business link april 2012

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

New Officers and Board Memberspage 4

Transportation Project Highlightspage 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

A P R I L2 0 1 2

Tuesday, April 10Small Business Success Seminar

Thursday, April 12South Hall Business Coalition

Thursday, April 26Business After Hours

Over 500 people are registered for the 5th Annual Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk on Thursday, April 19 at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. A crowd of over 2,000 is expected to participate in the community-wide wellness event with Lt. Casey Cagle serving as Honorary Chairman! Registration is available online through April 13 at ChamberChase5K.com. Complete details on the event including race courses and frequently asked questions are also available online. The Chamber Chase is more than a run/walk with activities including voting for People's Choice Award for Best T-Shirt, great giveaways and Hall County's Largest Office Party with music, food, awards, and recognition following the race! The Chamber Chase, formerly Get Fit Stay Fit, is a program of VISION 2030. Call 770-532-6206 or Register Online at ChamberChase5K.com

Chamber Chase 5K is April 19

Thursday, April 19 • 6:00 pmRiverside Military Academy

Scratch golfers and hackers alike will not want to miss the Greater Hall Chamber's 33rd Hackers Holi-day on Friday, April 27 at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Cost is $150 per player; $600 team (4-some). The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry Fee includes green fee, cart, breakfast, box lunch, snacks and drinks, and the 19th Hole reception follow-ing the tournament. Tournament Chairmen Jimbo Floyd and Brian Daniel are planning an exciting event! There's still time to register

yourself or a team. The tournament is sponsored by Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia (Title Sponsor), Advantage Staffing, Charter Busi-ness, Gainesville Coca Cola, Georgia Medport, Jackson EMC, Lafarge Aggregates, Publix, Turner Wood & Smith Insurance and Turnstile Deli, and includes awards in three flights, a Hole-In-One prize, along with closest to the pin, longest drive, a putting contest and much more. The 19th Hole Reception, sponsored by AT&T, with delicious free food and drink follows the tournament at the clubhouse.

W I N $ 1 , 0 0 0 CA S H!A Golf Ball Drop Raffle will take place at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club to kick of the 33rd Annual Hackers Holiday Golf Tournamenton April 27. A helicopter will drop a numbered ball for each ticket sold! Closest to hole wins! $10 per ticket or 3 tickets for $20. Do not have to be present to win. Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Register for the tournament and the raffle online: greaterhallchamber.com

33rd Annual Hackers Holiday

Georgia Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

Registration Deadline April 13th

Register OnlineChamberChase5K.com

Honorary Race Chairman

www.wilsonbraces.com

As my term as Greater Hall Chamber Chairman starts winding down, I remain committed to our original theme this year – Connecting, Communicating, Promoting – and am determined to be a part of our Chamber’s forward movement in this digital age.

Chamber Vice Chair of Marketing & Communications Melissa Tymchuk of Northeast Georgia Health System gave a powerful report at the Chamber Board of Directors meeting a couple of weeks ago. The Greater Hall Chamber's website – greaterhallchamber.com – hosts an Online Membership Directory. Melissa reports that from July 2011 through December 2011 (six months), the Online Membership Direc-tory received 156,000 views, over 20,000 URL clicks (to Chamber busi-nesses), almost 17,000 clicks to access maps to individual businesses, and 440 direct links to online emails listed for Chamber members. If you are a Chamber Member, make sure your business is listed in the directory with your website and email. If you are not a member, this is ONE of MANY reasons to join.

The Chamber's newsletter, Business Link, is a partnership with The Times. The monthly issues are circulated in The Times on the first Tuesday of each month. In addition, Business Link can be accessed online on the Chamber's homepage (greaterhallchamber.com) or The Time's homep-age (gainesvilletimes.com). Between February 2011 and February 2012, the electronic version of Business Link was viewed some 13,000 times. Advertisers in the newsletter have the opportunity to provide a "live" link directly to their business. This is ONE of MANY good reasons to consider advertising in Business Link.

To better serve our members and provide the most up-to-date means of communications, we are conducting a Membership Survey. We are urging Chamber Members to take just a few minutes to complete the online survey. It contains only a few simple questions and will help us make sure we are getting the news out to you in a timely and effective manner. To take part in the survey, scan the QR Code below. You can link directly to the survey on the Chamber's website as well.

The Greater Hall Chamber's basic mission remains the same – being a voice for business. Our means for communicating our mission has changed drastically. We seek to stay on the cutting edge in ways to communicate and connect with members. I hope that you are currently a Chamber Member, and if not, will consider joining. Also, join us for a Board of Directors meeting and see first-hand what we are up to. The next meeting is Thursday, April 26 at 12 p.m. at the Gainesville Civic Center. Call Joy, 770-532-6206, to reserve a seat. We are working to make Gainesville-Hall County an even greater place to do business, raise a family and enjoy a unique quality of life. Your continued support and investment is appreciated.

