april 2010 chamber chronicle

The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

April 2010

D A W S O N C O U N T Y

Post Office Box 299“Old Jail” west of the square

Dawsonville, GA 30534(706) 265-6278

Spring Fling right

around the corner

Egg hunt attracts crowd

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Underwood

Chamber encourages residents to shop localOne of your Dawson

County Chamber ofCommerce’s many goalsthis year will be pushing theidea of shopping local.

This will be accomplishedby volunteers visiting localmerchants, handing outwindow stickers, signage

where appropriate and localmedia advertising.

“Shop local” is a cam-paign so simple, yet verybeneficial to our county. Oneof many success stories hap-pened when a volunteer vis-ited with a local business toask if she could place a win-

dow sticker in their shop. The volunteer discussed

with the merchant theimportance of shoppinglocal.

As it turned out, she likedthe idea of “shop local” somuch, and since it was timeto renew her insurance, the

merchant decided to get aquote from a local company.

After receiving thequotes, she ended up pur-chasing her insurance withone of our local agents. Themerchant had previouslydealt with the other compa-ny for more than 10 years.

Great story. In today’s busy times, it

can be so easy to forget theimportance of doing busi-ness with our local neigh-bors and friends. It onlytakes a short conversation

See SHOP | 2

By Frank Reddy

[email protected]

Dawson County residents andvisitors came out earlier this monthfor the 24th Annual CommunityEgg Hunt, sponsored by KARE forKids.

Thousands showed up for theevent at Veterans Memorial Park,where volunteers hid more than15,000 prize-filled, plastic eggs.

The gathering also featured a hotdog eating contest, inflatablebounce houses, train rides andphoto opportunities with the Easter

bunny.Proceeds from concessions bene-

fitted KARE for Kids, a localorganization that provides forDawson County’s children in need.

Betty Hendrix said the organiza-tion’s aim “is a good thing forDawson County.” Hendrix and hus-band, Mark, brought children,Ashley, 12, and Dustin, 10,Saturday. It’s the family’s fifthstraight egg hunt.

“The kids have a great time,” shesaid.

Jaime Herndon of DawsonCounty agreed. She said her chil-dren, Riley, 8, and Natalie, 3, have

a blast hunting eggs.“It’s the prizes,” Herndon said.

“They love the prizes.”Some children got some pointers

on prize hunting.Albert Stevens and wife, Anne,

coached 5-year-old William priorto the egg hunt’s start.

“Now, when they say ‘go,’ runfor the biggest eggs,” said AnneStevens, gesturing toward the field.“Don’t stop when you see the otherkids stop for the little eggs. Bigeggs mean big prizes.”

Young William Stevens lookedout toward the field, his eyes nar-rowing.

Following the hunt, some parents

Local children ‘love the prizes’

Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

Jacquelyne Johns and son Kaden scour thefootball field for eggs at Veterans Memorial Park.See HUNT | 6

with someone to remind usof that importance.

While visiting the localprinting company to haveour signs and windowdecals printed for the “shoplocal” campaign.

The owner of the print-ing company had an inter-esting story. It seems oneof our neighboring coun-ties had also approachedthem to print their shoplocal decals and signs.

Now, what is wrong withthat picture?

It takes effort from all ofus to help make somethinghappen that is so benefi-cial to our local merchantsand service providers.

Helping a neighbor outalso helps us.

Taxes from local sales goback to our county, whichprovides many services tous all. As we all know,most counties and schoolsystems are suffering fromlack of funds right now.

How can we help?Another meaning for coun-ty tax revenue is shop local.

So you ask why did I sayit is good for the soul? Welllet me tell you.

It just makes you feelgood down deep insidewhen we can help a neigh-bor out.

It has been said that:“Service to others is therent we pay for the spacewe occupy here on earth.”

Also, Jesus was the ulti-mate example of a servant.He advocated that provid-

ing service to othersshould be one of our man-dates. So, it really is goodfor the soul.

During these hard times,it is a great time to helpone another out. Since thismonth, April 18-24, isNational Volunteer Week,it makes it an even bettertime to help.

In closing, we should all

take the time, the talentand energy that God hasblessed us with and vol-unteer to help someone orsome community needout that is less fortunatethan we are.

Pulling together is a loteasier than pulling apart.

Mike UnderwoodChairman

Around thenation you willfind that manycommunitiesoffer leadershipdevelopmentprograms.

Your DawsonCountyChamber ofCommerce, alongwith the local UGACounty Extension, hasbeen the organizer ofour program since1992.

In the beginning, theprogram was appropri-ately named Leadership2000, in preparation forthe challenges andopportunities of thenew millennium. Afterthat time it becameknown as LeadershipDawson.

Since itsinception,more than 150participantshave graduatedfrom this qual-ity program.

The studytopics andinteractive les-sons are based

on the Fanning Institutecurriculum availablethrough the Universityof Georgia.

Past participants haveincluded promisingyoung leaders, as wellas those seasoned in trueservant leadership roles.

The program is partic-ularly valuable becauseit not only addresseswhat it takes to be aleader, but it specificallyfamiliarizes attendees

with Dawson Countyand gives the student aninside look at the areaswhere strong leadershipis needed.

Some of the topicscovered include stateand local government,local demographics,communication, deci-sion-making and eco-nomic development.

Students begin thebonding process withclassmates at the initialovernight retreat.

Subsequent classes areheld bi-weekly and con-sist of eight afternoonsessions and a gradua-tion dinner and ceremo-ny for participants andtheir guests.

Due to the economy,the class originally setfor 2010 was resched-

uled to begin in 2011.The planning committeewill soon be receivingnominations for the nextclass.

