Email: kwest@ghcc.com

GreaterHallChamber.com Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

2017-2018 Executive Committee Chairman Perry Barnett, CPA, Rushton Chair Elect Carol Burrell, Northeast Georgia Health System

Vice Chair, Government Philip Wilheit, Jr. Wilheit Packaging Vice Chair, Membership Katie Dubnik Forum Communications

Treasurer Jimbo Floyd, Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance Vice Chair, Economic Development David Lee, Jackson EMC Vice Chair, Education Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda Vice Chair, Marketing Tate O'Rouke, Jackson EMC

Vice Chair, South Hall Council Geoff Lee, Road Atlanta Vice Chair, Community Development Caroline Lewallen Jaemor Farms Chair, VISION 2030 Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Georgia Health System Elizabeth Higgins, Exec Director

Co-Chairs, HALLmark Paul Chambers, AT&T Mimi Collins, Longstreet Clinic Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost Senior Advisor John Vardeman, Morton, Vardeman & Carlson Immediate Past Chairman Lee Hemmer, The Simpson Company President & CEO Kit Dunlap Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors 2017-2018 Norman Baggs, The Times Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power Phil Bonelli, Wells Fargo Nick Bruner, Rushton Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville Josh Everett, New Leaf Landscape Services Brett Fowler, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance Tony Funari, Funari Realty Col. Bill Gallagher, Riverside Military Academy Jim Grier, Mayor, City of Lula Joy Griffin, United Way of Hall County Richard Higgins, Chair, Hall Co. Commission Morgan House, American Canoe Association Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy David Lloyd, Liberty Utilities Sarita Madera, Homestar Financial Corp Mike McGraw, PrideStaff / Ranger Mfg Terry Merck, American Yazaki Mike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch Sheri Millwood, Oakwood City Council Steve Naughton, Enterprising Solutions James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont

Nancy Norton, The Norton Agency Dr. Richard Oates, University of North Georgia Bill Orr, Mayor, Town of Braselton Dr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical College Barbara Rambo, ProCare Rx Josh Schlieman, Sullivan & Schlieman Will Schofield, Hall County School System Dr. Ed Schrader, Brenau University Robert Schuetze, BB&T Mulham Shbeib, Mar-Jac Poultry Carol Shirley, South State Bank Jody Spain, Cotton Eyed Joe’s Andy Stewart, Peach State Bank & Trust Ahna Still, Halski Systems Kevin Strada, The Atlanta Falcons Phil Sutton, Kubota Steve Syfan, Syfan Logistics Lila Westmoreland, Brenau University Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Arrik Williams, Tatsumi Intermodal USA Dr. Jeremy Williams, Gainesville City Schools Mike Williams, Lanier Islands Darryl Workman, BrandBank

Associate Directors 2017-2018 Lindsay Addison, Sisu Sues Alexander, Regions Bank Sharon Barrett, South State Bank Kay Blackstock, Georgia Mountain Food Bank Caitlin Collins, Mincey Marble Brook Davidson, Stewart, Melvin & Frost

Logan Jones, AccessWDUN Terry Morrisey, Caldwell Electrical Contractors Nick Pruner, Edward Jones Investments Misty Waldrop, HALLCO Credit Union John Wheeler, Bizzy Bee Exterminators Emily Wiley, J & J Foods/The Market on Limestone

Greater Hall Chamber 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 Peyton Wilhoite, Project Manager

The Chamber's Annual Small Business Luncheon that kicked of Business Expo 2018 was a great success thanks to motivational guest speaker, Bob Swoszowski. (L-R): Perry Barnett, CPA, Rushton; John and Lisa Geyer, J Geyer Advertising (speaker sponsor); Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; Bob Swoszowski, McDonald’s of Northeast Georgia; Chris Brown, Delta Community Credit Union (event sponsor). See page 4 for more Business Expo 2018 highlights.

