feb 2016 businesslink
DESCRIPTION
Business Link; Greater Hall Chamber of CommerceTRANSCRIPT
B u s i n e s s L i n kG 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
Chairman's ColumnPage 2
Economic DevelopmentPage 4
Upcoming EventsPage 6
Member AnnouncementsPage 10
VISION 2030Page 11
Small Business of the MonthPage 12
Welcome New MembersPage 13
Leadership HallPage 14
Ribbon CuttingsPage 15
Save the Date
F E B R U A R Y2 0 1 6
Thursday, February 4Buy Local Expo
Tuesday, February 16South Hall Business Coalition
Thursday, February 25Business After Hours
The Buy Local EXPO IS THIS Thursday, February 4! The EXPO not only showcases businesses in Greater Hall County but also features great prizes including a GRAND PRIZE DRAWING for over $1,000 of local merchandise! Follow the prize and drawings at #BuyLocalWinBig
• February 4 from 2-7pm at the Gainesville Civic Center• Great Drawings throughout the day • Open to the Public• Business After Hours at the EXPO • Free Shuttle Service• "A Taste of Gainesville" is 5-7pm at Business After Hours• Grand Prize Drawing at 6:30 pm• Do not have to be present to win Grand Prize Grand Prize Valued at $1,000 Includes:2 Dog Restaurant Gift Card ($100) • DressUp Gift Card ($100)Look Who's Happy Dog Treats ($150 Value) • Turkey Fryer from Liberty Utilities ($100 Value) • Home Décor from House Dressing Interiors and Gainesville Design Center ($510 Value)
"A Taste of Gainesville" is 5-7pm at Business After Hours sponsored by AccessWDUN with menu samples from local restaurants: 2 Dog, Buffalo Wild Wings, Fajitas Mexican Restaurant, Gainesville Seafood Market, Mountain Fresh Creamery, Oakwood Occasions, Panera Bread, Scott's Downtown and Southern
Smoq BBQ. Open to the Public. $5 Entry Fee. Cash Bar. See you at the Expo! Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: [email protected]
The Chamber's Annual Transportation Forum is Thursday, March 10 at the University of North Georgia from 11:30 am -1:00 pm at the Gainesville Campus, Continuing Education Auditorium. The forum is open to the public and creates discussion with transportation officials, Chamber members, business professionals and community leaders.
Speakers will include officials from the Georgia Department of Transportation as well as representatives from the Gainesville-Hall County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The event is presented by Independence Bank of Georgia and Rochester & Associates. Additional sponsors are Coca-Cola of Gainesville, Highland Mountain Water, McDonald’s, AccessWDUN and The Times.
Cost $15 for Chamber Members, $20 Non-members, and includes a boxed lunch. Reservations required. Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com
Transportation Forum 2016Thursday, March 1011:30 am - 1:00 pmUniversity of North GAGainesville Campus
Open to the Public
CH
AM
BER CHASE • • GET FIT STAY FIT CORPORATE C
HALL
ENGE
5K A
initia
tive
2016 Chamber Chase 5K Register Online Now
• Chamber Chase 5K is Thursday, March 31
• Race at 6:00 pm / Walk at 6:10 pm /Awards at 7:00 pm
• Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville
• Register Online now–3/24 and at the Chamber now–3/31
• $30 per runner/walker; $35 after March 17
• Register Online: ChamberChase5K.com
332 Washington Street NW, Gainesville, GA 30501 • Phone: 770-503-0380 • Fax: 770-535-8419
www.homestarfc.comNMLS #70864 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee # 17368
The Greater Hall Chamber's Small Business Council makes sure that small businesses have a big voice in Greater Hall County. The Chamber is based on small businesses; in fact, over 85% of our membership base is comprised of small businesses. The Chamber supports all businesses through a combination of advocacy, facilitated business connections and opportunities for growth. In particular, our advocacy efforts aim to be a voice for small businesses, speak-ing out in favor of legislation, policies and movements that are pro-business.
According to the Small Business Administration, small firms accounted for 63% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and mid-2013 (14.3 million jobs in the US). Because existing, small and start-up companies create the foundation of a strong economy, the Chamber has a special focus on nurtur-ing and supporting these businesses by providing innovative and value-driven programs to meet our small business members and their needs. Also, the Chamber keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends in the community and local marketplace.
Governor Nathan Deal proclaims the third week in February as GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS WEEK. The Greater Hall Chamber will spotlight our valuable small business members this week as we do all year through programs such as the monthly Small Business Seminars and Marketing Workshops, weekly Networking events, monthly and annual Small Business Awards and the Buy Local Expo on February 4.
If you're not already a Chamber member, now is the time to join. The Chamber's Annual Member-ship Recruitment Campaign kicked off on January 25 (details on page 12). Special incentives are in place now through February 29 and offer real value and a big bang for your bucks. According a research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, when consumers know that a small business is a member of their local chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
Join now and start taking advantage of Greater Hall Chamber membership benefits. To join, contact Kara Tate, Vice President of Membership Sales, 770-532-6206 x 116 or email: [email protected]
Chamber: A big voice for small business
Brian DanielCarroll Daniel Construction Co. Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
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VOLUME 21 ISSUE 8McKemie West, Editor • Email: [email protected]
greaterhallchamber.com
Charlotte Atkins, The TimesPerry Barnett, CPA, Rushton & CompanyCol. James Benson, Riverside Military AcademyPhil Bonelli, Wells FargoDr. Wanda Creel, Gainesville City SchoolsStacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVBDanny Dunagan, Mayor, City of GainesvilleSam Evans, Councilman, City of OakwoodJosh Everett, New Leaf Landscape ServicesJimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Smith InsuranceTony Funari, Funari RealtyLoren Funk, The Longstreet ClinicRob Geoffroy, The Atlanta FalconsEmily Hayes, Milton Martin ToyotaWill Hicks, StifelMorgan House, Lake Lanier Olympic VenueDr. Bonita Jacobs, University of North GeorgiaAnna Jacobs, Jacobs MediaLane Jones, Highland Mountain BeverageJay Kelley, Signs By TomorrowDr. John Kennedy, Lakeview AcademyMary Jane Locklear, Cox Communications
Steve McNeilly, Northeast GA Health SystemDick Mecum, Chair, Hall County CommissionTerry Merck, American YazakiMike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery BranchSteve Naughton, Enterprising SolutionsJames Nix, Mayor, City of ClermontBill Orr, Mayor, Town of BraseltonGreg Ours, Poly EnterprisesDr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical CollegeLarry Poole, Mayor, City of GillsvilleBrad Puryear, Mansfield EnergyBarbara Rambo, ProCare RxJeff Reinhardt, MD, The Longstreet ClinicWill Schofield, Hall County School SystemDr. Ed Schraeder, Brenau UniversityCarol Shirley, South State BankLouis Smith, Northeast Georgia Health SystemJody Spain, Cotton Eyed Joe’sGrier Todd, Lanier IslandsMilton Turner, Mayor, City of LulaPhilip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging
Andy Bangs, Alexander, Almand & BangsCarolina Diaz, Georgia PowerCraig Dowdy, SunTrustAnna Guzman, Jackson EMCMichael Lancaster, Edward JonesErin Langford, HTI Employment Solutions
Caroline Lewallen, Jaemor FarmsMike McGraw, PrideStaffSteven Mickens, Boys & Girls ClubsJosh Schlieman, Sullivan & SchliemanGary Smith, Milton Martin HondaElizabeth Thompson, House Dressing
B u s i n e s s L i n k
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2015-2016 Executive Committee
ChairmanBrian DanielCarroll Daniel Construction Co.
Chairman ElectLee HemmerThe Simpson Company
TreasurerDavid Abee, Regions Bank
Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentBrian RochesterRochester & Associates
Vice Chair, Education Kristi Barker, Georgia Power
Vice Chair, GovernmentJohn BreakfieldBreakfield & Associates
Vice Chair, Marketing and CommunicationsKatie DubnikForum Communications
Vice Chair, Membership DevelopmentTony ParamoreGainesville Design Center
Vice Chair, South Hall CouncilAndy KalinauskasConditioned Air Systems
Vice Chair, Community DevelopmentLila Weaver, Brenau University
Chair, VISION 2030Davis WhiteLinkPoint AdvantageElizabeth Higgins, Exec Director
Co-Chairs, HALLmarkPaul ChambersAT&TJimbo FloydTurner Wood & Smith InsuranceMelissa TymchukNortheast Georgia Health System
Senior AdvisorRandall FrostStewart, Melvin & Frost
Immediate Past ChairmanDavid Lee, Jackson EMC President & CEOKit DunlapGreater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 2015-2016
Associate Directors 2015-2016
Staff
ExecutiveKit Dunlap, President & CEOGerri Collins, Executive Assistant
Economic DevelopmentTim Evans, Vice PresidentShelley Davis, Vice President Existing IndustryAmanda Lewis, Project ManagerGarrett Wiley, Project Manager
Finance & OperationsDavid Umberson, Vice President Finance & HR
Membership DevelopmentMegan Martin, Vice President, DevelopmentKara Tate, Vice President, Membership Sales
EducationDana Miller, Vice President
Government AffairsGarrett Wiley, Project Manager
South Hall CouncilMegan Martin, Vice President Membership
Community DevelopmentRobin Halstead, Vice President
VISION 2030Elizabeth Higgins, Executive Director
Marketing & CommunicationsKemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant
Greater Hall Chamber Welcome CenterRobin Halstead, Manager
"Small Business represents the heart of the economy and a dominant source of job creation. The Chamber and our Small Business Council supports Georgia Small Business Week as well as ongoing efforts to promote, sustain and grow small businesses in Gainesville-Hall County."