Participants must beable to commit to atten-dance at each session.Tuition per person is$350, which will beapplied toward costs ofthe program. Spon-sorships are also beingsought on a variety of lev-els.

“Leadership Dawsonhas provided me with notonly new friends, butfriends who are valuableresources. More thanonce I have contacted aclassmate for assistanceon a project or other com-munity need. I highly rec-ommend LeadershipDawson for anyone who

wishes to learn aboutDawson County and giveback in a positive way,”said Jay Walker, a gradu-ate from the class of2008.

Alumni now gathersemi-annually for aluncheon program.

The spring alumnievent is being plannedfor May. Details will beannounced soon. Alumnithat are not on the cur-

rent contact list areurged to contact thechamber to be includedin upcoming communi-cations.

For more informationabout LeadershipDawson, contact thechamber at (706) 265-6278.

2 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com APRIL 2010

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dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 3APRIL 2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April

April 15: Ribbon cut-ting at 11:30 a.m. forAmedeo’s ItalianCookie Co., 231 NixBridge Road, Suite110. For more infor-mation, call Robert at(770) 844-9012.

April 16-18: DawsonCounty Arts CouncilChildren’s Theater ispresenting “HighSchool MusicalJunior.” Come enjoysome fun with theWildcats as they per-form this fun musi-cal. Come and bepart of a new andgrowing theaterexperience here inDawsonville. Supportour young actors. Formore information,call Marcia Chelf at(706) 216-2787 or visitwww.dawsonarts.-org.

April 17: UnitedCommunity BankJunior Board’sfundraiser for Relayfor Life. This year theJunior Board ofDirectors will be host-ing a car show toraise money for Relayfor Life. The car showis called the RelayRod Run. It will beheld in the UCB (400)parking lot. The showwill take place fromnoon until 4 p.m. Thecost is only $15 percar for pre-registra-tion, and $20 for dayof registration.Cumming’s JuniorBoard of Directors istaking part in the car

show as well. Therewill be hot dogs,drinks, chips anddessert for sale. Formore information, callKara Hewatt, businessdevelopment officerUnited CommunityBank at (706) 265-3232, Ext. 1126 or e-mail [email protected].

April 18 - 24: NationalVolunteer Week. Thisweek is designated tohonor the people thatgive their time, talentand energy to helpstrengthen communi-ties around the world.The theme this year is“Celebrating Peoplein Action.” Be sure tocelebrate the peoplein action within yourcommunity andindustry throughoutNational VolunteerWeek. We appreciateour ambassadors,board of directors andvolunteers. The cham-ber and communitybenefits greatly fromall of our volunteer’sefforts.

April 23: R.E.A.D. willbe hosting an OldiesGoldie’s Trivia andDance Fundraiser atPeach BrandyCottage. Join the funwith music from the50s, 60s and 70s.Dance the night awayand have fun answer-ing music trivia.There will be prizesfor the top three win-ning trivia teams.Emcee is Big Canoe’sAl Dickson. The fundsraised will beused to improve liter-

acy in DawsonCounty. For moreinformation, contactSandy at [email protected].

April 27: The DawsonCounty HumaneSociety, 633 MartinRoad, will host thismonth’s Businessafter Hours from 5-7p.m. Special thanksto our cash drawingsponsors: AFLAC-Sharon Reagan,Anderson FamilyMedicine-Dr. LarryAnderson, TheNorton Agency-Kristie Myers, UnitedCommunity Bank-James Askew, VanKeith InsuranceAgency ofDawsonville, LLC-Ann Grizzle andHealthy Eating on theRun-Barbara Roberts.Remember, you mustbe present to win ifyour name is called.For more informa-tion, call Kay Harris at(706) 265-9160.

May

May 1-2: DawsonCounty Arts Councilwill sponsor the 9thannual Spring FlingFestival. Juried gar-den related arts andcrafts, as well asplants are gardensupplies will be avail-able. There will beentertainment, chil-dren’s activities andfood vendors. The artcenter will feature thenationally juriedGeorgia Water ColorExhibition and the

old Thunder Road(now city hall) willpresent an antiquecar show. There willbe something foreveryone. For moreinformation, contactMarcia Chelf at (706)216-2787 or visitwww.dawsonarts.-org.

May 8: Join NOA (NoOne Alone) on theRed Carpet at its 15thannual Spring Gala.The event will beginat 6 p.m. in the dininghall at North GeorgiaCollege & StateUniveristy. The“Classic Hollywood”themed event willinclude dinner, enter-tainment and a silentand live auction. Allproceeds benefitlocal victims ofdomestic violenceand their children.Tickets are $65 eachor a table for eight is$500. Reservationscan be made onlineat www.nooneal-one.org or by call-ing (706) 864-1306,Ext. 6.

May 8: The DawsonCounty CommunityChorale will performits Spring Concert atthe Bowen Center forthe Arts. Come hearsome old favoritesand a few classics.For more informa-tion, contact MarciaChelf at (706) 216-2787 or visit www.-dawsonarts.org.

May 13: Lunch withthe Chamber will beat noon at the

Lakeview Center,2057 Dawson ForestRoad, Dawsonville.The guest speakerwill be announcedsoon.

May 15:Third annualWEE Books BarnDance will be at 6:30p.m. at Kinsey FamilyFarm, 7170 Jot EmDown Road. Therewill be a BBQ dinner,dancing and wagonrides. There is a sug-gested donation of$25 per person.Ticket includesadmission, dinner,wine and beer andsquare dancing withinstruction. The eventis in support of theWEE BooksProgram’s goal tobring an age appro-priate book to everyDawson County pre-school aged childeach month. For tick-ets or more informa-tion, call Judy Cahillat (706) 216-1931 orMarge Carey at (706)216-4872.