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Volume 18 Issue 4mcKemie 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

Communicating with Members

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

• Greater Hall Chamber Members... We need your help! Please take a moment to complete a simple online Membership Survey so that we may better serve you. Scan the QR Code (right) or link to the survey at greaterhallchamber.com or directly (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ghccmembersurvey). Questions? Call Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

• The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Online Membership Directory at greaterhallchamber.com received 150,000+ views in the last six months. The average number of views per member is 120 in the same six month period.

• The Chamber's Business Link newsletter, a partnership with The Times, in its electronic format, received Approximately 13,000 hits between February 2011 and February 2012. The online newsletter is posted on the Chamber's homepage (greaterhallchamber.com) and The Times homepage (gainesvilletimes.com)

Marketing & Communications

www.jacksonemc.com

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The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for both the Small Business of the Year and the Family Business of the Year. The small business award is presented to an outstanding small business and Greater Hall Chamber member with 50 or less employees. The Family Business of the Year is awarded to a family-owned business that has operated for 25 or more years. Rushton & Company received the 2010-2011 Small Business of the Year Award, while Milton Martin Toyota was recognized as last year's Family Business of the Year recipient. A member may nominate their business or another member. All nominations must be received by Friday, April 27.

Award winners will be recognized at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Gala on Thursday, May 10 at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Along with the presentation of business awards, the event will include an elegant dinner buffet, live music and dancing. Other awards presented include the Commu-nity Service Award, the prestigious W.G. Mealor Award and Silver Shovel Awards.

Nomination forms or details: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Make award nominations and reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com

Annual Chamber Business AwardsNominations for Small Business of the Year and Family Business of the Year

Newly Elected Chamber OfficersThe Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting an aggres-sive business environment and making a positive contribution to the community. Founded in 1908, the Chamber is a voice for business in Gainesville-Hall County and the Northeast Georgia region and offers a full range of services for its members. The following individuals were elected to serve as officers of the Greater Hall Cham-ber of Commerce for 2012-2013, beginning July 1, 2012:

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Officers 2012-2013Chairman: Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & FrostChairman Elect: Dixie Truelove, Truelove DairyTreasurer: Jody Lail, Chattahoochee Bank of GeorgiaVice Chair Education: Elisabeth Baldwin, BB&T Wealth ManagementVice Chair Economic Development: Chris Braswell, PB Property ManagementVice Chair Community Development: Deborah Mack, Community VolunteerVice Chair Government Affairs: David Lee, Jackson EMCVice Chair Marketing/Communications: Jullie King, The Longstreet ClinicVice Chair Membership: Jimbo Floyd, Turner, Wood & Smith InsuranceVice Chair South Hall Council: Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth ManagementCo-Chairs HALLmark: David Abee, Regions; Paul Chambers, AT&T; Perry Barnett, Rushton & CompanyChair VISION 2030: Carl Romberg, CitiscoExecutive Director, VISION 2030: Meg Nivens, Greater Hall ChamberImmediate Past President: Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media CorporationGreater Hall Chamber President & CEO: Kit Dunlap

The following individuals were recently elected to serve as Greater Hall Chamber Board of Directors for a three-year term, July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2015:

Newly Elected Board of DirectorsDavid Abee, Regions BankKaren Baston, Sperry Van NessJohn Geyer, J Geyer AdvertisingJullie King, The Longstreet ClinicWilliam Bagwell, Jr., Homestead InvestmentsTony Paramore, Gainesville Paint & DesignGrier Todd, Lake Lanier Islands Resort

Over 55 developers recently attended a Commercial Real Estate Forum, “Deal Making with Site Location Consultants & Developers: Case Study of King’s Hawaiian.” Program presenters included Chip Watson, Avison Young, Brenda Robbins, Georgia Power, and Ben Stafford, Pattillo Industrial Real Estate. Many thanks to sponsor Georgia Power. (L-R): Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber VP of Economic Development; Chip Watson, Avison Young; Ben Stafford, Pattillo Industrial Real Estate; Brenda Robbins and Rope Roberts, Georgia Power.

Commercial Real Estate Forum

Bitzer, a leading manufacturer of compressors for commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, is expanding to a site adjacent to their current facility in Oakwood, Georgia. Bitzer will add a 95,000 square foot building on 31 acres at Enterprise Way in Oakwood. The new $10 million facility will be developed by Pattillo Construction Company. Bitzer will maintain the adjacent 45,000 square foot facility on Chamblee Road and expects to occupy the new building in fall 2012. They will maintain their base of 80 employees, adding another 50 employees over the next two years.

