B u s i n e s s L i n kChairman's Columnpage 2

Most Fit Company Awardspage 4

Existing Industryof the Monthpage 5

Upcoming Eventspage 6

Member Announcementspage 10

Ribbon Cuttings page 12

New Memberspage 13 & 14

Small Business of the Monthpage 14

Workforce Developmentpage 15

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

A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Save the Date

N O V E M B E R2 0 1 1

Friday, November 4Business Before Hours

Tuesday, November 15Farm City Breakfast

Thursday, November 17Holiday Business After Hours

Lt. Governor Casey Cagleand the Gainesville-Hall County legislative delegation

49th Georgia Senate District State Senator Butch Miller

26th Georgia House DistrictRep. Carl Rogers

27th Georgia House DistrictRep. Doug Collins

31st Georgia House DistrictRep. Tommy Benton

25th Georgia House DistrictTBD

Thursday, December 87:30 - 9:00 a.m. • Gainesville Civic Center

Make Your Reservations Now!

Annual Eggs & Issues BreakfastThursday, December 8

Gainesville Civic Center7:30-9:00 a.m. • Open to Public • Full Buffet Breakfast

Annual Legislative ForumThe 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 legis-lative 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

Sponsored by

Rep. Tommy Benton31st Georgia House District

Senator Butch Miller49th Georgia Senate District

Rep. Doug Collins27th Georgia House District

Rep. Carl Rogers26th Georgia House District

Casey CagleGeorgia Lt. Governor

ucbi.com

Lending Money. Building Relationships.

Member FDIC

Any financial institution can offer you a loan. However, at United Community Bank you can get the extra money needed to manage your business, while building a lasting relationship.

Borrowing money is personal. So whether you need money to expand your business or get it off the ground, we invite you to consider a strong bank where you are more than just a loan, you’re a business partner. Call us today.

Pictured left to right:Dick Valentine: 678-989-3631

Joyce Stephens: 678-989-3628 Sam Hulsey: 678-989-3627

Will White: 678-989-3570Rick Frazier: 678-989-3571

Chris England: 678-989-3626

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 business-es 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.

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 pa-tronage. 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.

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 compa-nies. Sponsorship opportunities are now available along with exhibit sign-ups.

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.

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Volume 17 Issue 11mcKemie West, editor • email: kwest@ghcc.com

greaterhallchamber.com

David Abee, Regions Bank

emily Bagwell, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

Brenda Bahel, The Starke Companies

Perry Barnett, Rushton & Company

Wade Beavers, Beavers/Rogers Law & Advisory

Col. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy

William H. Beyer, NEGA Heart Center

Carol Burrell, NEGA Health System

Ruth Bruner, Mayor, City of Gainesville

Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management

Bob Coleman, Coleman & Chambers

lance Compton, Red Clay Interactive

sam evans, City of Oakwood Councilman

Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda

Kathy Fauscett, Keller Williams Realty

Tony Funari, Mayor Pro-tem, Town of Braselton

Rob Geoffroy, The Atlanta Falcons

Tommy Howard, The Norton Agency

Dr. Bonita Jacobs, North Georgia College & SU

Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy

Kelly lee, Wells Fargo Advisors

Deborah mack, Community Volunteer

mike miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch

Willie mitchell, Gainesville City Schools

Dr. martha Nesbitt, Gainesville State College

James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont

Tom oliver, Chairman, Hall Co. Commission

Bob Pennington, Willis Investment Council

larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville

Terry Roberts, Lake Lanier CVB

Will schofield, Hall County Schools

Dr. ed schrader, Brenau University

Joyce stephens, United Community Bank

Dennis stockton, The Times

milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula

Russell Vandiver, Lanier Technical College

Greg Vitek, IMS Gear

Dr. mary Watkins, Watkins Chiropractic

Darrell Wiley, J&J Foods

Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Materials

Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging Materials

Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness

Jimmy Hernandez, Milton Martin Toyota

emmett Forrester, NEGA Diagnostic Clinic

Doug langman, TRC Staffing

Chris mcCall, Keller Williams Realty

Jody Nelson, Georgia Power

Julie Nicholson, Community Bank & Trust

Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & Design

spence Price, The Adams Companies

Dan slott, Service Master

Jessica Tullar, City of Gainesville

Carla Walker, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

B u s i n e s s L i n k

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012 executive Committee

ChairmanJay JacobsJacobs Media Corporation

Chairman ElectRandall FrostStewart, Melvin & Frost

TreasurerJody lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia

Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentChris BraswellPB Property Management