May 25: First CitizensBank of Georgia andChick-fil-A will hostBusiness After Hoursfrom 5-7 p.m. Thebank is located at 70Carlisle Road, off Ga.400. For more infor-mation, call Chyrl at(706) 216-5900.Special thanks to ourcash drawing spon-sors: AFLAC-SharonReagan, AndersonFamily Medicine-Dr.Larry Anderson, TheNorton Agency-KristieMyers, UnitedCommunity Bank-

James Askew, VanKeith InsuranceAgency ofDawsonville, LLC-AnnGrizzle and HealthyEating on the Run-Barbara Roberts.Remember, you mustbe present to win ifyour name is called.

May 31: Join theVeterans Affairs ofDawson County,Dawson County V.V.AChapter 970, DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce andAmerican Legion Post247 at 3 p.m. atVeterans MemorialPark for a MemorialDay Service. Theevent will honor thememory of thosewho paid the ultimateprice for our freedom.Wayne Watkins,Georgia president ofthe Vietnam Veteransof America will bethe Master ofServices. Keynotespeaker will be BillCain, colonel, USArmy (retired),deputy executivedirector, GMACC.There will be a dedi-cation for theVeterans Walk ofHonor at 2:30 p.m.,prior to the service.

June

June 10: Lunch withthe Chamber will beat noon at theLakeview Center,2057 Dawson ForestRoad, Dawsonville.The guest speakerwill be FrankNorton Jr.

By Frank [email protected]

A lot can happen in 30years.

Just ask DawsonCounty’s Ben Overstreet,one of five foundingmembers of EtowahWater and SewerAuthority.

Overstreet was appoint-ed as a board memberafter the 1980 GeorgiaGeneral Assembly creat-ed the authority as apolitical subdivision ofthe state and a public cor-poration.

Prior to that, he recallsgoing door to door, tryingto sign-up customers forthe service.

“We had to have 750customers, so we couldborrow the money to getstarted,” said OverstreetMarch 18, exactly 30years after creation of theauthority

“Each of the five boardmembers, we divided up

our sections of the countyand went around askingpeople to sign up forwater service,” he said.

Infrastructure for theauthority had not yet beenbuilt, and in order tobegin construction of thefacilities, officials firstneeded a minimum num-ber of customers.Overstreet said signing upfor service at the timecosted $50.

“We had a hard timegetting people to do it atfirst,” Overstreet said.“We went house to house,and we had to fight off anumber of dogs on peo-ple’s lawns.

“We finally got enoughcustomers to borrow themoney,” he said.

In April 1985, a ground-breaking was held for awater treatment plant anddistribution system toserve the eastern portionof Dawson County. Boardmembers, Overstreet,Frank Roberts, Don

Gordon, William Jesseeand George David werethere to mark the occa-sion.

Construction was com-pleted on the plant, andservice began in August1986.

“After we got the water,the next step was sewage,”Overstreet said.

Plans for the outlet mallon Ga. 400 helped usherin the authority’s additionof sewage operations.

“The people from NorthGeorgia Premium Outlets,they came and talked tous,” he said. “They wantedto put the mall down here,but said they wouldn’t doit if we couldn’t furnishthem with sewage.”

Nine months later, June1995, Etowah Water andSewer Authority officialsheld a groundbreakingceremony for a waste-water treatment plant toserve the Ga. 400 com-mercial corridor.

Rosalind Chambers, the

authority’s financial man-ager and a longtimeemployee, recalls that“after the outlet mall cameand we got sewer to them,that whole area just start-ed popping.”

Overstreet agreed.“[Along Ga. 400], one

business would want tocome, and then anotherone, and they just keptbuilding and building,” hesaid.

Added Overstreet: “Ourcounty wouldn’t be whatit is today if it wasn’t forwater and sewage,because there’s no waybusinesses would havecome here without it.”

Overstreet rememberswhen the authority startedout with 750 customers.Now, it’s grown to 5,100.He thinks there’s room foreven more growth “assoon as the economypicks up.”

Following in the foot-steps of Etowah Waterand Sewer Authorityleaders like Overstreet,current General ManagerBrooke Anderson said the

business “continues tobuild on a strong founda-tion.

“Without that founda-

tion, we wouldn’t be ableto move forward the waythat we are,” Andersonsaid.


Office: 706-216-4806Fax: [email protected]

P.O Box 1096137 Prominence Court

Suite 240Dawsonville, GA 30534

New bank comes to DawsonBy Frank [email protected]

Community & SouthernBank of Carrollton has arrivedin Dawson County after takingover the assets of AppalachianCommunity Bank of Ellijay.

Appalachian’s chamber ofcommerce credentials willtransfer with Community &Southern Bank, according tochamber president Linda

Williams.“We’ve assumed everything

will stay the same,” Williamssaid.

According to a news releasefrom the Federal DepositInsurance Corp., 10 branchesof Appalachian, includingboth Dawson County loca-tions, were acquired byCommunity & Southern Bank.

Depositors of AppalachianCommunity Bank automati-

cally became depositors ofCommunity & Southern Bank,according to the news release.

Community & SouthernBank agreed to assume alldeposits and assets ofAppalachian CommunityBank.

Kim Turner, bank marketingrepresentative, said employ-ees plan to “continue to serveour customers, that’s top pri-ority.”

The bank announced April 1that 30-year banking veteranKeith Caudell will serve aspresident of the NorthGeorgia region.