Bitzer located to Hall County in 2004. The German-based company was founded in 1934 and has two U.S. locations – Oakwood GA and Syracuse NY. The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Existing Industry Program identified the possible expansion opportunity in 2009 and began working with Bitzer in early 2011.

“Bitzer is extremely excited about our continued growth, as well as the ability to share with the community by creating jobs in the Hall County area,” said Peter Narreau, President. Bitzer, 4031 Chamblee Road, Oakwood, Georgia. 30566. 770-503-9226. bitzerus.com

Bitzer Expands in Oakwood

(L-R): Hilary Gronas, Melaleuca, The Wellness Company; Dr. Linda Barrow, VP Academic Affairs, Lanier Technical College; David N. Westfall, MD, MPH, CPE, District Health Director, District 2; Healthcare Committee Chairman Chad Bolton, Northeast Georgia Health System; Pat Freeman, Executive Director, Legacy Link; Chrissy Greer, Tugaloo Home Health. The Healthcare Committee will meet on April 11. For more on this committee or how to get involved, call Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Healthcare Committee

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April 3, 2012

• An A

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1/4 Page Ad2 columns 4.4167 x5

1. New Interchange on I-985, North of SR/13 Atlanta Highway near Martin Road.

2. Jesse Jewell Parkway and John Morrow Parkway Intersection Improvements.

3. McEver Road Intersection Improvements at Gaines Ferry, Lights Ferry, and

Stephens Road.

4. Widening of Sardis Road from SR 60/Thompson Bridge Road to Sardis Road.

5. Widening of Spout Springs Road from Hog Mountain Road to Gwinnett County.

6. Widening of SR 211/Old Winder Highway from SR 53/Winder Highway to

the Gwinnett County Line.

7. Widening of US 129/SR 11/Athens Highway from SR 323/Gillsville Highway

to SR 323 in Jackson County.

8. Widening of US 129/SR 11/Cleveland Highway from Nopone Road to the

White County Line.

9. Widening of US 129/SR 11/Cleveland Hwy from Limestone Pkw to Nopone Rd.

For project information: Srikanth Yamala, Transportation Manager, Gainesville-Hall MPO, 770-531-6809. Email: [email protected]

Project Highlights

Business After Hours at GSC

(L-R): Namon Collins, Allstate ($100 Cash Pot Prize winner), with Gainesville State College's Mary Transue, VP for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the GSC Foundation; Mack Palmour, Associate VP for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions; Dr. Martha T. Nesbitt, President; Dr. Alicia Caudill, Associate VP for Student Affairs and Dean of the Students; Jennifer Hendrickson, Director of Alumni Affairs; Sloan Jones, Director of Public Relations. The March Business After Hours was held at Gainesville State College's new Academic Building. Don't miss the next Business After Hours at Wilson Orthodontics new building on Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch on Thursday, April 26 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with food and drink catered by Deep South Dogs, Publix on Spout Springs Road, Home Town Spirits and J&J Foods. Cash Pot Prize and $1000 off Invisalign! Details: Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]

Annual Transportation Forum draws over 240 citizens

Over 240 people gathered for the Chamber's March 14th Transportation Forum with updates and discussion on the upcoming Transportation Referendum on July 31, 2012. Todd Long, Georgia Department of Transportation Director of Planning, was guest speaker and introduced Bayne Smith, the new GDOT District 1 Engineer. (L-R): Srikanth Yamala, Transportation Manager, Gainesville-Hall MPO; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO; Todd Long, GDOT Director of Planning; Bayne Smith, GDOT District 1 Engineer; Doug Callaway, Executive Director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance.

Transportation Referendum • July 31, 2012

ConnectGeorgiaMountains.com

www.equitaxusa.com

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Wednesday, April 4Leads Group11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Wednesday, April 4Human Resources11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant

Tuesday, April 10Small Business Success Seminar"Network Your Way to Profit & Promi-nence" presented by Bill Lampton, Ph.D.7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, April 10Youth Leadership HallIndustry Program7:50 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Lakewood Baptist

Tuesday, April 10Ambassadors Council3:45p.m.-4:45 p.m. – Scott's on the Square

Wednesday, April 11Healthcare Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, April 11Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. – Panera Bread

Wednesday, April 11Trip to Ireland Informational Meeting4:00 p.m. – Chamber

Thursday, April 12Leadership Hall County Wrap Up Retreat7:30 a.m. – Riverside Military Academy

Thursday, April 12South Hall Business Coalition"Mitigation Banking" Presented by Dr. Steve Jones, Vice President, Environmental Services, Inc.8:00a.m.-9:00 a.m. – Elachee Nature Science Center.

