june chamber chronicle

It is summer! A season of increase and plenty! Gardens have sprung up all around us and once barren fields of dirt are now filling in with vegeta-bles, flowers and all kinds of things. What a wonderful (and very hot) time of year.

It truly is a time of growth for everything around us, includ-ing your chamber of com-merce.

This summer, the chamber’s board of directors has commit-ted to growing our member-ship, and our Summer

Membership Drive has official-ly kicked off!

For the next three months we are aggressively growing our chamber’s membership. You (dear member) have a chance to gain from the chamber’s growth and help in the process.

What’s in it for you? You know you want to know.

For every new business member you bring in, you will receive:

Two complimentary lunches at our monthly membership lun-cheon. (Who says there is no

such thing as a free lunch?)

You and your new member will be recognized during new

The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

Edition Highlights:

June 2011Post Office Box 299292 Hwy. 400, North

Dawsonville, GA 30534(706) 265-6278

• Service members honored

• Leadership Dawson class celebrates graduation

• Mountains on My Mind is Saturday

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR STEPHANIE MATHIS

Mathis

Remember, to everything there is a season

See SEASON | 2

Hundreds flock to Spring Fling eventBy Michele [email protected]

Near perfect weather brought hun-dreds of visitors to downtown Dawsonville for the annual Spring Fling festival.

Formerly known as Art in the Garden, the two-day event was held at the Bowen Center for the Arts on May 7 and 8.

Now in its 10th year, the event fea-tured dozens of vendors and artists from across the Southeast offering

made-in-America arts and crafts, food, music and rides, as well as a large selection of gardening supplies.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said Andrea McKinzie, who was manning the Dawson County Humane Society booth at the festival. “It’s abso-lutely beautiful outside.”

As in years past, the children’s area was a popular attraction.

Dressed in full clown costumes, Dawson County High School

See FLING | 3

Michele Hester Dawson Community News

Donna Chester transforms 4-year-old Tanner Keylon into a tiger at the face painting booth at Spring Fling last month in Dawsonville.

School is out and chil-dren will soon be bored and out of town guests will be expecting you to entertain them. With household budgets becoming tighter and tighter, folks will be look-ing for innovative and affordable ways to enjoy their summer vaca-tions and activities with-out breaking the bank.

Gas prices are almost $1 higher than a year ago, thus it costs nearly $80 for the average vehicle to pull away from the gas pump. In order to stretch the time between fill-ups, “Stay-cations” and “Quarter Tank Trips” are the

answer.With all

of that in mind, your events council of the cham-ber has planned a new festi-

val, called “Mountains on my Mind.” The event will bring together a number of attractions, activities and lodging from not only Dawson County, but the sur-rounding Northeast Georgia Mountain region. Our part of the state is blessed with diverse tourism ameni-ties and we want to be

sure that you know of the many things to see and do close to home.

Have you always wanted to take a white water rafting trip but just weren’t sure where to go or who to call? What about a guided fishing trip on private water or exploring a for-est by horseback? Are you a baseball fan? If so, have you toured the Ty Cobb Museum? What about our own Georgia Racing Hall of Fame? Do you have an affinity for pottery, art and handmade gifts? No matter what your interest you can proba-bly find it close to home.

There will be an inflat-able slide for the chil-dren to enjoy, an event t-shirt for your consider-ation and of course good food. There will be a number of booths to visit as you plan your summer fun.

Plan to come and chat with representa-tives from area attrac-tions and find out first-hand what they offer. So stop by the chamber from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11 and join in the festi-val atmosphere.

In case you haven’t been to our new loca-tion, we are at 292 Hwy. 400 North, which is just north of the

Hwy. 53 intersection. As they say, you can’t

miss us, just look for the village of tents on our lawn. There is plenty of parking on the adjacent lot and in the shopping center lot. See you

Saturday!If you are not a mem-

ber already, won’t you join us?

2 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com JUNE 2011

I’m bored, where can we go?

Williams

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE LINDA WILLIAMS

member introductions.A photo of you and your new

member in the Chamber Chronicle (great free publicity).

Your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall (Shopping! This really speaks for itself.).

There is no limit to the number of new business members you can bring in and you will receive the above rewards every single time.

We will draw the gift card win-ner at the end of August. Oh, wouldn’t it be just great to win that gift card, just in time for Labor Day shopping.

I strongly believe this is one of the best investments any business

can make. The benefits are great: Many monthly networking opportu-nities, annual events including Business Expo and the Annual Gala, ChamberMaster Web site, referrals from the chamber office and much more all with a mem-bership in the premier business organization in Dawson County. We give you opportunities for growth.

