Business Link October 2012

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

New & Expanding Industriespage 4

The Wisdom Projectpage 5

Upcoming Eventspage 6

Member Announcementspage 10

Ribbon Cuttingspages 11-12

New Memberspage 13-14

Leadership Programspage 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

O C T O B E R2 0 1 2

Tuesday, October 9Small Business Success Seminar

Wednesday, October 10HealthSmart Breakfast & Expo

Tuesday, October 30South Hall Business Coalition

Open to the Public!

6th Annual HealthSmart ExpoWednesday, October 10

Georgia Mountains Center7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Over 70 Exhibitors • FREE Health Screenings Food & Giveaways • No Admission Fee

Jeff Hill, a meteorologist and part of the Fox 5 News Team in Atlanta, will be guest speaker at the HealthSmart Kickoff Breakfast on Wednesday, October 10 at 7:30 a.m. at the Georgia Mountains Cen-ter. The Greater Hall Chamber's “Most Fit Company Awards” in three categories (large, medium and small companies) will be take place at the HealthSmart Breakfast as well. Jeff Hill recently suffered compli-cations from a heart disorder. He now has a pacemaker and is sharing his story about the importance of health and fitness and recognizing your body’s symptoms. The HealthSmart Breakfast will feature a "Heart Smart" menu catered by Oak-wood Occasions. Great doorprizes and

giveaways along with the opportunity to register for the Chamber Chase 5K! Cost for the HealthSmart Breakfast is $10 for Greater Hall Cham-ber members; $15 non-members. For Breakfast Reservations: Contact

Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected] or make your Breakfast Reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com

FREE health screenings will be available at the Greater Hall Chamber's 6th Annual HealthSmart Expo on Wednesday, October 10 at the Georgia Mountains Center in Downtown Gainesville. No entry fee and screenings are open to the public from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. FREE Health Screenings include: Glucose, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, BMI, Carotid Artery, Asthma and Hearing Screenings. Flu shots will be avail-able at a minimal cost. FREE Salad for Lunch sponsored by McDonald's will be given to the first 100 people that participate in the health screen-ings from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.!

HealthSmart, a VISION 2030 Initiative, seeks to raise wellness awareness and promote healthy workplaces in the community. Over 70 exhibitors will be par-ticipating in the Expo. Details: greaterhallchamber.com

Breakfast kickoff for HealthSmart Expo on October 10

Scan for all the details on HealthSmart!

Jeff HillMeterologistFox 5 News Team

Mark Your Calendar!

Annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast Thursday, December 13

Gainesville Civic Center7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Don't miss this informative forum featuring remarks and Q&A with our Legislative Delegation

Little Davenport has been in business more than years50

Know the Difference Know Peace of Mind

Little-Davenport Funeral Home was founded in 1954 by Alton M “Pete” Davenport and J. Paul Little, offering dedication to the community and excellent service to each and every family they served. We wish to continue this high standard of service provided by Pete and Paul.

We are dedicated to a dignified personal service as a locally owned and independent funeral home. We offer a unique personal service to each family and their individual needs.

LocaLLy owned • LocaLLy operated

355 Dawsonville Highway SW Gainesville, GA 30501 ph: 770-534-5201 fx: 770-534-2644 www.littledavenport.com Follow us on Facebook Linked

Ben Mason, Jim Watkins, John Haff, Ken Barrett, Anita Janes, Tim Armour, & Kirk Barrett

Services Provided for Families:

Casket Merchandise Selection (All made in U.S.A.) • Banquet Area • Receiving of Visitors • All necessary Transportation • Death Certificates • Insurance Filing • Social Security Filing • Memorial Service • Church or Chapel Services • Flower facilitation • Grave Service Supervision • Cremations • Grief Counseling • Ministerial Support • Minister (on staff) • Musicians (on staff) • Police Escort • Military\Veteran Support Services

• Full Military Honor Services • Dove Release • Butterfly Release • Balloon Release • Bagpipes • Reflections Memorial • Life Memory DVD’s • Casket Rentals • Limo Service • Laminated Bookmarks • Life Story Medallions • Memorial Tiles • Jewelry Keepsakes (various) • Thumbies - Finger Print Keepsakes • Family Lounge Area • Catering Banquet Area (for families with meals) • Grave Spaces • Marker Selection • Marker Engraving • Grave Renewal Service (maintenance\repair)

Coming soon: Veterans Wall

www.littledavenport.com

Upon the conclusion of another successful Membership Campaign, I want to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to all of our existing and new business members. The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce at press time was wrapping up our annual membership drive with dozens of new members added to the approximately 1,500 existing members. You make the difference, and your ideas help to guide the direction of our Chamber of Commerce which continues to create a pro-business environment in the community.

Our networking events remain strong and well attended. They give participants the opportunity to learn more about other businesses in the community and also share information about their business. With 85% of our members being small businesses, these are valuable opportunities in today’s business environment. Several networking events are scheduled throughout the month, and they are offered at different times of the day to accommodate a variety of work schedules. New members, be sure to attend the orientation breakfast on Friday, October 5 at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center. New and existing members, try out the new Lunch 'n Learn gatherings. The next lunch

meeting is Wednesday, October 17 at Recess and features a short program and time for networking.

I have been fortunate to attend several Small Business Success Seminars. These events have outstanding participation and cover excellent topics relevant to our members – small business financing, obtaining government contracts and on October 9, creating your business vision and strategic planning. These seminars are offered monthly with a different topic for each meeting. I encourage you to attend if you have not been able to participate in the past. The South Hall Business Coalition will be hearing an update from the Atlanta Falcons on October 30. Join us at the Falcon's football complex in Flowery Branch to get all the news this season.

Healthcare has been a focus with a recent seminar on how healthcare reform affects us all. On October 10, the HealthSmart Expo offers the community free health screenings and a wellness expo with some 70 exhibitors. Join us for the HealthSmart Breakfast, also on October 10, as we present the annual Most Fit Company Awards. Plan to attend a Chamber Board of Directors meeting. We open the meetings to members and encourage you to take part. The next meeting is Thursday, October 25 at Eagle Ranch in South Hall County.

Become involved in the Greater Hall Chamber, enjoy the many programs and networking opportunities that are provided, and let us know what we can do to better meet your needs. If you have any questions or would like to learn how to be more involved in the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, please call 770-532-6206 or visit us online: greaterhallchamber.com

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VOlume 18 Issue 10mcKemie West, editor • email: [email protected]

greaterhallchamber.com

emily Bagwell, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

William Bagwell, Jr., Homestead Investments

Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness

Col. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy

William H. Beyer, NEGA Heart Center

Carol Burrell, NEGA Health System

stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB

Danny Dunagan, Mayor City of Gainesville

Dr. merrianne Dyer, Gainesville City Schools

sam evans, City of Oakwood Councilman

Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda

Kathy Fauscett, Keller Williams Realty

Tony Funari, Mayor Pro-tem, Town of Braselton

lance Gardner, Georgia Power

Rob Geoffroy, The Atlanta Falcons

John Geyer, J Geyer Advertising

mike Giles, Georgia Poultry Federation

Dr. Bonita Jacobs, North Georgia College & SU

Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy

mike miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch

Dr. Randy Pierce, Gainesville State College

James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont

Tom Oliver, Chairman, Hall Co. Commission

Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & Design

Bob Pennington, Willis Investment Counsel

larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville

spence Price, Prime Pak Foods

Will schofield, Hall County Schools

Dr. ed schrader, Brenau University

Joyce stephens, United Community Bank

Dennis stockton, The Times

Grier Todd, Lake Lanier Islands Resort

milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula

melissa Tymchuk, NEGA Health System

Russell Vandiver, Lanier Technical College

Dr. mary Watkins, Watkins Chiropractic

Davis White, Full Media

Darrell Wiley, J&J Foods

Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging Materials

Phil Bonelli, Wells Fargo

John Breakfield, Breakfield & Associates

Burton Brown, First Command Financial Planning

Namon Collins, Allstate Insurance

Brett Fowler, Turner Wood & Smith

Joy Griffin, United Way of Hall County

Brian Hollis, Hollis Transport Agency

lane Jones, Highland Mountain Beverage

megan martin, American Security Shredding

Charles White, Community Volunteer

emily Whitehead, Milton Martin Toyota

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

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2012-2013 executive Committee