Friday, April 13Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – Chamber

Tuesday, April 17VISION 2030 Board of Directors11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, April 18Issues Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber

Wednesday, April 18Leads Group11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli

Thursday, April 19Chamber Executive Committee11:30 a.m. – Chamber

Thursday, April 192012 Chamber Chase 5K6:00 p.m. - 5K Runners6:15 p.m. - 2 Mile Wellness Walk7:00 p.m. - Awards & RecognitionRiverside Military Academy

Tuesday, April 24 Youth Leadership HallGrand Finale/Team Building/Graduation8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Montara Farm

Wednesday, April 25Network Over Coffee8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. – Hilton Garden Inn

Thursday, April 26Chamber Board of Directors12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center

Thursday, April 26Business After Hours5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. – Wilson Orthodontics7316 Spout Springs Rd in Flowery Branch

Friday, April 2733rd Annual Hacker's Holiday Golf10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start – Legacy on Lanier Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands

MAY

Thursday, May 10 104th Annual Meeting & Gala6:30 p.m. – Chattahoochee Country Club

Friday, May 11Leadership Hall County Graduation and Alumni Party – 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Chattahoochee Country Club

Get all the details and register for these events online at greaterhallchamber.comCall the Chamber at 770-532-6206.

Thursday, April 265:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wilson Orthodontics7316 Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch (New office!)$5 Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members • Cash Pot Prize!

With offices in Gainesville, Cleveland and now Flowery Branch, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Lekht and the Wilson Ortho team have a tradition of creating beautiful, confident smiles with a variety of orthodontic solutions. Don’t miss this after hours event with food and drink catered by Deep South Dogs, Publix on Spout Springs Road, Home Town Spirits and J&J Foods. Cash Pot Prize and $1000 OFF Invisalign! Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206.

Business After Hours

Thursday, April 128:00 - 9:00 a.m.Elachee Nature Science Center$5 Members • $15 Non-Members • BreakfastSponsored by Milton Martin Honda and WDUN Radio

Mitigation Banking Program presented by Dr. Steve Jones, Vice President, Environmental Services, Inc.Reservations required. Michelle Wiley, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206. Email:[email protected]. Register online: greaterhallchamber.com

South Hall Business Coalition

Tuesday, April 107:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Greater Hall Chamber of CommerceFree for Members; $15 Non-MembersSponsored by United Community Bank and Jacobs Media

Network Your Way to Profit & Prominence This seminar presented by Bill Lampton, Ph.D., Championship Communication, will make networking a high priority on your to-do list, help you overcome fears of asking for referrals, improve your capacity to remember names, employ the power of "netweaving" and more. Reservations, Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. [email protected]

Small Business Success Seminar

Thursday, May 106:00 p.m. Cocktails: 7:00 p.m. DinnerChattahoochee Country Club$75 per person; $125 Couple; $1,000 Table SponsorshipSponsors: AT&T (platinum), Lake Lanier Islands Resort, Charter Business and Jacobs Media Corporation

The Greater Hall Chamber Annual Meeting & Gala includes an outdoor cocktail party, an elegant buffet dinner, music and dancing. Annual Business Awards will be presented including the Family and Small Business of the Year, Community Service, and Silver Shovel Award Winners. Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com

104th Annual Meeting & Gala

Spring Into a

Come to a free seminar to learn moreabout weight loss options, both surgicaland non-surgical.

MS, , CDE, Bariatric Program DietitianBariatric Weight Loss Center at Northeast Georgia Medical Center

, FACS,The Longstreet Clinic – Obesity Solutions

, Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Surgical Associates

Walters Auditorium at NGMC Hall County Library Spout Springs BranchGainesville, GA Flowery Branch, GA

Registration and a light sandwich supper begin at 5:30 p.m.

will offer diet and exercise tips, including information aboutNortheast Georgia Medical Center’s 4-week weight loss education program, Living Lighter, while

will discuss surgical weight loss options including banding,gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center

www.nghs.com/weightloss

www.wilsonbraces.com

Member of the Month4 columns

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Tim Taylor, Allen Jernigan and Tanya Flynn cut rib-bon at Southern Com-panions, LLC, a home care giving company that provides sitter, companion and personal care. The company has certified nursing assistants that complete rigorous training and a background check system. Southern Compan-ions is owned by Tim Taylor, Allen and Tara Jernigan, who is a 28 year veteran nurse. 623 Green Street, Suite B, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-356-9587. southerncompanions.net

