business link may 2012

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

Job Fair Highlightspage 4

Chamber Chase 5Kpage 5

Upcoming Eventspage 6

Ribbon Cuttingspage 10

Member Announcementspage 10

New Members3

Small Business of the Monthpage 14

Workforce Developmentpage 15

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

A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Save the Date

M A Y2 0 1 2

Tuesday, May 8Small Business Success Seminar

Thursday, May 10Annual Meeting & Gala

Thursday, May 15South Hall Business Coalition

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

104th Annual Meeting

& GalaThursday, May 10

6:00 p.m.Chattahoochee Country Club

Recognizing

Small Business of the YearFamily Business of the Year

Silver Shovel Award WinnersW.G. Mealor Chairman's Award

Community Service Award

Sponsored by

AT&TLake Lanier Islands ResortJacobs Media Corporation

Charter Business

Outdoor Cocktail Reception at 6:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner & Program 7:00 p.m.

$75 per person • $125 couple$1000 Table Sponsorship

Reservations RequiredCall 770-532-6206 • Email: [email protected]

Reservations Online: greaterhallchamber.com

The Greater Hall Chamber's 104th Annual Meeting & Gala is Thursday, May 10 at the Chat-tahoochee Country Club in Gainesville. Award presentations will include the Distinguished Community Service Award, Annual Small Business and Family Business of the Year Awards, the W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award and Silver Shovel Awards. The evening will be hosted by Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media, Chair-Elect Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost,and President/CEO Kit Dunlap, with an outdoor reception, cocktails, live music, and an elegant buffet dinner. $75 per person; $125 per couple; Table (8) sponsorships are $1,000. Event sponsors include AT&T, Jacobs Media, Charter Business and Lake Lanier Islands Resort. For Reservations: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6202. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

Annual Meeting & Gala is May 10th

The Greater Hall Chamber's 5th Annual Chamber Chase 5K gathered the support of over 1,500 people and targeted organizations committed to employee health and wellness. Runners and walkers of all ages – from middle school students to senior citizens – participated in the 5K Run and the 2 Mile Wellness Walk and celebrated afterwards at Hall County’s Largest Office Party with awards and recognition. The Title Sponsor for the event was Consumers Life Insurance, and Georgia's Lt. Governor Casey Cagle served as Honorary Race Chairman. The Chamber Chase is a VISION 2030 Initiative. See page 5 for race medalists and team award recipients.

Chamber Chase 5K Draws over 1,500

OHL, with 120 employees participating, won the Fastest Corporate Team and People's Choice Award at the Chamber Chase 5K on April 19 at Riverside Military Academy. Highlights on page 5.

Full Bloom NurseryFull Bloom Nursery

http://www.fullbloomnursery.com/

The Transportation Investment Act of 2010 was approved by the Georgia State Legislature to provide a means for voters to consider a 1 cent sales tax to supplement the funding of transportation infrastruc-ture throughout the state. There are 12 transportation tax regions, and we are part of a 13-county area, the Georgia Mountains Region 2. If approved, each region may levy a 1 cent sales tax for 10 years (2013 - 2022) to fund transportation projects.

The 2012 TSPLOST is an opportunity for all Georgians to take control of their future by choosing to make significant investments in transportation projects that are vital both to the economy and quality of life throughout the state.

The Transportation Referendum Vote is just three months away – July 31, 2012. This Transportation Initiative is an investment in infrastruc-ture for the future of Gainesville-Hall County and our region. Hall County is a recipient county... that means the money collected from our county, an expected $360 million over a 10 year period, creates

a return of $1.45 for every $1 raised! The monies raised in this region – the Georgia Mountains Region 2 – will stay in the region and will not go to Atlanta. All monies are controlled locally. A Citizens Accountability Committee in each region will ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget. If passed, this 1 cent sales tax will help us in so many ways:

... Job Creation ... Access to Healthcare ... Access to Education Facilities ... Access to Tourism ... Highway Safety ... Ease Traffic Congestion

For specific project info in Gainesville-Hall County or Georgia Mountains Region 2, visit online ConnectGeorgiaMountains.org or call Srikanth Yamala, Transportation Manager, Gainesville-Hall County MPO, 770-531-6809. Email: [email protected]. Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

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VoluMe 18 Issue 5McKemie West, editor • email: [email protected]