It has been a while since any of

us have had the opportunity to think about growth. Now is the time, as you begin to grow (or re-grow) your business, to really use your chamber membership. Come to our events, bring someone with you and work the room meeting new people. Get some new busi-ness. This is what it is all about.

As our economy begins to rebound, your chamber of com-merce is planning for the months and years to come. We are always looking for new ways to help you, our members. If you think we are doing a good job, tell a friend or two … or 10.

If you see room for improve-ment, let us know. We are here for and because of you, our loyal members.

Have a safe, happy and healthy summer and look forward to see-ing you at the next chamber event.

James AskewUnited Community Bank

Brooke Anderson (ex-officio)Etowah Water and Sewer Authority

Pat Zebbia AndersonAnderson Family Medicine

Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio)Development Authority of Dawson County, exec-utive director

Jennifer Baker (2012 chair elect)United Community Bank

Mike Berg (ex-officio)Dawson County Board of Commissioners

Carla BoutinState Farm Insurance

Doris CookEtowah Water and Sewer Authority

James Grogan (ex-officio)Dawsonville City Council

Kathy Fuller K.C. Fuller and Associates

Peter HillHill Design Associates Architects

Warren KingIndividual

Stephanie Mathis (2011 chair)Bank of the Ozarks

Kristie MyersThe Norton Agency

Keith Porter (ex-officio)Dawson County schools

Denny PutlakDenny Insurance Group

Carol TygerAmbassador representative

Mike Underwood (2010 chairman)First Citizens Bank of Georgia

Jay WalkerKroger

Linda Williams (ex-officio)Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

Gloria WyattNorthside Hospital-Forsyth

DAWSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FROM 1

Season‘Now is the time, as you begin to grow (or re-grow) your business, to really use your chamber membership.’

dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 3JUNE 2011

June 9: Join the chamber at noon at the Lakeview Center for the monthly lun-cheon. The guest speaker will be Lisa Oden of REDataCenter. She will be speaking about the Residential Real Estate Market and how it is an indicator of the local economy. You may register on line at www.dawson.org. Click the Chamber of Commerce link and go down to Event Registration. Click: Membership Luncheon and follow the steps. For more informa-tion, call (706) 265-6278.

June 9: The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will offer the following classes: Myths & Realities of Financing and Grants from 5 to 7 p.m. ($35 per person) and Alternative Financing in Today’s Market Place (What’s Available When the Bank Says No) from 10 a.m. until noon on June 16 (free). Both events will be held at the Gainesville SBDC offices at The Featherbone Communiversity, 999 Chestnut Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. Pre-registration is required.

Myths & Realities of Financing & Grants will give participants an overview of the lending environment in Georgia with dis-cussion of myths in the financing process, common barriers faced, lending programs available, development of a business plan or loan proposal, and strategy for access-ing capital. Cost is $35 per person and pre-registration is required. Register online at www.georgiasbdc.org or contact Morgan Blakley at (770) 531-5681 for more information.

Alternative Financing in Today’s Market Place (What’s Available When the Bank Says No) discusses the use of working capital term loans to finance day-to-day operations. There is no cost for the pro-gram, however, pre-registration is required. Register online at www.geor-giasbdc.org or contact Morgan Blakley at (770) 531-5681 for more information.

June 11: Georgia Mountains on My Mind Festival at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event is region-al and is designed to help you plan your summer activities and mountain vacation. The Georgia Mountains on My Mind Festival will feature representatives from area attractions and lodging, as well as

vendors selling wares, giving demonstra-tions and offering interactive activities – all contributing to a party-down atmosphere while providing exposure for the business-es that make the North Georgia Mountains the place to be. Retro-style t-shirts showcasing a vivid logo depicting the spirit of the North Georgia Mountains will be available for sale. There will be food vendors, activities for children, includ-ing a petting zoo and more. Call (706) 265-6278 for more information.

June 17: Dawson County Family Connection invites you to attend the “Celebrity Waiter Fundraiser” breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Longhorn Steakhouse of Dawsonville. For informa-tion on purchasing advance tickets call (706) 265-1981 or tickets may be pur-chased at the door.

June 19: Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads!

June 28: Lily Creek Lodge will host Business after Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. The facility is located at 2608 Auraria Road in Dahlonega. Come explore the most charm-ing Bed & Breakfast in Northeast Georgia. Visit www.lilycreeklodge.com for more infor-mation. Special thanks to the Business After Hours cash drawing sponsors: Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, Kristie Myers-The Norton Agency, Barbara Roberts-Wellness and Weddings, and United Community Bank-James Askew. You must be present to win if your name is drawn. The amount is at $1,075!