Southern Companions, LLC

• The Spout Springs Library Farmers Market opens April 26 and is open every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. The Hall County Farmers Market on Jesse Jewell Parkway at Exit 24 off I-985 opens May 8 and is open Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m. and Saturdays at 7:00 a.m. The Gainesville Market on the Square begins June 1 and is open on Fridays from 2:30-6:00 p.m. • Hall County Master Gardener's Spring Plant Sale is April 6 and 7 at Chicopee Woods Ag Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road. $2 Adult; Children Free. hcmgs.com• The Greater Hall Chamber, in partner-ship with Wide Travel, presents A Trip to Ireland, October 29 - November 5 (8 days, 9 meals, 3 dinners). Learn more from Jennifer Gyorffy, Collette Vacations, at a meeting on Wednesday, April 11, 4:00 pmat the Chamber. Joy Sims, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]• Keep Hall Beautiful's Spring Chicken Festival is April 28 with the Annual Chicken Cookoff, a parade and a 5K race. Proceeds go to plant trees in Hall County and provide environmental education in elementary schools. keephallbeautiful.org• Sterling on the Lake's 5th Annual Ster-ling Stampede 5K & Tot Trot is April 21. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Hall County Animal Shelter. sterling-life.com• Gainesville Theatre Alliance concludes their 32nd season with "The Importance

of Being Earnest" at 7:30 pm, April 10 at Gainesville State College’s Ed Cabell The-atre. Free Opening Night Reception, ca-tered by Scott's on the Square. Show runs through April 21, with 2:30 pm matinees on April 15 and 22. Tickets: 678-717-3624 or gainesvilletheatrealliance.org• Some 500 people from Jazzercise Fitness Center of Gainesville and Braselton and throughout North Georgia helped raise $186,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at a benefit class in Atlanta in February. jazzercise.com• Longstreet Cancer Center is one of only two practices in Georgia and 116 in the U.S. to be certified by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), an affiliate of the American Society of Clini-cal Oncology. The QOPI® program is an initiative to certify oncology practices that meet rigorous standards for high-quality cancer care. longstreetclinic.com• The Hall County Elections and Voter Registration Office will move April 6 to the new county government headquarters at 2875 Browns Bridge Road. This is the first department to relocate to the new building, and the rest of the administration is expected to move this fall. hallcounty.org• Hasty Pope partner Jonathan Pope re-cently spoke at the Southern Trial Lawyers Association conference in New Orleans. Named a Rising Star by his peers in 2006,

2009 and 2010 in the Atlanta Magazine Super Lawyers edition, Pope was selected by Georgia Trend as one of the state’s 40 under 40 in 2004. He serves as regional vice president of the Georgia Trial Law-yers Association. hastypope.com• City of Lula's upcoming events includes the 36th Annual Railroad Days on Satur-day, May 5 with a parade at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street and vendors and booths at the Lula Depot. Some Gave All 5K Run is Sat-urday, May 12 at 4:00 p.m. at Rafe Banks Park, and Lula's Memorial Day Celebra-tion is Monday, May 28 at Veterans Park. 770-869-3801. luladda.info• Gainesville State College Alumni As-sociation celebrates 27 years at Alumni Weekend on April 13-14. GSC Alumni will reconnect with their alma mater with a series of fun and informative events and activities. Email Jennifer Hendrickson at [email protected] or call 678-717-3648. gsc.edu/alumni • The Greater Hall Chamber's Beautifica-tion Committee is seeking nominations for the spring Residential Beautifica-tion Award. To make a nomination, call Robin Halstead, 770-532-6206 or email: [email protected]• Milton Martin Toyota (MMT) received the prestigious 2011 Toyota President’s Award, the highest honor for a Toyota dealership awarded for a commitment to

maintaining Toyota's high standards for customer satisfaction. MMT is a third generation family business founded by Milton Martin and is now operated by his sons and owners, Mike and Ricky Martin and grandsons, Tommy, Brandon and Evan Martin. miltonmartintoyota.com• Leadership Hall County's Graduation and Alumni Party is Friday, May 11, 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Chattahoochee County Club. Alumni: $10 per person. Reserva-tions, Dana Miller, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]• Kenny Gee, Vice President of Condi-tioned Air Systems, Inc. in Gainesville, earned LEED Green Associate certifica-tion, a nationally accepted benchmark for designing, constructing and operating high-performance green buildings. conditionedairsystems.com• The City of Gainesville announces Regina Mansfield as the Main Street Manager. Mansfield served as the Better Hometown Manager for the City of Byron for three years. gainesville.org• Braselton Police Chief Terry Esco an-nounced that the town's Police Depart-ment earned official state certification, joining 96 law enforcement agencies in Georgia with the distinction. braselton.net

GOT NEWS?Email: [email protected]