greaterhallchamber.com

David Abee, Regions Bank

emily Bagwell, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

Brenda Bahel, The Starke Companies

Perry Barnett, Rushton & Company

Wade Beavers, Beavers/Rogers Law & Advisory

Col. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy

William H. Beyer, NEGA Heart Center

Carol Burrell, NEGA Health System

Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management

Bob Coleman, Coleman, Chambers & Rogers

lance Compton, Red Clay Interactive

Danny Dunagan, Mayor City of Gainesville

sam evans, City of Oakwood Councilman

Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda

Kathy Fauscett, Keller Williams Realty

Tony Funari, Mayor Pro-tem, Town of Braselton

Rob Geoffroy, The Atlanta Falcons

Tommy Howard, The Norton Agency

Dr. Bonita Jacobs, North Georgia College & SU

Dr. John Kennedy, Lakeview Academy

Kelly lee, Wells Fargo Advisors

Deborah Mack, Community Volunteer

Mike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery Branch

Willie Mitchell, Gainesville City Schools

Dr. Martha Nesbitt, Gainesville State College

James Nix, Mayor, City of Clermont

Tom oliver, Chairman, Hall Co. Commission

Bob Pennington, Willis Investment Counsel

larry Poole, Mayor, City of Gillsville

Terry Roberts, Lake Lanier CVB

Will schofield, Hall County Schools

Dr. ed schrader, Brenau University

Joyce stephens, United Community Bank

Dennis stockton, The Times

Milton Turner, Mayor, City of Lula

Russell Vandiver, Lanier Technical College

Greg Vitek, IMS Gear

Dr. Mary Watkins, Watkins Chiropractic

Darrell Wiley, J&J Foods

Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging Materials

Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging Materials

Karen Baston, Sperry Van Ness

emmett Forrester, NEGA Diagnostic Clinic

Doug langman, TRC Staffing

Chris McCall, Keller Williams Realty

Julie Nicholson, Community Bank & Trust

Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & Design

spence Price, The Adams Companies

Dan slott, Service Master

Jessica Tullar, City of Gainesville

Carla Walker, Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard, Walker

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

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012 executive Committee

ChairmanJay JacobsJacobs Media Corporation

Chairman ElectRandall FrostStewart, Melvin & Frost

TreasurerJody lail, Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia

Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentChris BraswellPB Property Management

Vice Chair, Education elisabeth Baldwin BB&T Wealth Management

Vice Chair, Government Affairslee HemmerThe Simpson Company

Vice Chair, Marketing and CommunicationsMelissa TymchukNEGA Health System

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

Vice Chair, South Hall CouncilGeoff lee, Road Atlanta

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

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

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

Senior AdvisorJimmy Adams, The Adams Companies

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

Board of Directors 2011-2012

Associate Directors 2011-2012

staff

Transportation Referendum Vote is July 31

Jay JacobsJacobs Media Corporation Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

ExecutiveKit Dunlap, President/CEOJoy sims, Executive Assistant

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

Finance & OperationsDavid umberson, Vice President Finance and Human Resources

Education & Workforce DevelopmentDana Miller, Vice President

Government AffairsKit Dunlap, President/CEOJoy sims, Executive Assistant

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

Community DevelopmentRobin Halstead, Vice President

VISION 2030Meg Nivens, Executive Director

Membership DevelopmentMichelle Wiley, Vice PresidentKara Matter, Membership Coordinatorsara lewis, Intern, NGCSU

Marketing & CommunicationsKemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant

Greater Hall Chamber Welcome CenterRobin Halstead, Manager

The South Hall Business Coalition recently heard an update on the Transportation Referendum (Vote is on July 31, 2012) presented by Srikanth Yamala, Transportation Planning Manager, Gainesville-Hall Metro Planning Organization. (L-R): Tim Pledge, Milton Martin Honda (event sponsor); Ryan Sawyer,Biotrauma; Jimmy Adams, The Adams Companies; Srikanth Yamala, Gainesville-Hall Metro Planning Organization; Greater Hall Chamber South Hall Council Vice Chair Geoff Lee, Road Atlanta.

South Hall Business Coalition

ConnectGeorgiaMountains.org

www.jacksonemc.com

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An exhibitor and a sponsor of the March Job Fair, McDonald's Northeast Georgia, Inc. signed up 63 new employees at the event. The company held an orientation for new employees the following day. McDonald's also donated lunch for fellow exhibitors. McDonald's Northeast Georgia, Inc. currently operates 11 stores and employs 539 people. (L-R): Travis Mooney, Store Manager Thompson Bridge Road; Danny Hutson,Store Manager Dahlonega; Christine Kerr, Market Recruiter for Northeast Georgia, Inc.;Stacey Poole, Local Store Marketing Rep; Sharon Mooney, Store Manager Jesse Jewell;Latanya Sheppard, Store Manager Dawsonville Highway; Takisha Angeletti, Store Manager Oakwood; Marco Valeriano, Supervisor; Kimberly Dobbs Scott, Director of Operations;Eric Myers, Store Manager Friendship Road.

Job Fair and Career Expo

Agribusiness Award Winners

The Greater Hall Chamber's Beautification Committee recently participated in a litter clean up in the Newtown area of Gainesville and collected over 100 pounds of litter. (L-R): Scott Broome, Keep Hall Beautiful; Chamber Vice Chair of Community Development Phillippa Moss, City of Gainesville; Dan Owen, City of Gainesville; Rachel Scheider, retired U.S. Forestry Service; Wanda Cannon, Hall County Extension Office; Candis Stephens, City of Gainesville; Michael Wheeler, Hall County Extension Agent; Robin Halstead, Greater Hall Chamber Vice President of Community Development.

Community Beautification

Account Executives Jim Haymore and Shaina Gonzales, Spherion Professional Staffing, at the company's booth at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville. Spherion was Title Sponsor of the Job Fair & Career Expo.