ChairmanRandall FrostStewart, Melvin & Frost

Chairman ElectDixie TrueloveTruelove Dairy

TreasurerJody lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia

Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentChris BraswellPB Property Management

Vice Chair, Education elisabeth Baldwin Raymond James/Morgan Keegan

Vice Chair, Government AffairsDavid lee, Jackson EMC

Vice Chair, Marketing and CommunicationsJullie King, The Longstreet Clinic

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

Vice Chair, South Hall CouncilBrian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management

Vice Chair, Community DevelopmentDeborah mack, Volunteer

Chair, VISION 2030Carl Romberg, Citiscomeg Nivens, Executive Director

Co-Chairs, HALLmarkDavid Abee, Regions BankPerry Barnett, Rushton & Co.Paul Chambers, AT&T

Senior AdvisorPhilip Wilheit, sr., Wilheit Packaging

Immediate Past ChairmanJay Jacobs, Jacobs Media Corp. President & CEOKit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors 2012-2013

Associate Directors 2012-2013

staff

Advantages of Chamber Membership

Randall FrostStewart, Melvin & Frost2012-13 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 Tate, Membership Coordinator

Marketing & CommunicationsKemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant

Greater Hall Chamber Welcome CenterRobin Halstead, Manager

Business After Hours

(L-R): Jackie and Counte Cooley, Electronic Sales; Melissa Sizemore, The Times; Chamber Chairman Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost; Megan Martin, American Shredding; Kit Dunlap, President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber, at the September Business After Hours sponsored by Brenau University and the Northeast Georgia History Center.

POWER TO INNOVATE

At Jackson EMC, we pride ourselves not only on what we provide our members, but how we

provide it. Power is our business, but satisfied customers are our objective. Every day, our more

than 400 employees work to achieve the perfect balance between advanced technology and

personal service in order to help our customers and to improve the communities we serve.

Give us a call. We’d like to show you how we can help your team succeed.

706-367-5281 / jacksonemc.com

CO M M E RC I A L / I N D U ST R I A L D I V I S I O N

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JEMC_C&I_innovate_BizLink_Layout 1 6/20/12 5:05 PM Page 1

www.jacksonemc.com

Germany-based Andreas Lupold Hydrotechnik GmbH (Lupold) celebrated the opening of its new subsidiary in Gainesville-Hall County to serve a growing North American customer base. Lupold has over 60 years of expertise in delivering customized design solutions and precision manufacturing of hydraulic systems and recently completed installation production lines in an existing 24,000 square foot building at 988 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. The company has hired and trained 12 employees for initial production that began in April 2012. The firm projects steady growth in a five-year plan that would see the new facility expand to 61 employees and invest more than $9 million in the project. Wilma Lupold, CEO of Lupold state, “After a multi-state search, we ultimately selected this location because of the quality workforce, the positive testimonials we heard from existing industry, and the training support from Georgia’s Quick Start Training Program and Lanier Technical College. Quick Start has been an important link to transfer our produc-tion technology for a successful start-up.” lupold.de/eng/

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Lupold opens new headquarters

Tom Oliver, Chairman, Hall County Commission; Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville; Siegfried Kurz, Plant Manager, Lupold; Wilma Lupold, CEO, Lupold; Gretchen Corbin, Deputy Commissioner, Georgie Department of Economic Development; State Senator Butch Miller; Kit Dunlap,Greater Hall Chamber; John Smith, Lt. Gov Casey Cagle’s Office.

Gainesville-Hall County-based poultry processing companies, Prime Pak Foods and Victory Processing recently announced expansions with Prime Pak opening a new, $7 million, 30,000-square-foot fully cooked food line and Victory Processing hiring an additional 300 employees. Family-owned Prime Pak was established in 1972 by Milton Robson and continues under the leadership of his son, Todd, now company president. Prime Pak’s sister company – Victory Processing – is a poultry sizing and de-boning facility in Gainesville. The two companies have 900 employees. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle's office presented a proclamation recognizing the companies' economic impact and commitment to support Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black’s Georgia Grown Initiative, designed to help businesses with a vested in-terest in agriculture become more successful. The goal is to aid the state’s agricultural economies by connecting producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agri-tourism and consumers into one powerful, statewide community. georgiagrown.com

Prime Pak / Victory Processing

Prime Pak and Victory Processing Team (L-R): Rolando Sanchez; Plant Manager; Eric Reeves, Director of Operations; Michael Farmer, Director of Sales; Todd Robson,Owner; Mike Ensley, A&M Consulting; Phillip Jones, Owner; Johnny Young, Owner; Marc Temples; Director of Quality Assurance; Spence Price, CFO.

The recently announced merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) combines the ALMS, the International Motor Sports Association, Road Atlanta in Braselton, and Sebring International Raceway. Collectively, the merger involves a total of eight sports car series racing throughout North America. Both sanctioning bodies will continue to operate separate schedules in 2013 before racing under one banner in 2014 beginning with North America's premier sports car race, the 52nd Annual Rolex 24 at Daytona. A board of directors has been formed to operate the new combined organization with GRAND-AM founder Jim France as chairman and ALMS founder Don Panoz as vice chairman.

The merger is expected to transform sports car racing in North America, taking the best components from two premium brands for the long-term, optimum growth of sports car racing resulting in one of the strongest, most competitive and powerful motors ports marketing platforms in the world. The ALMS began operations in 1999, with GRAND-AM debuting in 2000. "This merger will strengthen professional sports car racing beyond what either of our organizations could have achieved separately," said Don Panoz. "The American Le Mans Series was founded for fans, and I am gratified that they will benefit greatly as we work together with GRAND-AM to take this sport to a new level."

"This is a win-win situation for Road Atlanta, our fans and the local community," said former South Hall Business Council Vice Chair Geoff Lee, President and General Manager of Road Atlanta. "We anticipate the merger to open up many opportunities for our facility in terms of improvements and new events."

Road Atlanta, part of merger

Master Craftsmen... Builders of America a Featherbone Communiversity Master Series Program in partnership with Lanier Technical College. The

Master Craftsmen Awards will be presented to ten Northeast Georgia tradesmen and seeks to showcase the construction industry while recognizing those with outstanding skills in their trade. The program was designed to work in conjunction with Governor Deal's "Go Build Georgia" campaign. The skills of construction tradesmen are in high demand, and with a 19% projected growth rate through 2018, the construction industry has the potential to provide lucrative careers. Brian Daniel, Carroll Daniel Construction and co-chair of the program stated, "The Master Craftsman Award is an exciting opportunity to honor a group of people who rarely see recognition for their roles building the places where we all live, work and play here in Northeast Georgia. We hope to honor these individuals for their outstanding achievements, and at the same time, showcase their accomplishments as career opportunities for a new generation of young people." Awards Program, November 1, 8:30 a.m. at Featherbone Communiversity, Lanier Tech MDC Rotunda. Details: Brian Daniel at 770-536-3241.