(L to R) Curtis Taira, King's Hawaiian Vice Presi-dent of Engineering;Governor Nathan Deal; Kit Dunlap,Greater Hall Cham-ber of Commerce President/CEO; Mark Taira, CEO, King's Hawaiian, at the grand opening ceremony of the 120,000-square-foot King's Hawaiian plant off H.F. Reed Industrial Parkway in Oakwood. The bakery expects to have 150 employees by the end of the year and with future expansions up to 250 to 260 total workers. kingshawaiian.com

King's Hawaiian Opens in OakwoodChattahoochee Country Club's Todd Ferguson, Pool & Athletic Committee Chair, and Bradley Dunckel, President, cut ribbon for the Grand Re-Opening of the Athletic Center. The new facility features cardio equip-ment by Matrix with LCD screen TV’s and iPod/iPhone capabilities, along with a new fitness classroom, weight room, men’s and women’s locker rooms and interior design. The renovation allows the Club to provide more services and classes including; Spin, Kettle Bells, Kid’s Fit, Zumba, Tai Chai and Cross training. Chattahoochee Country Club, 3000 Club Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506. 770-536-4461. chattahoocheecountryclub.com

Chattahoochee Country Club

Since 1982, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints' facility in Oakwood has been a manufacturing and distri-bution site for latex paints. The 66-acre campus produces such familiar brand names as Glid-den® and Ralph Lauren Paint®. Under the direc-tion of Alexander George, Operations Director, the Oakwood plant employs 120 people, eight of whom have been employed at the facility for 30 years since it opened. 6262 W. White Road, Oakwood, GA 30566. akzonobel.com

AkzoNobel Celebrates 30 Years

www.goodnewsclinics.org


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CHAMBER CHASEApril 19

Riverside Military Academy5K Run at 6 p.m.

2 Mile Wellness Walk at 6:15 p.m.

Register by April 13 at ChamberChase5K.com

Thank You Training Sponsors Family Life Center • Frances Meadows Center Georgia Mountains YMCA • Hall County Parks & Leisure • Jazzercise • The Body Sanctuary

The VISION 2030 Greenspace Committee recently toured the Atlanta BeltlineAttending the tour was (L-R): VISION 2030 Chair Kelly Miles, Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles; VISION 2030 Vice Chair Carl Romberg, Citisco; RK Whitehead,Whitehead Die Casting; Andrea Timpone, Elachee Nature Science Center; Brent Hoffman, Prudential Georgia Realty, and VISION 2030 Executive Director Meg Nivens (not pictured). The Atlanta Beltline project seeks to preserve the environment and has potential to "transform the City of Atlanta through combined parks and greenspace, transit and trails, transportation and pedestrian access, affordable workforce housing and public art" along 22 miles of historic rail segments and encircle the urban core. The Atlanta beltline will ultimately connect 45 neighborhoods. It is one of the most comprehensive economic development tools ever undertaken in Atlanta. The Greater Hall Chamber's VISION 2030 group views the Beltline as a model of environmental sustainability, effective land use and historic preservation. beltline.org

VISION 2030 Greenspace

www.mcgaritys.com

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Avocado’s RestaurantAlbert Lunalover109 Bradford Street, SEGainesville, GA 30501(770) 532-0001- Restaurant

Baxter's Shirt FactoryGinny Crumley2480 Limestone ParkwayGainesville, GA 30501(770) 532-2453- Retail / Screen Printingbaxtersshirtfactory.com

Control Specialties, Inc. Margie Moschetti2503 Monroe DriveGainesville, GA 30507(770) 532-7736- Retail / Industrialcontrol-specialties.com

Elizabeth Carswell810 Cherokee RoadGainesville, GA 30501(770) 540-6970- Individual Member

Labor of Love Adult CareKaren Romaine Thomas1000 Peachtree Industrial BlvdSuite 6143Suwanee, GA 30024(678) 613-1412- Senior Carelaborofloveadultcare.com

Mountain Fresh Creamery, LLCScott Glover & Jennifer Glover6615 Cleveland HighwayClermont, GA 30527(770) 983-1666- Agribusiness mountainfreshcreamery.com

Paint Recyclers, Inc.Mike Arnett2314 Danbury LaneGainesville, GA 30507(770) 503-0050- Paint Recycling

Patty Walters LaineP.O. Box 3067Gainesville, GA 30503(678) 316-2450- Attorneypattywalterslaine.com

Sheila Sanchez Agent / State Farm Insurance 3030 McEver Rd, Suite 110Gainesville, GA 30504 (718) 687-0661- Insurance

The Gaines Group, LLPSteve Gaines7502 Loch FyuelaColorado Springs, CO 80908(719) 641-2416

Woodmen of the WorldPat Frappampina7401 Lazy Hammock WayFlowery Branch, GA 30542(770) 533-3399- Insurance / Financial Serviceswoodmen.org

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


Welcome New Chamber Members


Recognizing

Small Business of the Year – Family Business of the YearSilver Shovel Award Winners