Greg Ours and Karl Keller, volunteers for the Gainesville Area Employer Committee, greeted attendees and distributed exhibitor information. Over 900 job seekers attended the event with 53 employer exhibitors participating.

Ken Orr, Recruiter for Lanier Technical College's Office of Student Affairs at the Job Fair at the Georgia Mountains Center. Lanier Tech was an event sponsor along with Spherion Professional Staffing, The Times, WDUN Radio, McDonald's and the Gainesville Area Employer Committee.

Mitigation Banking was the topic of discussion at the South Hall Business Coalition meeting at Elachee Nature Science Center in April. (L-R): Chairman of the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission R.K. Whitehead, Whitehead Die Casting; program presenter Steve Jones, Ph.D., Meanders River Restoration; Andrea Timpone, Executive Director, Elachee; Jock Hornor, Elachee Board Chairman; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber.


Agribusiness Award Winners (L-R): Outstanding Agribusiness: Dori Bishop, Pony Perfect Party; Friend of Agriculture: Mike Giles, Georgia Poultry Federation; Agribusiness Hall of Fame presented posthumously to Edna Wilson, wife of recipient Homer Wilson and Randy Bruce, son of recipient Alton Bruce; Farmer of the Year: Peyton Edge.

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Chamber Chase 5K Run / Walk at Riverside Military Academy

Krys Crawford and Annabelle Bryant accept the People's Choice Award for OHL from Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs. Krys was also medalist in her age group.

Fastest Corporate Team: OHLFastest Community Team: Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak ClubTeam Spirit Award: City of Gainesville's Chicken City ChasersFastest CEO Award: Jason Everett, Budget Carpet/Gainesville Paint & Design (21:29)T-Shirt Contest People’s choice: OHLBest Use of Corporate Logo: J&J FoodsBest Use of Event Logo: Georgia MedPortMost Creative: The Longstreet Clinic

Fastest Overall Male was Diamond Auto's Juan Soto with a time of 16:46.

Individual Male & Female Medalists

Chamber Chase Team Awards

Overall Winner Male/FemaleJuan Soto 16:46 / Brittany Aikens 19:1318 & under Male/FemaleEvan Snyder 19:00 / Grace Isakson 23:5019-29 Male/FemaleJarrod Paramore 19:58 / Ashley Tolland 21:05

30-39 Male/FemaleAaron Leach 17:57 / Tana Martin 21:1540-49 Male/FemaleDavid Haack 20:00 / Krys Crawford 25:2850+ Male/FemaleTim Grizzle 19:56 / Mamie Coker 24:17

Jason Everett of Budget Carpet/Gainesville Paintwon Fastest CEO Award.

Fastest Overall Femalewas Brittany Aikens with a time of 19:13.

Thank You Chamber Chase Sponsors!

Georgia MedPort was one of dozens of corporate and community teams participating in the Chamber Chase 5K Run & 2 Mile Wellness Walk and won the best use of the event logo in the t-shirt design contest.

Anthony E. Fritchle, Riverside Military Academy Executive Assistant to the President & Director for Planning, Honorary Race Chairman Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Greater Hall Chamber Chairman Jay Jacobs at the Chamber Chase 5K on April 19 at Riverside Military Academy.

Bill Sanders, Jackson EMC and VISION 2030 volunteer, warms up before the race with activities led by Holmes Marchman, MD, of The Longstreet Clinic.

www.equitaxusa.com

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

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

Tuesday, May 8Small Business Success Seminar"How New Mandated Retirement Plan Disclosures Affect You"Presented by Will Hicks, Stifel Nicolaus Vice President Investments & Branch Manager7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, May 8Youth Leadership HallGraduation Program7:50 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. – Montara Farm

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

Wednesday, May 9Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Avocado’s, 109 Bradford St. (on the Square) in Gainesville

Wednesday, May 9Human Resources11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant

Thursday, May 10104th Annual Meeting & Gala6:00 p.m. Outdoor Cocktail Reception7:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner and ProgramChattahoochee Country Club

Friday, May 11Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – Chamber

Friday, May 11Leadership Hall County Graduation and Alumni Party7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club

Tuesday, May 15South Hall Business Coalition"South Hall /NEGMC Hospital Update"Presented by Anthony Williamson, Northeast Georgia Health System Vice President of Greater Braselton & Service Line Development8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Spout Springs Library in Flowery Branch

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

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


Thursday, May 17Chamber Executive Committee11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, May 23Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Subway, 7380 Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch

Thursday, May 24Chamber Board of Directors12:00 p.m. – Georgia Power Pavilion

JUNE 2012

Thursday, June 7Business After Hours5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – The Gardens

Tuesday, June 12Small Business NetWeaving7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. – Lanier Tech MDC at Featherbone Communiversity

Friday, June 15Business Before Hours7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Lakeshore Mall

Details online at greaterhallchamber.com

Thursday, June 75:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. THE GARDENSWessell Road in Gainesville$5 Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members • Cash Pot Prize!