Awards to honor trades craftsmen

Germany-based Andreas Lupold Hydrotechnik GmbH (Lupold) celebrated the opening of its new subsidiary in Gainesville-Hall County to serve a growing North American customer base. Lupold has over 60 years of expertise in delivering customized design solutions and precision manufacturing of hydraulic systems and recently completed installation production lines in an existing 24,000 square foot building at 988 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. The company has hired and trained 12 employees for initial production that began in April 2012. The firm projects steady growth in a five-year plan that would see the new facility expand to 61 employees and invest more than $9 million in the project. Wilma Lupold, CEO of Lupold state, “After a multi-state search, we ultimately selected this location because of the quality workforce, the positive testimonials we heard from existing industry, and the training support from Georgia’s Quick Start Training Program and Lanier Technical College. Quick Start has been an important link to transfer our produc-tion technology for a successful start-up.” lupold.de/eng/

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Lupold opens new headquarters

Tom Oliver, Chairman, Hall County Commission; Danny Dunagan, Mayor, City of Gainesville; Siegfried Kurz, Plant Manager, Lupold; Wilma Lupold, CEO, Lupold; Gretchen Corbin, Deputy Commissioner, Georgie Department of Economic Development; State Senator Butch Miller; Kit Dunlap,Greater Hall Chamber; John Smith, Lt. Gov Casey Cagle’s Office.

Gainesville-Hall County-based poultry processing companies, Prime Pak Foods and Victory Processing recently announced expansions with Prime Pak opening a new, $7 million, 30,000-square-foot fully cooked food line and Victory Processing hiring an additional 300 employees. Family-owned Prime Pak was established in 1972 by Milton Robson and continues under the leadership of his son, Todd, now company president. Prime Pak’s sister company – Victory Processing – is a poultry sizing and de-boning facility in Gainesville. The two companies have 900 employees. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle's office presented a proclamation recognizing the companies' economic impact and commitment to support Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black’s Georgia Grown Initiative, designed to help businesses with a vested in-terest in agriculture become more successful. The goal is to aid the state’s agricultural economies by connecting producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agri-tourism and consumers into one powerful, statewide community. georgiagrown.com

Prime Pak / Victory Processing

Prime Pak and Victory Processing Team (L-R): Rolando Sanchez; Plant Manager; Eric Reeves, Director of Operations; Michael Farmer, Director of Sales; Todd Robson,Owner; Mike Ensley, A&M Consulting; Phillip Jones, Owner; Johnny Young, Owner; Marc Temples; Director of Quality Assurance; Spence Price, CFO.

The recently announced merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) combines the ALMS, the International Motor Sports Association, Road Atlanta in Braselton, and Sebring International Raceway. Collectively, the merger involves a total of eight sports car series racing throughout North America. Both sanctioning bodies will continue to operate separate schedules in 2013 before racing under one banner in 2014 beginning with North America's premier sports car race, the 52nd Annual Rolex 24 at Daytona. A board of directors has been formed to operate the new combined organization with GRAND-AM founder Jim France as chairman and ALMS founder Don Panoz as vice chairman.

The merger is expected to transform sports car racing in North America, taking the best components from two premium brands for the long-term, optimum growth of sports car racing resulting in one of the strongest, most competitive and powerful motors ports marketing platforms in the world. The ALMS began operations in 1999, with GRAND-AM debuting in 2000. "This merger will strengthen professional sports car racing beyond what either of our organizations could have achieved separately," said Don Panoz. "The American Le Mans Series was founded for fans, and I am gratified that they will benefit greatly as we work together with GRAND-AM to take this sport to a new level."

"This is a win-win situation for Road Atlanta, our fans and the local community," said former South Hall Business Council Vice Chair Geoff Lee, President and General Manager of Road Atlanta. "We anticipate the merger to open up many opportunities for our facility in terms of improvements and new events."

Road Atlanta, part of merger

Master Craftsmen... Builders of America a Featherbone Communiversity Master Series Program in partnership with Lanier Technical College. The

Master Craftsmen Awards will be presented to ten Northeast Georgia tradesmen and seeks to showcase the construction industry while recognizing those with outstanding skills in their trade. The program was designed to work in conjunction with Governor Deal's "Go Build Georgia" campaign. The skills of construction tradesmen are in high demand, and with a 19% projected growth rate through 2018, the construction industry has the potential to provide lucrative careers. Brian Daniel, Carroll Daniel Construction and co-chair of the program stated, "The Master Craftsman Award is an exciting opportunity to honor a group of people who rarely see recognition for their roles building the places where we all live, work and play here in Northeast Georgia. We hope to honor these individuals for their outstanding achievements, and at the same time, showcase their accomplishments as career opportunities for a new generation of young people." Awards Program, November 1, 8:30 a.m. at Featherbone Communiversity, Lanier Tech MDC Rotunda. Details: Brian Daniel at 770-536-3241.

Awards to honor trades craftsmen

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October 2, 2012 • A

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1/4 Page Ad2 columns 4.4167 x5

The Greater Hall Chamber and Brenau University's Center for Lifetime Study's new leadership program, The Wisdom Project, kicked off with a fall class of 21 partici-pants. The senior leadership initiative is one of the Chamber's VISION 2030's "15 Big Ideas" and seeks to recruit and prepare citizens age 50+ to share their wisdom, experiences, and talents in creative ways through action and advocacy on behalf of Hall County. At their first of seven sessions, the class met at Brenau University’s Thurmond McCrae Auditorium learning of Aging Issues and Trends from com-munity aging service providers and Erika Walker, SAGE WAVE Consulting, LLC, a nationally known aging business consultant (sagewave.net).

While learning about national aging issues, they discovered national aging service best practices along with how to advocate for Hall County’s growing aging popula-tion. This session educated the class on what Hall County has to offer and how they can help use their skills and talents to make Hall County stronger. Additional sessions educate participants on Hall County’s social services, arts and entertain-ment, business growth, water/air issues and tourism, healthcare and wellness, new challenges and changes, and government resources.

Class members include educated professionals and leaders who are former and current CEOs, vice presidents, directors, lawyers, professors, business owners, etc. Once they graduate and complete 20 hours of service, graduates will be mem-bers of the “Wisdom Keepers,” an organization which will serve as a resource to strengthen Hall County, address its challenges and make Hall County a national “best place to live.” For additional information, contact Kathy Amos at Brenau Universities Center for Lifetime Study (770-538-4705) or Meg Nivens, VISION 2030 (770-532-6206 x 104). vision2030.org

The Wisdom Project kicks off

Over 200 people attended the Healthcare Reform Seminar where a panel of professionals discussed how individuals and businesses are affected by healthcare reform. (L-R): Steve McNeilly, Northeast Georgia Health Partners; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; Al Ertel, Alliant Health Plans; Rich Sanders, The Sanders Law Firm; Tony Herdener, Northeast Georgia Health System; Rob Fowler, Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance. Thank you event sponsors: Northeast Georgia Health System and Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance.

