july 2010 chamber chronicle

Again, I would like toremind everyone that weare your Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce. Weare here to support you, ourlocal businesses and indi-vidual members.

We spend a good amountof income advertising

Dawson County throughoutthe state by a variety ofmeans, including numerouspublications.

If we can get folks here,then it is a “slam dunk” thatthe hospitality of our localbusinesses, neighbors andour quality of life here will

keep them coming back.We are excited at the

chamber about projects thatare in the works that will bebeneficial to our members.We should be able toannounce those projects innext month’s article.

So be on stand by.

One project we havetaken on this month washosting the local candidatedebate. I would like tothank Charlie Auvermannand his committee for thework they did putting thisdebate together. We think itis important that all of our

candidates have a forum soeach of us may examinethem more closely.

Let’s remember July 20. This is a time we have

our say-so in the leadershipof our county, our state and

By Frank [email protected]

Visitors numbering thousandsflocked to the annual Sparks inthe Park Independence Day cele-bration on July 3 at Rock CreekPark in Dawson County.

The gathering featured food,activities, games and fireworks.

Linda Williams, president of theDawson County Chamber ofCommerce, said the event was “agreat coming together of business-

es and other supporters ... andsuch a terrific fireworks display.”

Dawson County resident DanielHiggins, who attended for the sec-ond straight year, had a blast.

“You name me one place that’smore American than Daw-sonville,” Higgins said. “Youknow what? Don’t even try. Youcan’t do it.”

Higgins wasn’t the only onepsyched about the event.

The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

July 2010

D A W S O N C O U N T Y

Post Office Box 299“Old Jail” west of the square

Dawsonville, GA 30534(706) 265-6278

Outlet offers affordable,

quality menswear

Fourth event brings crowd

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Underwood

Chamber supports residents in the county

See CHAMBER | 6

See FOURTH | 6

Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

Natasha Winters throws hamburgers on the grill at the annual Sparks in the Park cel-ebration recently at Rock Creek Park.

You mayhave heard thebig announce-ment that yourDawsonCountyChamber ofCommerceBoard ofDirectors hasmade the deci-sion to purchase a build-ing in the Ga. 400 corri-dor and soon we willhave relocated yourchamber offices and thewelcome center.

Feedback from you,our members, throughsurveys and conversa-tions indicate that themajority of you favorrelocation to a largerfacility and one that isin a high traffic area.For more on the pur-chase go to dawson-news.com.

The staff and I areworking vigorously

toward the moveand we are look-ing ahead to big-ger and betterthings for ourorganization. Inaddition to themany things wewill upgrade andchange, nowwill be the time

to transition the cham-ber toward becoming agreen organization.

While we havealready started recy-cling our office paper,bottles and cans, it isclear there is so muchmore to becoming agreen company thansimply recycling.

The main tool wewill use to become agreen company is toutilize one of ournewest online coursesthat are offered throughour Web site.

This course is enti-

tled “How to AdoptGreen Practices inBusiness and Gain aCompetitive Advan-tage.” The lessons arevaried and include suchcomponents as audioand video segments,activities, research, casestudies, recommendedreading, resources andsupplemental materials.

Some of the topics

covered are: Benefits ofadopting green prac-tices, preparing to cre-ate your green actionplan, your green solu-tions and action planand effectively market-ing and advertising yourcommitment to the envi-ronment.

I encourage you toconsider exploring thepossibility of making

your business green.There are many guide-lines on the Internet, oryou may do as we willdo and sign up for thiscourse on our Web site.

To find this class andhundreds more, go towww.dawson.org andlook for the link toonline classes near thetop of the home page.

You will be surprisedat the variety of sub-

jects we offer for busi-ness and personal devel-opment.

I hope to see you at achamber event soon.

Won’t you join us —and won’t you join us inour efforts to “gogreen?”

2 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com JULY 2010

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Operator retiringfrom local bankFrom staff reports

Joyce Cox has announcedher retirement after 12 yearsof service at BB&Ts Daw-sonville branch office, 136Hwy. 400 South. Her lastday will be July 23.

The Dawsonville nativejoined the BB&T branch in1998 as a switchboard oper-ator and has held that postfor 12 years. Cox

dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 3JULY 2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July

July 15: The White CountyChamber of Commerce willhost a regional Business AfterHours event from 5:30 - 7 p.m.at the new Babyland GeneralHospital, 300 NOK Drive,Cleveland, GA 30528. Formore information, call (706)865-2171 or visit www.cab-bagepatchkids.com. The eventwill be a great opportunity tomeet new business prospectsand tour the new facility.