“Although Georgia has beenhit hard by a real estate drivenbanking crisis, Community &Southern Bank is uniquelyposit ioned to help restoreconfidence with a strong com-munity banking model...” stat-ed Caudell in a news release.

Caudell has been presidentand CEO of three communitybanks during his career. Aftergraduating from theUniversi ty of Georgia, heworked for Wachovia and itspredecessors for 10 years.

He later became presidentand CEO of Synovus andBank of Hiawassee.

For more information aboutCommunity & SouthernBank, call (706) 265-5090.

Water authority celebrates 30 yearsFounding member looks back

For the Dawson Community News

Founding Etowah Water and Sewer Authorityboard members break ground for a water treat-ment plant in April 1985. From left, BenOverstreet, Frank Roberts, Don Gordon, WilliamJessee and George David.


Society welcomeschamberBy Michele [email protected]

The Dawson County Humane Societywould like to invite the community tosee the shelter April 27 during theDawson County Chamber ofCommerce’s monthly business afterhours event.

Guests will be allowed to tour theyear-old facility that provides food,shelter, compassion and nurturing forthe county’s homeless pet populationuntil permanent homes can be found.

Located on property adjacent to RockCreek Sports Complex, the shelter cur-rently houses more than 115 dogs andcats and has aggressive plans to raise$85,000 this year to improve operations.

Upcoming fundraisers include a com-munity yard sale, golf tournament andseveral entertainment events, includinga murder mystery dinner in May and arock ‘n’ roll oldies concert in June.

The after hours networking opportu-nity begins at 5 p.m. and will concludewith the chamber’s monthly cash prizedrawing.

The cash prize is currently at $650,after the March event at Keller Williams- Legacy Group, when Matt Richardsonof Amicalola Propane, was not presentto claim the prize. Winners must bepresent to take home the money.

The chamber would like to thank thefollowing members for sponsoring thecash drawing: AFLAC-SharonReagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Larry Anderson, Healthy Eating on theRun-Barbara Roberts, The NortonAgency-Kristie Myers and UnitedCommunity Bank-James Askew, VanKeith Insurance Agency ofDawsonville, LLC-Ann Grizzle.

The chamber would also like tothank all of the members that donatedoor prizes for business after hoursevents.


Business leaders andpublic officials honoredDawson County’s teachersof the year during a lunch-eon last month.

School administratorsgot a chance to brag onsome of the district’s besteducators.

The annual DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce event recog-nizes those who excelledin their jobs during thepast year of teaching.

A district-wide 2009-10teacher of the year wasalso honored at the event.Kilough Elementaryteacher Teresa Conowalwas given that honor.

Principal Lois Zangaraintroduced Conowal. “If Ihad one word to describeMrs. Conowal, that wordwould be ‘phenomenal,’”Zangara said. “We loveher, because she is thebest of the best.”

Conowal spoke of herlove for the job.

“Each day, I am giventhe privilege of workingwith children,” Conowalsaid.

“By year’s end, whenstudents move on to con-t inue their journey inlearning, the lessons theyhave taught me wil l bewith me for a lifetime,”she said.

Black’s Mill Elementaryteacher Lisa Robin wasintroduced by PrincipalJulia Mashburn.

Said Mashburn: “I tdoesn’t take long to seethe dedication Mrs. Robinhas for her students. It’s ablessing to work with her,and Black’s Mill is a bet-ter school because of her.”

Robin thanked the group

for the honor. “I loveteaching, and I love work-ing with kids,” Robin said.“Thank you so much forhaving me here today.”

Robinson Elementary’steacher of the year, VickiCarlisle, said working inDawson County has been“a pleasure.”

Vice Principal KimBennett said Carlisle is “anoutstanding teacher. Wehave given her very chal-lenging situations, and she

takes all of those in stride.”Dawson County Middle

School Principal MarkMerges spoke highly ofPaula Cox, the school’steacher of the year.

“She’s a very dependableperson,” Merges said.“When you go into herclassroom, you see a veryengaging educator.”

Cox said she was “grate-ful” and thanked the com-munity “for supportingeducators.”

Riverview MiddleSchool’s teacher of theyear, Pat Harris, said thehonor goes to her students.“They’re the reason I’mstanding here today.”

Principal Bill Zadernaksaid Harris’ students are“some of the bes t andbr igh tes t k ids in theschool, and she has a bigimpact on them.”

Neil Harrison, interimpr inc ipa l a t DawsonCounty High School ,introduced Chris Gore.

Said Harrison: “[Gore]ta lks to s tuden t s l ikethey’re h is co l leagues ,and he’s able to get mes-sages across to them inan effective manner.”

Gore thanked his stu-dents. “I’m only as good asmy students. If theyweren’t good, I wouldn’tbe good,” Gore said. “It’s atwo-way street.”

Teachers honored at luncheon


Kilough Elementary School teacher Teresa Conowal speaks March 11 during theannual teacher of the year appreciation luncheon.

‘By year’s end, when students move onto continue their journey in learning, thelessons they have taught me will be withme for a lifetime.’

Teresa ConowalDawson County teacher of the year


• Congratulations to SleeveCo for receiving three international awards.• Shop chamber members first.• Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you.• Are you certified Work Ready? To learn more, call (706) 265-6278.

Please let the chamber know when you have a special event

seemed distressedover the behavior ofothers.

“There were someparents out there, Iain’t naming names,they were acting likeheathens,” saidFelicia Pirkle ofDawson County.“They didn’t wantnobody else to havea chance.”