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 Peyton Wilhoite, 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 Intern Carli Echols, University North Georgia

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March 6, 2018 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

E c o no m ic D e ve lo pme n t

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Chamber Business Luncheon and Expo 2018 Highlights Thank you Homestar Financial Corporation for participating as an exhibitor and co-sponsoring the Business Expo. (L-R): Clint Baughman and Deborah Godwin. Homestar is headquartered in Gainesville with its home office in the renovated Gym of 36.

The Chamber's Business Expo presented by Milton Martin Honda and Homestar Financial in February featured over 65 exhibitors and A Taste of Gainesville at Business After Hours. An estimated 1,000 people attended the event with great networking, giveaways and fun. Dozens of door prizes were donated by exhibitors.

Winners included (L-R): Reese Daniel, Twin Lakes Recovery, winner of the $100 Cash Drawing; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; Richie Aitkin, American Family Insurance, won a Fitbit donated by Citizens Pharmacy; Mark Aurand, DAMA Healthy Green Solutions, won a gift package donated by Hayes James.

Thank you to Milton Martin Honda, Expo co-sponsor and provider of the complimentary Shuttle Service!

(L-R): Michael Young, Bobby Brumbelow, Kaley Morrison and Andi Farmer.

Penny and Bob Wiggins of Chicken Salad Chick were one of nine restaurants at the Taste of Gainesville serving delicious menu samples.

Thank you Tribe Transportation and Hayes James for sponsoring the Taste of Gainesville. And, Scott's Downtown for providing the bar.

Millie’s Drapery and Decorating won the Most Creative Exhibitor Award. (L-R): Loren Armour and Melissa Hulsey. Millie's was an event Silver Sponsor along with Marquee Tents and Rents and Spectrum Enterprises. Alliant Health Plans was sponsor of the registration table.

Royal Lakes Family Dental received the Most Engaging Exhibitor Award.

(L-R): Reginald Booker, DDS, Alexis Etter, Kalen Wallace, Jody Philpot. Many of the exhibitors, like Royal Lakes Family Dental, had interactive booths.

The Spa on Green Street was the Most Educational Exhibitor. (L-R): Teryl Worster and Dr. Michelle Fehmel.

The Spa on Green Street generously donated a One Hour Massage ($80 Value) and a Chiropractic Visit with Dr. Michelle ($90 Value) as door prizes at the Business Expo.

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(L-R): Lila Westmoreland and Suzanne Erickson, PhD, Brenau University; Program Presenter Caleb Spivak, What Now Media Group; Hillary Etienne and Derrick Case, Dress Up. Over 100 Chamber members attended the workshop focusing on marketing and leveraging social media influencers to drive revenue.

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Transportation Forum: March 8

Commissioner, Georgia Department of Transportation

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64 North Brooks Street Unit B Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-0933 IRT-2046G-A

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Transportation Forum 2018 is Thursday, March 8, 11:30am - 1:00pm at the University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus. The forum creates discussion with transportation officials, Chamber members, business professionals and community leaders. Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry and Brent Cook, District 1 Engineer, will present the program as well as Srikanth Yamala, Planning Director, Gainesville-Hall County MPO. Presented by Pinnacle Bank and Rochester & Associates. $20 for Chamber Members, $25 Nonmembers and at the door. Includes a boxed lunch.

Reservations required. Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106. Email: gcollins@ghcc.com or make your reservations online at GreaterHallChamber.com/events

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March 6, 2018 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

(L-R): Tim Evans, Chamber VP, Economic Development; Rob Hathy, Plant Manager, King's Hawaiian; Chamber South Hall Council Chair Geoff Lee, Road Atlanta, at the South Hall Business Coalition meeting at King's Hawaiian where Rob Hathy, Plant Manager, reviewed the history of King's Hawaiian and plans for the bakery's future. Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: mlathem@ghcc.com

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March 6, 2018 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Meetings & Events