Ongoing summer events

• The Dawson County Library has events planned for the entire summer break. Contact Sarah Burgess at (706) 344-3690, Ext. 20 for more information.

• Be sure to check out www.dawson-arts.org for all of the exciting summer events planned at the Bowen Center for the Arts. There is more to art than you expect.

• 2011 Concert Series “Twilight at the Terraces” at Big Canoe Chapel Amphitheater. Relax and enjoy the won-derful music as you sit under the stars. Visit http://bigcanoechapel.org for a sched-ule of entertainment.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Juniorettes Rima Momim and Delany Enrico kept the little ones entertained.

“We have pony rides, a sand box and face painting,” said Momim, as she directed the crowd to the area and sold raf-fle tickets for their organi-zation.

Organizers said several hundred people attended the event that raises money for the Dawson County Arts Council and its community initiatives.

FROM 1

Fling

Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News

Vendors offered a large selection of garden art, accessories and flow-ers at the Dawson County Art’s Council’s Spring Fling festival last month. Below, dressed in full clown costumes, Dawson County High School Juniorettes Rima Momim, left, and Delany Enrico dressed as clowns for the children attending the event.

By Frank [email protected]

More than 100 peo-ple gathered at Veterans Memorial Park last month to honor military person-nel who have laid down their lives for the country.

Keynote speaker and veteran Bill Sexton described Memorial Day as a “time of remem-brance for those who have died in our nation’s service.”

“We need to keep this day alive and honor our fallen veterans,” he said.

The annual holiday ser-vice also featured the changing of the flags and a 21-gun salute.

Master of ceremonies Wayne Watkins, state president of the Vietnam Veterans of America,

said it’s important to bring “newer generations out to remember what veterans sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy.”

Pam Hamalianen, president of the Veterans Affairs of Dawson County, said the annual gathering is an important one.

“If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we have,”

she said. “So why not honor those who have given to us?”

Originally known as Decoration Day to remember soldiers killed in the Civil War, Memorial Day was first observed as a national holiday in 1971.

A memorial wall at the local park has paid tribute for more than two decades to veter-ans killed in service.



Members of the Rotary Club of Dawson County and many others showed up for a game of golf May 9 during the organization’s annual tour-nament.

Held at Crystal Falls Golf Club in Dawsonville, the event is the yearly fundraiser for many causes within the community.

Rotary member Will Wade said it’s “one of the largest community efforts…and it helps a whole cross section of Dawson County. I’m hon-ored to be a part of it.”

Proceeds went to WEE Books, the arts council, Good Shepherds Clinic, St. Vincent de Paul, United Way and RIC Rack.

The 19th annual tournament kicked off at noon, and several dozen play-ers zoomed off in golf carts to hit the green.

The event included a box lunch, dinner, goody bag and prizes for first and second place gross and net, plus

chances to win great prizes for holes-in-one, closest to the pin and longest drive.

For more information about Rotary Club of Dawson County, call Kathy Fuller at (706) 216-4806.

Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

Golfers line up for the Rotary Club of Dawson County’s annual tourna-ment May 9 at Crystal Falls Golf Club.

Teeing off for a cause

Andrew Twynham prepares to putt the ball May 9 during the 19th annual Rotary Club of Dawson County golf tournament at Crystal Falls Golf Club.

Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

More than 100 people attended the Memorial Day event last month.

Veterans celebrated

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

P.O Box 1096137 Prominence Court

Suite 240Dawsonville, GA 30534


By Michele [email protected]

Growing up in Atlanta, Joyce Harris remembers being “courted” at the world-famous Varsity on North Avenue.

“When I dated, we would always go to the Varsity,” the Cumming woman said. “I’ve been waiting 20-something years for today, so I had to be here before they opened.”

Harris was among about four dozen people waiting outside when the Varsity Jr. opened May 9 in Dawsonville.

“Nobody believed I’d do it and be here — somebody take my picture,” she said.

It was childhood memories that brought Frank Huber of Dawsonville and friend Jason Jarrett to the new eat-ery at 6 a.m. They were first in line.

Huber said he always looked for-ward to special shopping trips to Atlanta with his family, because he knew he’d get to go to the Varsity.

“We’d get a new pair of blue jeans and a new pair of shoes, and then we’d go to Varsity to eat and that was the big deal,” Huber said. “I mean that was something back then.”

That so many Georgians have mem-ories of the Varsity was part of the lure of a Dawsonville site, according to company president Gordon Muir.