Brian Rochester, Rochester & AssociatesGreater Hall Chamber Vice Chair, Economic Development
Governor Nathan Deal proclaims the third week in February 2016 (February 15-19) as GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS WEEK. The Greater Hall Chamber recognizes the impact of small business by hosting monthly Small Business Seminars, on-going marketing workshops, awards and recognition, insurance and healthcare educational forums, and more. With over 85% of Chamber members being small businesses, the Greater Hall Chamber recognizes that small business is the heart of our economy.
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, 287,850 business establishments represented Geor-gia's employment in the first quarter of 2015; of those:
• 99.8% are categorized as small (fewer than 500 employees)• 97.7% employed fewer than 100• 94.7% employed fewer than 50• 77.8% employed fewer than 10
To learn more about Georgia Small Business Week, visit georgia.org/small-business. For more on Greater Hall Chamber Small Business Initiatives, contact Amanda Lewis, Small Business Project Manager, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: a [email protected]
Georgia Small Business Week
The Greater Hall Chamber's Small Business Council makes sure that small businesses have a big voice in Greater Hall County. The Chamber is based on small businesses; in fact, over 85% of our membership base is comprised of small businesses. The Chamber supports all businesses through a combination of advocacy, facilitated business connections and opportunities for growth. In particular, our advocacy efforts aim to be a voice for small businesses, speak-ing out in favor of legislation, policies and movements that are pro-business.
According to the Small Business Administration, small firms accounted for 63% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and mid-2013 (14.3 million jobs in the US). Because existing, small and start-up companies create the foundation of a strong economy, the Chamber has a special focus on nurtur-ing and supporting these businesses by providing innovative and value-driven programs to meet our small business members and their needs. Also, the Chamber keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends in the community and local marketplace.
Governor Nathan Deal proclaims the third week in February as GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS WEEK. The Greater Hall Chamber will spotlight our valuable small business members this week as we do all year through programs such as the monthly Small Business Seminars and Marketing Workshops, weekly Networking events, monthly and annual Small Business Awards and the Buy Local Expo on February 4.
If you're not already a Chamber member, now is the time to join. The Chamber's Annual Member-ship Recruitment Campaign kicked off on January 25 (details on page 12). Special incentives are in place now through February 29 and offer real value and a big bang for your bucks. According a research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, when consumers know that a small business is a member of their local chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
Join now and start taking advantage of Greater Hall Chamber membership benefits. To join, contact Kara Tate, Vice President of Membership Sales, 770-532-6206 x 116 or email: [email protected]
Chamber: A big voice for small business
Brian DanielCarroll Daniel Construction Co. Chairman, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Fr
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VOLUME 21 ISSUE 8McKemie West, Editor • Email: [email protected]
greaterhallchamber.com
Charlotte Atkins, The TimesPerry Barnett, CPA, Rushton & CompanyCol. James Benson, Riverside Military AcademyPhil Bonelli, Wells FargoDr. Wanda Creel, Gainesville City SchoolsStacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVBDanny Dunagan, Mayor, City of GainesvilleSam Evans, Councilman, City of OakwoodJosh Everett, New Leaf Landscape ServicesJimbo Floyd, Turner Wood & Smith InsuranceTony Funari, Funari RealtyLoren Funk, The Longstreet ClinicRob Geoffroy, The Atlanta FalconsEmily Hayes, Milton Martin ToyotaWill Hicks, StifelMorgan House, Lake Lanier Olympic VenueDr. Bonita Jacobs, University of North GeorgiaAnna Jacobs, Jacobs MediaLane Jones, Highland Mountain BeverageJay Kelley, Signs By TomorrowDr. John Kennedy, Lakeview AcademyMary Jane Locklear, Cox Communications
Steve McNeilly, Northeast GA Health SystemDick Mecum, Chair, Hall County CommissionTerry Merck, American YazakiMike Miller, Mayor, City of Flowery BranchSteve Naughton, Enterprising SolutionsJames Nix, Mayor, City of ClermontBill Orr, Mayor, Town of BraseltonGreg Ours, Poly EnterprisesDr. Ray Perren, Lanier Technical CollegeLarry Poole, Mayor, City of GillsvilleBrad Puryear, Mansfield EnergyBarbara Rambo, ProCare RxJeff Reinhardt, MD, The Longstreet ClinicWill Schofield, Hall County School SystemDr. Ed Schraeder, Brenau UniversityCarol Shirley, South State BankLouis Smith, Northeast Georgia Health SystemJody Spain, Cotton Eyed Joe’sGrier Todd, Lanier IslandsMilton Turner, Mayor, City of LulaPhilip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging
Andy Bangs, Alexander, Almand & BangsCarolina Diaz, Georgia PowerCraig Dowdy, SunTrustAnna Guzman, Jackson EMCMichael Lancaster, Edward JonesErin Langford, HTI Employment Solutions
Caroline Lewallen, Jaemor FarmsMike McGraw, PrideStaffSteven Mickens, Boys & Girls ClubsJosh Schlieman, Sullivan & SchliemanGary Smith, Milton Martin HondaElizabeth Thompson, House Dressing
B u s i n e s s L i n k
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2015-2016 Executive Committee
ChairmanBrian DanielCarroll Daniel Construction Co.
Chairman ElectLee HemmerThe Simpson Company
TreasurerDavid Abee, Regions Bank
Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentBrian RochesterRochester & Associates
Vice Chair, Education Kristi Barker, Georgia Power
Vice Chair, GovernmentJohn BreakfieldBreakfield & Associates
Vice Chair, Marketing and CommunicationsKatie DubnikForum Communications
Vice Chair, Membership DevelopmentTony ParamoreGainesville Design Center
Vice Chair, South Hall CouncilAndy KalinauskasConditioned Air Systems
Vice Chair, Community DevelopmentLila Weaver, Brenau University
Chair, VISION 2030Davis WhiteLinkPoint AdvantageElizabeth Higgins, Exec Director
Co-Chairs, HALLmarkPaul ChambersAT&TJimbo FloydTurner Wood & Smith InsuranceMelissa TymchukNortheast Georgia Health System
Senior AdvisorRandall FrostStewart, Melvin & Frost
Immediate Past ChairmanDavid Lee, Jackson EMC President & CEOKit DunlapGreater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 2015-2016
Associate Directors 2015-2016
Staff
ExecutiveKit Dunlap, President & CEOGerri Collins, Executive Assistant
Economic DevelopmentTim Evans, Vice PresidentShelley Davis, Vice President Existing IndustryAmanda Lewis, Project ManagerGarrett Wiley, Project Manager
Finance & OperationsDavid Umberson, Vice President Finance & HR
Membership DevelopmentMegan Martin, Vice President, DevelopmentKara Tate, Vice President, Membership Sales
EducationDana Miller, Vice President
Government AffairsGarrett Wiley, Project Manager
South Hall CouncilMegan Martin, Vice President Membership
Community DevelopmentRobin Halstead, Vice President
VISION 2030Elizabeth Higgins, Executive Director
Marketing & CommunicationsKemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant
Greater Hall Chamber Welcome CenterRobin Halstead, Manager
"Small Business represents the heart of the economy and a dominant source of job creation. The Chamber and our Small Business Council supports Georgia Small Business Week as well as ongoing efforts to promote, sustain and grow small businesses in Gainesville-Hall County."
Brian Rochester, Rochester & AssociatesGreater Hall Chamber Vice Chair, Economic Development
Governor Nathan Deal proclaims the third week in February 2016 (February 15-19) as GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS WEEK. The Greater Hall Chamber recognizes the impact of small business by hosting monthly Small Business Seminars, on-going marketing workshops, awards and recognition, insurance and healthcare educational forums, and more. With over 85% of Chamber members being small businesses, the Greater Hall Chamber recognizes that small business is the heart of our economy.