Pirkle brought 2-year-old daughter,Amanda, to theevent. Parents withvery young children

were permitted towalk the field withtheir toddlers.

Others seemedcontent with theirshare. Like BillieAnglin and son,Keith, 7.

“He did good,” shesaid. “It’s his firsttime doing this.”

Keith smiled as hetore into an orangehunk of taffy.

Event organizerand KARE for KidsPresident CalvinByrd said the eventwas “a success.”

For more informa-tion about KARE forKids, visit www.-kareforkids.us.

FROM 1

Hunt


Drew, 2, and Brooklyn Ledford, 3, examinetheir Easter treasures following the egg huntas mother Jenny Ledford looks on.


Members of the DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce would like thecommunity to recognize itsmost generous helpers dur-ing National VolunteerWeek.

Linda Williams, presidentof the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce,said April 18-24 is a “greattime to acknowledge themany hours of time that vol-unteers give to their favoriteorganizations, whether it’schamber or non-profit,social or service organiza-tions.”

Added Williams: “There’sso much good work that’sdone by volunteers, and we

don’t have a paycheck tothank them, so this is a wayto acknowledge the value ofa volunteer.”

Doris Cook, a fellowchamber member, agreed.

“The whole communityhas a lot of volunteers,”Cook said. “Any organiza-tion cannot survive withoutvolunteers.”

Williams said there arealways opportunities to vol-

unteer with the chamber ofcommerce. The organiza-tion is currently looking forhelpers for a golf tourna-ment fundraiser June 18.

“Our organization de-pends so heavily on volun-teers,” Williams said. “Somany things would not getdone if it wasn’t for volun-teers.”

For more information,call (706) 265-6278.

Volunteer weekset for mid-April

Michele Hester Dawson Community News

Volunteer Judy Baer clears out brush around the Bowen Center for theArts last week.

‘There’s so much good work that’s doneby volunteers, and we don’t have a pay-check to thank them, so this is a way toacknowledge the value of a volunteer.’

Linda WilliamsDawson County chamber president


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Chamber Chronicle is the monthly newsletter of the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce.

The editorial content includes Chamber News and goals of interest to thebusiness and residential community.

The Chamber will keep the community informed about ribbon cuttings, business expansions, chamber functionsand events, community events and the benefits ofChamber membership through ChamberChronicle.

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Dr.Timothy A.Annis66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105Dawsonville,GA 30534 (706) 216-4875

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March totals Walk-in visitors:

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From 1998 to 2009, theCommunity Picnic was away for Dawson Countyresidents to get together,eat some food and enjoyeach other’s company.

For the DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce-sponsoredevent, 2009 was the finalyear.

Linda Williams, cham-ber president, is askingvolunteers to put theirefforts instead towardDawson County’sIndependence DayCelebration in July,Sparks in the Park.

Williams said thechamber of commercewill be looking for volun-teers for the event.

“We will be looking forvolunteers to take turnsmanning the table, andwe’ll be helping thecounty with some of theduties,” she said. “We’realso going to have thedunk tank ready to go.We’re looking for volun-teers to be dunked.”

Asking volunteers tocome instead to theSparks in the Park eventwas an economy-baseddecision, she said.

“With so many busi-nesses struggling withtheir own operations, theboard of directors felt itwas not a good thing toask them to participatewith money and contribu-tions of food like we havein the past for the com-munity picnic.”

It was not an easy deci-sion to make, Williamssaid.

“We regret that whatwas such a great familyevent we won’t be able todo anymore,” she said.“So, we’re encouragingeverybody to come outand support Sparks in thePark and enjoy that as afamily get-together andas a way to come togeth-er as a community.”

Sparks in the Park isscheduled for 5-10 p.m.July 3 at Rock CreekPark.

For more information,call the chamber at (706)265-6278.

Picnic makesway for Sparks

File photo

TimSatterfieldtook theplunge at apreviousIndependence Day cele-bration.

By Kirstie BroadwellFor the Dawson Community News

Leave April showersbehind and enjoy Mayflowers by attending theninth annual SpringFling Festival on May 1and 2 at the DawsonCounty Middle SchoolComplex in downtownDawsonville.

The festival is free andwill be open between 10a.m. and 5 p.m. on bothdays.

The garden themed fes-tival will feature juried artsand crafts, jewelers, pho-tographers and planters, afun area for children andplenty of food and enter-tainment for the entirefamily.

Entertainment willinclude the DawsonCommunity Chorale, theSounds of Sawnee andthe Georgia watercolorshow.

The watercolor showwill feature art fromacross the country thatwill be judged in the com-petition. There will be aprize package of $10,000for winners.

There will be eventstaking place outside of theschool, as well as inside.Outdoor events will

include an antique andclassic car show, aMountain Art BicycleRide for bikers onSaturday and a fun runSunday.

“When I came lastyear, I was so excited thatspring was here. It wasinspiring to get out andenjoy the festival. It’s agreat event for families to

come and enjoy them-selves. It’s quite a festi-val,” said JeanneTompkins, art center vol-unteer.

“This will be a won-derful kids opportunity,as well as an artists’opportunity. It’s really awhole two days of fun.We had a blast last yeareven though it got rained

on. You don’t want tomiss this festival. We’vegot celebrities comingthis year,” said MarciaChelf, director of theBowen Center for theArts.

For more information,visit www.dawson-arts.org, or call theBowen Center for theArts at (706) 216-2787.

Spring Fling May 1-2


The garden themed festival will feature juried arts and crafts, jewelers, pho-tographers and planters.