“When we built the store in Alpharetta, we kind of had that feeling that people really didn’t know what the Varsity was – the demographic was a little different,” Muir said. “We felt like up here, there are a lot more born and raised Georgians, and I think that’s going to be really beneficial for us — having the people with the his-tory.”

The 4,550-square-foot restaurant near Ga. 400 and Carlisle Road features a new layout that is com-plemented by fixtures and décor typical of Varsity in Atlanta.

Varsity Jr. also hired about 30 new, local employees.

Varsity Jr. opens in Dawson


Manager Steve Holder and longtime Varsity employee Douglas Bibbs take orders as the crowds filed in for the opening of the Varsity Jr. in Dawsonville in early May.

By Michele Hester [email protected]

Before the first lap around the track, organizers were celebrating a suc-cessful Relay for Life in Dawson County.

“We went into the evening a couple thousand dollars above our $60,000 goal,” said Jay Walker, campaign chairman. “Early on, we said we’d be ecstatic if we hit $70,000.”

By the end of the night May 20, $81,575 had been raised toward finding a cure for cancer.

“That’s just the money we had in hand. We know more will be coming in,” he said.

In a time when corporate sponsor-ships are down due to the economy, Walker credited the campaign’s suc-cess to the three dozen teams who signed up for the event and champi-oned the cause.

“The teams made it happen this year,” he said.

Team booths offered a variety of activities and entertainment for the entire family, ranging from a cake

walk and video game contest to face painting, food and a mock jail where those “arrested” paid a $5 bail to be released.

Paying his fee, Spencer Wright said he and his family attend Relay for Life every year to support friends, family and co-workers who have battled cancer.

“Cancer has really touched the lives of so many people and we’re just here to support them all,” he said.

The evening began with more than 100 cancer survivors taking a lap around the track.

Among the survivors was Rhonda Stone, who for the third consecutive year walked the entire 12 hours.

Walker said event organizers enjoyed holding the event at the track, where luminaries encircled the field and spelled out “hope” in the concrete bleachers in memory of those who have lost the fight with cancer.

“[The luminary service] was more moving and better than any church service I’ve ever been to,” he said.

Relay for Life exceeds goal by more than $21K


Spencer Wright, who was “arrested” the night of May 20 at Relay for Life, pays $5 bail to Justin Power at the Dawson County Clerk of Court booth at the event.


Dawson County Schools honored some of its best and brightest recently during an awards ceremony at the high school.

Senior Honors Night featured the presenta-tion of more than $65,000 in scholarship dollars from local groups, funds and busi-nesses.

Dawson County High School Counselor Cherie Ferguson welcomed the crowd of nearly 500 to the high school commons area, where about 30 students were present-ed with scholarships to jumpstart their post-secondary education.

“They get rewarded for their hard work and accomplishment throughout their aca-demic careers,” Ferguson said. “The night is to recognize the achievements of our seniors.”

Principal Jute Wilson thanked attendees during the May 5 ceremony.

“There is no greater investment than giving to the future of Dawson County, and that’s what this is all about,” Wilson said.


… Don’t miss the Georgia Mountains on My Mind Festival, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 11 at the chamber office.

… Past issues of the Dawson County Chamber Chronicle can be found on the chamber’s Web site, www.dawson.org.

Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.


After months of classes, homework, field trips and a group service project, 26 local men and women are now grad-uates of the 2011 Leadership Dawson class.

A ceremony May 17 at the Lakeview Center celebrated the accomplishment and awarded the graduates for their commit-ment to leadership in Dawson County.

Georgia’s House Speaker David Ralston served as the event’s keynote speaker, offering words of encouragement to the class.

“I came down here tonight to congratulate you, because this is a big deal,” Ralston said. “I know the experience you have had this year is one that you will benefit from and draw from for years to come and on through

the rest of your lives.”Established in 1992 as a joint

program between the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the local University of

Georgia Extension Office, more than 150 local citizens have graduated from the program.

Topics covered during the three month course include lead-ership development skills, as well as local demographics, econom-ic development, communication and education.

Participants also become famil-iar with the needs and opportuni-ties for service in the county. This year’s class took that knowledge and provided a leisure area for the local senior center at Veterans Memorial Park.

The class chose Clint Bearden to speak on their behalf during the ceremony.

“It’s an honor for every one of us to call ourselves a graduate of this program,” Bearden said. “We’re excited to not only put this on our resume, but also to go forward as leaders of our com-munity, of our county.”

As the evening came to a

close, the group also recognized an individual who was part of the initial push to start a leader-ship program in Dawson County.

County extension agent Clark Beusse has been involved with each class since the program’s inception.