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, 287,850 business establishments represented Geor-gia's employment in the first quarter of 2015; of those:
• 99.8% are categorized as small (fewer than 500 employees)• 97.7% employed fewer than 100• 94.7% employed fewer than 50• 77.8% employed fewer than 10
To learn more about Georgia Small Business Week, visit georgia.org/small-business. For more on Greater Hall Chamber Small Business Initiatives, contact Amanda Lewis, Small Business Project Manager, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: a [email protected]
Georgia Small Business Week
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The Greater Hall Chamber's Annual Job Fair is Thursday, March 23 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Gainesville Civic Center and is a great opportunity for both employers and job seekers. The event is open to the public with NO admission fee!
Employers will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of job candidates face-to-face during a short period of time. Employer booths are available for $300 ($325 with electricity) $200 for Non-Profits ($225 with electricity).
For job seekers, the event provides coveted face-time and personal contact with hiring managers. The Presenting Sponsor is Spherion Staffing Services. Additional sponsors include Express Employment Professionals (Platinum); Kings Hawaiian (Gold); HTI Employment Solutions (Silver), Gainesville Area Employer Committee, Georgia Department of Labor and Lanier Technical College. Goods/Service Sponsors: Signs by Tomorrow, McDonald's, McGarity's Business Products, Milton Martin Honda and Panera Bread. For Employer Exhibit Info, contact Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: [email protected]
Annual Job Fair is March 23Job seekers complete applications on-site at the Chamber's 2015 Job Fair. The 2016 Job Fair is Thursday, March 23 at the Gainesville Civic Center. The event is open to the public, with no admission fee and 60+ employers on hand looking to hire.
(L-R): Gary Smith, Milton Martin Honda (an event sponsor); South Hall Council Chair Andy Kali-nauskas, Conditioned Air Systems; Program Presenter Dr. Ray Perren, President, La-nier Technical College; Kit Dunlap, Presi-dent & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber, at the January South Hall Business Coalition Meeting at Lanier Technical College. The Coalition will meet on Tuesday, February 16 from 8-9am for an update on Lanier Christian Academy (LCA) by Al Gainey. LCA, formed by the unification of Heritage Academy and North Georgia Christian School, will offer unique educational models in the new school year (August 2016). Options include the traditional 5-day school model or the 3-day University Model (3 days of class and 2 at home allowing parents direct involvement). By unifying the two schools, LCA is able to provide more opportu-nities in the classroom, more sports programs, and increased options for fine arts and technology. Plans are to relocate to a permanent campus located on 145 acres in South Hall County. lanierchristian.org
Chamber South Hall Business Coalition meetings are held monthly and sponsored by Milton Martin Honda and Red Clay Interactive. Light breakfast included. $5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: [email protected]
South Hall Business Coalition
Dr. Ray Perren, President of Lanier Technical Col-lege, presented an update at the Chamber's January South Hall Business Coalition meeting. Dr. Perren discussed details for a new campus slated to open in fall of 2018. Construction crews could break ground
as early as May on the new location of Lanier Tech and includes an estimated 320,000-square-foot, six-building campus on 85 acres on Highway 365 at Howard Road in Hall County. Perren noted that many factors went into selecting the tract on Highway 365, including accessibility, size, and proximity to prospective employ-ers for students.
"We tried to locate where our graduates are going. We took a look at health care pro-viders. We took a look at industry. We took a look at other employers where gradu-ates are going," said Perren, noting that 40 percent of the school's 5,157 students are enrolled in a health-related program.
The new location will feature all the current programs offered at the 43-acre campus in Oakwood, as well several new courses including commercial truck driving, hospi-tality and tourism, marine engine technology, and poultry science technology.
Buildings to be constructed at the new campus include training facilities for firefight-ing technology students, a mock cell tower for wireless technology students and a commercial truck driving range. The current Oakwood campus will be taken over by the University of North Georgia, expanding their campus in Gainesville. laniertech.edu
Lanier Technical College Update Construction of new campus to begin in May 2016
Site Selection Magazine ranked Gainesville-Hall County 5th on its list of “Top Metros by Number of Projects” in metros with population less than 200,000 and named Georgia as the #1 place to do business in the nation for the third consecutive year.
The Milken Institute Report has rated the Gainesville-Hall County MSA among the “Best Small Metro Areas in the U.S.” for the fifth consecutive year, based on job and salary growth. Gainesville-Hall County is the #1 ranking Metro area in Georgia, according to the Milken Institute.
Area Development included Gainesville-Hall County among its 2015 cities for “Year-After-Year Growth,” and Georgia has been named the #1 place for business by Area Development and CNBC.
Forbes Magazine has rated Gainesville as one of the “Best Small Places for Business & Careers” for the last four years.
In 2015, the Federal Reserve Bank named Gainesville-Hall County one of the most dynamic economies in Georgia and the nation.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center is Georgia’s #1 hospital and is #2 in the U.S. for overall hospital, medical and surgical care, according to a 2015 study by CareChex.
Lanier Technical College was named Georgia’s Technical College of the Year for 2014. It is the fastest growing Technical College in Georgia, with an 8.5% increase in enrollment, to 5,240 students.
Where to Retire Magazine named Gainesville one of the “Top 5 Places to Retire Affordably” in 2014 and a “Tax-Friendly City” in 2015.
Accolades: Gainesville-Hall County
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The Greater Hall Chamber's Annual Job Fair is Thursday, March 23 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Gainesville Civic Center and is a great opportunity for both employers and job seekers. The event is open to the public with NO admission fee!
Employers will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of job candidates face-to-face during a short period of time. Employer booths are available for $300 ($325 with electricity) $200 for Non-Profits ($225 with electricity).
For job seekers, the event provides coveted face-time and personal contact with hiring managers. The Presenting Sponsor is Spherion Staffing Services. Additional sponsors include Express Employment Professionals (Platinum); Kings Hawaiian (Gold); HTI Employment Solutions (Silver), Gainesville Area Employer Committee, Georgia Department of Labor and Lanier Technical College. Goods/Service Sponsors: Signs by Tomorrow, McDonald's, McGarity's Business Products, Milton Martin Honda and Panera Bread. For Employer Exhibit Info, contact Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: [email protected]
Annual Job Fair is March 23Job seekers complete applications on-site at the Chamber's 2015 Job Fair. The 2016 Job Fair is Thursday, March 23 at the Gainesville Civic Center. The event is open to the public, with no admission fee and 60+ employers on hand looking to hire.
(L-R): Gary Smith, Milton Martin Honda (an event sponsor); South Hall Council Chair Andy Kali-nauskas, Conditioned Air Systems; Program Presenter Dr. Ray Perren, President, La-nier Technical College; Kit Dunlap, Presi-dent & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber, at the January South Hall Business Coalition Meeting at Lanier Technical College. The Coalition will meet on Tuesday, February 16 from 8-9am for an update on Lanier Christian Academy (LCA) by Al Gainey. LCA, formed by the unification of Heritage Academy and North Georgia Christian School, will offer unique educational models in the new school year (August 2016). Options include the traditional 5-day school model or the 3-day University Model (3 days of class and 2 at home allowing parents direct involvement). By unifying the two schools, LCA is able to provide more opportu-nities in the classroom, more sports programs, and increased options for fine arts and technology. Plans are to relocate to a permanent campus located on 145 acres in South Hall County. lanierchristian.org
Chamber South Hall Business Coalition meetings are held monthly and sponsored by Milton Martin Honda and Red Clay Interactive. Light breakfast included. $5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: [email protected]
South Hall Business Coalition
Dr. Ray Perren, President of Lanier Technical Col-lege, presented an update at the Chamber's January South Hall Business Coalition meeting. Dr. Perren discussed details for a new campus slated to open in fall of 2018. Construction crews could break ground
as early as May on the new location of Lanier Tech and includes an estimated 320,000-square-foot, six-building campus on 85 acres on Highway 365 at Howard Road in Hall County. Perren noted that many factors went into selecting the tract on Highway 365, including accessibility, size, and proximity to prospective employ-ers for students.
"We tried to locate where our graduates are going. We took a look at health care pro-viders. We took a look at industry. We took a look at other employers where gradu-ates are going," said Perren, noting that 40 percent of the school's 5,157 students are enrolled in a health-related program.
The new location will feature all the current programs offered at the 43-acre campus in Oakwood, as well several new courses including commercial truck driving, hospi-tality and tourism, marine engine technology, and poultry science technology.
Buildings to be constructed at the new campus include training facilities for firefight-ing technology students, a mock cell tower for wireless technology students and a commercial truck driving range. The current Oakwood campus will be taken over by the University of North Georgia, expanding their campus in Gainesville. laniertech.edu
Lanier Technical College Update Construction of new campus to begin in May 2016
Site Selection Magazine ranked Gainesville-Hall County 5th on its list of “Top Metros by Number of Projects” in metros with population less than 200,000 and named Georgia as the #1 place to do business in the nation for the third consecutive year.
