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

Education SPLOSTpage 4

Board Nomineespage 5

Upcoming Eventspage 6

Member Announcementspage 10

Ribbon Cuttings page 12

Small Business of the Monthpage 13

New Memberspage 15

Buy Local Business Expopage 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

M A R C H2 0 1 1

Tuesday, March 8Small Business Success Seminar

Thursday, March 10South Hall Business Coalition

Thursday, March 24Business After Hours

A program of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Committee, the Get Fit Stay Fit Corporate Challenge kicked off in February with an employee fitness train-ing program. The Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Corporate Challenge Run/Walk is Thursday, April 21 at Riverside Military Academy, and the challenge concludes with “Hall County’s Largest Office Party” following the race. Get Fit Stay Fit promotes health, wellness and fitness among companies and their employees, families and individuals. From small companies to large corporations, the event attracts some 1,500 participants at all levels – from competitive runners to social walkers. Over 100 companies and doz-ens of individuals, ages 10 to 80, are gearing up for Get Fit Stay Fit 2011! To register or for sponsorship information, contact Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206. Email: rlynch@ghcc.com, or get all the details online at getfitstayfit5k.com

Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk is April 21

1 Recruit a team captain from your company... get details at getfitstayfit5k.com2 Sign up as part of your company team or sign up as an individual. 3 Join a fitness program. Get Fit by taking advantage of one of the FREE training programs offered at area facilities with limited memberships available.4 Participate in the Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run Walk at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville on Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. 5 Enjoy “Hall County’s Largest Office Party” following the run/walk with award recognition including the Fastest CEO, Fastest Team and Most Spirited Team, T-Shirt Contest Winner and live entertainment.

5 Steps to Get Fit Stay Fit 2011

Annual GDOT Forum

The Greater Hall Chamber's Annual Transportation Forum is Tuesday, March 15 at Gainesville State College,11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Sponsors include Rochester, lunch provided by McDonald's and media sponsor, The Times. The event is open to the public and creates discussion with Chamber members, business and community leaders, and transportation professionals. Special Guest Speak-ers include Todd Long, GDOT Director of Planning, and Todd McDuffie, GDOT District 1 Engineer. Reservations required. Cost: $15 for Chamber Members; $20 for guests. Includes lunch. For reservations: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: jean@ghcc.com Register online: greaterhallchamber.com

Get all the updates on area transportation issues and projects... and learn about the PROPOSED T-SPLOST!

HALLmark chairs David Lee, Jackson EMC, Mimi Collins,The Longstreet Clinic and Paul Chambers, AT&T, announced the program’s success and goal achievements at a breakfast celebration for investors. See details on page 4.

HALLmark Success!

Wells Fargo Buildingsuite 115

678-450-8020

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce strives to create a pro-busi-ness environment that helps your business become more successful and attract new businesses to our community. What difference can you make? Your membership and volunteer time are key components that allow the Chamber to offer the programs and services you request. With new jobs created over the past year and additional industrial and commercial investment from existing and new businesses, signs of economic recovery are being seen.

Your involvement makes the difference, and it helps you get the most from your membership. Just look at the efforts of our Healthcare Committee. Thanks to their vision, projects such as the Get Fit Stay Fit Run-Walk 5K Corporate Challenge and the HealthSmart Expo emerged to create ad-ditional focus on wellness and healthy lifestyles.

Several years ago, our education committees looked at ideas from the Leadership Hall program and created an outstanding Youth Leadership

Hall program for high school juniors and seniors. Now, ideas are being developed to see if a Senior Leadership program can be created to add value to participants and the community.

The South Hall Business Coalition developed from requests to bring more Chamber programs to the southern part of Hall County. Now, monthly meetings are held to discuss a number of issues from transportation to education. Marketing seminars are also frequently held in the South Hall area.

Members requested more networking opportunities that could follow the successful Business After Hours and the membership team developed the Network Over Coffee and a Leads Group to involve more members and provide opportunities at different times of the day.

The vision and teamwork of the economic development team helped to develop the Annual Industry Appreciation event with awards to recognize the important existing industries in the Greater Hall Com-munity. The list could continue, and hopefully it shows how a person or a group of people can make a difference and take an idea and develop it into something that can benefit the community and Chamber members. Thanks for your help and your ideas. If you have a new idea that you would like to share, please relay it to Kit Dunlap, President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206.

Please check out our new website – greaterhallchamber.com – for a complete list of the dates and times of Chamber activities. Get involved today. If you have any questions or would like to become more in-volved, please contact Membership VP Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206 or email: rlynch@ghcc.com. If you are not a Chamber member, we invite you to join and be a part of our business networking team! Call Membership Coordinator Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206 or join online at greaterhallchamber.com!

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VoluMe 17 Issue 3McKemie West, editor • email: kwest@ghcc.com

GreaterHallChamber.com

Brenda Bahel, The Starke Companies

elisabeth Baldwin, BB&T Bank

Perry Barnett, Rushton & Company

Wade Beavers, Beavers/Rogers Law & Advisory

Dr. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy

William H. Beyer, NEGA Heart Center

Chad Bolton, NEGA Health System, Inc.