“We’ve had 187 leaders graduate from this program and Clark has impacted every single one of them,” said program co-chair Peter Hill.

Beusse, who plans to retire soon, was awarded a plaque of gratitude for his contribu-tions to Leadership Dawson.

Locals aspire to lead

Georgia’s House Speaker David Ralston was the key-note speaker at last month’s Leadership Dawson gradua-tion ceremony.


Buffie Hamil was one of more than two dozen graduates in the 2011 Leadership Dawson class. A commencement cere-mony was held May 17.

Seniors shine at honors night

File photo

Senior Honors Night featured the presenta-tion of more than $65,000 in scholarship dollars.


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Visit us online at www.northside.com.



A newly opened shop on the down-town Dawsonville square offers a selection of fresh breads at discounted prices.

“We’re really here to help families with their grocery bills,” said owner Jeni Neal. “Bread just costs so much.”

Originally from Florida, Neal said shops similar to Jeni’s Bread Basket can be found across the sunshine state.

The store has a variety of fresh, namebrand breads and also offers cookies, snacks and cereal.

“A lot of people think we’re a bak-ery, which we are not. I’m not sure how that rumor started,” Neal laughed. “And they also think of a dis-

count bread store as day old bread, which we also are not.”

Neal said she receives deliveries of fresh products twice a week.

“What we have is fresh that is not going to expire soon,” she said.

Business has steadily increased since opening about a month ago.

“Our specialty breads, like our whole grains, are flying off the shelves,” she said.

There is also a section of the shop dedicated to local growers and bak-ers.

“I wanted to keep this area authen-tic,” Neal said.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, call (706) 216-7675.


Jeni Neal, owner of Jeni’s Bread Basket, showcases a selection of special-ty breads available at the downtown Dawsonville shop.

Shop offers bread, snacks at discount


Dawson County Chamber of Commerce members enjoyed an eve-ning lawn party May 24 when Hill Design Associates Architects spon-sored the group’s monthly business after hours event.

“I feel like we are kicking off summer tonight with this great weather, the band and some great food,” said Stephanie Mathis, chair of the chamber’s board of directors.

“These types of events are exact-ly what your chamber of commerce is all about—to get people together to network and talk,” she added.

Following dinner catered by co-sponsor Longhorn Steakhouse, the chamber gave away several door prizes donated by member busi-nesses and ended the evening with

the much anticipated cash prize drawing.

The cash drawing is sponsored monthly by Dr. Larry Anderson of Anderson Family Medicine, Barbara Roberts with Wellness and Weddings, James Askew with United Community Bank and Kristie Myers of the Norton Agency.

If Carl Volk of Grace Therapy Inc. had been present at the event, he would have left $1,000 wealth-ier.

The cash drawing will be $1,075 when the chamber meets from 5 to 7 p.m. June 28 at Lily Creek Lodge for the next after hours event.

Lily Creek Lodge is located at 2608 Auraria Road, Dahlonega.

For more information, call the lodge at (706) 864-6848 or the chamber at (706) 265-6278.

Chamber has lawn party for business after hours


Inez Couch, her husband Bob Couch and Tom Quintrell were among more than 100 members and guests at the chamber’s May Business After Hours.


Walk-in visitors: 522 Newcomer packages: 27

Special thanks to the following members that renewed memberships last month:

MEMBER RENEWALS

NEW MEMBERS

MONTHLY TOTALS

Thank YouChamber Building Fund

Sponsors

PropertyInvestmentAssociates

• Trend Storage• Cover to Cover Used Books• ANH Collision Specialist LLC• Kristie Myers, The Norton Agency• Scrubs-n-Things• Sun Trust Bank• David Wallace & Associates, PC• Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc.

The Atlanta Sports AcademyChristopher Williams(706) 216-7827330 Village Dr.Dawsonville, GA [email protected]: Nonprofit organization

Creative Visions SalonDebby Hale(706) 531-00393 Hwy. 9 SouthDawsonville, GA [email protected]: Hair Salon

Stacy’s PlumbingStacy Givens(770) 877-4464174 Stacy LaneDawsonville, GA [email protected]: Plumbing


AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH: ANDY CLEMENS

New Ambassador welcomedAMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT


The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program recently welcomed Cheryl Dowdy to the volunteer group.

Dowdy represents Bojangles in Dawsonville, where she is a shift manager and handles the eatery’s marketing.

Dowdy said the restaurants involvement with the chamber has been a huge asset to the busi-ness that opened in October 2009.

“We joined the chamber for advertising and to get more involved with our community,” she said.

“We love the chamber’s Web site where we post all of our specials. The chamber’s also intro-

duced us to many community events, which allows us to be more involved.”