The Milken Institute Report has rated the Gainesville-Hall County MSA among the “Best Small Metro Areas in the U.S.” for the fifth consecutive year, based on job and salary growth. Gainesville-Hall County is the #1 ranking Metro area in Georgia, according to the Milken Institute.
Area Development included Gainesville-Hall County among its 2015 cities for “Year-After-Year Growth,” and Georgia has been named the #1 place for business by Area Development and CNBC.
Forbes Magazine has rated Gainesville as one of the “Best Small Places for Business & Careers” for the last four years.
In 2015, the Federal Reserve Bank named Gainesville-Hall County one of the most dynamic economies in Georgia and the nation.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center is Georgia’s #1 hospital and is #2 in the U.S. for overall hospital, medical and surgical care, according to a 2015 study by CareChex.
Lanier Technical College was named Georgia’s Technical College of the Year for 2014. It is the fastest growing Technical College in Georgia, with an 8.5% increase in enrollment, to 5,240 students.
Where to Retire Magazine named Gainesville one of the “Top 5 Places to Retire Affordably” in 2014 and a “Tax-Friendly City” in 2015.
Accolades: Gainesville-Hall County
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February 2, 2016 • An A
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Arbor Day Celebration is Friday, February 19 at 10 am at the Elachee Nature Science Center. Open to the public, the event is coordinated by the Greater Hall Chamber and sponsored by the Keep Hall Beautiful, Hall County Master Gardeners, Georgia Power, Premier Georgia Printing & Labels, Elachee Nature Science Center and New Leaf Landscaping. Festivities include the planting of a tree, student art and essay contest recognition, and a joint city/county proclamation with Tree City USA recognition. The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee and the Georgia Forestry Service announced winners of the 2016 Arbor Day Student Art and Essay Contest in January. Over 100 entries were submitted with the topic “I Speak for the Trees.” Details: Robin Halstead, VP, Community Development, 770-532-6206 x 101. Email: [email protected]
Arbor Day is February 19
Winning Arbor Day Art Contest Painting by 3rd Grader Chase Eller, Sardis Enrichment School.
The 2016 Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Well-ness Walk is Thursday, March 31 at 6:00 pm at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. Register ONLINE now through March 24 at (ChamberChase5k.com) or register IN PERSON now through March 31 at the Chamber, 230 E.E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville. The registration fee is $30, and $35 after March 17.
Free training passes to area fitness centers available (limited, 1st come-1st serve, and must register at Chamber). Race Awards will be presented to the Fastest Corporate Team, the Fastest Community Team, Fastest CEO, Best Team Spirit and T-Shirt Contest Awards and more! Finish line results and race times will be done electronically and awards presented in several age categories. FREE food, drink, music and giveaways following the race at “Hall County’s Largest Office Party”! Tent rentals are also available. Details: Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: [email protected] Online: ChamberChase5k.com
Register for Chamber Chase '16
2016 Chamber ChaseWho: Businesses, Non-Profits, Schools, Families, Individuals
What: 2016 Chamber Chase 5K on Thursday, March 31
When: Race at 6:00 pm – Walk at 6:10 pm – Awards at 7:00 pm
Where: Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville
How: Register online now-March 24; at Chamber now-March 31
Cost: $30 per runner/walker; $35 after March 17
Details & Online Registration: ChamberChase5K.com
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Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is so important.
Fortunately, you still have time to maximize your
2015 IRA contribution before the April 15 deadline.
IRT-
2046
G-A
Rick Kimpling, AAMS®
Financial Advisor64 North Brooks Street Unit BCleveland, GA 30528706-865-0933
Reneigh Satterfield, AAMS®
Financial Advisor3630 Thompson Bridge Rd Ste 22Gainesville, GA 30506770-536-2031
Beth BaldwinFinancial Advisor439 Green Street NorthwestGainesville, GA 30501770-534-1220
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FEBRUARY 2016Wednesday, February 3Healthcare Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber
Thursday, February 4Buy Local Expo / Safe & GreenExpo: 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.Business After Hours & Taste of Gainesville: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.Gainesville Civic Center
Tuesday, February 9Small Business Seminar"7 Ways Company Culture Leads to Success" Presented by Lee Goff, GetUWired7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, February 9Youth Leadership Hall8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 9Ambassadors Council3:45 p.m. – 2 Dog Cafe
Wednesday, February 10Network Over Coffee8:30 - 9:30 a.m. – McDonald's Oakwood
Thursday, February 11Leadership Hall County8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11VISION 2030 Board of Directors8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Chamber
Friday, February 12Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, February 16South Hall Business Coalition"Update on Lanier Christian Academy" Presented by Al Gainey8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Lanier Christian Academy5285 Strickland Road, Flowery Branch
Wednesday, February 17Issues Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber
Wednesday, February 17Lunch 'n Learn12:00 p.m. - 1:-00 p.m.Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood
Thursday, February 18Chamber Executive Committee12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Chamber
Friday, February 19Arbor Day Celebration10 a.m. – Elachee Nature Science Center
Wednesday, February 24Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Panera Bread
Thursday, February 25Chamber Board of Directors12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.Gainesville Civic Center
Thursday, February 25Business After HoursSponsored by Hasty Pope5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.529 Green Street in Gainesville
MARCH 2016
Friday, March 4New Member Breakfast & Orientation8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Lanier Charter Career Academy
Thursday, March 10Transportation Forum11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.University of North Georgia Gainesville
Wednesday March 23Job Fair10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Thursday, March 319th Annual Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk6:00 p.m. – Riverside Military AcademyRegister Online: ChamberChase5k.com
Events Online: GreaterHallChamber.com
Thank You Chamber Event SponsorsAccessWDUN • Ansley Communications • Chick-fil-A Stonebridge Crossing
Cotton Eyed Joe's • Elachee Nature Science Center • Georgia Power Hall County Master Gardeners • Hasty & Pope • Highland Mountain Beverage
Jacobs Media • Jackson EMC • Keep Hall Beautiful • Milton Martin Honda Milton Martin Toyota • New Leaf Landscaping • Premier GA Printing & Labels
Red Clay Interactive • Signs by Tomorrow • South State Bank The Longstreet Clinic • WSI Digital Rainmakers
Job Fair 2016Wednesday, March 23
10:00 am - 2:00 pmGainesville Civic Center830 Green Street in Gainesville
• Share Information About Your Company • Recruit Qualified Job Applicants • Meet Hundreds of Job SeekersThe Greater Hall Chamber's Job Fair, presented by Spherion Staffing Services, provides the perfect forum for companies hiring to recruit new employees. Meet hundreds of job candidates face-to-face. The event is free and open to the public. Employer Booths: $300 ($325 with electricity); $200 Non-Profits ($225 with electricity). Reserve your exhibit space NOW! Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: [email protected]. Online: GreaterHallChamber.com
TransportationForum 2016
Thursday, March 1011:30 am - 1:00 pm
University of North GeorgiaGainesville /Continuing Ed Auditorium
The Chamber's Annual Transportation Forum is open to the public and creates discussion with transportation officials, Chamber members, business professionals and community leaders. Speakers will include officials from the Georgia Department of Transportation as well as the Gainesville-Hall County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Lear about important updates on current transportation projects! $15 for Chamber Members, $20 Non-members, and includes a boxed lunch. Reservations required. Reservations: Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106. Email: [email protected]
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FEBRUARY 2016Wednesday, February 3Healthcare Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber
Thursday, February 4Buy Local Expo / Safe & GreenExpo: 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.Business After Hours & Taste of Gainesville: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.Gainesville Civic Center
Tuesday, February 9Small Business Seminar"7 Ways Company Culture Leads to Success" Presented by Lee Goff, GetUWired7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, February 9Youth Leadership Hall8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 9Ambassadors Council3:45 p.m. – 2 Dog Cafe
Wednesday, February 10Network Over Coffee8:30 - 9:30 a.m. – McDonald's Oakwood
Thursday, February 11Leadership Hall County8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11VISION 2030 Board of Directors8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Chamber
Friday, February 12Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, February 16South Hall Business Coalition"Update on Lanier Christian Academy" Presented by Al Gainey8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Lanier Christian Academy5285 Strickland Road, Flowery Branch