Celebrating Agribusiness

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The Chamber and Hall County Cooperative Extension's annual agribusiness awards program increases recognition and appreciation of the agricultural community in Hall County. Annual ward presentations will be made at the Ag Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, March 27 at 7:30 am at the North Hall Community Center. Held in conjunction with National Ag Day, the breakfast is complimentary with awards presentations to the Friend of Agribusiness, Outstanding Agribusiness, Farmer of the Year and Ag Hall of Fame. Join us as we celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Presented March 27,2018

by Jackson EMC and sponsored by Hall County Soil & Water, Jaemor Farms, Crystal Farms, Ag Georgia Farm Credit, Hall County Farm Bureau, United Community Bank, Fieldale Farms, Rushton, Bagwell Insurance, Hall County Parks & Leisure and J&G Poultry. For Ag Breakfast Reservations: call the Hall County Cooperative Extension, 770-535-8293.

Networking: Top Member Benefit In a Member Communications Survey conducted by the Chamber's Marketing Committee, NETWORKING was listed as the number one reason for joining the Chamber. Nearly 80% of those participating in the survey sited networking opportunities, while CHAMBER AFFILIATION took the second top reason for joining. Dozens of businesses joined the Chamber during the recent membership recruitment campaign. New and existing members – take advantage of your affiliation with the Chamber. Take part in an upcoming networking event: • Transportation Forum on Thursday, March 8 (11:30am) at UNG Gainesville – Updates on area transportation projects from GDOT officials • Small Business Seminar on Tuesday, March 13 (7:45am) at the Chamber – Featuring Dr. Nikki Tobias, Certified Life and Career Coach • Lunch 'n Learn on Wednesday, March 14 (12-1pm) at Avocados Restaurant – Kristen Howard, Main Street Gainesville & Regina Dyer, Gainesville CVB • New Member Orientation on Friday, March 16 (8:30am) at the Quinlan – Meet Chamber Officers & Staff and learn about membership benefits • Business After Hours on Thursday, March 29 (5-7pm) at Sunrise Cove Marina – Networking, food, fun and prizes on beautiful Lake Lanier Details, 770-532-6206. Online: GreaterHallChamber.com

Chamber Internship Spotlight

Carli Echols Intern, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber implemented a college internship program several years ago and has employed numerous students from Brenau University and the University of North Georgia. Currently, Carli Echols is serving as an intern and assisting Chamber staff in Economic Development, Membership and Community Development divisions.

She has been a valuable asset assisting with programs and initiatives such as the current membership drive and event planning. Carli is a native of Lula, Georgia. She is studying Marketing at the University of North Georgia and is involved in the American Marketing Association and Greek life as a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta. After graduation in May 2019, her aspiration is to pursue a career in social media marketing or web development locally in the Gainesville-Hall County area.

MARCH 2018 Tuesday, March 6 Ambassador Council 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

2 Dog Cafe | Gainesville Wednesday, March 7 Healthcare Committee 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Chamber Thursday, March 8 Leadership Hall County 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 8 Transportation Forum 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus| Cont Ed Bldg Friday, March 9 Economic Development Council 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Chamber Tuesday, March 13 Small Business Seminar 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Chamber Tuesday, March 13 Youth Leadership Hall 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 14 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. -9:30 a.m.

Panera Bread | Gainesville Wednesday, March 14 Human Resource Council 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Luna's | Gainesville Wednesday, March 14 Lunch 'n Learn 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Avocados Restaurant 109 Bradford Street | Gainesville Thursday, March 15 Chamber Executive Committee 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Chamber Friday, March 16 New Member Orientation 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Quinlan Visual Arts Center

Tuesday, March 20 Vision 2030 Board of Directors 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Chamber Wednesday, March 21 Issues Committee 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Chamber Wednesday, March 21 Job Fair 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Gainesville Civic Center Thursday, March 22 Chamber Board of Directors 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Gainesville Civic Center Thursday, March 22 Chamber Chase 5K 6:00 p.m. 5K Run 6:10 p.m. 2 Mile Wellness Walk 7:00 p.m. Awards Riverside Military Academy Tuesday, March 27 Agribusiness Awards Breakfast 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