Dowdy and her husband Brandon have a two year old daughter named Alexis. The couple lives in Dawsonville.

The group would also like to congratulate three ambassadors that recently graduated from Leadership Dawson 2011: Angela Harben, Mandy Power and Carol Tyger.

Ambassadors are an elite group of volunteer chamber members who act as liaisons between the business community and the organization.

They attend ribbon cuttings, grand opening celebrations and volunteer at chamber functions.

For more information on the ambassador pro-gram, call (706) 265-6278.

Name: Andy ClemensAge: 63Originally from Thomaston,

Clemens has lived in Dawson County since 1987.

He moved to the north Georgia area in 1966 when he enrolled at North Georgia College & State University.

A retired teacher, Clemens holds bachelor degrees in mathematics and accounting, as well as a master’s in educa-tion, all from North Georgia College & State University.

He currently works part time at Liberty Tax Service.

On June 12, he and his wife Linda will celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary. The cou-ple has eight grandchildren that live in Forsyth and Hall coun-ties.

Clemens is active at Grace Presbyterian Church where he serves as treasurer.

He said he’s been busy lately “working on getting a play-ground built for the church.”

For the Dawson Community News

Andy Clemens was named the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month during the group’s May 25 breakfast meeting. Ambassador co-chair Angela Harben presented Clemens with a gift certificate for his hard work promoting the chamber.

By Michele Hester [email protected]

A Dawson County man was recently elected to lead a foundation that sup-ports Lanier Technical College.

Kevin Tanner, 39, who has served as vice chair-man of the college’s foun-dation board of trustees for the past 18 months, will begin his one-year term as chairman July 1.

He succeeds Gary Smith, who served as chair for three years and will remain on the board.

“I’m a strong believer in technical education, because not everyone is suited to attend college,” Tanner said. “Technical schools fill a great void between that high school education and the folks fur-thering their education at the college level.”

The foundation helped coordinate the site for Lanier Tech’s new Dawson campus with the county, city of Dawsonville, local school system and state.

The property is next to Dawson County Middle School.

“Hopefully, by summer of next year, we’ll be moving into the new technical col-lege in town,” Tanner said. “It’s just a great opportunity for Dawsohn County resi-dents.

“I think you’re going to see more and more of a partnership between the technical colleges and the high schools for more high school students to attend and get credit at both lev-

els.”Russell Vandiver, president

of the college, welcomed Tanner to the foundation’s helm.

“He has brought energy and vision to the foundation board of trustees in his capacity of vice chair this past year,” Vandiver said.

“We know that will con-tinue as he leads this board of 21 business, industry and community leaders as they seek funds and dona-tions to benefit the students of Lanier Tech and support the growth of the college’s mission of work force devel-opment.”

Tanner’s relationship with Lanier Tech began more than 20 years ago, when he enrolled in the school’s emergency medical tech-nician program.

“Lanier Tech’s a great technical school and has a great reputation across the state,” he said.

The foundation also raises funds for scholar-ships, having awarded more than $70,000 to students this year.

Tanner said the founda-tion expects to help more students who could lose funding midway through their studies due to recent changes to the HOPE Scholarship.

“I think this is an oppor-tunity for the community, any business or any indi-vidual, who has an inter-est in seeing the founda-tion successful, to step up and fill that void through charitable donations,” Tanner said.

County manager to chair foundation



Dawsonville’s storied racing history revved up as volunteers with the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame celebrat-ed the museum’s grand reopening May 28.

“We’re very proud of what we have here in Dawsonville,” said Gordon Pirkle, president of the hall of fame.

“This is the best kept secret in Dawsonville. People just don’t know what all is in here.”

The grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony followed about two years of renovations to the museum, which pays tributes to Dawsonville’s racing contributions.

Exhibits cover everything from the early moonshine haulers who spawned what would become NASCAR to local young drivers who keep the sport alive.

The museum also showcases former champion Bill Elliott’s rise to fame and details a timeline of his Dawson County family’s success in the sport.

An area of the museum was recently

dedicated to the racing legend’s son Chase, who at age 15, has already made a name for himself driving for Hendricks Motorsports.

Dawsonville’s Spencer Davis, a 12-year-old Pro Trucks Series and Limited Late Model driver who signed autographs Saturday, said the hall of fame’s commitment to young racers made him proud to have the museum in his hometown.

“I think it’s real cool that I get to be in the museum,” he said.

Mayor Joe Lane Cox called the reopening “a great day for Dawsonville and a great day for Dawson County.”