Vice Chair, Education elisabeth Baldwin BB&T

Vice Chair, Government Affairslee HemmerThe Simpson Company

Vice Chair, Marketing and Communicationsmelissa TymchukNEGA Health System

Vice Chair, Membership DevelopmentJimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance

Vice Chair, South Hall CouncilGeoff lee, Road Atlanta

Vice Chair, Community DevelopmentPhillippa moss, Gainesville-Hall Co. Community Service Center

Chair, VISION 2030Kelly miles, Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles, P.A.meg Nivens, Executive Director

Co-Chairs, HALLmarkPaul Chambers, AT&TDavid lee, Jackson EMCmimi Collins, The Longstreet Clinic

Senior AdvisorJimmy Adams, The Adams Companies

Immediate Past ChairmanDarrell snyder, Georgia Power President & CEOKit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors 2011-2012

Associate Directors 2011-2012

staff

Buy Local in Gainesville-Hall County

Jay JacobsJacobs Media Corporation Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

ExecutiveKit Dunlap, President/CEOJoy sims, Executive Assistant

Economic DevelopmentTim evans, Vice Presidentshelley Davis, Vice President Existing IndustryJean mcCullough, Project Manager

Finance & OperationsDavid umberson, Vice President Finance and Human Resources

Education & Workforce DevelopmentDana miller, Vice President

Government AffairsKit Dunlap, President/CEOJoy sims, Executive Assistant

South Hall CouncilKit Dunlap, President/CEOmichelle Wiley, Membership Vice President

Community DevelopmentRobin Halstead, Vice President

VISION 2030meg Nivens, Executive Director

Membership Developmentmichelle Wiley, Vice PresidentKara matter, Membership Coordinatorsara lewis, Intern, NGCSU

Marketing & CommunicationsKemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant

Greater Hall Chamber Welcome CenterRobin Halstead, Manager

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-Mem-bers; $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 in-formation on sponsorship opportunities or to reserve your booth space, call Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com

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

Jackson EMC received the highest numerical score among midsize utilities in the South region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 98,562 online interviews ranking the 30 largest providers in the South (AL, AK, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, NM, OK, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA).

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

Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

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 SalesElectronic 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 company-wide 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 Church-Family 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 ProductsHarris 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 15-20 temporary employees. The prohibition on smoking and tobacco use on campus was implemented by company President, Dave Nangle, in 2008, and safety pro-grams 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, Perspira-tion, Celebration!” The focus on Wellness is promoted by parent company, Lincoln Electric -- realizing a Culture of Wellness benefits employees and their family mem-bers as well as the company. harrisproductsgroup.com

Large category (251+ employees) - Northeast Georgia Health SystemNortheast 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 ac-cess 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, 261-skilled 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

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Chamber officials present 2011 Most Fit Company Awards

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 Co-Chair, 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.

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.

Farm City Breakfast on Nov. 15

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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 differenti-ated 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 rec-ognition 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."

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-of-the-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.

ZF Wind Power Ribbon Cutting

Masters of Innovation Awards

Elite Exhibits, LLC is privately-held and specializes in the development of three-dimensional 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 Flow-ery Branch. Elite designs, builds, rents and sells tradeshow exhibits and provides turn-key exhibit management for their clients. In addition, Elite designs and produces corporate events and constructs lobbies, showrooms and corporate environments 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 multi-story 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, coordi-nation, 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 refurbish-ment 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.

"Our corporate culture fosters a freedom to create, resulting in a high rate of employ-ee 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

Existing Industry of the MonthElite Exhibits in Flowery Branch

One of the many displays produced by Oakwood-based Elite Exhibits for GE.

Industry Appreciation Awards 2012Greater 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

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Tuesday, November 1Political Forum5:30 - 8:00 p.m. – Spout Springs Library

Wednesday, November 2Healthcare Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, November 2Leads Group11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Friday, November 4Business Before Hours7:30 - 9:00 a.m. – Delta Community Credit Union in Gainesville

Tuesday, November 8Small Business Success SeminarSafety Awareness Program presented by the Gainesville Police Department7:45 - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, November 8Ambassadors Council3:45 p.m. – Scott's on the Square

Wednesday, November 9Network Over Coffee8:30 - 9:30 a.m. – Calliope Sweets on Main Street in Flowery Branch

Wednesday, November 9Beautification Committee10 a.m. – Georgia Forestry Commission Office in Lula