W.G. Mealor Chairman's Award – Community Service Award

The Board of Directors of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce

Chairman Jay Jacobs, Chairman-Elect Randall Frost

and President & CEO Kit Dunlap invite you to celebrate

Gainesville-Hall County's success over the past year at the

104th Annual Meeting & GalaThursday, May 10, 2012

6:00 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Country Club

Black Tie OptionalCocktails 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Program 7:00 p.m. Reservations Required Michelle Wiley 770-532-6206Email - [email protected] - greaterhallchamber.com

Outdoor Cocktail ReceptionElegant Buffet DinnerJazz Music & Dancing

Cash Bar$75 per person

$125 couple$1000 Table Sponsorship

Sponsored by

AT&TLake Lanier Islands ResortJacobs Media Corporation

Charter Business

www.ddsga.com

The Norton AgencyKey Economic Indicators

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(L-R): Jeff Rice,Eagles Wings; Francois Levesque, Electronic Sales Co.; Program presenters from TRC Staffing Doug Langman, Franchise Owner, and Kathy Parks, Senior Staffing Specialist; Margaret Miller, Applied Images. The next Small Business Seminar is April 10 and will be presented by Bill Lampton, PhD of Championship Communication.

Small Business Success Seminar

AAA Scales & Systems, Inc. is a family owned business operated by Donald Robertson and son, Tim. The company services Georgia poultry, concrete and asphalt businesses and others with industrial scales. With 10 employees, they sell, service and repair scales with a fleet of three large test trucks and five service vehicles. Donald has been in the scale business since 1970, starting his own company in Gainesville in 1993. AAA has seen specific sales growth in the past three years and is proud to be profitable since the beginning of the business. Donald says of being a small business owner, “I can control my own destiny and am able to treat my employees and customers, not just as a number, but as people I really know.” AAA Scales & Systems, Inc., 3212 Harmony Church Road, Gainesville, GA 30507. 770-523-2316. aaascales.com

Small Business of the MonthAAA Scales & Systems

Chamber Chair Jay Jacobs,Jacobs Media, Membership Vice Chair Jimbo Floyd, Turner, Wood & Smith,President/CEO Kit Dunlapwith Donald, Sheila and Tim Robertson of AAA Scales & Systems, Inc.

Advantage Staffing • AT&T • Bennett Family Dentistry • Biotrauma Breakfield & Associates LLC • Charter Business • Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia

Chick-fil-A Stonebridge Crossing • Consumers Life • Delta Community Credit Union Gainesville Coca Cola • Gainesville Eye Associates

Gainesville Heart & Vascular Group • Georgia MedPort • J&J Foods • Jackson EMC Jacobs Media • Lafarge Aggregates • The Longstreet Clinic • Mansfield Energy

McDonald's • Milton Martin Honda • Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic Northeast Georgia Health System • Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Publix • Riverside Military Academy • The Times • Turner, Wood & Smith

Turnstile Deli • United Community Bank • U.S. Army Recruiting • Walgreens WDUN Radio • Wilson Orthodontics

Thank You Chamber Sponsors

Permits Issued - Hall County

Housing Area Permits Feb Feb Jan Total 2012County 2012 2011 2012 2011 YTDBarrow 3 3 3 25 6Dawson 2 1 2 34 4

Gwinnett 62 34 47 555 109Forsyth 99 55 88 1,099 187

Jackson 1 0 1 22 3

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

City 16 97,320 14 70,021 11 136,936 180 132,902 27 117,128

North 30 182,233 30 192,697 17 174,212 384 203,902 47 118,223

East 16 66,720 16 57,340 10 72,274 238 79,629 35 69,497

South 27 121,930 19 146,156 15 114,051 296 131,000 42 167,990

West 43 159,388 42 157,078 37 201,199 558 182,192 80 180,294

PreviousMonth

Jan 2012

7

Latest

February 8OneYearAgo

Feb 2011

7

2011Total

1802012YTD

15

Updated 3/27

The Power To Perform

DatacompiledbytheNortonAgency.Foradditionalinformationorotherdataproducts,pleasecall:

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

Key EconomicIndicators

Greater Hall County

Latest

Feb 2012

7.6PreviousMonth

Jan 2012

8OneYearAgo

Feb 2011

9

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8

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2 0 1 1

EmploymentHall County

Updated 3/27

Area Jobless Rates

GainesvilleCity 8.3

Cherokee 7.6Dawson 8

Forsyth 7

Gwinnett 8

Jackson 9.1

GaMountains 8.2StateofGeorgia 9.2

U.S. 8.8FMAMJJ A S ONDJ F

Perc

ent

LatestFebruary 2012

$199,678,703PreviousMonth

January 2012$255,603,639

OneYearAgo

February 2011$182,708,474

Retail Sales

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

Hall County

Updated 3/27

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Leadership Hall County

Youth Leadership class members (Front, L-R): Emily Bruns, West Hall High School;Gracie Peck, Chestatee; Kylie Gibbs and Trent Kenton, Flower Branch. (Back, L-R): Drew Garland, Flowery Branch; Zach Groover, East Hall; John Stenzel,Gainesville; Tucker Bond, North Hall; Hayden Chapman, East Hall. A tour of the Hall County Detention Center let the group see first-hand the inner workings of the jail with Sheriff Steve Cronic joining the tour to discuss the jail and answer questions regarding his role as sheriff. At Brenau University lunch was sponsored by Breakfield & Associates, LLC. Mark Alexander, Stewart, Melvin & Frost, facilitated discussion on a current event that the class used in a mock trial. At the Hall County Courthouse, Paul House discussed the Gang Task Force. Many thanks to meal sponsors Chick-fil-A of Stonebridge Crossing and Breakfield & Associates.

Youth Leadership HallLeadership Hall Class Member Julia Clay, Brenau University, interacts with calf at Truelove Dairy as part of the Industry Program. The class visited Kubota Manufacturing of America with a tour led by Phil Sutton, Chief Administrative Officer, seeing first-hand the manufacturing of lawn tractors and mowers from start to finish. At Mansfield Energy, John Byrd, Chief Financial Officer, spoke about the company, its vision for the future and how the organization is at the forefront of research and technology for their industry. At Wells Fargo, members of the class heard from Phil Bonelli, VP of Community Banking, on the banking industry's partnership with the Chamber’s Economic Development team. The group toured several industrial parks while Tim Evans, Greater Hall Chamber VP of Economic Development, and Shelley Davis, VP of Existing Industry, talked about the variety of manufacturers and processors we have in Hall County. Truelove Dairy owners Dixie Truelove and Jerry Truelove discussed the agricultural business in Hall County. The program concluded with a reception at the Northeast Georgia History Center, and Glen Kyle, Executive Director, reviewed current exhibits. Many thanks to lunch sponsor Wells Fargo and transportation sponsor Northeast Georgia Health System.

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Meet Barclay Rushton Rushton & Company – Tax Division

Building on historyto grow a future for our clients.

That’s who we are.

Barclay Rushton, founding partner of Rushton & Company,

opened his doors for business more than 30 years ago.

Since then, the firm has opened doors to successful futures

for literally hundreds of businesses and individuals across

North Georgia.

Rushton & Company now numbers over 30

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

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

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

of strategic, world-class service and counsel.

BUSINESS SPECIALTY SEGMENTS

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

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

770.287.7800 | RushtonandCompany.com

www.rushtonandcompany.com

Small Business Marketing Workshop Tuesday, February 14

Marketing TrendsPresented by Gordon Sawyer

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

Business After HoursThursday, February 16

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

Hunt Tower in Downtown Gainesville

Arbor Day CelebrationFriday, February 17

10:00 a.m.Frances Meadows Center

Safe & Green Regional AssemblyFriday, February 24

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

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

Gainesville State College

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

Georgia Mountains Center

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events

Get Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com

U.S.POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT#47

GAINESVILLE,GA

CAR-RTSORT

Thispublicationisprintedonpartiallyrecycledpaper.

Small Business Seminar Tuesday, April 10

Networking to Profit & ProminencePresented by Bill Lampton, PhDChampionship Communication

7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber

South Hall Business CoalitionThursday, April 12

Mitigation Banking by Dr. Steve JonesVP, Environmental Services, Inc.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.Elachee Nature Science Center

Chamber Chase 5K Run/WalkThursday, April 19

6:00 p.m. 5K Runners6:15 p.m. 2 Mile Wellness Walk7:00 p.m. Awards CelebrationRiverside Military Academy

Business After HoursThursday, April 26

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Wilson Orthodontics

New Office in Flowery BranchGreat Food, Fun, Prizes

Hackers Holiday Golf TournamentFriday, April 27

10:00 a.m. Shotgun StartLegacy on Lanier Golf Club

at Lake Lanier Islands Resort

Back Page Ad10 x 7.5

Upcoming Chamber Events

Get Details & Register Online:greaterhallchamber.com

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

your success is our difference

Most banks claim their difference is “customer service”.

At Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia, we focus on customer success.

When you are ready for a banking partner dedicated to your success, call us at (770) 536-0607 or stop by our office located at 643 E. E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville.

chattahoochee Bank of Georgia proudly provided the construction and permanent financing for dr. ron Wilson’s new medical office building on spout springs road.

business link april 2012

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