THE GARDENS is a 36-homesite community on Wessell Road between Dixon Drive and Piedmont Road in Gainesville. Set within a forest sanctuary, the in-town neighborhood recently underwent a multi-million dollar redevelopment by McKibbon-Robison. Don’t miss this Business After Hours and the unveiling of an exceptional array of new and upgraded amenities, including a swimming pool, pavilion and sidewalks. And of course, great food, drinks, networking and the exciting Cash Pot Prize! Details: 770-532-6206.

Business After Hours

Tuesday, May 158:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Spout Springs Library in Flowery Branch$5 Members • $15 Non-Members • BreakfastSponsored by Milton Martin Honda and WDUN AM-FM Radio

South Hall Hospital UpdateAnthony Williamson, Northeast Georgia Health System Vice President of Greater Braselton & Service Line Development, will present an update on the new Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton at River Place. Reservations: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com


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

Disclose, Disclose, Disclose...How the New Mandated Retirement Plan Disclosures Affect You

This seminar, presented by Will Hicks, Vice President Investments & Branch Manager of Stifel Nicolaus in Gainesville, will cover all the new retirement plan disclosures and how they affect you. Reservations: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Small Business Success Seminar

Friday, June 157:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Lakeshore Mall - Food Court150 Pearl Nix Parkway in GainesvilleNo Charge • Free Breakfast

Join us for this special morning networking event and delicious complimentary breakfast at in the Food Court at Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville.

Details: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Get the details on this and other events online: greaterhallchamber.com

Business Before HoursThank You Chamber Sponsors

Advantage Staffing • AT&T • Breakfield & Associates • Charter Business

Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia • Chick-fil-A Gainesville

Gainesville Coca Cola • Georgia MedPort • Georgia Power

Jackson EMC • Jacobs Media Corp Lafarge Aggregates

Lake Lanier Islands Resort • Longstreet Inpatient Medicine

Milton Martin Honda • Papa John's Pizza • Publix

Simpson Custom Photography • Turner Wood & Smith • Turnstile Deli

United Community Bank • WDUN AM-FM Radio • Wilson Orthodontics

shop lakesho rema l l . com

6662 Holly Springs Road Clermont, GA770.842.2345

Full Bloom NurseryFull Bloom Nursery

Mother’s Day is our specialty........ Roses, hanging baskets, mixed pots for the

patio, we’ve got you covered!

WARNING! The intense coloRs and array of thousands of flowers in the greenhouses may

cause dizziness, tremors, and excitement. This condition is known as “spRING FeveR”.It will cause smiles and happiness but don’t worry, it

has no harmful effects!

Visit our website at www.fullbloomnursery.com for tips and advice on growing vegetables, herbs,

flowers, and much more!

check out our selection and price of vegetable plants. Big 4” pots of tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant,

cucumbers, beans, and much more are just $2.00!The #1 trend in gardening right now is edible gardens and back yard orchards. If you’re

looking for herbs, vegetables, organic fertilizers and safe insecticide products, come see us!

We can help you raise your own food!

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(L-R): Billy Powell, Hall County Commission; Peter Narreau, President, Bitzer US; Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle;Christian Wehrle, CPO, Bitzer SE. Bitzer, a leading manufacturer of com-pressors for commercial refrigeration, broke ground in March for an additional 95,000 square foot building on 31 acres in Oakwood. The new $10 million facility is expected to be complete this fall. Bitzer will maintain their base of 80 employees, adding another 50 employees over the next two years. bitzerus.com

Bitzer Expands in Oakwood

• Jim Moore, Vice President and Agency Manager at BB&T Sidney O. Smith Insur-ance, was named Chairman of The Medi-cal Center Foundation Board of Trustees,filling the role previously held by the late W. Woodrow (Woody) Stewart. • Avery Niles was elected Chairman of Board of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Niles is a 23-year veteran of the Hall County Sheriff`s Departmentserving as warden of the Hall County Cor-rectional Institution. hallcounty.org• U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., received the 2012 Spirit of Enterprise award from the U.S. Chamber of Com-merce for his support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies. In its 24th year, the award is given annually to members of Congress based on key business votes. Chambliss collectively holds a 91% ranking during his tenure in Congress.• The Princeton Review profiled Gaines-ville State College's Dr. Michallene Mc-Daniel, Associate Professor of Sociology, as one of the country's best undergradu-ate teachers in its new book, The Best 300 Professors. princetonreview.com• Heather Geltz joined Sterling on the Lake, a residential community in Flowery Branch, as the marketing coordinator.sterlingonthelake.com

• Prudential Georgia Realty named Brent Hoffman of the Gainesville office as the organization's #1 Commercial Agent in 2011. prudentialga.com• Gateway Domestic Violence Center's 6th Annual Gateway to Hope is Friday, May 18 at 7:00 pm at Brenau University's Yonah Hall with a silent and live auction, fine wines, delicious foods and live music. Proceeds benefit the center that provides shelter and services to victims of domestic violence. Tickets: gatewaydvcenter.org• Turner Construction Co., the general contractor for the new Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton project, will hold a Subcontractor/Vendor Outreach Fair on May 9, 1 pm, at the Gainesville Civic Center. RSVP: [email protected] by May 4, 4 pm. The 240,000 sf, 100-bed hospital will break ground in fall 2012 and is scheduled for completion in early 2015. Project website: ngmcproject.com• Thank You Hackers Holiday Tourna-ment Sponsors: Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia (Title Sponsor), Advantage Staff-ing, Charter Business, Gainesville Coca Cola, Georgia MedPort, Jackson EMC,Lafarge Aggregates, Publix, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance and Turnstile Deli. Look for event highlights and tour-nament winners in the June Business Link!