North Hall Community Center Wednesday, March 28 Network Over Coffee 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Hampton Inn & Suites at Château Elan 5159 Golf Club Drive | Braselton Thursday, March 29 Business After Hours Sponsored by Sunrise Cove Marina 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

5725 Flat Creek Road | Gainesville APRIL 2018 Wednesday, April 18 Lunch 'n Learn 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cyre-Leike Realty 956B Dawsonville Hwy | Gainesville Friday, April 27 Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Legacy on Lanier at Lanier Islands Online: GreaterHallChamber.com

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March 6, 2018 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Member Announcements

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• Gainesville was named #3 in Milken Institute's Best-Performing Small Cities in America 2017. The Milken Institute index provides a benchmark for examining factors and identifying unique characteristics of economic growth in metro areas. Ranking #1 in one-year high-tech GDP growth helped Gainesville return to the Top 10. One-year wage growth is ranked 2nd, which is a continuing source of strength. best-cities.org • State Bank & Trust Company announces Chip Frierson as market president in Gainesville. Frierson has over 32 years of experience in the banking industry and previously served as senior vice president of Athens-based National Bank of Georgia until State Bank acquired the company in 2016.

• Brenau University's 5th Annual Women's Leadership Colloquium is Friday, March 16, 1:30-4:30 pm, in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts' Hosch Auditorium. Speakers include Linda D. Nelson, UPS President of Customer Experience; Carole Ann Daniel; Deborah Mack and Lydia J. Sartain.

Register at brenau.edu • SCORE of Northeast Georgia, a resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is hosting a Small Business Expo on March 23, 8:30am - 4:00pm at Lanier College & Career Academy, 2723 Tumbling Creek Road in Gainesville.

Details: Charles White, 770-380-9727.

Email: charles.white@scorevolunteer.org • The Arts Council's 3 Redneck Tenors: Down Home Laughs, Big City Music is March 27 at 7:30pm at Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University. They were top 10 finalists on “America’s Got Talent” and have been thrilling audiences since 2006.

Tickets: theartscouncil.net • Children’s Center for Hope & Healing 6th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser is Saturday, March 24, 4-6pm at Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega. Red and white wine stations along with assorted cheeses and charcuterie. Great raffle items and a silent auction! Tickets: $60 each.

Dorsey Danielson, 770-532-6530 x 1011 or adanielson@hopeandhealingga.org • Lanier Islands, owned and operated by the Virgil Williams family's LLI Management company since 2005, is now partnering with Margaritaville Development and SafeHarbor, that will take over management duties at LanierWorld, marinas and campgrounds, along with special events. LLI Management will continue to hold ownership over Lanier Islands. lanierislands.com

• The Georgia Department of Community Affairs announced the Town of Braselton one of only four communities in the state to renew the PlanFirst designation, awarded to communities with a proven track record of strong development and implementation of their comprehensive plans. In presenting the award at the state capitol, DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn said, “Good planning sets the stage for economic growth.

PlanFirst communities serve as role models showcasing bold vision for the future and how to turn this vision into a solid, practical plan.” braselton.net • Lanier Islands was selected a 2018 winner of Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading online wedding brand and app. With over 20 indoor and outdoor event venues, a variety of activities to entertain and lodgings to accommodate guests, a talented wedding team and culinary staff, Lanier Islands continues to gain favor with brides- and groomsto-be as a highly sought-after destination wedding site. lanierislands.com • Gainesville was selected a top retirement destination by Where to Retire, a magazine geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions.

Gainesville is profiled in “8 Lovely Lake Cities” in the March/April 2018 issue.

Each year, 700,000 Americans relocate to new towns to retire. Generally, relocating retirees are healthier, better educated and affluent and bring significant economic benefits to their new hometowns.