Thank YouChamber Building Fund

Sponsors

PropertyInvestmentAssociates

MEMBER RENEWALS

Rapid Refill InkGeorge Parson(770) 844-14651195 Peachtree Parkway No. 200Cumming, GA 30041Category: Retail, ink and toner

Dress BarnCindy Bearden(706) 216-4144North Georgia Outlets800 Hwy. 400Dawsonville, GA 30534Category: Retail

Amedeo’s Italian Cookie CompanyRobert Roberti(770) 844-9012

231 Nix Bridge Road No. 110Dawsonville, GA 30534Category: Wholesale/retail cookies

AmeriVap Systems Inc.Wendy Richards(404) 350-023931 Successful WayDawsonville, GA 30534Category: Industrial steam cleaning

Tri-Star Trophy CompanyBryan Arceneaux(678) 707-6007527 Cicero TrailDawsonville, GA 30534Category: Trophy’s and awards

NEW MEMBERS

All Animals Veterinary HospitalAmicalola Propane Inc.Anderson Family MedicineBetter Homes & Gardens RealEstate Metro BrokersBoling Rice LLCBradley M. Maple, CPA, P.C.Budget Trucks- Tower EnterpriseChestatee Emergent MedicalCareClarke's CleanersComfort InnCorporate Massage TherapistCummings & Kelley P.C.Cunningham & Associates Inc.Dawson County HomeownersAssociationDawsonville DistinctiveDentistryFirst Baptist Church ofDawsonvilleFood Lion, LLCFrank Suddeth & Sons Inc.Gold City Corral and CarriageCompanyGoodson's PharmacyGrace Presbyterian ChurchHealthy Eating on the Run.comHill Design AssociatesArchitects Inc.HomePoint Mortgage GroupImpulse Manufacturing Inc.Joel ClementJTC Jerry Townley Construction

Keller Williams Realty LegacyGroup MAKrogerLaurel Ridge FarmsLiberty Tax ServiceLily Creek LodgeM Tanner ContractingMaintenance and RestorationServices, IncMill Creek EnvironmentalServices Inc.MPH Systems Specialties Inc.MSE Hospitality - Dawsonville,Inc.North Georgia Title Inc.North Georgia Trailer CenterInc.Painted Lady EnterprisesPaul Thomas ChocolatesPearl Izumi Factory StorePhysicians Immediate Med ofDawsonvillePuckett's Mini StorageRE/MAX 400 NorthStelor Handyman Services, LLCSuperior Arbor ManagementInc.Taco Bell of DawsonvilleThe Norton AgencyTower AutomotiveTrue, Dave and JudyWallace, Vic and DuaneWhite InteriorsWindstream


AMBASSADORS CORNER

By Michele [email protected]

Re/Max 400 North agent EdCombs is optimistic the econo-my will pick up, though he’snot expecting an upturn thisyear.

“I don’t see any differencethis year than I did last year,”said the veteran Realtor, whowas originally licensed in realestate in 1984.

Combs said while the com-mercial market is in dire dis-tress, there are great deals

available forthose shoppingfor homes.

“There are alot of homesfor sale at sub-stantially lowprices. This is agreat time tobuy a home,”

he said.One of the few agents in the

country certified as a distressedproperty expert, Combs saidthere are also many alternativesas the economy continues to hit

homeowners. “With the current economic

condition, more and more peo-ple are losing their homes. I’mthere to help people try to avoidforeclosure. Sometimes I canhelp,” he said.

Combs is the father of threegrown children and threegrandchildren.

He attends First RedeemerChurch in Cumming, where heserves as an usher and Biblefellowship class director.

He is also an active volunteerwith the Dawson County

Chamber of CommerceAmbassador Program and wasselected as the group’sAmbassador of the Month inMarch for his service to thechamber.

Combs can be reached at(404) 641-8102 or [email protected]. Re/Max 400North is located at 391 QuillDr., Suite 100 Dawsonville, GA30534.

Dawson County Chamber of CommerceAmbassador Program welcomes new volunteers:

Mandy Powell, BB&TDiane Lemley, individual memberMarsha Darlow, returning ambassadorMary Ann Witcher, Georgia Farmgirls

Ambassador of the Month is Ed Combs

Combs

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT


After several years with aprovider in a neighboringcounty, a local organizationbrought their insuranceneeds home and found abetter rate with a DawsonCounty agent.

“Changing to anotherinsurance company was noteasy because we had beenwith the prior carrier since1998,” said Nancy Stites,director for FamilyConnection. “Establishing anew relationship has been agood experience and we arehappy with the services andhappy to be doing businesshere in Dawson County.”

After hearing about the

chamber’s “Find it here,spend it here” shop localcampaign, Stites and herassociate Marjean Millerdecided it was time toresearch insurance rates.

With a goal to find aprovider that offered theneeded services at a reason-able ra te , Family Con-nect ion requested bidsfrom both local and out ofcounty companies.

Stites said she was verypleased to find competi-tive rates within DawsonCounty.

The chamber learned ofFamily Connection’s goodfortune when a chamberambassador s topped bythe office to pass out a“Thank you for your busi-

ness” campaign windowdecal.

Family Connection is acollaborative that servesas a local decision-makingbody, bringing communitypartners together to devel-op, implement and evalu-ate plans that address theserious challenges facingGeorgia’s chi ldren andfamilies.

The organizat ion’svision is for all children inDawson County to havethe opportunity to becomesuccessful, healthy, self-sustaining adults.

If you or your businesshas had a pleasant experi-ence doing business inDawson County, call thechamber at (706) 265-6278 or speak with achamber ambassadorabout your experience.

Residents take advantage of shop local campaign


Nancy Stites with Family Connection looks over the organization’snew insurance policy, which she took out with a Dawson Countyfirm and found a better rate.