• Elachee's 11th Annual Flights of Fancy Benefit Auction is Friday, May 11, 6:30-9:00 pm, with a cook-out, craft brews, a wine bar, silent and live auctions. Tickets: $45 for open seating and bistro tables, 770-535-1976 or email: [email protected]• Good Nutrition will host a Health Fair on Saturday, May 19 with free samples, new product info, special 10% discounts, and drawings for gift baskets. 1500 Browns Bridge Road, #100 in Gainesville. 770-536-1252. goodnutritionweb.com• WomenSource's Brown Bag Lunch isThursday, May 3 at 12 pm at the Frances Meadows Center. The program, Small Changes Big Impact: Nutrition & Fitness for Every Woman, is sponsored by Brenau Uni-versity. Learn how small changes in diet and exercise can make a big impact for a healthier life. $5 WomenSource Members; $6 non-members. To register, call 770-503-9060 or online at WomenSource.info • United Way of Hall County's top 10 company contributors were Publix Super Markets, Northeast Georgia Medical Cen-ter, Cargill Inc., Fieldale Farms, Wrigley Manufacturing Co., Hall County School System, Schreiber Foods Inc., Wilheit Packaging Material, Conditioned Air Sys-tems and UPS. The Chairman's Award,

for support extending beyond campaign giving went to Schreiber Foods.unitedwayhallcounty.org• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County's 14th Annual Rubber Duck Derby is Saturday, May 12, from 10 am to 4 pm at Clarks Bridge Park. Over 16,000 "adopt-ed" rubber ducks are cast into Lake Lanier with the winning duck fetching a $10,000 cash Grand Prize. The Duck Fest includes food, children’s activities, health screen-ings, arts and crafts, animals, vendors of all types, a classic car display and live music. Ducks may be adopted with a $5 donation; Quack Packs are $25 for 6 ducks; Grand Packs $100 for 25 ducks. 770-656-2527. rubberduckderby.com• Dr. Randy Pierce was named interim president of Gainesville State Collegeand will assume the post on July 1, upon the retirement of Dr. Martha Nesbitt. Pierce served as president of Georgia Highlands College for 10 years before his retirement in 2011. Pierce has held several positions at Georgia Perimeter College and Georgia State University. gsc.edu

GOT NEWS?Email: [email protected]

Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; Wendell Starke,Butler Property LLC; John Schwartz,Mundy Mill Sales Manager; Delores Diaz, Gainesville City School Board;Brenda Bahel,Butler Property; Gary Andersonat Butler Property LLC's grand re-opening of Mundy Mill, a neighborhood located on McEver Road in Gainesville. Butler Property bought the neighborhood in 2010, and the community features homes with brick, stone and cedar accents – priced in the $129,000 to $149,000 range. Amenities include sidewalks, a pool, playground and picnic pavilion. 4100 Mundy Mill Road SW, Gainesville, GA 30504. 678-617-8887. mundymill.com

Butler Property LLC's Mundy Mill

Members of the Stifel Nicolaus Team – Kathy Merck, Will Hicks, Al Crumley, Terry Damron– cut ribbon to open their new office, neighboring the Greater Hall Chamber facility. For over 120 years, Stifel Nicolaus has served as a trusted financial advisor to individuals and businesses.. With over 45 years of local experience, the team's knowledge and service has helped clients navigate all market cycles, even the difficult ones. Stifel Nicolaus, a full service brokerage and invest-ment banking firm, has the professional expertise and resources to assist in developing a financial strategy to meet the challenges of today’s up-and-down market and long term goals. 212 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-531-1103. stifel.com

Stifel Nicolaus Relocates

David Crook, Dr. Carroll Turner, Sherry Ridgway,Maurice Graham and Jason Whitworth cut ribbon for Global IT Department, a premier provider of informa-tion technology and business solutions to public sector organizations, government and non-profits. 999 Chestnut Street, Suite 14, Gainesville, GA 30501. 678-971-4193. globalitdepartment.com

Global IT Department LLC

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Gainesville State College's Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) program has been awarded one of the American Free Enterprise Grants from the National Chamber of Commerce Foundation. As part of the grant, students will be assisting the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce with promoting upcoming events and small business initiatives. The American Free Enterprise Project Partnership between the U.S. Chamber, National Chamber Foundation and SIFE USA seeks to enhance the lives of entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources to succeed and generate awareness of the positive effects of free enterprise through education and communities nationwide. Gainesville State College is one of 50 SIFE teams across the United States that will be mobilized through the American Free Enterprise Project Partnership. sifeamericanfreeenterprise.com

Students in Free Enterprise

Gainesville State College SIFE students SandraTorres and Juan Pardo with instructor KatieSimmons. Sandra and Juan assisted the Greater Hall Chamber with the Chamber Chase 5K and will help with other upcoming Chamber events as part of a grant with the U.S. Chamber.