Wednesday, November 9Human Resource Council11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant

Thursday, November 10Leadership Hall County Education Program8:00 a.m. – Gainesville Civic Center

Thursday, November 10South Hall Marketing WorkshopUtilizing Free Google Tools for Business Presented by Ron Simmons, UGA SBDC8:00 - 10:00 a.m. – Mulberry Creek Community Center in Flowery Branch

Thursday, November 10Chamber Executive Committee11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Friday, November 11Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – Lanier Charter Career Academy

Tuesday, November 15Farm City Breakfast7:30 a.m. – East Hall Community Center

Tuesday, November 15VISION 2030 Board of Directors11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, November 16Issues Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, November 16Leads Group11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Thursday, November 17Environmental Health & SafetyErgonomics presented by Damon Nix, GTRI8:30 a.m. – Chamber

Thursday, November 17Greater Hall Chamber Board Meeting12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center

Thursday, November 17Holiday Business After Hours and Downtown Open HouseSponsored by Main Street Gainesville5:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Gainesville Square

Thursday, November 175:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sponsored by Main Street GainesvilleDowntown Gainesville's Jingle Mingle

No Charge! Bring the Family!

Food & Drink • Open Houses • Santa on the SquareCarolers & Sing-a-longs • Holiday FunCheck-in at Frames You-Nique, 104 Main Street on the Square. Details: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com

Holiday Business After Hours

Tuesday, November 87:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Greater Hall Chamber of CommerceFree for Members; $15 Non-MembersSponsored by Jacobs Media Corporation and United Community Bank

Safety Awareness for Businesses & IndividualsPresented 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

Small Business Success Seminar

Friday, November 47:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Delta Community Credit UnionVillage 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

Business Before Hours

1/4 Page Ad2 columns 4.4167 x5

Northeast Georgia Medical Center

ucbi.com

Lending Money. Building Relationships.

Member FDIC

Any financial institution can offer you a loan. However, at United Community Bank you can get the extra money needed to manage your business, while building a lasting relationship.

Borrowing money is personal. So whether you need money to expand your business or get it off the ground, we invite you to consider a strong bank where you are more than just a loan, you’re a business partner. Call us today.

Pictured left to right:Dick Valentine: 678-989-3631

Joyce Stephens: 678-989-3628 Sam Hulsey: 678-989-3627

Will White: 678-989-3570Rick Frazier: 678-989-3571

Chris England: 678-989-3626

ucbi.com

Lending Money. Building Relationships.

Member FDIC

Any financial institution can offer you a loan. However, at United Community Bank you can get the extra money needed to manage your business, while building a lasting relationship.

Borrowing money is personal. So whether you need money to expand your business or get it off the ground, we invite you to consider a strong bank where you are more than just a loan, you’re a business partner. Call us today.

Pictured left to right:Dick Valentine: 678-989-3631

Joyce Stephens: 678-989-3628 Sam Hulsey: 678-989-3627

Will White: 678-989-3570Rick Frazier: 678-989-3571

Chris England: 678-989-3626

• Clipper Petroleum President Tom Bowerannounced Clipper and BP's commitment to supporting local area schools via the Fu-eling 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 Me-dia founder John W. Jacobs, Jr., is one of this year's Governor's Awards in the Hu-manities recipients. The award celebrates the impact of public humanities programs across Georgia. jacbosmedia.net• The Chamber is sponsoring an Art Con-test 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 meet-ings 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. Reser-vations 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 of-fice offers a great way to get your business noticed. Spaces limited. Details: 770-225-2843 or online at touchhall.com• The North Georgia Community Foun-dation 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

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 Mitchellreceived 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 North-east 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. 770-532-8453. negaredcross.org• The Medical Center Auxiliary and Wil-lis 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

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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.

Membership Campaign Results

Register Now for Booth Space!Buy Local Business Expo

January 19, 2012Georgia Mountains Center

EXPO 1:00-6:00 pmBUSINESS AFTER HOURS 4:00-6:00 pm

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 Chair-man Elect Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost.

Small Business Success Seminar

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HealthSmart Wellness Expo draws record crowd for free screenings

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, health-related food and giveaways.

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.

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.

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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

Thank You Event Sponsors

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....

South Hall Business Coalition

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. Ham-ilton 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

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Hamilton State BankKris 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. 770-534-2515. fullmedia.com

Full Media locates to Green Street

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.”