Healthcare Reform Seminar

IT leaders from among the largest organizations in the Southeast assemble for a panel discussion for area businesses on Thursday, October 11 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Presented by Charter Business in cooperation with Cisco System, Inc. and the Greater Hall Chamber, the event will focus on how advancements in technology can help grow a business.

“New developments in networking and cloud computing are driving significant increases in productivity and reduction in costs for businesses of all sizes,” said Jason Covert, Regional Sales Manager for Charter Business. “Participants who attend will learn from leading experts how taking advantage of technologies can have a measurable impact on the way they do business. This event has many benefits for the business community throughout Hall County.”

Roundtable discussion topics include: Network performance in the cloud; Virtualizing your workforce; Network optimization; Applications to increase productivity. No Charge. Lunch included. Space limited. Make your registration online: experttechpanel.eventbrite.com

Experts in Technology Roundtable

www.penmac.com

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Wednesday, October 3Healthcare Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Friday, October 5New Member BreakfastSponsored by Crystal Springs & Quinlan8:00-9:00 a.m. – Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville

Tuesday, October 9Small Business Success SeminarBuilding Your Vision: The Importance of Strategic Planning presented by Randy Donaldson, UGA SBDC7:45-9:00 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, October 9Youth Leadership Hall Team BLake Program8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 9Ambassador Council3:45-4:45 p.m. – 2 Dog Café

Wednesday, October 106th Annual Healthsmart ExpoGeorgia Mountains Center7:30-9:00 a.m. – Kickoff Breakfast7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.– Wellness Expo

Wednesday, October 10Human Resources11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant

Thursday, October 11Leadership Hall County Quality of Life Program8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Friday, October 12Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, October 16VISION 2030 Board of Directors11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, October 17Issues Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, October 17NEW! Lunch 'n LearnProgram presented by Francois Levesque, Electronic Sales Company11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – Recess Southern Gastro Pub in Downtown Gainesville

Thursday, October 18Chamber Executive Board11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, October 24Network Over Coffee8:30-9:30 a.m. – Subway Store, 5840-B Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch

Thursday, October 25Chamber Board of Directors 12:00 p.m. – Eagle Ranch

Friday, October 26Environmental, Health and Safety Committee8:30 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, October 30South Hall Business CoalitionAtlanta Falcons Football 2012 Update8:00-9:00 a.m. – Atlanta Falcons Foot-ball Complex in Flowery BranchReservations Required - Space Limited

Get details and make reservations for these and other Chamber events online at greaterhallchamber.com

Mark your calendar with these 2012-2013 Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Events.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012: 6th Annual HealthSmart Expo

Wednesday, November 14, 2012: Annual Farm City Breakfast

Thursday, December 13, 2012: Annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast

Wednesday, January 23, 2013: Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon

Friday, February 15, 2013: Annual Arbor Day Celebration

Friday, February 22, 2013: Buy Local Business Expo / Safe & Green Forum

Thursday, April 18. 2013: 6th Annual Chamber Chase 5K & 2 Mile Wellness Walk

Friday, April 26, 2013: 34th Annual Hacker's Holiday Golf Tournament

Thursday, May 9, 2013: 105th Greater Hall Chamber Annual Meeting & Gala

2012-2013 Events

Tuesday, October 30Atlanta Falcons Football Complex8:00-8:15 a.m. Networking • 8:15-9:00 a.m. Program$5 – Chamber Members Only!Sponsored by Milton Martin Honda, Red Clay Interactive and WDUN AM/FM Radio

Atlanta Falcons Football UpdateReservations required. Space Limited. Chamber Members only. Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Make reservations for this event and others online: greaterhallchamber.com

South Hall Business Coalition

Small Business Success SeminarTuesday, October 97:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at ChamberFree for Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members

Building Your Vision:The Importance of Strategic Planning This seminar simplifies the whole process – from Vision to Exit Strategy and helps you prioritize the steps along the way. Presented by Randy Donaldson, Business Consultant,The University of Georgia SBDC. Details: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

October 10, 2012Breakfast & Most Fit Company Awards – 7:30 am - 9:00 am

Free Screenings & Wellness Expo – 7:30 am - 1:30 pm

Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville

Reason #10: Our Awards & AccreditationsWe opened our state-of-the-art Ronnie Green Heart Center 10 years ago. As we look back at a decade of healing hearts at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), there are many reasons to celebrate. Reasons, like numerous awards and accreditations including:

Congratulations, and thanks to our patients, physicians, staff, volunteers and donors. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish during the next decade!

Gainesville | 770-219-3840

• NGMC is rated Georgia’s #1 heart hospital and top 5% in the nation for cardiac care for the seventh year in a row (2006 – 2012). In fact, for 2012, NGMC is one of only six hospitals in the nation to rank #1 in all four cardiac categories measured by HealthGrades®.

• NGMC is the first hospital in the nation accredited for Carotid Artery Stenting

by the Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence (ACE™). We’re also the first hospital in Georgia to receive ACE accreditation for PCI, which includes life-saving heart attack care like angioplasty.

See the list of reasons we're celebrating, share your own reason and learn more about heart services at NGMC by visiting

nghs.com/10reasons

ONNIE GREENHEART CENTERRTHE

www.nghs.com/10reasons























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• Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (LLCVB) “Best of Lake Lanier Smartphone App” was recognized at the Georgia Governor’s Tourism Confer-ence. The award reflects LLCVB's ef-fective and unique marketing initiative. Tourism is one of the states’s strongest assets as a $45 billion industry employ-ing over 391,000 Georgians. Stacey Dickson is President of the LLCVB. lakelaniercvb.com• Owner Colleen Manji announced Jazzercise opened its newest fitness cen-ter on Spouts Spring Road in Braselton/Flowery Branch at the corner of Wil-liams and Spouts Spring Roads. Open 7 days a week with classes morning, afternoon and evening. jazzercise.com• Sterling on the Lake's 3rd Annual Harvest Balloon Festival is Satur-day, October 20, 3:00-8:00 pm, at the community’s Village Green in Flowery Branch. Soar above the community on tethered balloon rides and enjoy other festivities including pumpkin carving and painting, hay rides, carnival stands and family-friendly activities. Proceeds benefit Challenged Child & Friends. harvestballoonfestival.com• Hall County Commissioners an-nounced plans for infrastructure for a 518-acre industrial park on Ga. 365 in North Hall County. The Georgia Poul-try Laboratory will relocate to the new Gateway Industrial Centre. The prop-erty has the capacity for 23-25 industrial sites, is expected to generate up to 4,000 jobs with the potential to increase the tax base by $1.1 billion over the course of development. hallcounty.org• The VISION 2030 Board of Directors was recently presented a Gainesville-Hall County Diversity/Demographics Study by the UGA Carl Vinson Insti-tute. To view this informative report, visit vision2030.org• Thank you to the following companies for donating prizes for the Chamber's