Ruth Bruner, Mayor, City of Gainesville

sam evans, City of Oakwood Councilman

Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda

Kathy Fauscett, Keller Williams Realty

Jim Fitzgerald, Wrigley Manufacturing

Jimbo Floyd, Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance

Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost LLP

Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy

Jody lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia

Kelly lee, Wells Fargo Advisors

Deborah Mack, Community Volunteer

Keith Mcleod, NEGA Urological Associates

Mike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch

Willie Mitchell, Gainesville City Schools

Dr. Martha Nesbitt, Gainesville State College

James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont

Tom oliver, Chairman, Hall County Commission

Bill orr, Mayor, Town of Braselton

larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville

Terry Roberts, Lake Lanier CVB

Will schofield, Hall County Schools

Dr. ed schrader, Brenau University

David smith, Merial Select

Dennis stockton, The Times

Phil sutton, Kubota Manufacturing

Milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula

Darrell Wiley, J&J Foods

Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Materials

Mike Williams, Lake Lanier Islands Resort

Drew Addison, Industrial Properties Group

Kellie Bowen, Full Bloom Nursery

Dede Gossage, Heritage Academy

Melanie Fuller Hill, BB&T

Hart Payne, Community Volunteer

Kingsley Peeples, Bates Carter Company

Dr. Gale starich, Brenau University

Zack Thompson, Pro Touch Landscapes

Andrea Timpone, Elachee Nature Science Cnt

Tracy Whitmire, Accusite Surgical Services

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

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2010-2011 executive Committee

ChairmanDarrell snyderGeorgia Power Company

Chairman ElectJay JacobsJacobs Media Corporation

TreasurerBrian Daniel, Carroll Daniel Construction Company

Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentRussell VandiverLanier Technical College

Vice Chair, Education Beth Baldwin Edward Jones Investments

Vice Chair, Government Affairslee HemmerThe Simpson Company

Vice Chair, Marketing and CommunicationsMelissa TymchukNortheast Georgia Medical Cnt

Vice Chair, Membership DevelopmentAllen Nivens, Indigo Energy

Vice Chair, South Hall CouncilGeoff lee, Road Atlanta

Vice Chair, Community DevelopmentPhillipa Moss, Gainesville-Hall Co. Community Service Center

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

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

Senior AdvisorRob Fowler, Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance

Immediate Past Chairmanemily Bagwell, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard & Walker President & CEOKit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors 2010-2011

Associate Directors 2010-2011

staff

What Difference Can You Make?

Darrell SnyderGeorgia Power Company 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 Affairs & South Hall CouncilMichelle Wiley, Membership Coordinator

Community DevelopmentRobin Halstead, Vice President

VISION 2030Meg Nivens, Executive Director

Membership DevelopmentRobyn lynch, Vice PresidentMichelle Wiley, Membership Coordinator

Marketing & CommunicationsKemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant

Greater Hall Chamber Welcome CenterRobin Halstead, ManagerLeadership Hall County class members and Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce officials met with

Governor Nathan Deal and Senator Butch Miller at the State Capitol. The famous Gainesville-Hall County chicken boxes were delivered to the Legislature on February 10.

Leadership Hall County Visits the Capitol

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Jackson EMC received the highest numerical score among midsize utilities in the South region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Electric Utility Residential Customer SatisfactionStudySM. Study based on 85,272 totalresponses, ranking the 27 largest providers in the South (AL, AK, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, NM, OK, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA).Proprietary study results are based

on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in July 2009-May 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

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The Greater Hall Chamber announced that investments in HALLmark… The Next Generation 2010-2015, a five-year economic development plan for Gaines-ville-Hall County, have surpassed the initiative’s $2.1 million goal. To date, 146 investors, including businesses and industries across the community, have invested $2,225,890 in the program to ensure the economic viability of our region. Another 20 companies are ex-pected to invest in the initiative in 2011.

HALLmark chairs Paul Chambers,AT&T; Mimi Collins, The Longstreet Clinic; and, David Lee, Jackson EMC,announced the program’s success at a breakfast celebration for investors on February 2. Motivational speaker and business leader John Addison, co-CEO of Primerica, gave the keynote address.

The benefits of HALLmark are many, including high quality jobs; a stable and growing tax base; the protection of ex-isting investments that have been made by businesses and homeowners; and, an unparalleled quality of life.

HALLmark five year program goals seek 1,700 new jobs with $250 million in capital investment; $60 million in new annual payroll and the placement of Gainesville MSA’s unemployment rate below that of the state and nation. The initiative’s plan includes focus on the following:

VISION 2030Enhance the VISION 2030 Big Ideas for community development and quality of life in the next 20 years.

Economic DevelopmentCreate jobs. Recruit new businesses that require a highly skilled work-force. Serve as a catalyst to increase business retention and expansion activities with existing companies.

Retail & Small Business DevelopmentAttract and promote the retail develop-ment and locally-owned small busi-nesses

Education & Workforce DevelopmentBuild a workforce necessary for our community to fully participate in today’s global economy. Provide leader-ship, alliance programs and networks to ensure an increased graduation rate and an educated, well-trained workforce.

Community & Governmental AffairsPromote positive interaction between local, state and federal government and our local business community. Focus on healthcare initiatives and commu-nity wellness programs. Address water issues in Gainesville-Hall County and Georgia.

For more information on HALLmark 2010-2015, contact Kit Dunlap at the Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206. GreaterHallChamber.com

HALLmark Past $2.1 Million Goal

(L-R): Chamber Chairman-Elect Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media; HALLmark tri-chairs Paul Chambers, AT&T, and David Lee, Jackson EMC; Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap; Guest Speaker John Addison, Primerica; HALLmark tri-chair Mimi Collins,The Longstreet Clinic; Chamber Chairman Darrell Snyder, Georgia Power.