Wednesday, February 17Issues Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber
Wednesday, February 17Lunch 'n Learn12:00 p.m. - 1:-00 p.m.Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood
Thursday, February 18Chamber Executive Committee12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Chamber
Friday, February 19Arbor Day Celebration10 a.m. – Elachee Nature Science Center
Wednesday, February 24Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Panera Bread
Thursday, February 25Chamber Board of Directors12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.Gainesville Civic Center
Thursday, February 25Business After HoursSponsored by Hasty Pope5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.529 Green Street in Gainesville
MARCH 2016
Friday, March 4New Member Breakfast & Orientation8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Lanier Charter Career Academy
Thursday, March 10Transportation Forum11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.University of North Georgia Gainesville
Wednesday March 23Job Fair10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
Thursday, March 319th Annual Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk6:00 p.m. – Riverside Military AcademyRegister Online: ChamberChase5k.com
Events Online: GreaterHallChamber.com
Thank You Chamber Event SponsorsAccessWDUN • Ansley Communications • Chick-fil-A Stonebridge Crossing
Cotton Eyed Joe's • Elachee Nature Science Center • Georgia Power Hall County Master Gardeners • Hasty & Pope • Highland Mountain Beverage
Jacobs Media • Jackson EMC • Keep Hall Beautiful • Milton Martin Honda Milton Martin Toyota • New Leaf Landscaping • Premier GA Printing & Labels
Red Clay Interactive • Signs by Tomorrow • South State Bank The Longstreet Clinic • WSI Digital Rainmakers
Job Fair 2016Wednesday, March 23
10:00 am - 2:00 pmGainesville Civic Center830 Green Street in Gainesville
• Share Information About Your Company • Recruit Qualified Job Applicants • Meet Hundreds of Job SeekersThe Greater Hall Chamber's Job Fair, presented by Spherion Staffing Services, provides the perfect forum for companies hiring to recruit new employees. Meet hundreds of job candidates face-to-face. The event is free and open to the public. Employer Booths: $300 ($325 with electricity); $200 Non-Profits ($225 with electricity). Reserve your exhibit space NOW! Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: [email protected]. Online: GreaterHallChamber.com
TransportationForum 2016
Thursday, March 1011:30 am - 1:00 pm
University of North GeorgiaGainesville /Continuing Ed Auditorium
The Chamber's Annual Transportation Forum is open to the public and creates discussion with transportation officials, Chamber members, business professionals and community leaders. Speakers will include officials from the Georgia Department of Transportation as well as the Gainesville-Hall County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Lear about important updates on current transportation projects! $15 for Chamber Members, $20 Non-members, and includes a boxed lunch. Reservations required. Reservations: Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106. Email: [email protected] Full Page Ad
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Member of the Month4 columns
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• Join fellow professionals for Lunch and Learn (3rd Wednesday of month) at 12pm at Milton Martin Toyota in Oak-wood. This newly located networking event includes a casual lunch in the new dealership’s meeting room with Chick-fil-A catering. Each meeting (next meeting is February 17) features a short presentation followed by an open forum of conversation and leads development. Reservations required. $15 Members; $25 Non-Members. Details: Kara Tate, VP Membership Sales, 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]• Delta Community Credit Union re-cently received an A+ national financial health rating from Depos-itAccounts.com, which places it in the highest tier (top 10%) of the approximately 13,000 federally insured banks and credit unions nationwide, in terms of financial health. deltacommunitycu.com• The Chamber's Annual Job Fair is Wednesday, March 23 from 10am-2pm at the Gainesville Civic Center. Pre-sented by Spherion Staffing Services, the event provides the perfect forum for companies hiring to recruit new employ-ees and provides job seekers with valu-able face time with hiring managers. No admission fee and open to the public. Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: [email protected]• Since 1983, Leadership Hall County has provided training and learning expe-rience for existing and emerging leaders of Gainesville-Hall County. Nomina-tions for the 2016-2017 Class are now being accepted. Individuals must be nominated for the program by March 15, 2016. Details: Dana Miller, Vice President of Education, 770-532-6206 x 113. Email: [email protected]• The Longstreet Clinic (TLC) Center for Pediatrics welcomes Saima Hussain MD. Dr. Hussain is a graduate of Duke University and Mercer University School of Medicine and is an experi-enced physician with several years of practice in the Atlanta area specializing in patients with asthma and obesity issues. TLC has some 170 providers in over 16 specialties with offices in Gainesville, Oakwood, Buford, Bra-selton, Dahlonega, Cleveland, Hamilton Mill, Suwanee, Baldwin, Toccoa and Demorest. longstreetclinic.com• Hall County's Human Resources Department was recognized as a state leader in government HR programs and was awarded the Large Agency Achievement Award at the Georgia Lo-cal Government Personnel Association's fall conference. hallcounty.org
• Lanier Technical College was named Georgia Technical College of the Year for 2014. Lanier Tech is the fastest growing technical college in Georgia and one of the top 50 fastest growing two-year colleges in the nation, with an 8.5% increased enrollment to 5,240 students. Lanier Tech is expanding and relocating its main campus to a new 85-acre site in Gainesville-Hall County on Highway 365. laniertech.edu• Now in its 7th year, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance’s February Festival of Theatre features contrasting stories play-ing in different theaters simultaneously. Once on this Island, winner of Brittan’s top award for best musical, will be performed at Brenau’s Hosch Theatre, while Dracula plays at the University of North Georgia Gainesville Ed Cabell Theatre. Both shows run February 9-20. For tickets, call 678-717-3624 or buy online: gainesvilleTHEATREalliance.org• All New Chamber Members are invited to a Member Breakfast & Ori-entation on Friday, March 4, 8:00-9:00 am at Lanier Charter Career Academy. Sponsored by HTI Employment Solu-tions. No charge and complimentary breakfast. Reservations: Kara Tate, 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]• Elachee Nature Science Center high-lights the ecological importance of bats by hosting an internationally renowned touring museum exhibition, “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats” through May 8 and is expanding hours at its Visitor Center to seven days a week so all ages may enjoy this interactive expe-rience. elachee.org• The Quinlan Art Center's 38th Annual Gala Art Auction is Saturday, March 5 and will feature the highest cal-iber original art work by local, regional and national talents. A sell-out event not to be missed for serious art collectors, the evening will feature 100 art works and one of the most celebrated con-temporary Southwestern artists, Roseta Santiago, as Artist Guest of Honor. quinlanartscenter.com• Chamber Board meetings are open to Chamber members. Attend a meeting, network with Chamber leadership and learn what's happening in Greater Hall County! The next meeting is Thursday, February 25 at the Gainesville Civic Center, 12-1:30 pm. Reservations Re-quired. $11 per person; includes lunch. Reservations: Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106. Email: [email protected]
GOT NEWS?Email: [email protected]
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Lanier Islands Shows Gratitude
Photo Credit: Maggie GarciaMembers of the Lanier Islands staff join officers from the Hall County Police Department to show the resort 'Backs the Badge.' To show gratitude for their service to the community and nation, Lanier Islands offered military members, veterans, first responders and their families, access to the Magical Nights of Lights at no charge. At the conclusion of the season, some 10,747 had enjoyed free admission and the holiday adventure. “We first launched this endeavor in mid-2015 by extending free admission to our beach, boardwalk and water park at LanierWorld to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement and fire services,” said Mike Williams, CEO for Lanier Islands. “We couldn’t think of a better way to say ‘thank you’ to a group of people who give so much and make so many sacrifices for us all." Service personnel can also enjoy free admission to the resort’s newest attraction, Winter Adventure – featuring a flurry of fun-filled speed slides, snow play zones, zip lines and more. The Winter Adventure season continues on select dates through February 15. lanierislands.com
Over 80 Chamber members attended Business After Hours at Halski Systems in January.(L-R): Chamber Vice Chair of Membership Tony Paramore, Gainesville Design Center; Anthony Shope, Halski Owner & CFO; Seth Seagraves, Halski Owner & Vice President; Lewis Halski, Founder & President/CEO; Kit Dunlap, President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber. Join Greater Hall Chamber members and friends at Business After Hours on Thursday, February 25 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Hasty Pope LLP at their new office located at the historic and newly renovated Thurman House at 529 Green Street. Enjoy complimentary food, beverage and great networking!