Membership Campaign: 2 Dog Café, Belk, Deep South Dogs, Home Depot, J&J Foods, Lakeshore Mall, North Georgia Canopy Tours, Plato's Closet, Pueblos Mexican Cuisine, Scott's on the Square, Cox Communications and the Atlanta Falcons.• Jack Waldrip Real Estate and Pru-dential Georgia Realty have merged. The combined company will operate un-der Kerstin Crawford and Kim Crum-ley as Prudential Georgia Realty at 200 West Academy Street in Gainesville. Prudential has served the metro Atlanta, North Georgia area for 49 years, recog-nized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as the #1 residential real estate company in 2010 and 2011. prudentialga.com• The Northeast Georgia Speech Center's Spokes for Speech is October 13. The Bike Ride fund raiser starts at 8:00 a.m. and offers 20/40/60 mile routes beginning and ending at North Hall High School on Mt. Vernon Road in Gainesville. 770-534-5141. Register online at negaspeechcenter.org• Bill Lincoln and Sam Latimer recently joined Rushton & Company. Lincoln has 17 years experience as a CPA, ac-counting and senior tax manager and works in Rushton's tax department. Latimer is a CPA and audit senior and will focus on auditing government, industries and non-profits. rushtonandcompany.com• Atmos Energy Corporation an-nounced that an agreement was reached to sell substantially all of its natural gas distribution assets located in Georgia to Liberty Energy (Georgia) Corp., an affiliate of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. The transaction will include the transfer of approximately 64,000 meters at an all cash price of approximately $141 million. atmosenergy.com• Steve Gilliam, a partner with Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles, P.A. was selected to the 2012 Super Lawyers'

Business Edition, featuring top attorneys in commercial practices in the nation. Gilliam has been selected as a Georgia Super Lawyer in Business Litigation since the program's inception. Only 5% of attorneys in the state and nation achieve this designation. sgwmfirm.com• Connie Davis has joined CMA Agen-cy, Inc., a full service insurance agency offering a wide spectrum of professional services from large corporate accounts to individual policies. cmaagency.com• Gainesville Care Center is hosting its 2nd Annual 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run and Toddler dash on Saturday, October 27 at Lakeview Academy beginning at 11:30 a.m. Hand-crafted pottery awards by Crocker Folk Pottery. Registration is $20; $25 after Oct. 20. Register online: active.com or gainesvillecarepartners.org• North Georgia College & State University ranked 22nd among public universities in the South in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The average high school GPA of North Georgia’s entering fresh-men remains the third-highest among all 35 schools in the University System of Georgia, just behind UGA and Georgia Tech. northgeorgia.edu• Northeast Georgia Health System was recognized by InformationWeek 500, an annual listing of the U.S.’s most innovative users of business IT for its design and implementation of a Virtual Data Warehouse, a strategy that allows the use of medical data and patient records across the entire organization to make quality decisions faster, increasing patient safety. nghs.com• Victory Media named Gainesville State College to the 2013 Military Friendly Schools list honoring the top 15% of education institutions in the U.S. that embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. gsc.edu

• Urban Retail Properties and Gar-rison Investment Group announced that Dick’s Sporting Goods will open at Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville in fall 2013. The new 50,475 square foot store will be the first part of a redevelop-ment plan for the mall and occupy the portion of the mall between Sears and JCPenney. Several stores that currently occupy that space will relocate to new spaces this fall. Dick's Sporting Goods offers a broad assortment of sporting goods equipment, apparel and footwear with 480 stores in 43 states. Lakeshore Mall is 517,153 square feet, opened in 1969 and is anchored by JCPenney, Sears and Belk. shoplakeshoremall.com• Jaemor Farms was named a Georgia Centennial Farm by the Georgia De-partment of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division for its 100 years of operation. The Echols family still owns and operates the farm that originally dealt in cattle, chickens and peaches. Now farming fruits and vegetables, customers come from all over the state and region. Jimmy Echols manages the market, Jarl oversees the farm and his son, Drew, manages the harvest, planning and marketing. The Echolses will be recognized October 5 in Perry at the 2012 Centennial Farm Awards Ceremony. jaemorfarms.com• WomenSource is offering a FREE legal series Tuesday, November 13, and Tuesday, December 4, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Whalen Auditorium at Brenau Campus East at Featherbone Communiversity, 1001 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. Light dinner catered by Brenau Cater-ing. Reservations required: 770-503-9060, online: womensource.info

GOT NEWS?Email: [email protected]

Thank You Chamber SponsorsCharter Business • CIGNA • Consumers Life Insurance Company

Crystal Springs • Fairway Outdoor Advertising • Gainesville Eye Associates

Gainesville Parks & Recreation • Highland Mountain Beverage

Jacobs Media • Longstreet Cafe • Milton Martin Honda • McDonald's

Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic • Northeast Georgia Health System

Northeast Georgia Heart Center • Northeast Georgia Physicians Group

Peachtree Plantation • Quinlan Visual Arts Center • Ramsey-Gadbois Dental

Red Clay Interactive • Riverside Military Academy

The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. • The Times • United Healthcare • WDUN

Make Reservations Now!NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST - Friday, October 58:00-9:00 a.m. at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street in Gainesville – No Charge – Complimentary Breakfast – Sponsored by Crystal Springs and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center

HEALTHSMART BREAKFAST - Wednesday, October 107:30 -9:00 a.m. at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville$10 Chamber Members; $15 Non-members

For New Member Breakfast and HealthSmart Breakfast Reservations: Contact Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected] or make Breakfast Reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com

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Owners Tommy & Machi Lee, Deb Rowe, Greg & Rae Harmon cut ribbon for Shenanigans Restaurant and Irish Pub, 212 Main Street on the Square in Gaines-ville. Shenanigans offers traditional Irish dishes, pub fare, seafood, veggie and kids options and the star attraction, Guinness tempura battered grouper with homemade slaw and tartar sauce, attentive service, and a full service bar with the largest draft selection in town. Shenanigans is a great place to spend time with family and friends. Find out why Shenanigans is the local's not so best kept secret! theshenaniganspub.com

Shenanigans Irish Pub

Chip Frierson, Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan, Carol Shirley, Scott Wayne and Chamber President Kit Dunlap cut ribbon at Community Bank & Trust, 450 E.E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville to celebrate the bank's newly remodeled Gainesville Main office. The staff at Community Bank & Trust is proud of the bank’s new look and invites the community to come in and see the beautiful new location with the same friendly faces that have been serving Hall County since 1994. CBT is committed to Gainesville-Hall County and to providing the best local staff, products and services. cbtonline.com

Community Bank & Trust Remodeled

Teresa and Butch Miller; Ron Hollis Sr.; Walter Boomershine; Governor and Mrs. Nathan Deal; Jim Walters; Jim Mathis Jr.; Philip Wilheit; and Abit Massey cut ribbon for the Georgia Mountain Food Bank that provides food supplies in rural parts of North Georgia. Foods comes primarily through a partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank along with goods donated from retailers, manufacturers, distributors, food drives and community partners. Volunteers help complete the mis-sion of bringing nutritious food to those in need. Through giving time and financial resources, the friends of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank help people in need and are critical to its ongoing success. gamountainfoodbank.org

Georgia Mountain Food Bank



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Kimberly Stratman, General Manager; Mr. & Mrs. Ray Thakkar, Owners; and Brittany Thomas, Director of Sales, cut ribbon at Country Inn & Suites Braselton, one of the city’s newest and most charming hotels with a gorgeous, four-story atrium lobby. Conveniently lo-cated off I-85, the property provides easy access to At-lanta and the surrounding area. Hotel services include a deluxe complimentary hot breakfast, flexible meeting space, indoor pool, wireless Internet, and a fitness center. Country Inn & Suites, 925 Hwy 124, Braselton, GA 30517. 770-868-5419. countryinns.com/braseltonga