• Governor Nathan Deal was recently on hand with a proclamation to celebrate Riverside Pharmacy's 60th Anniversary with owner Scottie Barton. Located at 935 Green Street, the pharmacy provides free delivery and does business "the old-fashioned way," knowing each customer's name and providing free delivery services. 770- 532-6253.

• The Chamber has released the 2018 Economic Development Report with updates on Retail, Housing, Infrastructure, Business, Population, Healthcare, Education, Redevelopment, Tourism and the VISION 2030 and HALLmark initiatives that support economic development. Read the full report online at GreaterHallChamber.com

GOT NEWS? Email: kwest@ghcc.com

Students Recognized at Arbor Day

The Greater Hall Chamber's Arbor Day Celebration at Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville included recognition of Hall County student essay and art contest winners. Program sponsors (Back, L-R): Shanda Sexton, Keep Hall Beautiful; Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power; Mindy Wade and Pattie Lewis, Hall County Master Gardeners. (Front, L-R): Students: Erik Fuentes, 1st Place Art; McKennah Korab, Runner-up Essay; Emily Hudson, Runner-up Essay; Evelyn Crow, 1st Place Essay; Makaylah Terveen, Runner-up Art; Leilanni Moreno, Runner-up Art.

PIE of the Month

Coordinated by the Greater Hall Chamber, Partners in Education (PIE) strives to improve education by stimulating meaningful business and community involvement in public schools. (L-R): Kimberly Robinson, Mt. Vernon PTO; Melinda Spulin, Russell Holcombe and Peter Truong, Modern Woodmen of America. Peter Truong, Managing Partner of Modern Woodmen, continues to support Mount Vernon Exploratory School as a Partner in Education by contributing to new school signage and partnering with the PTO for Family Bingo Night. Peter also provides support to teachers and students through classroom materials and sponsorship of a teacher appreciation breakfast. Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. modernwoodmen.org

Leadership & Education March 6, 2018 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

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Youth Leadership Hall

Leadership Hall County

Youth Leadership Hall had a successful Industry and Economic Day – from making "moo" friends at Mountain Fresh Creamery & Glo-Crest Dairy to learning about metal fabrication at Lasercraft and baking sweet rolls at Kings Hawaiian.

Students learned our community has a diverse economy with much to offer!

Thank you program sponsors: Perfect Temp Systems Inc, Clipper Petroleum, Bojangles', Mellow Mushroom, Mountain Fresh Creamery, Glo-Crest Dairy.

Leadership Hall County (LHC) had an amazing day at the State Capitol, thanks to President Pro Tempore Senator Butch Miller who hosted the class as well as our local delegation. The class was greeted by Governor Nathan Deal upon arrival and spent time and was recognized on the Senate Floor. Jackson EMC's David Lee and Lee Chapman hosted lunch for the class along with our local delegation, Safety Director Harris Blackwood and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black.

Over 300 of the Chamber's “Famous Chamber Chicken Boxes” filled with treats from Gainesville-Hall County business and industry were presented to all delegates

by LHC. After participating in a Capitol tour, the class finished out the day at Left Nut Brewery in Gainesville. Thank you LHC program sponsors: Jackson EMC, Chick-fil-A Stonebridge Village, Amici Gainesville and Left Nut Brewing.

Nominate yourself, a friend or business associate for Leadership Hall County's 20182019 Class. The nomination deadline is March 15. Details: Andi Harmon, 770-5326206 x 113. Email: aharmon@ghcc.com

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Drs. Tanya and Christopher Turner opened Flowery Branch Chiropractic in 2006 with a commitment to healing their clients naturally. They offer chiropractic services, physical therapy, nutritional advice, thermography, and massage therapy and utilize traditional and modern chiropractic techniques to assist patients of all ages in achieving optimum health and quality of life, all while having fun in the process!