SPLOST: Good Cents for Education

Brian CantelCantel Wealth Management Co-Chairman, Citizens for Better Education 2011

Deborah MackCommunity VolunteerCo-Chairman, Citizens for Better Education 2011

Lee HemmerThe Simpson CompanyCo-Chairman, Citizens for Better Education 2011

The Citizens for a Better Education is a grass-roots committee of Gainesville-Hall County volunteers who are working toward passage and continuation of the local 1 percent Education Sales Tax or SPLOST. The group is a wide cross-section of our community, including PTA and PTO leaders, former educators, government and school board representatives, local Democrat and Republican party leaders, agribusi-ness concerns, retired citizens, and several business and community volunteers.

On Tuesday, March 15, Gainesville/Hall County voters face an important voteaffecting the future of our children and our school systems. A local referendum will decide whether we should extend the one-penny/1% education sales tax for another five years. A “YES” vote on the ballot will raise money to fund school rebuilding and renovation projects and pay existing debt. These projects are necessary to meet critical space needs and to ensure a better education for our children.

If passed the one-penny sales tax would pay for the following: Hall County will continue to reduce principal and interest on outstanding bonds, allowing the system to be long-term debt free by the end of the SPLOST period for the first time in almost 50 years. Significant renovations of over $50 million are planned on many of the sys-tem’s 33 schools that are now between 40-65 years old. Electrical systems, roofs and HVAC will be replaced, and $15 million of classroom technology, along with school buses and library books will be added. Gainesville will pay off the Series 2007 bond principal and interest, rebuild Fair Street Elementary School, renovate Enota Elementary and Wood’s Mill Academy with modifications at the other schools, and purchase school buses and books. Buford – Classroom additions at existing schools and construction of a bus depot and administrative space.

Sales tax projections are $100 million for Hall County Schools; $25.5 million for Gainesville City Schools; and $3.8 million for Buford Schools. Without the education SPLOST, increased property taxes is likely alternative. The local portion of the cost of public education is almost exclusively derived from either property or sales tax. Payments on existing bond debt would have to be funded from property taxes as well. A property tax increase would be supported solely by property owners. On the other hand, everyone pays a sales tax. Approximately 35% of sales taxes collected in Hall County are paid by non-residents.

Our voters overwhelmingly approved the one-penny education sales tax in 1997, 2001 & 2006. Since then, the Hall County, Gainesville City Schools and Buford City Schools have completed projects totalling more than $350 million.

The Education SPLOST referendum in Hall County will be held on March 15, 2011. Early voting takes place now through March 11 at the Hall County Election's Of-fice, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 2285 Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville. 770-531-6945.

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Carol Burrell is Interim CEO and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Northeast Georgia Health System. Carol has been a part of the senior management team at since 1999 and was named Execu-tive Vice President and COO in 2004. Carol served as the Project Team Leader for the North Patient Tower construction project, recognized by Georgia Trend as a leader in hospital design. Carol has also instituted the Six Sigma principles of performance improvement at NGHS to streamline and perfect system processes. A native of Northeast Georgia, Carol currently serves as Chair of the United Way of Hall County Board of Directors and Chair of Red Cross. She has also served as Honorary Chair of the March of Dimes March for Babies and is a graduate of Leadership Hall County.

Carol Burrell Northeast Georgia Health System

Brian Cantel is President/Owner of Flowery Branch-based Cantel Wealth Management – a "small-high-end” wealth management company specializing in alternative non correlated investments. Brian was a financial investment advisor for past 25 years with Fidelity and ING. Brian has served as a Greater Hall Chamber Associate Director since 2009 and is a graduate of Leadership Hall County. A former president and long-time member of the Rotary Club of South Hall County, he has twice been named “Rotarian of the Year.” Brian serves on the Northeast Georgia Health System Advisory Board and is a member of the Flowery Branch Masonic Lodge where he has twice been named “Mason of the Year.

Brian Cantel Cantel Wealth Management

Buford-native Andi Farmer is Community Outreach Coordinator and Administrative Assistant for Milton Martin Honda. She is the Chair of the Milton Martin Honda John Berry Concert, Co-chair of the Relay for Life team, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Eagle Ranch. Andi currently serves on the School Council for Johnson High School and previously served on the South Hall Middle School Council, as well as numerous Parent/Teacher Organization boards. She has been a Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Associate Director since 2009.

Andi Farmer Milton Martin Honda

Bob Pennington is Managing Director of Willis Investment Counsel, a 31-year old independent investment management firm in Gainesville. Bob joined the firm in 2004 following four years as a vice president of Emory University, Division of Development and Alumni Relations, and he was a partner with Atlanta-based law firm King & Spalding where his practice of 20 years involved commercial real estate and finance, corpo-rate and securities law, and taxation. He currently serves on the Board of Visitors of Riverside Military Academy and the Gainesville State College Foundation Board of Trustees. He formerly served on boards and com-mittees of Lakeview Academy, United Way of Hall County, the Medical Center Foundation, The Arts Council and Grace Episcopal Church.

Bob Pennington Willis Investment Counsel

A partner with the Rushton & Company, LLC, Perry Barnett is a Certified Public Accountant with over 22 years experience. He is responsible for business services at Rushton and works with domestic and international entities, in the manufacturing, distribution and construction industries as well as specializing in tax and estate planning, business formation and succession planning. Perry is on the Sardis Elementary Charter School Advisory Board and is a member of North Georgia College & State University's Business Advisory Council. He has served on the boards of North House, Inc., the Boys & Girls Club of Hall County, the Lanier Soccer Association, and is a former President of the Gainesville Jaycees.