July 24: Summer Flea Market,sponsored by the GeorgiaFarmgirls, will be held from 8a.m. - 4 p.m. at 7645 BannisterRoad, Cumming. Spaces willcost $10 each and can be pur-chased the day of the sale. TheFarmgirls will sale sodas andwater. Bring your own tablesand tents - set up anytime. Formore information, call (770)845-5728 or [email protected].

July 27: Community Forum willbe held from 3 - 5 p.m. at theDawsonville Municipal Complex,415 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville, inthe community room upstairs.The public is invited to attend acommunication session betweencounty leaders. No official busi-ness will be conducted and nopublic comment is scheduled.For more information, call (706)265-6278.

July 27: Business After Hours willbe held from 5-7 p.m. at theBowen Center for the Arts, 334Hwy. 9 North, Dawsonville, justpast Dawson County MiddleSchool. The July event will besponsored by the DawsonCounty Arts Council. Home-based or businesses with smalllocations are welcomed to co-host the event. For more infor-mation, call Marcia Chelf at (706)216-2787. Special thanks toAFLAC, Sharon Reagan;

Anderson Family Medicine, Dr.Larry Anderson; HealthyEating-OnTheRun.com, BarbaraRoberts; The Norton Agency,Kristie Myers; United CommunityBank, James Askew; and VanKeith Insurance of Dawsonville,Ann Grizzle for sponsoring thecash drawing. The drawing is cur-rently at $1,100. Remember, youmust be present to win if yourname is drawn.

AugustAug. 12: Dawson CountyChamber of CommerceLuncheon will be held at noon atthe Lakeview Center, 2057Dawson Forest Road,Dawsonville. For more informa-tion, call (706) 265-6278.

Aug. 14: The City of Dawsonvillepresents "Southern Nights" from5 - 9 p.m. at city hall in celebra-tion of the city's 150th birthday.Enjoy great food and entertain-ment. Proceeds will benefit theDawson County Senior CenterElevator Fund. Tickets are $15 perperson. For more information,call (706) 265-3256.

Aug. 19: Join the chamber for aribbon cutting at 2 p.m. at NorthGeorgia Outfitters, located off thesquare in downtownDawsonville. Several celebritieswill be in attendance.

Aug. 24: Dawson FamilyPhysicians hosts the chamber'sJuly Business After Hours, 278Hwy. 400 North, Suite 1160, from5-7 p.m. Special thanks to AFLAC,Sharon Reagan; AndersonFamily Medicine, Dr. LarryAnderson;HealthyEatingOnTheRun.com,Barbara Roberts; The NortonAgency, Kristie Myers; UnitedCommunity Bank, James Askew;and Van Keith Insurance ofDawsonville, Ann Grizzle forsponsoring the cash drawing.Remember, you must be presentto win. For more information, call(706) 265-8439.

Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News

The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce continues to count proceeds fromthe annual golf tournament June 18 at Crystal Falls Golf Club, where AdamBuice attempts a putt for the Chestatee State Bank team. Also pictured areNathan Collins and Henry Hamilton.

By Michele [email protected]

The Dawson County Chamber ofCommerce couldn’t have asked for a betterday to hold its annual golf tournament atCrystal Falls Golf Club.

With temperatures in the high 80s andvery few clouds in the sky, 18 teams tookto the links June 18 in a noon shotgun startfor the Ft. Lauderdale, best ball scramble.

“We had a good day,” said MartyWilliams, vice president of tourism for thechamber. “It was a very successful tourna-ment.”

While the chamber says it is still count-ing proceeds, Williams said the tournamenthas so far surpassed last year’s event.

Even the teams that said they didn’t playas well as they had hoped, added they hada good time.

Chestatee State Bank offered a $10,000hole in one challenge, though no one wasable to capitalize on the grand prize.

There were also putting and longestdrive winners in the four-man scramble.

Greg Baldwin took closest to the pin, andDavid Benson won the longest drive.

This year’s overall first place low grosswinners were the Kroger team, while theFirst Citizens Bank of Georgia team tooklow net.

Teams tee up for chamber

Lake Gibson and Brooke Andersontake a break between holes in thechamber’s golf tournament June 18.Tournament organizers called thefundraiser a “great success.”


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

P.O Box 1096137 Prominence Court

Suite 240Dawsonville, GA 30534


State-level leaders got a glimpseat 469 recently-acquired acres lastmonth that will provide a geo-graphic link between portions ofthe Dawson Forest WildlifeManagement area.