Flowery Branch Chiropractic routinely supports their community by conducting free spinal screenings, contributing to the Breast Navigator Fund and leading a back-to-school backpack drive and a toy drive at Christmas. Visit them at 4875 Hog Mountain Road in Flowery Branch. 770-967-1900. flowerybranchchiro.com

Small Business Development

Small Business Seminar (L-R): Jay Kelly, Signs By Tomorrow; Dannella Burnett, Oakwood Occasions; Tony Paramore, Lanier Tech; Gary Vogel, Ace Hardware Oakwood; Janice Wagner, Sunrise Cove Marina; Program presenter and marketing strategist David Hays, Boost Business; Steve Naughton, Enterprising Solutions.

Small Business

Small Business of the Month Flowery Branch Chiropractic

Join us on Tuesday, March 13 from 7:45-9:00 am at the Chamber for "The Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace" presented by Dr. Nikki Tobias, Certified Life and Career Coach. When employees, customers, supervisors, colleagues, and stakeholders believe they matter, we build stronger relationships, reduce turnover and become more efficient and effective at work. Learn how to appreciate all of your constituents and save time, money and energy. No charge for Chamber members. Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: alewis@ghcc.com

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March 6, 2018 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

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Ribbon Cuttings

Key Storage in Flowery Branch

(L-R): Karen Grogan; Madelyn Still; Betty, Sallie and Bill Stark and Kim Bacon cut ribbon at Key Storage, a new state-of-the-art facility conveniently located on Winder Highway in Flowery Branch, featuring a variety of sizes in both climate- and nonclimate controlled storage units with drive up and inside access. Key Storage is a one stop shop for all your moving, packing and storage needs, stocking a full line of boxes and moving supplies. Month-to-month leases are available along with convenient office and access hours and easy online payment options. A computerized gate access allows only customers on the property. A fully equipped conference room is available to customers or for rent for your next meeting. Stop by and take a tour of the facility. 3719 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. 470-252-5200. KeystorageGA.com

March 6, 2018 • Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

T-Mobile Wireless Oakwood

Front (L-R): Zulecia Mancilla, Lapresa King, Ryan Ledford. Back (L-R): Matt McKibben, Damon Moseley, Josh J. Jones cut ribbon at T-Mobile Wireless Oakwood.

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Highpoint Medical Campus

Frank K. Norton Jr., CEO of The Norton Agency, cuts a ribbon at Highpoint Medical Campus. Developed by The Norton Agency, Highpoint’s first phase, a twostory, 40,000-square-foot building, is a collaborative effort between Longstreet Clinic and Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic. The Highpoint Medical Campus is now welcoming patients in a variety of specialties including pediatrics, OB/ GYN, neurosurgery, orthopedics, general surgery, vascular/vein, internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, rheumatology, endocrinology and nephrology. The building is open and easy to navigate, and both floors have ground-level entrances for ease of access and comfort. The building’s interior design includes gallery-worthy art, breathtaking views and was designed to create a soothing, healing environment for care. 1270 Friendship Road, Braselton, GA 30517. longstreetclinic.com

Tammy Lunsford Farmers Agency

Megan and Tammy Lunsford cut a ribbon at Tammy Lunsford Farmers Insurance Agency in Oakwood. The agency can insure your home, automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RV's, business, and even your life! The company also writes bonds. At farmers – they know a thing or two about insurance. Located right off Thurmond Tanner Parkway at 4209 Oakwood Road, Suite 12, Oakwood, GA 30566. 678-3432543. farmersagent.com/tlunsford

770-532-1217 • www.vetamc.com Serving

Northeast 2 columns Georgia Since 1967 4.4167 x2"

Gain Exposure with a Ribbon Cutting Want to promote your company with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony? This is a free service if you're a member of the Greater Hall Chamber. Not a member?