Perry Barnett Rushton & Company

Dr. Mary E. Watkins is President/Owner of Gainesville-based Watkins Chiropractic, founded in 1987. Mary has been licensed by the State of Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners since 1985. She is a former Examiner to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, health column author for The Times, 2002 American Business Woman of the Year, and producer and host of "Health Link," a TV show featuring health topics and local professionals. She is a contributing author of Dr. Peter G. Fernandez's "Neck Pain," is a former adjunct teacher at Palmer College of Chiropractic, and currently serves as Second Vice President of the Georgia Chiropractic Association and 2011 President of the Georgia Chiropractic Association District Seven.

Mary Watkins Watkins Chiropractic

A former employee of Siemens Automotive, Philip is now a partner with Wilheit Packaging and responsible for online marketing and sales, packaging product lines and recycling initiatives. He is a licensed real estate agent for Don Carter Realty and founder/owner of TargetMatz, a patented and trademarked game. TargetMatZ in school systems helps children with basic math, and a special edition called the “Patriot” is endorsed and licensed by the Wounded Warriors Project, with sizeable proceeds going to the project. Philip serves on the boards of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, United Way of Hall County, Chatta-hoochee Bank of Georgia Advisory Board and the John Jarrard Founda-tion Board as Vice Chair. He is a Leadership Hall County graduate and former Greater Hall Chamber Associate Director.

Philip Wilheit, Jr. Wilheit Packaging

These seven individuals were nominated to serve as Greater Hall Chamber Board Members for a three-year term. The Nominating Committee, in accordance with the Bylaws (Article 5, Section 5), nominates the following to serve July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2014. The election of new directors takes place in March 2011. Members of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Nominating Committee: Chairman Darrell Snyder, Chairman-Elect Jay Jacobs, Immediate Past Chairman Emily Bagwell, and Past Chairmen R.K. Whitehead, Jimmy Adams, John Vardeman, and Denise Deal. For information: Kit Dunlap, President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206.

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Wednesday, March 1Leads Group11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

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

Wednesday, March 2Get Fit Corporate Challenge Committee9:00 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, March 8Small Business Success SeminarKnow Your Customer presented by Ron Simmons, Area Director, SBDC7:45 - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, March 8Youth Leadership Hall 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center

Tuesday, March 8VISION 2030 Executive Committee11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, March 8Ambassadors Council3:45-4:45 p.m. – Scott's on the Square

Wednesday, March 9Network Over Coffee8:30 -9:30 a.m. – Loretta's Country Kitchen

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

Thursday, March 10Leadership Hall County7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

Thursday, March 10South Hall Business CoalitionEducation SPLOST Update presented by Will Schofield, Superintendent, Hall County Schools and Dr. Merrianne Dyer, Superinten-dent, Gainesville City Schools8:00 - 9:00 a.m. – Lanier Career Academy

Friday, March 11Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – South Hall LibrarySpout Springs Road in Flowery Branch

Tuesday, March 15Annual GDOT Transportation ForumSponsored by Rochester, McDonald'sand The Times11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Gainesville State College, Continuing Education Building

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

Wednesday, March 16Leads Group11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Turnstile Deli

Thursday, March 17Chamber Executive Committee11:30 p.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, March 23Network Over Coffee8:30 -9:30 a.m. – Brenau Tea Room

Thursday, March 24Chamber Board of Directors12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic enter

Thursday, March 24Business After Hours4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – Rubicon Lakefront Office, 2565 Thompson Bridge RoadSponsored by Rubicon and Recess Southern Gastro Pub

Thursday, March 24Youth Apprenticeship Celebration5:00 - 7:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center

Friday, March 25Environmental Management 8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Get all the details on upcoming Chamber events, and online: greaterhallchamber.com

Thursday, March 108:00 - 9:00 a.m. The Oaks at Lanier Charter Career Academy2719 Tumbling Creek Road in Gainesville$5 Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members

Education SPLOST Update Will Schofield, Superintendent, Hall County Schools

Dr. Merrianne Dyer, Superintendent, Gainesville City Schools

Get all the details on the March 15 referendum vote for the one-penny education sales tax. Reservations required. Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: mwiley@ghcc.com

South Hall Business Coalition

Thursday, March 244:30 - 6:30 p.m. (new time!)Rubicon Lakefront Office2565 Thompson Bridge Road in Gainesville$5 Members • $15 Non-Members • Cash Pot Prize!Sponsored by Rubicon and Recess Southern Gastro Pub

Don't miss networking, food and fun on the shores of Lake Lanier. Great food by Recess as Rubicon hosts the event at Rubicon's high-end Class A office space featuring individual patios, balconies, a stunning two-story atrium and a fountain overlooking the lake. Details: Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206. Email: rlynch@ghcc.com Get information online: greaterhallchamber.com

Business After Hours

Tuesday, March 1511:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Gainesville State College Sponsored by Rochester, McDonald and The Times$15 Chamber Members • $20 Non-Members • Open to the Public

The Chamber's Annual Transportation Forum is open to the public with special Guest Speakers Todd Long, GDOT Director of Planning, and Todd McDuffie, GDOT District 1 Engineer. Get updates on area projects and learn about the proposed T-SPLOST. Reservations required. Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: jean@ghcc.com Register online: greaterhallchamber.com