“I’m really proud of all the volun-teers. All that you see here today is put together by volunteers,” he said.

Mayor Pro-tem James Grogan, who represents the city on the museum’s board, said Dawsonville should expect an influx of visitors to follow.

“I believe with the addition of the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery com-ing in October, people will be coming into the city and wanting to participate in things that are going on.”


Dawson County Emergency Services Lt. Ricky Rexroat, from left, EMT Brian DeLong and Capt. Jamerson Kerby grill hotdogs for a cookout May 16 at Fire Station 1 in recognition of National EMS Appreciation Week.

Museum reopens


Dozens of volunteers joined in to cut the celebratory ribbon signifying the grand re-opening of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame on May 28.

From staff reports

The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce plans to increase membership this summer and needs your help.

According to the chamber’s member-ship committee: “No one can sell the ben-efits of membership in our organization better than you, the primary stakeholder in our organization.”

In order to bring in more premium mem-bers, the chamber is asking current mem-bers to share their chamber success story with business contacts and invite them to join.

For every new business member you bring in, you will receive two complimen-tary lunches to the next monthly member-ship meeting. The complimentary lunches may be used for you and your new mem-ber, or you may invite someone else.

Both you and your new member will be

recognized during the new member intro-ductions at the luncheon.

New individual and non-profit member-ships are not included, but current individ-ual and non-profit members are encour-aged to participate in the membership drive.

A photograph of you and your new business recruit will also be published in the Chamber Chronicle.

There is no limit to the number of new business members you can recruit.

For each new member you bring in, your name will go into a drawing for a $100 gift card to North Georgia Premium Outlets. The drawing will be held at the conclusion of the summer mem-bership drive, which runs through Aug. 31.

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

Summer membership drive includes incentives

Emergency personnel honored



More than 50 people took to the streets May 7 for the Dawson County Kiwanis Club’s annual Thunder Road 5K and 10 K runs.

Proceeds from the event benefit sev-eral Kiwanis Club sponsored children’s charities, including the Rainbow Children’s Home.

Dawson County High School cross country team members Jonathan Erickson and Morgan Collette won the 5K men’s and women’s event respec-tively.

“This is a fun race I wanted to do,” said Erickson. “It’s relatively flat. I’ve actually ran worse than that running cross country through town.”

Collette said she had hoped for a quicker time, but will take her 24:20 first place in the women’s division.

“I wanted to do a little bit better over-all, but I was happy,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind being in the 23s.”

Meredith Edwards, 10, of Cumming was the overall 10K winner.

The race also brought out a number

of first-time 5K competitors, who were awarded with plaques for their efforts.

For more information about the Kiwanis Club, visit www.DawsonCountyKiwanis.org.


More than 50 people participated in the Dawson County Kiwanis Club 5/10K runs May 7 in downtown Dawsonville.

Kiwanis races benefit local children’s home

Meredith Edwards, 10, of Cumming was the overall 10K winner in the Kiwanis Club Thunder Road Race on May 7.


Several local women were treat-ed like stars when celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo visited Lava Hair Studio last month.

Arrojo, who was at the salon to promote his new line of profession-al hair products, is known for his work on TLC’s “What Not to Wear,” a makeover series that focuses on positive life changes.

“I think it’s very important to show the positive side of hair-dressing. A haircut can change the way you look, change the way you feel, the way you com-municate, your skill set,” Arrojo said.

Owner and stylist Karen Covington said she was excited to welcome Arrojo to her salon.

“This is a big day for us. I’m excit-ed to bring this to the community,” she said.

After watching Arrojo on televi-sion, Carol Michaelson, a local real estate agent, said she wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to have him cut her hair.

“We’ve watched him on television week after week after week, and it was always fun on TV to see the before and after,” she said. “I get a lot of compliments on my hair, so I wanted to see what he would do different. It’s always fun to get some-one new to do your hair.”

Pleased with the results, Michaelson plans to visit Arrojo at his New York salon later this year.

“I’d like to go back and say hello and if he’s got time, maybe he can touch it up a little while we’re there,” she said.

Arrojo and Covington met at a salon in Cobb County several years ago. Having his products in Covington’s salon was an ideal part-

nership, he said.“She is so passionate and she’s so

committed to her business, and she’s very committed to Arrojo and she’s been a big supporter,” he said. “So it’s logical to show my support and come to the salon and hang out and work with her team and try to inspire them to keep the good stuff going.”

Covington said she was honored to welcome Arrojo and his talent to her salon.

“It’s just an honor when you’ve done hair for almost 20 years to actually have someone take a min-ute to notice who allows you to shine even more,” she said.