Join now and receive numerous benefits. For membership information or to schedule your event, contact Christen Wilbanks, Chamber Vice President of Membership Sales, 770-532-6206 x 116 or email cwilbanks@ghcc.com

14 Dr. Denise Funk • Dr. Chris Potter

Welcome New Members

Benchmark Physical Therapy Clay Hammons 885 Dawsonville Highway Suite 1140 Gainesville GA 30501 - Physical Therapy 678-943-8691 benchmarkpt.com Bone Dry Roofing Co. Kim Eldridge PO Box 7756 Athens GA 30604 - Roofing Contractors 706-543-1275 bonedryroofing.net DAMA Healthy Green Solutions, LLC Mark Aurand 6019 Riverwood Drive Braselton GA 30517 - Health/Wellness 706-362-5602 myvollara.com/mdaurand

Keea Daniel Lance 617 Robinhood Trail Gainesville GA 30501 - Individual Member 470-577-0440 Lanier Tent Rental Lee Burnett 534 Mill Street Gainesville GA 30501 - Tent Rental 770-532-4740 laniertentrental.com Lee Towns State Farm 2458 Limestone Parkway Suite E Gainesville GA 30501 - Insurance Agency 678-971-1756 insuredbylee.com Living Art Landscapes David Stover 3412 West Hampton Way Gainesville GA 30506 - Landscape Services 678-316-8348 livingartlandscapes.net Mosquito Joe Matthew Efird 505 Lakeland Plaza Suite 283 Cumming GA 30040 - Mosquito Control 770-809-3708 mosquitojoe.com

Peak Inbound Marketing Anna Harris 503 Edith Road Landing NJ 07850 - Marketing 973-770-4668 EXT 102 peakinbound.com

HEALTHY AGING EXPO Free to the Public!

Synergy Wellness, LLC Christa Williams P.O. Box 7343 Gainesville GA 30504 Health/Wellness 866-497-9637 synergywellnesshealth.com The Trophy Case Chase Forrester 266 College Avenue, SE Gainesville GA 30501 - Retail/Trophy/Awards 770-535-1589 trophycasegainesville.com Turning Point Recovery Resources Zanita Hendrix 124 High Street, Suite B Gainesville GA 30501 -Health/Wellness 770.533.9021 tprrga.com Join the Chamber! Call Christen Wilbanks, 770-532-6206.

GreaterHallChamber.com

We appreciate these organizations that supported Chamber Events: Jackson EMC King's Hawaiian Lanier Color Company Lanier Technical College Left Nut Brewing Longstreet Clinic Mansfield Cares McDonald's, NEGA McGarity's Business Products Mellow Mushroom Milton Martin Honda Milton Martin Toyota Mountain Fresh Creamery NEGA Diagnostic Clinic NEGA Health System

JOIN US!

Rock Goodbye Angel Angela Ewers PO Box 7000 Gainesville GA 30504 - Non-Profit 770-331-1281 rockgoodbyeangel.org

Thank You Chamber Sponsors!

AccessWDUN Alliant Health Plans Amici Gainesville BGW Dental Group Bojangles' Brenau University Caldwell Electrical Chick-fil-A Stonebridge Village CIGNA Clipper Petroleum Express Employment Professionals Free Chapel Gainesville Eye Associates Glo-Crest Diary Heart Center of NGMC

Wednesday, March 14th 10am-2pm

Panera Bread Perfect Temp Systems Inc Pinnacle Bank ProCare Rx Red Clay Interactive Riverside Military Academy Rochester & Associates Signs by Tomorrow Spherion Staffing Services Store More Self Storage Sunrise Cove Marina The Times Wayne Farms WSI Digital Rainmakers

(at intersection of Spout Springs and Friendship Springs, behind Publix)

7340 Friendship Springs Blvd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

DON’T MISS...

1/2 Page Ad Entertainment: 2 columns 10-2:00 PM jB JAMS 4.4167 12:00 Noon Fashion Showx10" Speakers: 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:30 PM

1:00 PM

Vitamin Shoppe Atlanta Gastroenterology Moore’s Wealth Management Judy Paul, Keller Williams Lanier Partners, and Jenny Meredith, Medicare Agent with Affordable Health Care Solutions Merle Norman Skin Care Class

Prizes • Exhibitors • Health Screenings Food Trucks & Much, Much More!