GDOT Transportation Forum

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• Katherine Buono, a junior studying Mar-keting at North Georgia College & State University's Cottrell School of Business is interning with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. She will be working in Membership and Economic Development. • Doug Langman, franchise owner, an-nounced TRC Staffing Services Gaines-ville office was awarded Franchise of the Year for the third time in five years. TRC has 44 locations in 13 states, providing tra-ditional, professional and technical staffing and management services. trcstaffing.com• Planning a reception, banquet, family gathering, training or corporate event? From the Gainesville Civic Center to the historic Martha Hope Cabin or the Frances Meadows Center, Gainesville Parks & Recreation has a variety of options. 770-531-2680. gainesville.org/recreation• The Longstreet Clinic announces the addition of Ronald G. Beebe, MD, as an allergy, asthma and immunology special-ist. Dr. Beebe has over 25 years of medical experience and is board certified in internal medicine, as well as allergy and immunol-ogy. longstreetclinic.com• The deadline for Leadership Hall County 2011-12 Class Nominations is March 15. Participants develop knowledge of the com-munity through a series of one-day sessions covering various topics. Tuition is $800 for Chamber members; $970 for non-members,

and includes a one-year Chamber indi-vidual membership. Dana Miller, 770-532-6206 ext. 113; dmiller@ghcc.com. Nomi-nate online at greaterhallchamber.com• Gov. Nathan Deal and technology ex-perts from Intel and Microsoft are speakers for the 2011 Economic Development Sum-mit on March 16 at North Georgia College & State University. North Georgia is alsohosting Great Decisions, a discussion series by the Foreign Policy Association, on global issues impacting the economy and world politics. The 8 sessions are 6:30-8:30 pm at the Gainesville Civic Center, free, and open to the public, March 3 - April 7. 706-864-1547. northgeorgia.edu• Gainesville Symphony Orchestra (GSO), a 35-year provider of musical enrichment announces the Gainesville Youth Sym-phony, a partnership with Hall County Schools. The youth orchestra is led by edu-cator and professional musician, Michael Giel. Participation (through auditions) is open to all students in pursuing music stud-ies in grades 5-12. The GSO is a 75-member professional symphony. gsomusic.com• The SunTrust Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the University System of Georgia Foundation to implement the “SunTrust Scholars” program at 10 Metro Atlanta University System of Georgia institutions, including Gainesville State College. Funding received will be used

to enable students facing significant fi-nancial barriers to attend one of the 10 state colleges. “We are pleased to provide this support for our local students and for Gainesville State College," said Lana Nix,SunTrust City President and District Manager. "Education is key to the growth and pros-perity of our region, and we are happy to play a role in this program." suntrust.com• Rushton & Company promoted Tiffany Whitmire to Director of Business Consult-ing. Whitmire, a Lula-native, is a CPA,North Georgia graduate, and joined Rush-ton in 2005. rushtonandcompany.com• Rotary Club of Gainesville's Woman of the Year was awarded to Mary Lynn Coyle,chair, Northeast Georgia Health Systems Board. Man of the Year is Featherbone Communiversity founder Gus Whalen.The Sidney O. Smith Fellowship Award went to Larry Griffeth, Light Sources;Reverend Bill Coates, First Baptist Church,received the Guardian of Ethics Award, and Mimi Collins, The Longstreet Clinic, received the Lee Arrendale Award.• The Greater Hall Chamber is seeking nominations for Small Business of the Yearand the Family Business of the Year. The small business award is presented to an outstanding Chamber member with 50 or less employees. The Family Business of the Year is awarded to a family-owned busi-ness that has operated for 25 or more years.

Members may nominate their business or another member. Deadline is April 22. Award winners will be recognized at the Greater Hall Chamber Annual Meeting and Gala on May 12 at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Details: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206; jean@ghcc.com. Make nominations online: greaterhallchamber.com• Bob Swoszowski and Kimberly Dobbs Scott of McDonald’s were recognized for an Outstanding Restaurant, the Jesse Jewell restaurant's performance in 2010, a top 10% licensee restaurant that demonstrate market dominance through superior customer sat-isfaction. Store Manager Sharon Mooneywas recognized as Outstanding Store Man-ager. The organization was also recognized for Outstanding Sales Excellence and the People Excellence Award.• The Georgia Board of Regents approved a request by North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College to develop an instructional site in Forsyth County. North Georgia and Gainesville State plan to jointly open an instructional site near Ga. 400 in Cumming by 2012, eventually offering a range of two- and four-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs. gsc.edu

GOT NEWS?Email: kwest@ghcc.com

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Living our values. It defi nes the student experience at North Georgia College & State University. It is what makes the difference in educating our students for life and leadership in today’s global community.

North Georgia produces military, professional and civic leaders who make a positive impact in their communities – locally, regionally and around the globe. Our graduates tell our story best. About how North Georgia opens a world of opportunities. How these values permeate the North Georgia experience and now inspire them to lead and serve to improve the quality of life for others.

With less than 50% of our operating budget coming from the state, North Georgia College & State University needs your support to sustain this unique educational experience. Please make a gift today to have a life-changing impact on students and our communities.

To learn how valuable your support is, hear our stories at values.northgeorgia.edu.This ad paid for with private funds from the NGCSU Foundation.

EDUCATION FOR LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

C O U R A G E . I N T E G R I T Y . L O Y A L T Y . R E S P E C T .

S E R V I C E . T R U T H . W I S D O M .