Hasty Pope LLP is a firm of trial lawyers whose practice focuses on cases involving personal injury, motor vehicle and trucking collisions, and workers’ compensation. Since 1953, Hasty Pope’s trial lawyers have been helping the citizens of Gainesville and North Georgia navigate the complex medical, financial, and legal processes that come with serious injuries. hastypope.com
$5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Door Prizes and Cash Prize Drawing! Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: [email protected]
Business After Hours
• Join fellow professionals for Lunch and Learn (3rd Wednesday of month) at 12pm at Milton Martin Toyota in Oak-wood. This newly located networking event includes a casual lunch in the new dealership’s meeting room with Chick-fil-A catering. Each meeting (next meeting is February 17) features a short presentation followed by an open forum of conversation and leads development. Reservations required. $15 Members; $25 Non-Members. Details: Kara Tate, VP Membership Sales, 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]• Delta Community Credit Union re-cently received an A+ national financial health rating from Depos-itAccounts.com, which places it in the highest tier (top 10%) of the approximately 13,000 federally insured banks and credit unions nationwide, in terms of financial health. deltacommunitycu.com• The Chamber's Annual Job Fair is Wednesday, March 23 from 10am-2pm at the Gainesville Civic Center. Pre-sented by Spherion Staffing Services, the event provides the perfect forum for companies hiring to recruit new employ-ees and provides job seekers with valu-able face time with hiring managers. No admission fee and open to the public. Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: [email protected]• Since 1983, Leadership Hall County has provided training and learning expe-rience for existing and emerging leaders of Gainesville-Hall County. Nomina-tions for the 2016-2017 Class are now being accepted. Individuals must be nominated for the program by March 15, 2016. Details: Dana Miller, Vice President of Education, 770-532-6206 x 113. Email: [email protected]• The Longstreet Clinic (TLC) Center for Pediatrics welcomes Saima Hussain MD. Dr. Hussain is a graduate of Duke University and Mercer University School of Medicine and is an experi-enced physician with several years of practice in the Atlanta area specializing in patients with asthma and obesity issues. TLC has some 170 providers in over 16 specialties with offices in Gainesville, Oakwood, Buford, Bra-selton, Dahlonega, Cleveland, Hamilton Mill, Suwanee, Baldwin, Toccoa and Demorest. longstreetclinic.com• Hall County's Human Resources Department was recognized as a state leader in government HR programs and was awarded the Large Agency Achievement Award at the Georgia Lo-cal Government Personnel Association's fall conference. hallcounty.org
• Lanier Technical College was named Georgia Technical College of the Year for 2014. Lanier Tech is the fastest growing technical college in Georgia and one of the top 50 fastest growing two-year colleges in the nation, with an 8.5% increased enrollment to 5,240 students. Lanier Tech is expanding and relocating its main campus to a new 85-acre site in Gainesville-Hall County on Highway 365. laniertech.edu• Now in its 7th year, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance’s February Festival of Theatre features contrasting stories play-ing in different theaters simultaneously. Once on this Island, winner of Brittan’s top award for best musical, will be performed at Brenau’s Hosch Theatre, while Dracula plays at the University of North Georgia Gainesville Ed Cabell Theatre. Both shows run February 9-20. For tickets, call 678-717-3624 or buy online: gainesvilleTHEATREalliance.org• All New Chamber Members are invited to a Member Breakfast & Ori-entation on Friday, March 4, 8:00-9:00 am at Lanier Charter Career Academy. Sponsored by HTI Employment Solu-tions. No charge and complimentary breakfast. Reservations: Kara Tate, 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]• Elachee Nature Science Center high-lights the ecological importance of bats by hosting an internationally renowned touring museum exhibition, “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats” through May 8 and is expanding hours at its Visitor Center to seven days a week so all ages may enjoy this interactive expe-rience. elachee.org• The Quinlan Art Center's 38th Annual Gala Art Auction is Saturday, March 5 and will feature the highest cal-iber original art work by local, regional and national talents. A sell-out event not to be missed for serious art collectors, the evening will feature 100 art works and one of the most celebrated con-temporary Southwestern artists, Roseta Santiago, as Artist Guest of Honor. quinlanartscenter.com• Chamber Board meetings are open to Chamber members. Attend a meeting, network with Chamber leadership and learn what's happening in Greater Hall County! The next meeting is Thursday, February 25 at the Gainesville Civic Center, 12-1:30 pm. Reservations Re-quired. $11 per person; includes lunch. Reservations: Gerri Collins, 770-532-6206 x 106. Email: [email protected]
GOT NEWS?Email: [email protected]
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Lanier Islands Shows Gratitude
Photo Credit: Maggie GarciaMembers of the Lanier Islands staff join officers from the Hall County Police Department to show the resort 'Backs the Badge.' To show gratitude for their service to the community and nation, Lanier Islands offered military members, veterans, first responders and their families, access to the Magical Nights of Lights at no charge. At the conclusion of the season, some 10,747 had enjoyed free admission and the holiday adventure. “We first launched this endeavor in mid-2015 by extending free admission to our beach, boardwalk and water park at LanierWorld to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement and fire services,” said Mike Williams, CEO for Lanier Islands. “We couldn’t think of a better way to say ‘thank you’ to a group of people who give so much and make so many sacrifices for us all." Service personnel can also enjoy free admission to the resort’s newest attraction, Winter Adventure – featuring a flurry of fun-filled speed slides, snow play zones, zip lines and more. The Winter Adventure season continues on select dates through February 15. lanierislands.com
Over 80 Chamber members attended Business After Hours at Halski Systems in January.(L-R): Chamber Vice Chair of Membership Tony Paramore, Gainesville Design Center; Anthony Shope, Halski Owner & CFO; Seth Seagraves, Halski Owner & Vice President; Lewis Halski, Founder & President/CEO; Kit Dunlap, President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber. Join Greater Hall Chamber members and friends at Business After Hours on Thursday, February 25 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Hasty Pope LLP at their new office located at the historic and newly renovated Thurman House at 529 Green Street. Enjoy complimentary food, beverage and great networking!
Hasty Pope LLP is a firm of trial lawyers whose practice focuses on cases involving personal injury, motor vehicle and trucking collisions, and workers’ compensation. Since 1953, Hasty Pope’s trial lawyers have been helping the citizens of Gainesville and North Georgia navigate the complex medical, financial, and legal processes that come with serious injuries. hastypope.com
$5 Chamber Members; $15 Non-Members. Door Prizes and Cash Prize Drawing! Megan Martin, 770-532-6206 x 115. Email: [email protected]
Business After Hours
Inspired to work together towards a healthy community, stronger workforce, exceptional quality of life and a thriving economy, the Greater Hall Chamber’s VISION 2030 Healthcare Consortium is bringing nationally recognized Dan Buettner to Hall County. A National
Geographic Fellow, Dr. Buettner is a New York Times best selling author and has delivered over 3,000 speeches to audiences world wide. His presentation “How to live to be 100+” has been viewed over two million times. He has been featured twice on Oprah and received an Emmy award for television production.
Buettner has traveled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity and happiness. He identifies Blue Zones (bluezones.com) as places that have the greatest life expectancy. In 2009, Dan and his partner, AARP, applied principles of The Blue Zones to Albert Lea, Minnesota and successfully raised life expectancy and lowered health care costs by some 40%. He’s currently working with Healthways to implement the Blue Zones Project in 17 cities throughout America.
Imagine if we followed the Blue Zone Common Denominators or 9 Power Approaches and learned to Move Naturally... Have A Purpose... Down Shift Stress... Followed the 80% Full Stomach Rule... Ate More Plants... Drank More Wine... Belonged to a Faith... Put Loved Ones First... and Joined the Right Tribe. We could take our personal and community longevity and success to a new level.
The Blue Zone Community Summit is funded in part by a grant from the Healthcare Georgia Foundation and these sponsors: ProCare Rx (Purpose Sponsor); Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton (Tribe Sponsors); The Longstreet Clinic and CIGNA (Wine@5 Sponsors); Forum Communications, North Georgia Community Foundation, The Norton
Agency, United Way of Hall County (Belong Sponsors); Brenau University and Georgia Power (Move Sponsors).
Learn about opportunities available to help sponsor and participate in this important community event on April 21. Tickets, $25 per person. To purchase tickets, visit VISION2030.org or contact Elizabeth Higgins, Executive Director, VISION 2030, 770-532-6206 x 104. Email: [email protected]
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February 2, 2016 • An A
dvertising Supplement to The Tim
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Community Summit on April 21Tickets Now Available at VISION2030.com
Blue Zone Community Summit
"9 to THRIVE: Live Better & Longer"
Thursday, April 217:00 pm
Brenau Downtown Center
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The Chamber's Small Business of the Month is Frame-Tastic, Inc., owned and operated by Jay Smith. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, Jay worked in com-mercial photo finishing in Atlanta for 16 years. In 1996 he moved to Gainesville and bought an existing frame shop. Twenty years later the rest is history! Frame-Tastic offers complete full service custom framing as well as photo printing, copy and restoration. Let Frame-Tastic design, create, deliver and install your next project. 565 Shallowford Road, Suite B, Gainesville, GA 30504. 770-532-3625. frame-tastic.com
Small Business of the MonthFrame-Tastic, Inc.
Jay Smith, owner of Frame-Tastic, Chamber Small Business of the Month.
3 Good Reasons to Join
Biz Card Ad2 columns 4.4167 x2.0"
Member Recruitment CampaignGreat Benefits – Join the Chamber!Incentives offered through February 29
The Chamber's Annual Membership Recruitment Campaign kicked off on January 25 with dozens of volunteers working to sign up new members through February 29. Volunteer recruiters are seeking to develop new business relationships and meet the GOAL of 75 new members. Leading the campaign is Membership Vice Chairman Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint/Gainesville Design Center. Team Leaders include Morgan House, Lake Lanier Olympic Park; Erin Langford, HTI Employment Solutions; Sarita Madera, Homestar Financial; Darryl Workman, BrandBank; Cassidy Collier, Brenau University Student and Chamber Intern.