The Greater Hall Chamber is always seeking sponsors for upcoming programs and events. Sponsorships offer a perfect opportunity to promote products and services to area professionals and business leaders. Sponsors have the opportunity to speak and distribute literature at some events as well as being featured on all advertising and promotional pieces. Sponsorships fees can be divided with several other sponsors. Sponsorships and advertising opportunities include Business After Hours, Leadership Hall County programs, South Hall Council forums, Business Before Hours, Environmental Health & Safety programs, Human Resource Council luncheons, membership mailings, as well as Chamber-produced area maps, community magazines, the monthly Business Link newsletter and more. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Michelle Wiley, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. greaterhallchamber.com

Chamber Sponsorship Opportunities

Networking has long been an effective means of making new professional contacts, often leading to new business. Now there’s a new twist: NETWEAVING. The goal is to learn all you can from as many people as possible about their business, their needs, and their challenges. Then, to try to help as many people as you can by putting them in touch with someone you know or sharing insight that can help the other person succeed in business. Networking and Netweaving are both mechanisms to building relationships – a crucial process to being successful.

The Greater Hall Chamber will host its first Small Business NetWeaving event on Tuesday, June 12, 7:45-9:00 a.m. at Lanier Tech's Manufacturing Development Center. The Chamber's Business After Hours, Business Before Hours, Network Over Coffee meetings and Leads Group functions all offer the ultimate in networking opportunities. Plan to attend one or ALL of the upcoming programs:

Wednesday, May 2Leads Group11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli in Downtown Gainesville

Wednesday, May 9Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Avocado’s, 109 Bradford St. (on the Square) in Gainesville


Wednesday, May 23Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Subway at 7380 Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch

Thursday, June 7Business After Hours5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – The Gardens, In-town Neighborhood in Gainesville

Tuesday, June 12Small Business NetWeaving7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Lanier Tech's Manufacturing Development Center at Featherbone Communiversity in Gainesville

Friday, June 15Business Before Hours7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Lakeshore Mall Food Court

For more on these and other networking events, call Michelle Wiley, Chamber Vice President of Membership Development, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Get all the details online at greaterhallchamber.com

Networking and Netweaving

www.mcgaritys.com

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New Senior Leadership Program

VISION 2030's Senior Leadership Com-mittee, co-chaired by Bill Sanders, Jackson EMC, and Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Georgia Health System, has formed a leader-ship program for 50+ members of the community. The new program titled The Wisdom Project is a project of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Brenau University’s Center for Lifetime Study.

The Wisdom Project prepares retired and semi-retired individuals to use their wis-dom and talents in creative ways through action and advocacy. Through a hands-on service project and interaction with like-minded individuals from throughout the community, The Wisdom Project participants experience a dynamic, multi-fac-eted view of Gainesville and Hall County, explore local issues and opportunities and engage with community leaders. The Greater Hall Chamber has sponsored Leadership Hall County since 1983 and implemented Youth Leadership Hall in 2005. Brenau University’s BULLI (Brenau University Learning and Leisure Insti-tute) program, has offered academically oriented continuing education courses to lifelong learners for 19 years. The committee has developed marketing tools for The Wisdom Project, including a participant application and expects to host the first session in fall 2012. vision2030.org

VISION 2030's new senior leadership program – The Wisdom Project – will begin this fall.

Residential Beautifcation AwardsThe Greater Hall Chamber's Beautification Committee announces winners of the Residential Beautification Award from various sections of Gainesville-Hall County. Award winners were nominated by neighbors and friends and selected by members of the committee. Details: Robin Halstead, Vice President Community Development, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Home of Milton Robson, 3509 Tanners Mill Circle in South Hall County.

Home of Bobbie Page, 815 Lakeview Drive in Gainesville.

Home of James and Barbara Brooks, 728 Summit Street in Gainesville.

VISION 2030 Transportation “Big Ideas” for Hall CountyThe VISION 2030 Transportation Committee, led by community volunteer Richard Riley, recently completed an Executive Summary of Transportation “Big Ideas” and Recommendations for Hall County. This plan will support the need for two impor-tant actions that are to take place in the community.

1) The Transportation Referendum vote for highway improvements and continued local support to transit projects. The VISION 2030 Transportation Committee sup-ports the passage of the vote, which will be held on July 31, 2012.

2) The Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is planning to assist the City of Gainesville by conduction a comprehensive transportation study. The study will be a 8-10 month process and will kick off in August 2012.

For the complete Transportation Executive Summary, visit vision2030.org or call VISION 2030 Executive Director Meg Nivens at 770-532-6206.