Country Inn & Suites

Mark Giezler, Don Hammond, Lydia Davis, Crystal Penland, Dr. Calvin Terrelonge, Todd Dixon, Stephanie Sorrells and Brittainy Horne cut ribbon for Braselton Primary Care, a family practice clinic located in Mulberry Place Shopping Center (next to the Ninja Steakhouse) off of GA Highway 211. Dr. Terrelonge is board-certified in family medi-cine and geriatrics. From birth to seniors, Dr. Terrelonge can care for your entire family. 5769 Old Winder Hwy, Braselton, GA 30517. 770-965-0803. braseltonprimarycare.com

Braselton Primary Care / Dr. Calvin Terrelonge

Israel Pierce, Clay Harris, Caylor Young, Charles Underwood, Dyane Littlejohn, Michael Ward, Caresa Etienne and Isaac Johnson cut ribbon at Bucket O’ Shrimp, a takeout restaurant offering fried, grilled, and peel n’ eat shrimp in over 20 different flavors with shrimp burgers, shrimp po’ boys, crab cake sliders, and much more! The restaurant's goal is to offer great food, and more importantly, a great overall ex-perience from the time you walk through the doors until the time you finish your meal. Come and taste some of the best shrimp you've ever had! Located at 272 Dawsonville Highway (across from Sears Automotive at the Texaco Gas Station) in Gainesville. 678-972-4350.

Bucket 'O Shrimp takeout and restaurant

Holly Hunt, Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Office of Economic Development; Jody Lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia; Andrea Disharoon, Georgia Mountains Regional Commission; Sandy Headley, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs; Ron Simmons, UGA SBDC; Sierra McMullen, (event sponsor) Charter Business; Dr. Carroll Turner, Lanier Tech Manufacturing Development Center; Tiffany Harrison, Charter Business; Lorra Lee, Small Business Access Partners; Lane Jones (event sponsor), Highland Mountain Beverage. Don't miss the next seminar on Tuesday, October 9 as Randy Donaldson of the UGA Small Business Development Center presents Building Your Vision: The Importance of Strategic Planning. Free for Chamber members. Reservations: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

Small Business Success Seminar

• 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 contact

Sherrie Jones • 770 [email protected]

Got Your attention?

Put Your buSineSSin the SPotliGht

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

Chairman's Column

page 2

New Industry

Ground Breaking

page 4

Upcoming Events

page 6

Ribbon Cuttings

page 10

Member

Announcements

page 11

VISION 2030

page 12

New Members

Page 13

Small Business of

the Month

page 14

Workforce

Development

page 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

D E C E M B E R

2 0 1 1

Thursday, December 8

Eggs & Issues

Tuesday, December 13



South Hall Business Coalition

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

and the Gainesville-Hall County legislative delegation

49th Georgia Senate District

State Senator Butch Miller

26th Georgia House District

Rep. Carl Rogers


Rep. Doug Collins

31st Georgia House District

Rep. Tommy Benton


(TBD – Runoff on December 6)


7:30 - 9:00 a.m. • Gainesville Civic Center

The Greater Hall Chamber's Annual

Buy Local Business Expo is Thursday,

January 19 and will highlight the many

great products and services that you can

find right here at home. Booth space

and sponsorships are now available.

The Expo will be held in meeting rooms

ABC at the Georgia Mountains Center

from 1:00 - 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 - 6:00 p.m. Event Sponsors

are AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Charter Business, Delta Community Credit Union,

Milton Martin Honda, The Times and WDUN AM-FM Radio.

"We introduced the first Buy Local Business Expo two years ago, and the event has

been a tremendous success. We are anticipating 60-70 exhibitors displaying a variety

of business-to-business and business-to-consumer products and services. This is one

networking event you'll not want to miss!" said Greater Hall Chamber Vice President

of Membership Michelle Wiley.

Exhibits are $195 each for Chamber Members; $300 for Non-Members; $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 more information or to reserve your

booth space, call Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Register Now for Booth Space!

Buy Local Business Expo

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Georgia Mountains Center

EXPO 1:00-6:00 pm • BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 4:00-6:00 pm

Sponsored by

Buy Local Business Expo 2012

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Kimberly Stratman, General Manager; Mr. & Mrs. Ray Thakkar, Owners; and Brittany Thomas, Director of Sales, cut ribbon at Country Inn & Suites Braselton, one of the city’s newest and most charming hotels with a gorgeous, four-story atrium lobby. Conveniently lo-cated off I-85, the property provides easy access to At-lanta and the surrounding area. Hotel services include a deluxe complimentary hot breakfast, flexible meeting space, indoor pool, wireless Internet, and a fitness center. Country Inn & Suites, 925 Hwy 124, Braselton, GA 30517. 770-868-5419. countryinns.com/braseltonga

Country Inn & Suites

Mark Giezler, Don Hammond, Lydia Davis, Crystal Penland, Dr. Calvin Terrelonge, Todd Dixon, Stephanie Sorrells and Brittainy Horne cut ribbon for Braselton Primary Care, a family practice clinic located in Mulberry Place Shopping Center (next to the Ninja Steakhouse) off of GA Highway 211. Dr. Terrelonge is board-certified in family medi-cine and geriatrics. From birth to seniors, Dr. Terrelonge can care for your entire family. 5769 Old Winder Hwy, Braselton, GA 30517. 770-965-0803. braseltonprimarycare.com

Braselton Primary Care / Dr. Calvin Terrelonge

Israel Pierce, Clay Harris, Caylor Young, Charles Underwood, Dyane Littlejohn, Michael Ward, Caresa Etienne and Isaac Johnson cut ribbon at Bucket O’ Shrimp, a takeout restaurant offering fried, grilled, and peel n’ eat shrimp in over 20 different flavors with shrimp burgers, shrimp po’ boys, crab cake sliders, and much more! The restaurant's goal is to offer great food, and more importantly, a great overall ex-perience from the time you walk through the doors until the time you finish your meal. Come and taste some of the best shrimp you've ever had! Located at 272 Dawsonville Highway (across from Sears Automotive at the Texaco Gas Station) in Gainesville. 678-972-4350.

Bucket 'O Shrimp takeout and restaurant

Holly Hunt, Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Office of Economic Development; Jody Lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia; Andrea Disharoon, Georgia Mountains Regional Commission; Sandy Headley, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs; Ron Simmons, UGA SBDC; Sierra McMullen, (event sponsor) Charter Business; Dr. Carroll Turner, Lanier Tech Manufacturing Development Center; Tiffany Harrison, Charter Business; Lorra Lee, Small Business Access Partners; Lane Jones (event sponsor), Highland Mountain Beverage. Don't miss the next seminar on Tuesday, October 9 as Randy Donaldson of the UGA Small Business Development Center presents Building Your Vision: The Importance of Strategic Planning. Free for Chamber members. Reservations: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com


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A Helping Hand Home CareAnslee Wilson 435 Spring StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 530-1751 -Elderly Care ahelpinghandga.com

All Stone Concepts, LLCTroy Hicks 2190 Hilton DriveGainesville, GA 30501(770) 534-0942 -Granite / Stoneallstonega.com

American Salon and SpaEmily Drummonds 1354 Plaza DrGainesville, GA 30501(770) 536-4247 -Spa / Salon americansalonspa.com

BB&T Insurance Services Great Moore 200 Broad StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 536-0111 -Insurancebbandt.com

Best Western Lake LanierMike Moreno 4535 Oakwood RoadOakwood, GA 30566 (770) 535-8080 -Hotel / Motel bestwestern.com