Land conservation organizationsand state agencies took a tourthrough the deep woods on June16, where they viewed scenic por-tions of the property.

The Georgia Department ofNatural Resources and the GeorgiaLand Conservation Program cannow protect the land, whichincludes a two-mile stretch of theAmicalola Creek and its tributaries.The section of river protects atleast 27 native fish species, three ofwhich are endangered.

Of those who toured the propertywere DNR Commissioner ChrisClark, who said state of Georgiaofficials “are excited to be able toacquire and manage” the land.

Clark spoke of the land’s poten-tial for “open and wild” recreationexperiences.

“It’s very difficult to find land forthe average Georgian to take theirchild and go hunting, and I don’tknow of anything more importantthan giving parents the opportunityto give their children an appreciationfor the outdoor experience,” Clarksaid.

Clark said getting ahold of theproperty would not have been possi-ble without the help of others.

“It’s a critical link that would nothave been an option otherwise,” hesaid.

The Nature Conservancy inGeorgia, the Georgia EnvironmentalFacilities Authority and many othersplayed a part in securing and findingfunding for purchase of the land,which cost about $3.2 million.

Shelly Lakly, the NatureConservancy’s state director inGeorgia, said it was a worthy pur-chase.

“The opportunity to safeguardthese acres could not be ignored, so

we made the decision to act and con-tribute to the final funding,” Laklysaid.

The Nature Conservancy firstacquired the Amicalola Creek prop-erty in 2008 and held on to it untilthe state could pay for it.

Mike Berg, chairman of theDawson County commission, saidthe acquisition has been a work inprogress for more than two years.

Berg said the property “puts uswithin about 60 acres of being adirect connection to SpringerMountain.”

Springer Mountain, located inFannin County, is the first leg of theAppalachian Trail.

“At some point in the future, youmight be able to advance theAppalachian Trail all the way downto Dawson Forest,” Berg said. “Itwould certainly do a lot for Dawson[County] as far as tourism is con-cerned and would get us closer topreserving more of the DawsonForest property as active and passiverecreation.”

In a June 16 news release, Gov.

Sonny Perdue stated that conserva-tion efforts like the recent acquisitionin the Dawson Forest WildlifeManagement Area help by “perma-nently protecting Georgia’s landresources.

“Acquiring this property at theheart of the Dawson Forest linksmore than 15,000 acres of conserva-tion land,” Perdue stated. “Thanks tothe partnership of public and privateorganizations, this stretch ofAmicalola Creek and the manyspecies of wildlife it supports will bepreserved for generations to come.”

State buys 469 wooded acres

Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

State officials and land conservationists stop to look down at theAmicalola Creek last month during a tour of newly purchasedproperty in Dawson County.

Curt Soper, director of conser-vation at the Nature Con-servancy, looks over a map ofnewly acquired land.

From staff reports

Bunny Doster is thenew face at AndersonFamily Medicine.

A physician’s assis-tant since 2003, Dosteris originally fromDecatur. She is marriedto husband, Ray, withtwo children and threegrandchildren.

Doster, who receivedher degree from theMedical College ofGeorgia in Augusta, saidshe is “very patient ori-

ented.“I love my work,”

Doster added. “It keepsme happy.”

Doster specializes inhypertension, diabetes,thyroid obesity andheart disease.

Doster said she has“always just had a pas-sion for helping people.”

Anderson FamilyMedicine is located at400 Dawson CommonsCircle, Suite 410. Formore information, call(706) 265-1335.

New employee at doctor’s office is‘patient oriented’

For the Dawson Community News

Bunny Doster is the new face at AndersonFamily Medicine.



Volunteers with an areafamily service initiativehopes you tipped your wait-ers and waitresses wellafter breakfast June 18 atLonghorn Steakhousedespite drinks going to thewrong tables and thesounds of glasses breakingin the kitchen.

Fourteen local “celebri-ties” traded their businesssuits and briefcases foraprons and serving trays toraise more than $3,000 dur-ing the second annualDawson County FamilyConnection CelebrityWaiter breakfast.

“Don’t quit your dayjob,” one customer laughedplayfully as his waiterdropped a full glass oforange juice.

Nancy Stites, director ofFamily Connection, said itdidn’t matter how manyglasses were dropped, orcoffee pots busted, or thefact that some of the serverscouldn’t find the silver-ware.

“It was such a great time.We all had so much fun.What a great surprise thatwe had so many peoplewaiting at the door whenwe opened,” she said.