Photos courtesy of Simpson Custom Photography

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2 Dog RestaurantTina Roberts317 Spring Street, SEGainesville, GA 30501(770) 287-8384- Restaurant / Catering2dogrestaurant.com

Aqua-Terra Recycling & TreatmentRichard (Dickey) Watson710 Moore StreetOxford, GA 30054(678) 625-4025- Environmental / Recyclingaquaterrarecycling.com

Cheddars GainesvilleAllen Peake1195 Dawsonville Hwy NWGainesville, GA 30501(678) 450-4510- Restaurant / Cateringcheddars.com

GACC SouthFriederike Munzinger1170 Howell Mill Road

Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30318(404) 586-6800- Non-Profit Economic Development Organizationgaccsouth.com

Orkin Pest ControlDon Miller1945 Old Candler RoadGainesville, GA 30507(770) 532-0116- Pest Controlorkin.com

Southern Property ManagementLynn Collins4211 Mundy Mill PlaceSuite DOakwood, GA 30566(770) 535-1020- Property Managementsouthernpropertymgt.com

Thomas Concrete of GA, Inc.Bill Davis3960 Thurmon Tanner Road

Flowery Branch, GA 30542(770) 431-3300- Construction / Concrete thomasconcrete.com

Williams & Associates, RPOJeff Williams3420 Green Hill RoadGainesville, GA 30506(678) 316-9715- Employment Agencywilliamsandassociatesrpo.com

Jennifer Brown, LCSW505 Green Street, 2nd FloorGainesville, GA 30501(917) 494-1410- Individual Member

Learn all the benefits of Greater Hall Chamber Membership – call Kara Matter, Membership Coordi-nator, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com


Welcome New Members


As part of the Greater Hall Chamber’s continuing effort to provide savings to member business owners, we have joined forces with Purchasing Alliance Solutions and their Healthy Business Alliance™ program for new savings on employee benefits products through A+ rated Companion Life Insurance Company. If a Chamber business member moves their coverage to Companion Life, a special savings will be made on dental, group term life, and disability income protection at 5-10%, depending on group size, below what businesses who participate in the current chamber-sponsored program presently pay. Advantages of this program for participating Chamber members include:

• Savings over your existing plans with a special offering of 5-10%. • Expanded protection through important policy features like accelerated benefits, waiver of premium and conversion privileges on Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment• Choice of three standard dental benefit plans and a wide range of customizable options with the Dental by Design• Competitive short and long term disability income coverage options• Convenience of a single source for all specialty coverage with an A+ rated carrier

For details on this exciting new savings opportunity, contact a local Chamber-member insurance agent, call Michelle Wiley at the Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206, or Purchasing Alliance Solutions at (800) 782-8254 or via email at [email protected].

Purchasing Alliance Solutions was established in 1994 to serve Chambers of Commerce, their members, Agents and their clients. These Chamber-sponsored programs cover more than 5,000 businesses and 53,000 employees in 149 local communities throughout Georgia.

Employee Benefit SavingsMore Savings, More Choices for Small Businesses through the Chamber Sponsored Healthy Business Alliance™

www.ddsga.com

The Norton AgencyKey Economic Indicators

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Over 80 Greater Hall Chamber members and guests attended the recent Small Business Success Seminar presented by Bill Lampton of Championship Communication. (L-R): Kit Dunlap,President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber;Dave Simpson,Simpson Custom Photography; Bill Lampton, Ph.D. Championship

Communication; Sherry Ridgway, President & CEO, Global IT Department; Steve Naughton, President, Enterprising Solutions, Inc. Will Hicks, Vice President of Investments and Branch Manager of Stifel Nicolaus in Gainesville, will present the program at the next seminar on Tuesday, May 8 focusing on how new mandated retirement plan disclosures affect us. Don't miss the Small Business NetWeaving event on Tuesday, June 12. Details, Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com

Small Business Success Seminar

Occasions by John & Troy began as a home-based business offering flowers and decor for private parties. The business expanded into wedding receptions, fundraisers and Holiday decor. In 2008, the business located to a shop on Bradford Street, and after outgrowing that space moved to the current location at 100 Washington Street on the Downtown Square in Gainesville in 2009. The new location proved to be a great move with exposure on the corner increasing business. Occasions by John & Troy specialize in fresh flower bouquets for any occasion, flower arrangement delivery, wedding flowers, as well as special event and party decorating. The shop is owned by John Karluk and operated with years of experience in retail, event and wedding work. Carol Slaughter is a floral designer and Dee Reising is wedding consultant. 678-943-8776. occasionsbyjohnandtroy.com

Small Business of the MonthOccasions by John & Troy

Carol Slaughter,a designer at Occasions by John & Troy works on a floral arrangement at the shop located on the Square in Downtown Gainesville. The full service florist assists with weddings, parties, events and Holiday decor.