Ceramic Tile ServicesLamar Hughes 5340-F McEver RoadFlowery Branch, GA 30542(770) 967-8686 -Floor Coverings ceramictileservices.info

Clean It Green SolutionsHal Williams 3549 Morningwood CtSuwanee, GA 30024 (678) 926-8402 -Carpet Cleaningcleanitgreensolutions.com

Family Promise of Hall Co.Lindsey McCamy 946 Lanier AvenueGainesville, GA 30501(770) 535-0786 -Non Profit familypromisehall.org

Gary Fricks 621 Washington StreetSuite B-4Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 534-1937 -Individual Membership

Good For You Vending, Inc. Natalie Watts Wagner150 Valley CoveAtlanta, GA 30350 (404) 630-6862 -Vending Services healthyvending.com

HGA Architects & Engineers Kurt Spiering, AIA, ACHA333 E Erie StreetMilwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 278-3401 -Architects & Engineershga.com

Jason C. Croft, DMD, PC 1975 Beverly RoadGainesville, GA 30501 (770) 536-8871 -Dentist gainesvillefamilydentist.com

Kauffman Tire Dennis Jackson 3413 Mundy Mill RoadOakwood, GA 30566 (678) 717-0090 -Automobile / Tires kauffmantire.com

Kettyle Cars Gregg Kettyle 2592 Athens HighwayGainesville, GA 30507(770) 531-0003 -Automobile Parts & Supplies

Knowledge Shared Beverley Taylor 6445 Waterscape RidgeGainesville, GA 30506(770) 605-1990 -Training knowledgeshared.com

Lincoln Griffin AgencyLincoln Griffin4995 Lanier Islands Parkway Suite IBuford, GA 30518 (678) 765-6747 -Insurance abetterinsuranceagent.com

Moquin Construction Co.Larry Moquin 5807 Swinging Gate RoadGainesville, GA 30506(678) 480-4597 -Construction termiterepairs.com

North Georgia Senior Resources Chris Nish 115 1/2 Bradford St, Suite 210Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 561-8160 -Non Profit northgeorgiaseniorresourc-es.com

The Norton Agency Sue Gross 434 Green StreetGainesville, GA 30501 (770) 540-4733 -Real Estate northnorthga.com

Peachstate Health Management, LLCAnn Durham 2225 Centennial DriveGainesville, GA 30501

(678) 276-8412 -Clinical Lab Pharmacypsmlabs.com

Premier Patio at Chase's Hardware Ted Palmer 3540 Thompson Bridge RoadGainesville, GA 30506 (770) 538-6068 - Retail / Outdoor Furniturepremierpatiogainesville.com

SCR Consulting Services, LLCRoger Dixon 7383 Grand Reunion DriveHoschton, GA 30548 (678) 592-0245 - Consulting / Security scrconsulting.com

Skogies Lakefront RestaurantHeather Jonovitch 2151 Dawsonville HighwayGainesville, GA 30501(678) 450-1310 -Restaurant & Cateringskogies.net

– Continued on page 14 –

Welcome New Chamber Members



www.ddsga.com

The Norton AgencyKey Economic Indicators

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Chamber Staff SpotlightA native of Connecticut, Robin Halstead graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence RI with a BS in Travel/Tourism Management. Robin joined the Chamber staff in 2003 and now serves as Vice President of Com-munity Development and Welcome Center Manager. She previously worked for the Gainesville-Hall County CVB and Chateau Elan. Her responsibilities at the Chamber include Beautification Committee projects – Arbor Day, Residential and Business Beautification Awards. Robin oversees AgriBusiness programs such as the Farm City Breakfast and Agribusiness Awards. She manages the Welcome Center that offers valuable information to visi-tors and businesses including the Industry Guide, Wage & Benefit Survey, Membership Lists and more. The number one question: “When do the leaves change?” Check out-

GeorgiaStateParks.org/LeafWatch for the correct answer! Robin, husband Joe, and six-year-old daughter Rebekah reside in North Hall County.

Robin HaldsteadVP Community Development & Welcome Center Manager

Steven Keck 505 Peachtree Industrial BlvdSuwanee, GA 30024 (770) 861-5252 -Individual Membershipquantumbank.com

Switch It UpCarly Hatcher 229 Pearl Nix ParkwayGainesville, GA 30501(678) 450-0140 -Retail

Susan Daniel 3712 Arrowhead PlaceGainesville, GA 30506(770) 534-8858 -Individual Membershipcreativeinconline.com

Team Radosta Fitness & Nutrition, LLC - Brett Radosta5831 Grand Reunion DriveHoschton, GA 30548 (678) 558-2424 -Health / Fitness teamradosta.com

TextByChoice Nizar Bhojani 4334 Walden WayFlowery Branch, GA 30542(678) 824-2450 -Marketing / Advertisingtextbychoice.com

The Coffee Shop at Lawrence Pharmacy Heather Jonovitch 631 Broad StreetGainesville, GA 30501 (678) 450-1310 -Restaurant & Cateringskogies.net

The Law Office of Joe Raymond Diaz, PC Joe Diaz 616 Green StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 718-0127 -Attorney diazlawoffices.com

The SAGE House Chris Nish PO Box 71Gainesville, GA 30503(678) 943-4681 -Non Profit sagehouse-eldershelter.org

Zane Kinney, CFE 6363 Marble Head DriveFlowery Branch, GA 30542(678) 463-7893 -Individual Membership

New Members as of 9/20/12. To learn about Greater Hall Chamber Membership benefits or how you can join the Chamber, contact Kara Tate, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Join online: greaterhallchamber.comAll new members are invited to a New Member Breakfast on Friday, October 5 at 7:30 a.m. the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville.

New Members, continued from page 13

The Hall County Extension Service and Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's Annual Farm City Breakfast is Wednesday, November 14 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. The event Breakfast Sponsor is Jackson EMC. The Farm City Breakfast is free and open to the public. Sponsorship opportunities available. For details, contact Robin Halstead, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Farm City Breakfast on Nov. 14

Permits Issued - Hall County

Housing Area Permits Aug Aug July Total 2012County 2012 2011 2012 2011 YTDBarrow 6 4 5 25 22 Dawson 1 2 4 34 10

Gwinnett 89 45 99 555 364 Forsyth 146 111 137 1,099 713

Jackson 6 2 3 22 12

Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home Aug Avg Aug Avg July Avg Total Avg Total AvgArea 2012 Price 2011 Price 2012 Price 2011 Price 2012 Price

City 15 121,500 15 94,731 24 178,883 180 132,902 109 144,103

North 35 194,985 31 190,161 40 214,558 384 203,902 228 194,625

East 15 49,334 20 71,945 22 64,070 238 79,629 128 55,246

South 19 126,774 36 165,610 16 136,943 296 131,000 142 135,870

West 38 187,093 56 228,083 43 200,238 558 182,192 458 213,977

Previous Month

July 2012

21

Latest

August 27One Year Ago

August 2011

21

2011 Total

1802012 YTD

180

Updated 9/26

The Power To Perform

Data compiled by the Norton Agency. For additional information or other data products, please call:

Tommy Howard The Norton Agency 770-718-5204 [email protected]

Key EconomicIndicators

Greater Hall County

Latest

Aug 2012

7.8Previous Month

July 2012

7.5One Year Ago

Aug 2011

8.7

10

8

6

4

2

2 0 1 1

EmploymentHall County

Updated 9/26

Area Jobless Rates

Gainesville City 9.1

Cherokee 7.5Dawson 8.4

Forsyth 7

Gwinnett 8.3

Jackson 9.3

Ga Mountains 8.3State of Georgia 9.3

U.S. 8.3 A S O N D J F M A M J J A

Perc

ent

LatestAugust 2012

$231,244,788Previous Month

July 2012$236,298,464

One Year Ago

August 2011$235,691,596

Retail Sales

Hall County retail sales figures are estimated from the 1% sales tax collected for Hall. For example, $11 million in tax revenue represents retail sales of approximately $100 million.