More than 200 dinersattended the breakfast,which featured celebritywaiters such as,Commission Chair MikeBerg, City AdministratorKim Cornelison, SchoolSuperintendent Keith Porterand Coroner Ted Bearden.

With a buffet-style break-

fast of biscuits, eggs, baconand sausage, the celebritywaiters juggled the tasks oftaking and delivering drinkorders, clearing plates andresetting the tables.

“I went from ‘Chairman’to ‘Hey you,’” said Berg,who had never served peo-ple except at last year’sinaugural breakfast. “It’s awhole heck of a lot harderthan anyone that has notserved could ever imagine.”

With all kidding aside,Berg, who also serves onthe Family Connectionboard, said he was honoredto participate in the break-fast, which gave him theopportunity to talk aboutFamily Connection and itswork in the community.

“I got to tell several peo-ple what Family Connectionis all about and that’s as

good as having a fundraiserto let people know whatthey are doing in this com-munity,” Berg said.

Part of a statewide initia-tive of community collabo-rative partnerships, DawsonCounty Family Connectionbrings together communitypartners to help address thechallenges facing childrenand families.

Among the local non-profit’s programs are themeth task force, churchalliance and prevent childabuse.

Cornelison said theorganization is “a tremen-dous service to the commu-nity.”

“Family Connection pro-vides so much informationand so many resources tohelp community membershelp themselves,” she said.

‘Celebrity’ waiterevent serves up fun

Michele Hester Dawson Community News

“Steady, steady,” Dawson County SchoolSuperintendent Keith Porter tells himself as hedelivers hot coffee during the June 18 CelebrityWaiter breakfast to benefit Family Connection.

From staff reports

Business after hours for the monthof June was held at RIC Rack.

Chamber of Commerce PresidentLinda Williams said it went well,and that “recent renovations to thebuilding have made it look wonder-ful.”

The winner for the cash drawingwas Dawson Family Physicians, butno one from the business was presentto collect the money.

Therefore, the drawing goes up to$1,100 at the next business after

hours event, which is scheduled for5-7 p.m. July 27 at the BowenCenter for the Arts.

RIC Rack is a thrift store and afood pantry. The non-profit feedsaround 300 in need every month,giving out anywhere from 12,000 to14,000 pounds of food.

RIC Rack relies on donations fromthe community.

The pantry is open from 11 a.m. to2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday andFriday.

For more information, call (706)265-1371.


Dawson County Chamber of Commerce members showed upJune 22 for the monthly business after hours event, which washeld this month at RIC Rack.

RIC Rack hosts JuneBusiness After Hours


• Congratulationsto SleeveCo ofDawsonville forreceiving theGolden CylinderAward fromGravureAssociation ofAmerica.• Congratulationsto PamHamalainen andRosalindChambers who were presented the inaugural "The Reagan Award"for their work with the local veterans and active military.• Shop chamber members first.• Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you.• Are you certified Work Ready?

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

Ben Chandler and wife,Julie, showed up sportingred, white and blue shirtsand baseball caps. Theirtwo-year-old Daschund,“Kermit,” wore anAmerican flag T-shirt.

“This is what it’s allabout,” said BenChandler, a new residentto Dawson County. “Itmakes me proud to be an

American.”Chandler added that “in

an economic downturnlike we got, this type ofthing’s a lifesaver forthe family. Free enter-tainment.”

Dawsonville residentKirsty Russell said theevent is “a good timefor family and friends.It’s awesome.”

Russell’s friend,Crystal Rarick, agreed.

“The kids have fun.We have fun,” Raricksaid. Russell and

Rarick have been com-ing to the localIndependence Day cele-bration for many years.“It’s a good tradition,”Rarick added.

Presented by DawsonCounty and DawsonCommunity News, offi-cials said Sparks in thePark was a success.

“It was even biggerand better than lastyear,” said CathyBrooks, Dawson Coun-ty spokesperson. “Itwent really great.”

FROM 1

Fourth

DeniseGordon,left, andNataliePruett tossFrisbeesduringSparks inthe Park at RockCreek.

‘You name me one place that’s moreAmerican than Dawsonville. You knowwhat? Don’t even try. You can’t do it.’

Daniel HigginsDawson County resident

Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

From left, Leah andJuliet Fountain danceto the music recentlyat Sparks in the Park.

our country.We, the people, have the

privilege to be a part inelecting our leaders. Irealize we are all busy,but please take the time togo vote .... it is veryimportant that we all playa part in our future.

The way we play thatpart is to vote, vote, vote!

It takes just a smallamount of time on ourpart to be a large part ofour leadership, our future.Please, vote.