South Hall Rotary ClubArrow 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

Arrow Exterminators

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Help Your Business

Take Off!Advertise

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B u s i n e s s L i n k

Chairman's Column

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Existing Industry

of the Month

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Small Business

of the Month

page 5

Upcoming Events

page 6

Member

Announcements

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Ribbon Cuttings

page 12

New Members

page 13

Partners in

Education

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

A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Save the Date

O C T O B E R2 0 1 1

Tuesday, October 11

Small Business Success Seminar

Tuesday, October 18

South Hall Business Coalition

Tuesday, October 25

Business After Hours

Wellness Expo Open to the Public!

5th Annual HealthSmart Expo

Wednesday, October 12Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville • 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

FREE Health Screenings • NO Admission Fee

HealthSmart Expo offers the public free health screenings

You'll not want to miss the FREE health screenings as part of the Greater

Hall Chamber's 5th Annual HealthSmart Expo on October 12 at the Geor-

gia Mountains Center in Downtown Gainesville. There is no entry fee and

screenings will be open to the public from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

HealthSmart, a VISION 2030 Initiative, seeks to raise wellness awareness

and promote healthy workplaces in the community. Screenings include:

Glucose, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, BMI, Carotid Artery, Asthma and

Hearing Screenings, Sleep Disorders, Balance/Fall Risk Assessments, and

ABI-Vascular screenings to check for blood clots in legs. Flu shots available

at a minimal cost.

Dave Hubbard, coach and motivational speaker, author and former NFL

Player, will be guest speaker at the HealthSmart Kickoff Breakfast on

Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30 a.m. at the Georgia Mountains Center.

Dave has been a health and fitness speaker for over 30 years and has spoken

to hundreds of Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. Dave’s books in-

clude "BAD CHUTE, Why most Americans fail with fitness" and "Fat to Fit

in only 10 minutes a day." The Chamber's Most Fit Company Awards will

also be presented at the Breakfast. $10 Greater Hall Chamber members; $15

non-members. HealthSmart Expo Info and Breakfast Reservations: 770-532-

6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

Dave Hubbard

America’s Fitness Coach®

HealthSmart

BreakfastWednesdayOctober 12Georgia 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

Online: greaterhallchamber.com

• 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.

Publication Date: First Tuesday of every month

for advertising contactSherrie Jones • 770.535.6304sjones@gainesvilletimes.com

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Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)Sandy Headley3173 Hwy 129 NCleveland, GA 30528(706) 348-6609- Non-Profitaceloans.org

Accurate Automotive SpecialistsAnthony "Tony" Jones2301 C Browns Bridge RoadGainesville, GA 30504(770) 297-9032- Automobile Repair & Service

Ava White Tutorials & AcademyAva White332 Washington StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 536-6898- Educational Institutionavawhitetutorials.com

Chase BankSheila Fugate7354 Spout Springs RoadFlowery Branch, GA 30542(770) 965-9479- Financial Institutionchase.com

Coleman & Chambers, LLP Cale Rogers, AttorneyRob Chambers, Attorney1370 Thompson Bridge RoadSuite 300, Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 534-3770- Attorneyscolemanchambers.com

Conowal-Welch, LLPJoshua Welch200 W Academy Street NWSuite 208Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 535-0225- Attorneyconowalwelch.com

Count On Tools, Inc.Curt Couch2481 Hilton DriveSuite 3Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 538-0411- Manufacturer / Processorcotinc.com

Crisp Lawn Care PlusJason Crisp6213 Little Cove DriveFlowery Branch, GA 30542(678) 936-0032- Landscape

Cummings & Kelley P.C.W. Douglas Jacobson142 Forrest AvenueGainesville, GA 30501(770) 531-0007- Attorneycummingskelley.com

Designer TreasuresLinda Barnette1062 Thompson Bridge RoadGainesville, GA 30501(770) 534-8110- Retail

ECOM AmericaDrew Wilson1628 Oakbrook DriveGainesville, GA 30507(770) 532-3280- Manufacturer / Processorecomusa.com

Eye Site of GainesvilleDr. Jason Gabrels1681 Thompson Bridge RoadGainesville, GA 30501(770) 532-0532- Medical / Optometryeyesite4u.net

Fitness ForumShirlice Irick1210 Thompson Bridge RoadGainesville, GA 30501(770) 535-2985- Fitness Centerfitnessforumgainesville.com

Green's GroceryEd Waller971 Riverside DriveGainesville, GA 30501(770) 534-5621- Groceryfacebook.com/greensgrocery

Holiday on Lake Lanier Marina6900 Holiday RoadBuford, GA 30518(770) 945-7201- Boat Storageholidaylakelanier.com