Gainesville

For more information, or to find out how you can be an exhibitor, call 770.535.6330 or email lnelson@gainesvilletimes.com

March 6, 2018 • An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Dawg Nation Homes Jason Buffington Real Estate Division of Keller Williams Jason Buffington 4211 Creek Water Crossing Flowery Branch GA 30542 - Real Estate 770-540-6264 dawgnationhomes.com

Judge Clint G. Bearden Hall County Superior Court PO Box 1356 - Individual Member Gainesville GA 30507 706-974-8870

Membership Development

4 Aces Real Estate Carol Ann Wood 310 Academy Street, NW Gainesville GA 30542 - Real Estate 678-997-7361 4acesrealestate.com

15

Job Fair 2018

Wednesday, March 21

11th Annual Chamber Chase

March 22

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Gainesville Civic Center

6:00 pm Riverside Military Academy

Open to the Public • No Admission Fee

REGISTER NOW

Job Seekers! Complete employment applications on site while networking with companies that are hiring. Limited Employer Booths available. Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206. Email: alewis@ghcc.com. GreaterHallChamber.com/events Job Fair 2018 Presented By

RunSignUp.com/ ChamberChase

Sign up a Team and Promote Company Wellness!

Call 770-532-6206

Back Page Ad

Chamber Chase 5K registration fee is $30; $35 after March 8. Register online through March 18 and at the Chamber through March 22.

Details: 770-532-6206.

10 x 7.5

Goods & Services Sponsors

McGarity's Business Products • Milton Martin Honda Panera Bread • Signs By Tomorrow

GALA 2018

Hackers Holiday

110th Annual Meeting

Thursday, May 17

Chattahoochee Country Club Great Sponsorship Opportunities!

Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115 Email: mlathem@ghcc.com

Golf Tournament

Friday, April 27

Recognizing Small Business of the Year Family Business of the Year Silver Shovel Award Winners W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award Community Service Award Distinguished Citizen Award

Legacy on Lanier Golf Club Presented by

Mandy Lathem, 770-532-6206 x 115 Email: mlathem@ghcc.com

Upcoming Chamber Events Upcoming Chamber Events Thursday, March Workshop 8 Small Business Marketing Transportation Forum Tuesday, February 14 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Marketing Trends University of Gordon North Georgia Presented by Sawyer Gainesville Campus| ContOaks Ed Bldg 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. – The at Lanier Charter Career Academy Tuesday, March 13 Small Business Business AfterSeminar Hours 7:45 a.m.

9:00 a.m. | Chamber Thursday, February 16

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 14 Luna's Restaurant Lunch 'n Learn 200 Main Street 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Hunt Tower in Downtown Gainesville Avocados | Gainesville

Friday, 16 Arbor DayMarch Celebration NewFriday, Member Orientation February 17 8:30 a.m.

10:00- 9:30 a.m. a.m.

Quinlan Arts Center Center FrancesVisual Meadows

Tuesday, Job Fair andMarch Career27 Expo Agribusiness Awards Breakfast Wednesday, March 28 7:30 10:00a.m. a.m.- -9:00 3:00a.m. p.m.

North Hall Community Center Georgia Mountains Center

March 21 Safe Wednesday, & Green Regional Assembly Job Fair 24 Friday, February 10:00 a.m.- -2:00 8:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m. p.m.

Gainesville Civic Georgia MountainsCenter Center

March 29 Get Thursday, Details & Register Online:

Thursday, March 22 Annual Transportation Forum Chamber Chase 5K Wednesday, March 14 6:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Riverside Military Academy Gainesville State College

Registration & Sponsor Info:

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

CAR-RT SORT

Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunrise Cove Marina in Gainesville

greaterhallchamber.com

Details & Register Online for these events and more

GreaterHallChamber.com This publication is printed on partially recycled paper.