Permits Issued - Hall County

Housing Area Permits Mar Mar Feb Total 2012County 2012 2011 2012 2011 YTDBarrow 4 4 3 25 10Dawson 4 4 2 34 8

Gwinnett 83 40 62 555 192Forsyth 123 87 99 1,099 310

Jackson 1 2 1 22 4

Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home Mar Avg Mar Avg Feb Avg Total Avg Total AvgArea 2012 Price 2011 Price 2012 Price 2011 Price 2012 Price

City 18 140,924 14 111 16 97,320 180 132,902 45 129,026

North 27 194,011 34 215,402 30 182,233 384 203,902 74 156,317

East 16 77,656 16 75,000 16 66,720 238 79,629 51 73,576

South 21 125,143 16 158,503 27 121,930 296 131,000 63 146,567

West 60 175,544 35 135,825 43 159,388 558 182,192 140 181,919

PreviousMonth

Feb 2012

8

Latest

March 15OneYearAgo

Mar 2011

19

2011Total

1802012YTD

39

Updated 4/25

The Power To Perform

DatacompiledbytheNortonAgency.Foradditionalinformationorotherdataproducts,pleasecall:

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

Key EconomicIndicators

Greater Hall County

Latest

Mar 2012

7.6PreviousMonth

Feb 2012

7.6OneYearAgo

Mar 2011

8.8

10

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EmploymentHall County

Updated 4/25

Area Jobless Rates

GainesvilleCity 8.1

Cherokee 7.6Dawson 8

Forsyth 7

Gwinnett 8

Jackson 9.2

GaMountains 8.1StateofGeorgia 9

U.S. 8.2MAMJJ A S ONDJ F M

Perc

ent

LatestMarch 2012

$209,839,566PreviousMonth

February 2012$199,678,703

OneYearAgo

March 2011$216,493,324

Retail Sales

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

Hall County

Updated 4/25

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Leadership Hall County

As part of the Industry Program, Youth Leadership Hall students toured Kipper Tools led by Jim O’Dell. The group learned about the company and their philosophy of providing a safe and healthy environment for their employees. At Truelove Dairy, owners Dixie and Jerry Truelove discussed the dairy farming business milking methods and how milk is transported to a dairy factory for processing for retail sales. Class members were given the opportunity to make their own take home pizza at Papa Johns Pizza on Thompson Bridge Road. Store Manager Brad Beighley gave the class a tour and explained how the business is managed. At Lakewood Baptist Church, Juli Clay of Brenau University worked with the students on speaking skills, and then each member gave an impromptu speech. Semuel Maysonet, BB&T, presented information on banking, how loans work and the importance of good credit. Many thanks to food sponsors, Chick-fil-A of Gainesville and Papa Johns Pizza.

Youth Leadership Hall

Leadership Hall County's Wrap-Up Retreat was held at Riverside Military Academy on April 12. The class was greeted by Col. James Benson, Riverside Military Academy President, who spoke with the class about the school, its mission and the enrollment population with students from over 18 countries including Kazakhstan-Russia. Following a great lunch sponsored by Longstreet Inpatient Medicine, the class participated in team building exercises on the Leaders Reaction Course led by Sgt. Major Jeff Chandler. The day ended with the class gathering at Little Italy Pizza for a farewell dinner. Leadership Hall County's Graduation & Alumni Party is Friday, May 11, 7:00-10:00 p.m., poolside at the Chattahoochee County Club. Alumni: $10 per person. Reservations: Dana Miller, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Leadership Hall Class Members (L-R): Keith Whitaker, Smith Gilliam William & Miles;Nick Kastner, Red Clay Interactive; Brett Fowler, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance; Joy Griffin, United Way of Hall County.

Brad Beighley of Papa John's Pizza (right) with Youth Leadership Hall Class Members (L-R): Ellie Forrester,Lanier Charter Career Academy; Shannon Mundy, West Hall High School; Tucker Bond, North Hall High School.

www.RuschtonandCompany.com

Small Business Marketing Workshop Tuesday, February 14

Marketing TrendsPresented by Gordon Sawyer

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

Business After HoursThursday, February 16

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

Hunt Tower in Downtown Gainesville

Arbor Day CelebrationFriday, February 17

10:00 a.m.Frances Meadows Center

Safe & Green Regional AssemblyFriday, February 24

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

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

Gainesville State College

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

Georgia Mountains Center

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events

Get Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com

U.S.POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT#47

GAINESVILLE,GA

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Thispublicationisprintedonpartiallyrecycledpaper.

Small Business Seminar Tuesday, May 8

New Retirement Plan DisclosuresPresented by Will Hicks

Stifel Nicolaus7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber

104th Annual Meeting & GalaThursday, May 10

6:00 p.m. Outdoor Reception7:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner

7:30 p.m. Program & AwardsChattahoochee Country Club

South Hall Business CoalitionTuesday, May 15

South Hall Hospital UpdatePresented by Anthony WilliamsonNortheast Georgia Health System

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.Spout Springs Library

Business After HoursThursday, June 7

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.The Gardens

Wessell Road in GainesvilleGreat Food, Fun, Prizes

Business Before HoursFriday, June 15

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Lakeshore Mall

Food Court

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events

Get Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com

www.chattahoocheebank.com

business link may 2012

Documents

annual chamber chase

annual small business

yearfamily business

chamber chairman jay

award presentations

ththe greater hall chambers

comthe greater hall

team award recipients