Kelli Foley, 20102LT, U.S. Army

John McHugh, 1977Physician

Rep. David Ralston, 1976Speaker of the House

Mary Helen McGruder, 1968Community volunteer

Ben Malcom, 1950COL (ret), U.S. Army

Anthony Shope, 1990Businessman

Kim Tyner-Meeks, 2002Nurse

Suzanne Jarrard 1989Principal

(L-R): Mark Fockele, Fockele Garden Company; Mary Lynn Coyle, Chair, Northeast Georgia Health System Board; Philip Wilheit, Jr. with Turner and Addie Wilheit; Mary Keys Payne; Mary Hart Wilheit; Elizabeth Payne; Philip Wilheit, Sr.; Hart Wilheit Payne; Jeff Payne, MD; LeTrell Simpson; Nancy Colston, Executive Director, Medical Center Foundation; Carol Burrell, Interim CEO; Woody Stewart, Chairman, Medical Center Foundation Board. The Medical Center Foundation recently held a groundbreaking to celebrate the construction of a garden at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit made a signature gift for the North Patient Tower Entrance Garden in memory of their parents. The garden is the largest of five donor gardens planned for the campus and connects the rotunda entrance to the Dawn McKibbon Memorial Chapel. The garden creates a unique outdoor area for patients, families, visitors and staff. nghs.com

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Beyond Bronze Tanning Boutique is an upscale tanning salon located in the Oakwood Station mall across from Gainesville State College. The salon is dedicated to helping guests achieve their ideal tan in a healthy manner and clean environment. All employees are Smart Tan certified, with two employees holding a Master’s certification in Smart Tanning, the highest certification available. Tanning at Beyond Bronze incorporates a personalized consultation for proper skin care. All tanning equipment is new, highly advanced tanning technology delivering a 360˚ tan for all guests with a complete line of luxury tanning products for tanners at every level. For information on tanning equipment or custom spray tans search “Beyond Bronze” on Facebook and Twitter, or speak with a certified tanning specialists. 3885 Mundy Mill Road, Suite 105, Oakwood GA 30566. 770-536-9343. beyondbronzeboutique.com

Beyond Bronze Tanning BoutiqueHands on Healing Massage Center offers quality massage services, convenient appointment times, and a soothing environment for you to truly enjoy and benefit from your experience. The therapists have over 45 years of combined experience, and their specialties range from relaxation, deep tissue, sports therapy and more. 1651 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-535-2044. ourhandsonhealing.com

Hands on Healing Massage Center

Garden at North Patient Tower

Heritage Academy is a private Christian school based on a partnership with parents, students and educators. The school provides a comprehensive program of education where Christ-centered leaders are equipped for tomorrow’s challenges. Grades 1st-12th, currently enrolling for 2011-2012 school year. 2001 Cherry Drive, Braselton, Ga 30517. 706-658-3020. heritagea.org

Heritage Academy in Braselton

Thank You Event Sponsors

1/4 Page Ad2 columns 4.4167 x5

Adams Data Management • AT&T • Chick-fil-A of Gainesville • Full Bloom Nursery GDEcD Region 2 • Georgia Power • Hall County Master Gardeners • Jackson EMC Jacobs Media • Keep Hall Beautiful • Lanier Tech • McDonald's • Miller for Senate

Milton Martin Honda • Mountain Valley Bank • NE Georgia General, Restoration & Implant Dentistry • Northeast Georgia Health System • Pattillo Industrial Real Estate

Premier/Georgia Printing • Spherion Proffesional Staffing • Summers Landing LimestoneThe Times • Turner, Wood & Smith • United Community Bank

From competitive run-

ners to social walkers,

over 900 participants

have registered for the

Consumers Life 5K

Run-Walk Corpo-

rate Challenge on

Thursday, April 22 at

Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. Get Fit Stay Fit promotes

health, wellness and fitness among companies and their employees,

families and individuals. Over 100 companies and their employees along

with individuals, middle schoolers to 50+, are gearing up for the event.

Runners begin at 6 p.m., and walkers at 6:30 p.m. The event concludes

with "Hall County's Largest Office Party" following the run-walk with

awards for the Fastest CEO, Most Spirited Team, T-shirt Contest Winner

and much more. To register for Get Fit Stay Fit, contact Robyn Lynch,

770-532-6206, Email: rlynch@ghcc.com, or get all the details online at

getfitstayfit5k.com (See sponsors on page 12.)

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

Chairman's Column

page 2

New Board

Members

page 4

Innovative Company

Announcement

page 5

Upcoming Events

pages 6

Member

Announcements

page 10

Committee

Spotlight

page 12

Small Business

of the Month

page 12

Openings &

Ribbon Cuttings

page 14

New Members

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

A P R I L2 0 1 0

Tuesday, April 13

Small Business Seminar

Friday, April 16

Hackers Holiday Golf Tourney

Thursday, April 22

Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk

Hackers Holiday Golf

WIN $1000 CASH!A Golf Ball Drop Raffle will take place at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club to

kick off Hackers Holiday on April 16. A helicopter will drop a numbered

ball for each ticket sold! Closest to hole wins! $10 per ticket or 3 tick-

ets for $20. Do not have to be present to win. Tournament registration

and raffle tickets: Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6202. Email: rlynch@ghcc.com

Join scratch golfers and hackers for the

31st Annual Hackers Holiday on Friday,

April 16 at the new Legacy on Lanier

Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands. Cost

is $150 per player; $600 team (4-some).