Carol Michaelson was one of sev-eral local women getting star treatment when celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo, of TLC’s “What Not to Wear” fame, was in Dawsonville on May 10 offering haircuts at Lava Hair Studio, one of only a few salons in the state where his professional hair care line is sold.

Celebrity stylist visits local salon



The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has big plans for its inaugu-ral Mountains on My Mind Festival, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11 at chamber headquarters off Ga. 400.

The event is scheduled to feature food vendors, activities for children, including a petting zoo and more.

Billed as a regional event, the festival will feature representatives and vendors from surrounding counties and destina-tions as well.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout,” said Vice President Marty Williams. “We hope the success of this year’s event will build in coming years as well.”

Williams said it will feature “a good cross section of participants and ven-dors.”

The event’s aim, he said, is to pro-vide entertainment and education regarding the attractions that can be

found all around Northeast Georgia.He said the chamber’s new location

on Ga. 400 shouldn’t hurt attendance.“All those 30,000 cars that go by

on Saturday mornings headed to the mountains…some of them know what they’re going to do and some of them don’t,” he said.

“If we can get them in for the festival, we can tell them what all there is to do in the mountains,” he added.

Williams had pitched the idea to the Northeast Georgia Travel Association — which includes the 17 counties in Northeast Georgia.

“They all seemed to love the idea, so hopefully it’s going to take some good shape. We’re looking forward to it,” he said.

Those visiting may also learn informa-tion for current or future trips to the mountains including family vacations, reunions and group getaways.

For more information about the Mountains on My Mind Festival, call (706) 265-6278, or visit www.daw-son.org.


Dawson County residents can watch local “celebrities” try their hand at wait-ing tables during the third annual Dawson County Family Connection Celebrity Waiter Breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. June 17 at Longhorn Steakhouse.

Last year’s event raised more than $3,000 for the nonprofit organization.

Nancy Stites, director of Family Connection, said more than 200 din-ers attended last year’s event, which featured waiters such as Commission

Chairman Mike Berg, Superintendent Keith Porter and Coroner Ted Bearden.

With a buffet-style breakfast of bis-cuits, eggs, bacon and sausage, celebrity waiters juggle the tasks of tak-ing and delivering drink orders, clear-ing plates and resetting tables.

As part of a statewide initiative of community collaborative partnerships, Dawson County Family Connection brings together community partners to help address the challenges facing chil-dren and families.

For more information, visit www.gafcp.org/fcnetwork/dawson

Celebrity Waiter event coming up

New fest this weekend


For an afternoon of food, fireworks and fun, one need look no further than Rock Creek Park for an Independence Day celebration.

On July 2, Dawson Day Sparks in the Park is scheduled — an event that offers free entertainment for the entire family.

Gates open at 5 p.m., the band starts playing at 6 p.m. and fire-works start when it gets dark.

Sponsored by Dawson County and Dawson Community News, the gathering “is a wonderful opportuni-ty for families to come out and have a good time without spending a lot of money,” said Cathy Brooks, spokesperson for Dawson County Government.

Music and fireworks are free, but

there will also be food and crafts vendors on hand.

Brooks said the event has gained popularity.

“Every year it has gotten bigger and bigger than the year before,” she said.

One of the draws, she added, is the dunk tank.

“I’m working on getting together some local celebrities right now to volunteer for that,” she said.

Added Brooks: “People can come and enjoy the food, spread out a blanket and chill out for a while.”

Brooks also said that there are a few vendor spots still available. Those interested in selling or showcasing their wares, should contact Buffie Hamil at (706) 344-3646.

For more information about the event, visit www.dawsoncounty.org.

Sparks in the Park is July 2

Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

STUDENTS TOUR POOL ROOMStudents from Christy Perry’s fourth grade Robinson Elementary class enjoy a game of billiards at the Dawsonville Pool Room. Fourth graders from the school visit the restaurant on a field trip once a year.


Open to the public every Sunday from 11:30am to 2:30pm and served in our Hideaway Dining room (one of 4 dining rooms on site). Come and join us for a southern comfort food dining experience! Featuring fresh vegetables from

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mashed potatoes with gravy, salad bar and so much more.

Adults: $11.95 Seniors: $10.75Children 4-11: $5.98

3 & Under FREEUnlimited Tea or Soft Drinks $1.50

Reservations are not required, however it is best to call ahead with groups of 10 or more. Th is dining room is also available any time by group reservation. Call and reserve

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june chamber chronicle

Documents

new member

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dawson county high school

member newsletter

chambers membership

dear member

leadership dawson class

summer membership drive