Organization shares success story


The public is invitedto attend a ribbon cuttingceremony for the recent-ly renovated War HillPark in southeasternDawson County.

The ceremony will beheld at 2 p.m. April 22 atthe park at 4081 WarHill Park Road.Attendees should meetat the newly renovatedfishing pier.

Recent additions tothe park include the ren-ovated fishing pier andbathhouse.

Last year, DawsonCounty received an$80,000 grant from theGeorgia Department ofNatural Resources torenovate the property.

Renovations includednew timber frames andgravel for campsites, aswell as improvements tothe beach.

Shortly before reno-vation started in January2009, the county en-tered into a 25-year

lease with the U.S.Army Corps of En-gineers.

For more information,

contact Dawson CountyParks and RecreationDirector Lisa Henson at(706) 344-3646.



Ambassadors with theDawson County Chamberof Commerce took a‘Spring Tour’ of the RICRack Thrift Store and FoodPantry last month to thankstaff and volunteers forservice to the community.

“RIC Rack is such awonderful place,” saidAmbassador Angela Har-ben, who not only sawhow the thrift store oper-ates, but also found severalitems to purchase at theshop.

Proceeds from sales atthe recently remodeled andexpanded thrift shop bene-fit the organization’s foodpantry, which providesdietary needs and essen-tials to hundreds of localfamilies each month.

Carol Tyger, co-chair forthe ambassador programand a routine volunteer atRIC Rack, said volunteerswere preparing food to be

distributed while the grouptoured the facility.

“We were lucky to bethere on a day they weregiving out food. RIC Rackis really helping othersand becoming a center-piece for help in this com-munity,” Tyger said.

Later this year, RICRack volunteers will alsoprovide bags of groceriesto area students for theirbreakfast and lunch whileschool is out for the sum-mer.

Volunteer Alicia Volk,who also serves as a cham-ber ambassador, said thegroup also plans to providebooks for the children toread this summer to boostliteracy.

The ambassadors willmeet for their next SpringTour at noon April 14 atthe Bowen Center for theArts.

If you would like thegroup to tour your busi-ness or organization, callthe chamber at (706) 265-6278.


Several volunteers with the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce Ambassador Programtoured the RIC Rack Thrift Store and Food Pantrylast month to thank staff and volunteers for theirservice to the community.

Ambassadors tourlocal businesses

Local Kroger raising fundsBy Kirstie BroadwellFor the Dawson Community News

Kroger is helping Jerry’s Kidsfight along side the MuscularDystrophy Association to help finda cure for muscular dystrophy,ALS, or Amyotrophic LateralScierosis, and related diseases.Events will be held during themonth of April, with all proceedsgoing to the association.

There will be two events takingplace on April 17. Events include abook sale and a yard sale. Therewill also be an employee bake saleand hot dogs served.

At the book sale, people are

encouraged to donate unwantedbooks and to purchase books. Allbooks will be sold for $1, unlessotherwise marked.

Vendor spaces for the annualyard sale are currently beingreserved.

Prices are as follows: $10 for onespace, $15 for two spaces and $20for three spaces. Sellers can choosethe location once they have paid.

Set up for the yard sale willbegin at 6 a.m., and the sale willstart at 8 a.m.

The third annual MDA Car Showwill be held on April 24.

The event will feature a silentauction, and there will be trophies

awarded for best overall, best interi-or, best paint, best engine and thepeople’s choice award.

Local officials will judge theshow. There will be prizes for kidsas well. The entry fee for the showwill be $10 for advanced registra-tion and $15 for registration the dayof the event.

The show will run from 8 a.m.until 3 p.m.

MDA is the world’s leading sup-porter of research of neuromusculardisease.

For more information aboutKroger’s fundraisers or to sign up toparticipate, call Wanda Tallant orJay Walker at (706) 216-5500.

Park renovation complete


The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. April22 at the pier at War Hill Park.



Administrative professionalswere at the center of attention lastweek as the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce paid trib-ute to the ones who keep localoffices running smoothly.

Nine employers treated theiradministrative assistants to lunchat the Lakeview Center onThursday in honor ofAdministrative Professionals Day,which will be celebrated nation-wide April 21.

Each administrative profession-al received a certificate of appre-ciation from the chamber.

The chamber also welcomedGary Black, president of theGeorgia Agriculture Council, as

the group’s guest speaker duringthe monthly luncheon.

Black, one of several candi-dates running for offices in theupcoming state elections to speakto the chamber membership in thelast few months, applauded localagriculture, the county’s leadingindustry.

Black told members the “moralfiber of a community is supportedby a rural, country life.”

He also encouraged the cham-ber to build concrete relationshipswith youth in an effort to promotethe growing field of agriculturalresearch.

The chamber’s next luncheonwill be held at noon May 13 atthe Lakeview Center, 2057Dawson Forest Road. The guestspeaker has not been announced.

Chamber recognizeslocal professionals


Gail Loggins, with United Community Bank, was one of nineadministrative professionals recognized last week when thechamber of commerce celebrated AdministrativeProfessionals Day. Mike Underwood, chairman of the cham-ber’s board of directors, presented Loggins with a rose.


D a w s o n v i l l e - b a s e dSleeveco, a shrink and stretchsleeve printing company, wasrecently honored with threeawards from the InternationalAssociation of PrintingHouse Craftsmen.

The plant received awardsfor its shrink sleeve packag-

ing of Frank’s RedHot SauceCombo Pack, Wrigley’sJuicy Fruit-Olympic promoand Ensueno BeBe.