The campaign runs through Monday, February 29 with a celebration and New Member Breakfast on Friday, March 4 sponsored by HTI Employment Solutions. If you're not a member, now is the time to JOIN! Numerous incentives include a waived initiative fee and a FREE CD with the Chamber membership listed!
Join Now for Special Deals!A national survey found that consumers are 63% more likely to buy from Chamber members. In addition, a Special Incentives Package is available when you join the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce NOW through FEBRUARY 29, 2016.
• Featured Member Listing and Logo on the Chamber’s website (Value: $50)
• Processing/Initiation Fee waived (Value: $35 with full membership dues payment)
• Complimentary Membership CD listing of 3,000 Chamber Members (Value: $200)
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and coverage in the Business Link newsletter
• Advertising discounts in Business Link newsletter (The Times)• Business Information Listing in the Chamber’s Business Link newsletter
• Invitation to the New Member Breakfast and Orientation (Friday, March 4)
Call Kara Tate, Chamber VP of Membership Sales: 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]. Join online at greaterhallchamber.com
“Building relationships is the key to acquiring new business, growing existing business and solving problems, and there’s no better place to form business relationships than through the Greater Hall Chamber.”
Melissa TymchukPR Director, Northeast Georgia Health System
1. ConnectionsThe Chamber’s greatest benefits? Networking, relationships and lead development. Take part in the many Chamber events to meet prospective clients and generate business leads. Plus, the Chamber only refers its member businesses.
“When asked how we rebounded from the economic downturn, I always say the Chamber. The positive exposure from participat-ing in the Chamber allows us to develop long term relationships with business partners and give back to the community.”
2. ExposureComplimentary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, introduction at Chamber meetings and working with community and business movers and shakers. Join and take advan-tage of ways to make your business known in the community.
“With a wide array of events, the Chamber provides opportunity for businesses, especially the many small ones, to seek out and implement resources and strategies they otherwise thought to be unavailable to them.”
3. ResourcesWith a membership base that is over 85% small businesses, the Chamber offers a variety of resources to grow small businesses. From marketing workshops to monthly seminars, the Chamber is a valuable resource to grow your business.
Tony ParamoreOwner, Gainesville Paint
Jody SpainCo-Owner, Cotton Eyed Joes
Join the Chamber today! Call Kara Tate, Chamber VP of Membership Sales: 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]. Join online at greaterhallchamber.com
ADDING YEARS TO LIFE & LIFE TO YEARS
Serving Northeast Georgia Since 1967Since 1967
Dr. Denise Funk • Dr. Chris Potter
984 Thompson Bridge Rd • Gainesville, GA770-532-1217 • www.vetamc.com
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The Chamber's Small Business of the Month is Frame-Tastic, Inc., owned and operated by Jay Smith. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, Jay worked in com-mercial photo finishing in Atlanta for 16 years. In 1996 he moved to Gainesville and bought an existing frame shop. Twenty years later the rest is history! Frame-Tastic offers complete full service custom framing as well as photo printing, copy and restoration. Let Frame-Tastic design, create, deliver and install your next project. 565 Shallowford Road, Suite B, Gainesville, GA 30504. 770-532-3625. frame-tastic.com
Small Business of the MonthFrame-Tastic, Inc.
Jay Smith, owner of Frame-Tastic, Chamber Small Business of the Month.
3 Good Reasons to Join
Biz Card Ad2 columns 4.4167 x2.0"
Member Recruitment CampaignGreat Benefits – Join the Chamber!Incentives offered through February 29
The Chamber's Annual Membership Recruitment Campaign kicked off on January 25 with dozens of volunteers working to sign up new members through February 29. Volunteer recruiters are seeking to develop new business relationships and meet the GOAL of 75 new members. Leading the campaign is Membership Vice Chairman Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint/Gainesville Design Center. Team Leaders include Morgan House, Lake Lanier Olympic Park; Erin Langford, HTI Employment Solutions; Sarita Madera, Homestar Financial; Darryl Workman, BrandBank; Cassidy Collier, Brenau University Student and Chamber Intern.
The campaign runs through Monday, February 29 with a celebration and New Member Breakfast on Friday, March 4 sponsored by HTI Employment Solutions. If you're not a member, now is the time to JOIN! Numerous incentives include a waived initiative fee and a FREE CD with the Chamber membership listed!
Join Now for Special Deals!A national survey found that consumers are 63% more likely to buy from Chamber members. In addition, a Special Incentives Package is available when you join the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce NOW through FEBRUARY 29, 2016.
• Featured Member Listing and Logo on the Chamber’s website (Value: $50)
• Processing/Initiation Fee waived (Value: $35 with full membership dues payment)
• Complimentary Membership CD listing of 3,000 Chamber Members (Value: $200)
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and coverage in the Business Link newsletter
• Advertising discounts in Business Link newsletter (The Times)• Business Information Listing in the Chamber’s Business Link newsletter
• Invitation to the New Member Breakfast and Orientation (Friday, March 4)
Call Kara Tate, Chamber VP of Membership Sales: 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]. Join online at greaterhallchamber.com
“Building relationships is the key to acquiring new business, growing existing business and solving problems, and there’s no better place to form business relationships than through the Greater Hall Chamber.”
Melissa TymchukPR Director, Northeast Georgia Health System
1. ConnectionsThe Chamber’s greatest benefits? Networking, relationships and lead development. Take part in the many Chamber events to meet prospective clients and generate business leads. Plus, the Chamber only refers its member businesses.
“When asked how we rebounded from the economic downturn, I always say the Chamber. The positive exposure from participat-ing in the Chamber allows us to develop long term relationships with business partners and give back to the community.”
2. ExposureComplimentary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, introduction at Chamber meetings and working with community and business movers and shakers. Join and take advan-tage of ways to make your business known in the community.
“With a wide array of events, the Chamber provides opportunity for businesses, especially the many small ones, to seek out and implement resources and strategies they otherwise thought to be unavailable to them.”
3. ResourcesWith a membership base that is over 85% small businesses, the Chamber offers a variety of resources to grow small businesses. From marketing workshops to monthly seminars, the Chamber is a valuable resource to grow your business.
Tony ParamoreOwner, Gainesville Paint
Jody SpainCo-Owner, Cotton Eyed Joes
Join the Chamber today! Call Kara Tate, Chamber VP of Membership Sales: 770-532-6206 x 116. Email: [email protected]. Join online at greaterhallchamber.com
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February 2, 2016 • An A
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es(L-R): Program Presenter Robert Mallon, Rusty Lion Academy; Al Trembley, WSI Digital Rainmakers (an event sponsor); Amanda Lewis, Chamber Small Business Project Manager. The next Small Business Seminar is Tuesday, February 9 at 7:45 a.m. at the Chamber. Join Lee Goff, co-owner and founder of GetUWired, Inc. (getuwired.com) as he presents “7 Ways Company Culture Leads to Small Business Success." In 2003, GetUWired was founded to give small businesses a fighting chance in the big-business world of internet marketing and has grown into a thriving marketing and automation powerhouse known worldwide. They have served thousands of small businesses, and won many awards including Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top Company Culture Award" – only one of 25 small business in the country to make this prestigious list. Learn how to create a Top Producing Company Culture that dramatically improves all aspects of your business and personal life while making you more money. Sponsored by Highland Mountain Beverage, Jacobs Media, Signs by Tomorrow and WSI Digital Rainmakers. No charge for Chamber members; $15 Non-members. Details: Amanda Lewis, 770-532-6206 x 111. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com
Small Business SeminarACE Hardware Oakwood Gary Vogel3446 Winder HighwayFlowery Branch, GA 30542 (770) 287-0010- Retail Home Improvement acehardware.com
ACT Financial Services, Inc. Jennifer Zody821 Dawsonville HighwaySuite 250-244Gainesville, GA 30501(678) 617-2054- Finance/Accountingactfsi.com
CH2M HillBetsy Massie400 Embassy Row, Suite 600Atlanta, GA 30328(678) 530-4227- Engineering /Architectsch2m.com
Derrick Coggin2202 Colonial Circle Gainesville, GA 30501(678) 878-6383- Individual Memberxtrarealty.com
Direct Physician Services, LLC / Dr. J. Allan Panter 999 Chestnut St SE, Suite 9 Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 530-3342 - Concierge Medicinedpsga.com
Edward Jones Investments - Nick Pruner5391 Highway 53Braselton, GA 30517(678) 469-4441- Financial Servicesedwardjones.com
FCL Builders Georgia, LLC Eddie Slay1325 Satellite Blvd, Suite 104Suwanee, GA 30024(470) 514-2705- Contractorsfclbuilders.com
Five Star Cleaning and MaintenanceJoe SelbeeP.O. Box 907831Gainesville, GA 30501(678) 561-0561- Janitorial/Cleaning5starclean.net
Lane JonesP.O. Box 81Oakwood, GA 30566(770) 540-5005- Individual Member
Rio Balsas TaqueriaEdgar Avellaneda975 Dawsonville HighwaySuite 12Gainesville, GA 30501(770) 534-4440- Restaurant & Cateringriobalsastaqueria.com
The Good Life Group ofKeller Williams Lanier Partners - Beverly Knight 631 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 536-4416- Real Estatehousesonlanier.net
The Norton Agency -Will Cobb434 Green StreetGainesville, GA 30501(770) 654-7791- Commercial Real Estatenortoncommercial.com
Welcome New Members!