Hall County

Updated 9/26

3.0

100’

s m

illion

s of

dol

lars

O N D J F M A M J J A

1.0

2.0

2 0 1 1

12-Month HighAug 20118.7%

2 0 1 2

2 0 1 2

The Norton AgencyKey Economic Indicators

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Chamber Staff SpotlightA native of Connecticut, Robin Halstead graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence RI with a BS in Travel/Tourism Management. Robin joined the Chamber staff in 2003 and now serves as Vice President of Com-munity Development and Welcome Center Manager. She previously worked for the Gainesville-Hall County CVB and Chateau Elan. Her responsibilities at the Chamber include Beautification Committee projects – Arbor Day, Residential and Business Beautification Awards. Robin oversees AgriBusiness programs such as the Farm City Breakfast and Agribusiness Awards. She manages the Welcome Center that offers valuable information to visi-tors and businesses including the Industry Guide, Wage & Benefit Survey, Membership Lists and more. The number one question: “When do the leaves change?” Check out-

GeorgiaStateParks.org/LeafWatch for the correct answer! Robin, husband Joe, and six-year-old daughter Rebekah reside in North Hall County.

Robin HaldsteadVP Community Development & Welcome Center Manager

Steven Keck 505 Peachtree Industrial BlvdSuwanee, GA 30024 (770) 861-5252 -Individual Membershipquantumbank.com

Switch It UpCarly Hatcher 229 Pearl Nix ParkwayGainesville, GA 30501(678) 450-0140 -Retail

Susan Daniel 3712 Arrowhead PlaceGainesville, GA 30506(770) 534-8858 -Individual Membershipcreativeinconline.com

Team Radosta Fitness & Nutrition, LLC - Brett Radosta5831 Grand Reunion DriveHoschton, GA 30548 (678) 558-2424 -Health / Fitness teamradosta.com

TextByChoice Nizar Bhojani 4334 Walden WayFlowery Branch, GA 30542(678) 824-2450 -Marketing / Advertisingtextbychoice.com

The Coffee Shop at Lawrence Pharmacy Heather Jonovitch 631 Broad StreetGainesville, GA 30501 (678) 450-1310 -Restaurant & Cateringskogies.net

The Law Office of Joe Raymond Diaz, PC Joe Diaz 616 Green StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 718-0127 -Attorney diazlawoffices.com

The SAGE House Chris Nish PO Box 71Gainesville, GA 30503(678) 943-4681 -Non Profit sagehouse-eldershelter.org

Zane Kinney, CFE 6363 Marble Head DriveFlowery Branch, GA 30542(678) 463-7893 -Individual Membership

New Members as of 9/20/12. To learn about Greater Hall Chamber Membership benefits or how you can join the Chamber, contact Kara Tate, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Join online: greaterhallchamber.comAll new members are invited to a New Member Breakfast on Friday, October 5 at 7:30 a.m. the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville.

New Members, continued from page 13

The Hall County Extension Service and Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's Annual Farm City Breakfast is Wednesday, November 14 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. The event Breakfast Sponsor is Jackson EMC. The Farm City Breakfast is free and open to the public. Sponsorship opportunities available. For details, contact Robin Halstead, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Farm City Breakfast on Nov. 14

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Youth Leadership Hall's Skills & Development Program began as all 60 students gathered at Riverside Military Academy to take part in a leadership evaluation and team building exercises led by Kevin Lloyd of Laurelwood. The class participated in team challenges, designed to build cooperation, communication, and creativity. This led into the final part of the day where the class participated in outdoor, physical team challenges on the Leaders Reaction Course with senior class cadets facilitating the activities. Thanks to First Sgt. Walker for coordinating the program, Riverside Military Academy for hosting the group and Tim Bunch, Longstreet Café, for providing breakfast. Consider sponsoring a meal for Youth Leadership Hall, $300. Includes recognition in the Chamber’s newsletter; signage at restaurant; logo on Leadership materials; opportunity to participate in program. Details: Dana Miller, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Youth Leadership Hall

Leadership Hall County Class Members (L-R): Ryan Doss, BatesCarter; Alan Schuetze, Carroll Daniel Construction Co; Staci Tunkel, Center Point; Narika Cornett, The Arts Council; Shanna Cronic, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic; Amber Sowers, Hall County Solicitor General’s Office; Elisabeth Kendrick, The Oaks Limestone. The class took part in a day-long retreat at Montara Farm in Clermont as they learned about fellow class mates, individual leadership styles and the importance of understanding diversity and team building through a variety of exercises, activities and discussions. Through the activities the class bonded as a group and learned about trust and team building while having a great time together. Thank you to Montara Farm for another great event.

Leadership Hall County

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Meet Barclay Rushton Rushton & Company – Tax Division

Building on historyto grow a future for our clients.

That’s who we are.

Barclay Rushton, founding partner of Rushton & Company,

opened his doors for business more than 30 years ago.

Since then, the firm has opened doors to successful futures

for literally hundreds of businesses and individuals across

North Georgia.

Rushton & Company now numbers over 30

professionals, and Barclay will be the first to tell you that

it’s the “& Company” contingent of partners and staff that

enables the firm to provide today’s high-level complement

of strategic, world-class service and counsel.

BUSINESS SPECIALTY SEGMENTS

• Agribusiness • Healthcare• Construction • Inbound/Outbound International Business• Manufacturing • Estate Planning, Administration • Government Audits • Non-Profit Audits

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

770.287.7800 | RushtonandCompany.com

0216RUSH_BusLink_4o4167x10-Barclay.indd 1 3/15/12 3:22 PM

www.rushtonandcompany.com

Small Business Marketing Workshop Tuesday, February 14

Marketing TrendsPresented by Gordon Sawyer

8:00 - 10:00 a.m. – The Oaks at Lanier Charter Career Academy

Business After HoursThursday, February 16

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.Luna's Restaurant 200 Main Street

Hunt Tower in Downtown Gainesville

Arbor Day CelebrationFriday, February 17

10:00 a.m.Frances Meadows Center

Safe & Green Regional AssemblyFriday, February 24

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Georgia Mountains Center

Annual Transportation ForumWednesday, March 1411:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Gainesville State College

Job Fair and Career ExpoWednesday, March 2810:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Georgia Mountains Center

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events

Get Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDPERMIT #47

GAINESVILLE, GA

CAR-RT SORT

This publication is printed on partially recycled paper.

Friday, October 5New Member Breakfast7:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville

Tuesday, October 9Small Business Seminar Building Your Vision: Importance of Strategic Planning presented by Randy Donaldson, UGA SBDC7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Chamber

Wednesday, October 10HealthSmart Wellness Expo7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ExpoGeorgia Mountains Center

Tuesday, October 30South Hall Business CoalitionAtlanta Falcons Football Update8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Falcons Complex in Flowery Branch

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events

Get Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com

www.chattahoocheebank.com

Documents

Business Link October 2012