Joan L. Bancroft162 Enota Avenue NWGainesville, GA 30506(678) 549-8383- Individual Membercalljoanb.com

Joseph D. Weber, DMD1146 S Enota DriveGainesville, GA 30501(770) 532-8521- Dentistweberfamilydental.com

Lanier Health & Wellness Foundation, Inc.Peter Saddler3774 Cochran RoadGainesville, GA 30506(770) 875-9431- Non-Profit

Law Office of Ryan M. Reid, LLCRyan Reid615 Green StreetGainesville, GA 30501(678) 971-4664- Attorneyryanreidlaw.com

McKibbon-Robison PropertiesRobbie RobisonP.O. Box 115Murrayville, Georgia 30564Steve McKibbonP.O. Box 249Murrayville, 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 ConsultantMelanie Brown2322 Floral Ridge DriveDacula, GA 30019(678) 936-8555- Spa / Salonbeautipage.com

Moonies Texas BBQJason Martin5545 Atlanta HwyFlowery Branch, GA 30542(770) 617-4448- Restaurant & Cateringmooniesbbq.com

Mundy MillBrenda Bahel4038 Chestatee RoadGainesville, GA 30506(770) 532-3400- Property Managementmundymill.com

Northwestern MutualChris Nish 3939 Roswell RoadMarietta, GA 30062(770) 561-8160-Financial Servicesnmfn.com/chrisnish

The Norton Agency / Will Cobb434 Green StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 718-5261- Real Estate / Commercialnortoncommercial.com

Paul Davis Restoration of North Georgia - Jeff Bos5303 Browns Bridge RoadGainesville, GA 30504(770) 534-7476- Construction / Builderpdrnga.com

Payne PlumbingJohn Payne360 Oak Street, Suite BGainesville, GA 30501(770) 534-6883- Plumbing

Plato's ClosetTammy Hensley960 Dawsonville Hwy, Suite 300AGainesville, GA 30501(770) 265-4753- Retailplatoscloset.com

New members, thru 9/29/2011– Continued on page 14

Bank with confidence. Hamilton State Bank.

We’re All Business.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.

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.

Member FDIC

HamiltonStateBank.com

The Norton AgencyKey Economic Indicators

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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 non-profit organizations as well as contributing in-kind donations annually to schools and non-profit agencies such as Challenged Child, Edmondson Telford Center and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. J. Geyer has donated some 330 t-shirts to the 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.

Small Business of the MonthJ. Geyer Advertising, Inc.

John & Lisa Geyer of J. Geyer Advertising. Recipients of the Greater Hall Chamber's Small Business of the Month Award.

New members, thru 9/29/2011

Pray Gainesville Dewayne Payne673 Bradford StGainesville, GA 30501(770) 654-8823- Religious Non-profitpraygainesville.org

Princeton Salon & SpaHeath Gayton106 Washington Street NWGainesville, GA 30501(770) 287-1088- Spa & Salonprincetonsalonandspa.com

SalesChasers VCC, LLC.Michelle Conkle615 Welford RoadSuwanee, GA 30024(770) 822-1607- Business Servicessaleschasers.com

Sidebar 120Christopher Richardson120 Bradford Street, NEGainesville, GA 30501(678) 450-4225- Restaurant & Cateringsidebar120.com

The Simpson CompanyWill White425 Spring SreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 532-9911- Real Estatesimpsoncompany.com

Sinclair Gray2946 Everson Ridge CtSnellville, GA 30039(770) 274-9899- Individual Member

Smith Gillian Williams & MilesBill Rhoades301 Green Street, Suite 200Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 536-3381- Attorneysgwmfirm.com

Sunrise Cove Marina5725 Flat Creek DriveGainesville, GA 30504(770) 536-8599-Boat Storagesunrisecovemarina.com

Syfan Logistics, Inc.Jim Syfan2037 Old Candler RoadGainesville, GA 30507(770) 287-8485- Transportation & Truckingsyfancorp.com

Team Green Inc.Peter Kite305 Julian CrkDawsonville, GA 30534(770) 530-6065- Non-profitteamgreencycling.org

Ted Quinn Painting, Inc.Ted Quinn2246 Skyline DriveGainesville, GA 30501

(678) 908-6496- Paint Contractor

Trinity Engineering CompanyKevin Harrison446 Green StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 535-1044- Engineers / Consultanttrinityeng.net