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Permits Issued - Hall County
Housing Area Permits Nov. Nov. Oct Total 2015County 2015 2014 2015 2014 YTDBarrow 11 25 22 286 308 Dawson 11 12 10 108 100
Gwinnett 138 89 229 2,531 1,772 Forsyth 179 157 172 2,662 1,947
Hall 38 34 60 581 638 Jackson 16 13 13 107 178
Homes Sold and Closed and Average Price of Home Nov. Avg Nov Avg Aug Avg Total Avg Total AvgArea 2015 Price 2014 Price 2015 Price 2014 Price 2015 Price
City 15 145,457 15 181,928 26 199,763 239 199,763 255 176,590
North 24 295,023 41 219,237 51 228,907 555 243,134 466 271,402
East 15 137,567 14 124,861 14 130,829 192 119,719 183 130,697
South 22 175,009 15 220,918 26 250,931 184 235,989 409 216,206
West 15 188,068 48 229,999 71 262,683 638 236,685 675 224,767
Previous Month
Oct 2015
60
Latest
Nov 2015 38One Year Ago
Nov 2014
34
2015 Total
6382014 YTD
581
Updated 12/29
The Power To Perform
Data compiled by the Norton Agency. For additional information or other data products, please call:
Tommy Howard The Norton Agency 770-718-5204 [email protected]
Key EconomicIndicators
Greater Hall County
Latest
Nov. 2015
4.7Previous Month
Oct 2015
4.7One Year Ago
Nov. 2014
5.5
10
8
6
4
2
EmploymentHall County
Updated 12/29
Area Jobless Rates
Gainesville City 5.3
Cherokee 4.5Dawson 4.9
Forsyth 4.4
Gwinnett 5
Jackson 4.6
Ga Mountains 4.9State of Georgia 5.7
U.S. 5 N D J F M A M J J A S O N
Perc
ent
LatestNov. 2015$238,317,122
Previous Month (available)
Oct 2015$246,829,528
One Year Ago
Nov. 2014$240,929,969
Retail Sales
Hall County retail sales figures are estimated from the 1% sales tax collected for Hall. For example, $11 million in tax revenue represents retail sales of approximately $100 million.
Hall County
Updated 12/29
3.0
100’
s m
illion
s of
dol
lars
N D J F M A M J J A S O N
1.0
2.0
2 0 1 4
2 0 1 4
2 0 1 5
2 0 1 5
The Youth Leadership Hall students and chaperones traveled to Atlanta to enjoy a day at the state Capitol. Representative Carl Rogers took the class on the House floor and talked with them about his role and the inner workings of the House and the state government. During lunch, the class heard from Representatives Lee Hawkins, Timothy Barr and Emory Dunahoo. Senator Butch Miller talked with the class on the Senate floor about his role, the history of the Capitol and state issues. Thank you meal sponsors – Chick-fil-A of Stonebridge Crossing and Jackson EMC.
The Norton AgencyKey Economic Indicators
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Leadership Hall's Healthcare and Community Service program began at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County where the class heard from local nonprofit leaders including, Jessica Butler, Gateway Domestic Violence Center; Joy Griffin, United Way of Hall County; Connie Stephens, CASA, and Steven Mickens, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County. At Challenged Child the group heard from Cathy Drerup and Lindsay Addison and at The Longstreet Clinic, Mimi Collins, CEO, gave a presentation followed by a tour. The program concluded at Northeast Georgia Health System with a tour of key areas of the hospital and then heard from Louis Smith, President. Thank you, The Longstreet Clinic, for sponsoring lunch.
Leadership Hall County
Youth Leadership at Capitol
(L-R): Leadership Hall Class Members Charlie Hawkins, Norton Commercial Real Estate; Chris McNeal, BB&T, and Judy St. Pierre, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic, interact with kids at Challenged Child & Friends.
Nominations Open for Leadership Hall 2016-17Since 1983, Leadership Hall County has provided a learning experience for existing and emerging leaders of the Greater Hall area. Today, nearly 900 people have graduated from the program. Nominations are open for the 2016-2017 class. Individuals (25 and older) will develop an understanding of Gainesville and Hall County through a series of one-day sessions. Tuition is $800 for Chamber member; $600 non-profit member and $970 for non-Chamber member. Individuals must be nominated for the program by March 15. To make a nomi-nation, contact Dana Miller, 770-532-6206 x 113. Email: [email protected]
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February 2, 2016 • An A
dvertising Supplement to The Tim
esNew Owners Gary and Jan Vogel cut a ribbon at ACE Hardware Oakwood. Independently owned and operated, the store offers a wide variety of paint, lawn and garden, tools, home repair items and of course, the place with the helpful hardware folks! 3446 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. 770-287-0010. acehardware.com
ACE Hardware in Oakwood
Owner Curtis McGill and his family cut a ribbon at the grand opening of Ashton Senior Living, a
new facility offering independent and assisted living, state-approved, specialized memory care (Alzheimer’s and Dementia), and hospice facilities all on one campus. The Ashton Senior Living campus is located conveniently located near downtown Gainesville. 1012 Enota Avenue, NE, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-963-4837. ashtonseniorliving.com
Ashton Senior Living
J. Geyer AdvertisingOwners John and Lisa Geyer cut a ribbon at J. Geyer Advertising, a full service advertising specialties company offering a wide range of items to promote your company. J. Geyer will help you find a cost effective way to market and promote your
business with custom promotional items that speak to your customers and clients. 710 Washington St, NW, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-718-0062. jgeyer.com
Wes Hunt (right), founder of Homestar Financial, speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the company's headquarters at the totally renovated historic Gym of ‘36 in Downtown Gainesville. Hunt, a Gainesville-native, built Homestar from the ground up 14 years ago. Homestar employs 400 (200 in Gainesville) and is a full service
mortgage banker controlling all aspects of the loan process with in house processing, underwriting, closing and funding of each mortgage transaction. 322 Washington Street, NW, Gainesville GA 3050. 770-503-0380. homestarfc.com
Homestar Financial
Photo by Bryan Redding
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870 Grove Street in Gainesville 770-536-9852 www.mcgaritys.com
Business Products
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December, 2015 Business Link Ad
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
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GAINESVILLE, GA
CAR-RT SORT
This publication is printed on partially recycled paper.
Biz16
Back Page Ad10 x 7.5
Upcoming Chamber EventsThursday, February 4Buy Local EXPOExpo: 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.Business After Hours: 5-7 p.m.Gainesville Civic CenterFree and Open to the Public!
Tuesday, February 9Small Business Seminar"Seven Ways Company Culture Leads to Success" Presented by Lee Goff, GetUWired7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Chamber
Tuesday, February 16South Hall Business Coalition8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Lanier Christian Academy
Wednesday, February 17Lunch 'n Learn12:00 p.m. - 1:-00 p.m.Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood
Friday, February 19Arbor Day Celebration10:00 a.m. Elachee Nature Science Center
Thursday, February 25Business After HoursSponsored by Hasty Pope5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.529 Green Street in Gainesville
Thursday, March 10Transportation Forum11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus
Event Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com
Biz16
www.peachstatebank.com Gainesville • 770-536-1100
Peach State Bank’s Community Development Board has long been the beneficiary of its Chairman, Mr. Abit Massey. His guidance and leadership
has allowed the CDB to grow and implement significant achievements across the area.
On January 27, 2016, the University of Georgia presented Mr. Massey with The President’s Medal. He is one of two recipients of the University’s highest honor. This honor is bestowed on influential Georgians, “who have supported students and academic programs, advanced research and inspired community leaders who enhance Georgian’s quality of life.”
This honor comes as no surprise to those who have worked with Mr. Massey over the years. Collectively, we applaud his achievements in
earning The President’s Medal and we remain privileged that he is a part of the Peach State Bank family.
Mr. Abit Massey
Leadership Extends Across A Person’s Entire Life.