The awards recognizeartistic quality and marketappeal of their products.

“Labels play a vital role inconsumer choice and influ-ence buying behavior said,”Sleeveco Marketing DirectorJyl Gryder.

In business for over twodecades, Sleeveco officialssay they are committed tohaving the best printingpresses, latest technology anda great sales and servicedepartment.

“We’re the ones to callwhen the stakes are high andyou want it done right,”Sleeveco President MartinWilson said.

Business receives honors


A recognized leader inindustrial dry steam vaporsanitizing technology recent-ly secured a loan to expandoperations and relocate to anew facility in Dawsonville.

AmeriVap Systems Inc.,the makers of XtremeSteam, has experienced sig-nificant growth in the lastfew years, according to apress release sent out by thecompany.

AmeriVap representativesattribute the growth to anincreased interest in sustain-ability, water conservationand green sanitizing solu-tions by the industrial sector.

“We are very fortunate tobe a growing company inthis tough economy,” saidWerner Diercks, owner ofAmeriVap Systems, in therelease. “We’re very excitedabout the many opportunitiesmade possible through thisfunding, especially ourexpansion to a much largerfacility.”

AmeriVap secured the loan

from the USDA RuralDevelopment, which hasloan and grant programs topromote economic develop-ment and improve the quali-ty of life in rural areas.

“We do have funds to helpbusinesses who need credit,”Shirley Sherrod, state direc-tor of USDA RuralDevelopment, said in therelease. “We need solid com-panies with good businessplans, goals and dynamicleadership.”

Sherrod describes Ameri-Vap as a promising companywith a bright future. “Thiswill be very good forDawson County,” she added.

Linda Williams, presidentof the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce,agrees.

“In this economic time, it’svery promising that an estab-lished company likeAmeriVap would chooseDawson County to expandtheir facility,” she said.

With the expansion,AmeriVap would bring jobsto the county and create sev-eral new positions in the next

year, according to represen-tatives.

Williams said AmeriVap isconsidering utilizing thecounty’s Work ReadyInitiative “as a hiring tool.”

A Work Ready Certificate,achieved through a series offree tests, validates an indi-vidual’s skill and knowledgelevels in areas of appliedmathematics, locating infor-mation and reading forinformation to potentialemployers.

“They came to the cham-ber themselves and wantedto get involved,” Williamssaid. “We’re very happy towelcome them to the com-munity and to our chamber.”

AmeriVap purchased aportion of the vacatedMountain View BusinessPark, located on GrizzleRoad, just west of the outletmall.

“We’re real pleased theychose to put that buildingback to work in DawsonCounty,” Williams said.“Often times a new businesscoming will be a drive forothers to follow.”

Company receives loan for$2.4M expansion project



An open house in the gymnasiumat Kilough Elementary School onApril 15 will show the public plansfor the busy Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53intersection.

The state Department ofTransportation unveiled a proposallast month to convert the crossinginto a two-legged continuous flowintersection that would move leftturning vehicles out of the mainflow of traffic.

The informal open house will beheld from 4 to 7 p.m. The school islocated at 1005 Kilough ChurchRoad, just of Ga. 400.

Transportation representatives sayDawson County could be the first inthe state to have the new at-gradeintersection, which uses signals forleft turn traffic several hundred feetbefore the main intersection andallows left turning vehicles to crossover oncoming traffic.

DOT spokeswoman Teri Pope saidthe project would fulfill two mainobjectives, increasing capacity tohelp motorists get where they needto go and doing so in the safest waypossible.

“This is going to be the posterchild in Georgia for doing that,” shesaid.

The changes also include length-ened double left turn lanes both eastand west on Hwy. 53.

DOT is expected to begin purchas-ing right of way in fiscal year 2011,which starts in July and should takeabout nine months to complete.

At the open house, Georgia DOTengineers will be available to discussthe proposed project, though no for-

mal presentation is planned.Steve Gooch, who represents the

9th District on the Department ofTransportation board, last monthcalled the design cost effective and“almost fail-proof.”

“There’s one in Louisiana that’sworking out real well,” he said. “Thewhole idea is to get people movingthrough the intersection faster.”

Gooch said the project wouldrequire minimal land acquisition andwould not displace any current busi-nesses.

“Hopefully that will satisfy thelandholders there. This area is socongested,” he said.

With a price tag at about $12 to 14million, the project would cost abouta tenth of what it would have takento build a flyover, which was one ofseveral options for the intersection.

The flyover, at about $120 mil-lion, would have elevated Ga. 400traffic over Hwy. 53 and included aseries of access roads, at the inter-section.

Once the design and land acqui-sition phases are complete, ProjectManager Robert Murphy said theconstruction time would be about18 months.

Open house forbusy intersectionset for April 15Public invited to view proposed changes


RAPID REFILL INK CUTS RIBBONNew Dawson County Chamber of Commerce business Rapid Refill Ink held aribbon cutting ceremony March 30 at the chamber office. The business carries alarge selection of ink and laser toner cartridges and specialty paper products. Italso carries name brands like HP, Epson, Canon and Lexmark. The store is locat-ed at 1595 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming. For more information, visitwww.rapidrefill.com.


VIETNAM VETERANS HONOREDVietnam veterans were recently honored at the state Capitol as Gov. SonnyPerdue proclaimed March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Georgia. Rep. AmosAmerson, from left, Roy Riggs and Wayne Watkins represented Dawson Countyat the Capitol.

‘The whole idea is toget people movingthrough the intersec-tion faster.’

Steve GoochRepresents 9th District on DOT board

april 2010 chamber chronicle

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