Fee includes green fee, cart fee, box lunch

and reception. Register yourself or a

team. Awards include a Hole-In-One prize,

sponsored by Milton Martin Honda, along

with closest to the pin, longest drive and

more. 19th Hole Reception, sponsored

by BB&T/BB&T Insurance Services, at

the clubhouse following the tournament.

Tournament sponsors: Charter Business,

Gainesville Coca-Cola, Jackson EMC

LaFarge Aggregates and Turnstile Deli.

31st Annual Hackers Holiday

Golf Tournament

Friday, April 16

Over 900 Registered for Get

Fit Stay Fit on April 22

Runners at Get

Fit Stay Fit 2009.

This year's event

will feature a new

race course at

Riverside Military

Academy. Over

900 runners

and walkers

are expected

to participate.

Registration is still

available for the

April 22 event.

Doctors you know.

Care you trust.

Make a smartbusiness move.Advertise in Business Link

A Century of Business Vision

GreaterHaLLCHamBer.Com

for advertising contact

Sherrie Jones770.535.6304

sjones@gainesvilletimes.com

• Publication is distributed to The Times daily circulation of 22,000 on the 1st Tuesday of the month.• Reach decision makers from the area businesses for current Chamber membership in excess of 2700.• Featured member of the month gets 2 full pages or center spread.• Advertising pricing is available for 1,6 or 12 issues.

Publication Date: First Tuesday of every month

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March 1, 2011 • A

n Advertising Supplem

ent to The Times

Hall County Magazine is owned and published by Tracy Woodall, owner of Wood-all Creative Group. Hall County Magazine is a local publication which began three years ago and was born out of Tracy’s vision to bring positive news and inspira-tion to the Hall County community. The Woodall Creative Group’s staff has been diligent to create a highly professional magazine full of stories, news, and events that is specific to Hall County. Woodall Creative Group’s expertise of 20 years of graphic design, marketing and web development has been the creative backbone for the success of Hall County Magazine. The publication is available free to the public throughout the county at local grocery stores, medical offices, restaurants, retailers, and online at hallcountymagazine.com

Small Business of the Month Hall County Magazine

Small Business of the Month was awarded to Tracy Woodall of Hall County Magazine.

1/4 Page Ad2 columns 4.4167 x5

1/4 Page Ad2 columns 4.4167 x5

FOREDUCATION

GOODCENTS VOTE YES

Tuesday, March 15Early voting Now - March 11

Paid for by Citizens for Better Education. Treasurer, Perry Barnett.

OUR CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS NEED YOUR HELP.

The one-penny education sales tax will greatly bene t tomorrow’s generation of Gainesville and Hall County students:• Renovations to older schools•Savings of thousands of dollars in interest from responsible,

signi cant reduction of long-term bond debt• Enhanced classroom technology• School buses and books

Please vote to continue the 1 cent Education SPLOST – and help keep our property taxes down.

The Norton AgencyKey Economic Indicators

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Jay Burkett led the recent Small Business Success Seminar with discussion on retirement plans for small businesses. (L-R): Kit Dunlap,President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber; Charles White; Janet Kettyle, Toastmasters; Jay Burkett, United Community Bank; Small Business Council Chair Doug Langman, TRC Staffing of Gainesville; Jeff Skorput, Gainesville Physical Therapy. Don't miss the next seminar on March 8 at the Chamber. "Know Your Customer" will be presented by Ron Simmons, Area Director of the SBDC. Details, Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: jean@ghcc.com. Get all the details online at greaterhallchamber.com

Small Business Success Seminar

Greater Hall Chamber and community officials joined representatives of ZF Wind Power LLC and Lanier Technical College's Quick Start program for the official signing ceremony for ZF's training program. (L-R): Jackie Rohosky, Assistant Commissioner Economic Development Programs, Georgia Quick Start Training Program; Elizabeth Umberson,President, ZF Wind Power; Russell Vandiver, President, Lanier Technical College. Through the Quick Start training program, ZF employees will learn the job-specific skills that will enable them to manufacture large gears and assemble high precision gear boxes for wind turbines. The Quick Start Training program will be implemented through a partnership with Lanier Technical College to ensure a seemless transition from the initial start-up training to the ongoing training supported by Lanier Tech. laniertech.edu

ZF Wind Power & Lanier Tech

Officials from ATMOS Energyand Oakwood Elementary Schoolrecently joined students in signing the newest Partners in Education (PIE) agreement. (L-R): Angel Rodriquez, student; Dr. Cyndy Crites, Oakwood Elementary Vice Principal; Lexus Boisclair, student; Eddie Rogers, ATMOS Energy; Amaya Vecellio, student; Dr. Shane Rayburn, Principal; Regina Cothran, teacher; Brain Ramirez, student. Sponsored by the Greater Hall Chamber, the Atmos Energy-Oakwood Elementary partnership is one of over 300 partnerships between businesses and schools in Gainesville-Hall County. As part of the partnership, Atmos is planning an annual cookout for school, reading and mentoring programs, providing office supplies, assisting with the school's new garden and participating in Field Day. For more information on PIE, contact Dana Miller, VP of Education, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206. Email: dmiller@ghcc.com

Partners in Education

Permits Issued - Hall County

Housing Area Permits Jan Jan Dec Total 2011County 2011 2010 2010 2010 YTDBarrow 3 2 3 45 3Dawson 1 0 2 33 1

Gwinnett 34 90 43 647 34Forsyth 55 108 92 1,012 55

Jackson 0 5 1 39 0

Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home Jan Avg Jan Avg Dec Avg Total Avg Total AvgArea 2011 Price 2010 Price 2010 Price 2010 Price 2011 Price