Victory Janitorial SuppliesEd Dorminy1112 Airport Street, SWGainesville, GA 30501(770) 536-2771- Retail - Industrialvictory-gainesville.com

Wayne Clark Real EstateSheri Millwood301 Washington Street, Suite 2Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 519-8300- Real Estatesherimillwood.com

William I. "Sonny" Sykes4525 NorthamptonFlowery Branch, GA 30542(770) 532-4019-Attorneywilliamsykeslaw.com

Zimmermann ConstructionRandy Zimmermann3642 Explorer TrlOakwood, GA30566(678) 943-8183- Construction / Builderzimmermannconst.com

New Members, continued from page 13

Permits Issued - Hall County

Housing Area Permits Sept Sept Aug Total 2011County 2011 2010 2011 2010 YTDBarrow 3 10 6 45 23Dawson 2 3 4 33 32

Gwinnett 48 43 39 647 423Forsyth 75 53 120 1,012 874

Jackson 1 3 1 39 15

Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home Sept Avg Sept Avg Aug Avg Total Avg Total AvgArea 2011 Price 2010 Price 2011 Price 2010 Price 2011 Price

City 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

PreviousMonth

Aug 2011

19

Latest

September 19OneYearAgo

Sept 2010

9

2010Total

1522011YTD

157

Updated 10/25

The Power To Perform

DatacompiledbytheNortonAgency.Foradditionalinformationorotherdataproducts,pleasecall:

Tommy Howard The Norton Agency 770-718-5204 thoward@nortonnorthga.com

Key EconomicIndicators

Greater Hall County

Latest

Sept 2011

8.6PreviousMonth

Aug 2011

8.7OneYearAgo

Sept 2010

9.1

10

8

6

4

2

2 0 1 1

EmploymentHall County

Updated 10/25

Area Jobless Rates

GainesvilleCity 9.4

Cherokee 8.7Dawson 9.4

Forsyth 8.1

Gwinnett 9.3

Jackson 10.4

GaMountains 9.1StateofGeorgia 10.4

U.S. 9.1SON D J FMAMJJ A S

Perc

ent

LatestSeptember 2011

$230,664,304PreviousMonth

August 2011$228,746,600

OneYearAgo

September 2010$228,502,478

Retail Sales

HallCountyretailsalesfiguresareestimatedfromthe1%salestaxcollectedforHall.Forexample,$11millionintaxrevenuerepresentsretailsalesofapproximately$100million.

Hall County

Updated 10/25

3.0

100’

sm

illion

sof

dol

lars

NDJF MAMJJA S

1.0

2.0

2 0 1 0

2 0 1 0

12-Month HighJan201110.3%

2 0 1 1

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 “The Big 15 ideas” projects. At the Gainesville Public 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.

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Leadership Hall CountyYouth Leadership HallGreater 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 County. Meg Nivens, Executive Director, VISION 2030 and Vision board member Julia Clay, discussed the initiative and asked the class to list and present their top ideas for the future of our community. Many thanks to Chattahoochee County Club for sponsoring lunch.

Hunter Gibbs,Lanier Charter Career Academy,(back) and Brittany Gunter,North Hall High School, milk cow at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) as part of Youth Leadership Hall.

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Callie Flack, North Georgia Community Foundation; Katie Dubnik,Northeast Georgia Health System; Tiffany Whitmire, Rushton & Company; Chris Wiley, Gainesville City Fire Department; Megan Martin, American Shredding.

We’ll light the way.

We open doors to brighter days.

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.

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.

In preparing corporate loan applications, we know the best path to securing successful refinancing. Better yet, we know what the regulators are looking for — which saves time for everyone involved. We also stay abreast of lesser-known credit opportunities that you may not have considered.

Don’t wait on the economy to turn around before moving your business forward.

fo

Inpawevop

Get your company out of the dark.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

770.287.7800 | RushtonandCompany.com

Business Before HoursFriday, 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 WorkshopThursday, November 10

Utilizing Google Tools for BusinessPresented by Ron Simmons, SBDC

8:00 - 10:00 a.m.Mulberry Creek Community Center

Sponsored by AT&T

Annual Farm City BreakfastTuesday, November 15

Breakfast Sponsored by Jackson EMC7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

East Hall Community Center

Holiday Business After Hours and Downtown Open House Thursday, November 17

Sponsored by Main Street Gainesville5:00 - 8:00 p.m

Downtown Gainesville SquareSanta • Food • Carolers • Family Fun

Get Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events U.S.POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT#47

GAINESVILLE,GA

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