City 14 129,864 10 196,889 13 92,331 119 130,529 14 129,864

North 24 173,539 26 169,508 21 228,542 279 203,389 24 173,539

East 7 46,071 10 70,690 20 94,030 144 89,653 7 46,071

South 12 151,389 16 137,331 23 202,615 172 133,791 12 151,389

West 25 192,840 2 165,902 32 209,684 374 170,098 25 192,840

PreviousMonth

Dec 2010

8

Latest

January 7OneYearAgo

Jan 2010

20

2010Total

1522011YTD

7

Updated 2/28

The Power To Perform

DatacompiledbytheNortonAgency.Foradditionalinformationorotherdataproducts,pleasecall:

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

Key EconomicIndicators

Greater Hall County

Latest

Jan 2011

10.3PreviousMonth

Dec 2010

9.3OneYearAgo

Jan 2010

9.1

10

8

6

4

2

11

EmploymentHall County

Updated 2/28

Area Jobless Rates

GainesvilleCity 9.8

Cherokee 8.8Dawson 10.5

Forsyth 8

Gwinnett 9.1

Jackson 10.3

GaMountains 9.2StateofGeorgia 10.2

U.S. 9.4JFMAMJJASONDJ

Perc

ent

LatestJanuary 2011

$236,458,178PreviousMonth

December 2010

$193,548,422

OneYearAgo

January 2010

$214,735,347

Retail Sales

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

Hall County

Updated 2/28

3.0

100’

sm

illion

sof

dol

lars

FMAMJJASOND

1.0

2.0

2 0 1 0

2 0 1 0

12-Month HighJan201110.3%

12-Month LowDec10

$193,548,422

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March 1, 2011 • A

n Advertising Supplem

ent to The Times

Over 60 exhibitors and 700 people attended the Buy Local Business Expo on January 26 at the Georgia Mountains Center. The event promoted local buying and networking and was sponsored by Milton Martin Honda, The Timesand Jacobs Media. (Clockwise from top left): Katie Boles, J&J Foods, with wagon of food winner Christy Wagner, Delta Community Credit Union; Danella Burnett, Oakwood Occasions, serves food at Business After Hours to Andrew Oxley,Vision Point; Richard & Debbie Shaw, Rick's Smokin' Pig; David Geer, Randy Jessup & Kristi Griffin, Bates Carter;Paul & Molly Hubbard, Shape Innovations; Crystal Gord & Cherie Bates, ServiceMaster. Delicious food was catered at Business After Hours by Rick's Smokin' Pig BBQ, Oakwood Occasions and Brenau ARAMARK Catering.

1/2 Page Ad4 columns

9 x5

Welcome New MembersAdedge TechnologiesRich Cavagnaro5152 Bellwood Court, Suite ABuford, GA 30518(678) 835-0052Manufacturer/Technology adedgetechnologies.com

American Pest Control, Inc.Jeff LipscombPost Office Box 6467Athens, GA 30604(706) 546-1490Pest Control ampest.com

Beyond Bronze Tanning BoutiqueMichael Schenden3885 Mundy Mill Rd, Suite 105Oakwood, GA 30566(770) 536-9343Tanning Salon beyondbronzeboutique.com

Champion Aviation Services, Inc.Fred Henry1137 Aviation Way, SWGainesville, GA 30501(770) 532-4136Air Transportationflychampion.com

Smith, Gilliam, Williams and Miles – Trami KaufmanPost Office Box 1098Gainesville, GA 30503(770) 536-3381Attorneysgwmfirm.com

Summer & Summer Attorneys at LawDan SummerP.O. Box 921Gainesville, GA 30503(770) 535-1700Attorney

WNGA-FM / Georgia 105.1Jason KyzerPO Box 247Cleveland, GA 30528(706) 878-1051Radio Stationgeorgia1051.com

To join the Greater Hall Cham-ber or for details on member-ship benefits, contact Michelle Wiley at 770-532-6206.Email: mwiley@ghcc.comJoin online at:greaterhallchamber.com

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber EventsSmall Business Seminar

Tuesday, March 8"Know Your Customer"

Presented by Ron Simmons, Area Director, SBDC7:45 - 9:00 a.m. – Greater Hall Chamber

South Hall Business CoalitionThursday, March 10

"Education SPLOST Update"presented by

Will Schofield, Superintendent, Hall County SchoolsMerrianne Dyer, Superintendent, Gainesville City Schools

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. – Lanier Charter Career Academy

Annual GDOT Transportation ForumTuesday, March 15

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Gainesville State College

Sponsored byRochester, The Times and McDonald's

Business After HoursThursday, March 24

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. (new time!)Rubicon Lakefront Office on Lake Lanier

Sponsored by Rubicon and Recess Southern Gastro Pub

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDPERMIT #47

GAINESVILLE, GA

CAR-RT SORT

This publication is printed on partially recycled paper.

MEMBER FDIC

643 E. E. Butler Parkway • (770) 536-0607 • www.chattahoocheebank.com

Community Owned, Locally Managed, Locally Invested

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by Bauer Financial, Inc.the nation’s leading independent bank& credit union rating and research firm.

CHATTAHOOCHEE BANK OF GEORGIA

“We’re building our bank to last on traditional community banking principles. Bauer Financial provided independent confirmation of our strategy to focus on the banking needs

of local businesses and consumers.”– Jody Lail, President & CEO

www.bauerfinancial.com

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