On another note, as we

start seeing some growth,let’s continue to supportour friends and neighborsby shopping local.

The economy, by mostaccounts, will take sometime before we begin see-ing a turn around. Most ofus are depending on theeconomy to turn around inorder for us to survive thisrecession. So, we are allin this together.

It would be beneficial tous all that whenever pos-sible, we shop local.

This is a very basicidea, but when times aretough, getting back to thebasics becomes a novelidea.

Please let us know if

you have a concern, or ifyou would like for us tobring some light to a par-ticular subject.Collectively, we mayaccomplish much as westrive toward our goal ofmaking Dawsonville andDawson County the pre-ferred locations for busi-nesses and families.

If quality jobs and qual-ity of life are as importantto you as it is to us, pleasehelp by getting involvedwith your Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce.We welcome you.

Again, I urge you tovote on July 20. Mike UnderwoodChairman

FROM 1

Chamber


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Chamber Chronicle is the monthly newsletter of the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce.

The editorial content includes Chamber News and goals of interest to thebusiness and residential community.

The Chamber will keep the community informed about ribbon cuttings, business expansions, chamber functionsand events, community events and the benefits ofChamber membership through ChamberChronicle.

The Chronicle is mailed to all subscribers of theDawson Community News, plus all Chambermembers. Additional copies are available at theChamber office.

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QUICK TAKESAdvertising offered only to

Chamber members.

Delivery...Dawson Community News

Subscribers, All Dawson CountyChamber Members

Size...10” X 9.5”

Frequency...Monthly2nd Wednesday of Every Month

Deadline: MondayOne Week Prior to Publication Call Jennifer Lyness at 770-887-3126 for rates

EXTEND YOUR ADVERTISING MARKETin our

Dawson Community NewsA Community Newspaper Serving Community Needs


Those with a taste forfresh seasonal producehave four days a week totake advantage of farm-ers’ markets in down-town Dawsonville.

The Dawson CountyExtension Service’seighth annual market isunder way, running from7:30 to 9 a.m. Wed-nesdays and Saturdaysat 298 Academy Ave.

In addition, the city ofDawsonville announcedthe opening of its inau-gural farmers marketbehind city hall. Vendorsand buyers are welcomefrom 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Tuesdays and Thurs-days.

The city’s market willbe open throughOctober. The extensionservice’s market will beopen throughout the

summer.Kim Cornelison, city

administrator and clerk,said Dawsonville offi-cials “have been outexamining other munici-palities and saw that itwas a great opportunityfor local people to buyand sell locally grownproduce.”

Cornelison saidcanned goods like jams,jellies and honey arewelcome. Other typesof canned goods willrequire health standardscertification by the sell-er.

The extension ser-vice’s market does notallow canned foods.

Clark Beusse, localextension coordinator,said “only fresh fruitsand vegetables grown inDawson and surround-ing counties” may bebrought to the market.

“The market providesa good place for people

to buy fresh produce,and they can actuallylook at who grew it andtalk with them,” Beussesaid.

“It builds relation-ships between garden-ers, farmers and peoplewho don’t or can’t growplants. I t’s a socialadvantage as well as aneconomic one.”

Beusse advised shop-pers to show up earlybecause “some of thevendors sell out in a lit-tle over an hour.”

Vendors interested insell ing goods at theextension service mar-

ket may fi l l out anapplication at the event.Those who have sold atprevious events neednot apply. Sell ing isfree.

Beusse said “with thegrowing season we’rehaving, I predict therewill be plenty of freshproduce at this year’smarket.”

Those interested inselling at the municipalmarket should contactthe city to fill out thenecessary paperwork.There is a $10 permonth fee to sell at cityhall.


Dr.Timothy A.Annis66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105Dawsonville,GA 30534 (706) 216-4875

Timothy A.Annis,D.C.

June totals

Walk-in visitors: 396Member referrals: 2,275Newcomer packages: 48


Lessons in ballet, tap,jazz and much more areavailable for children andadults at the only dancestudio in the county.

Ballet, etc. opened lastmonth near the intersec-tion of Hwy. 53 andLumpkin CampgroundRoad, offering privateand group classes ataffordable rates.

Owner Mary Warnkeof Dawsonville, whostarted dancing when shewas a toddler, said shewanted to introduceyoung children to dancein a clean, safe environ-

ment where students “areencouraged to excel-lence.”

Classes will always beconducted in modest,non-compromising cos-tuming with clean dancemoves and music.

The studio also offerspilates and stretchingclasses for adults and iscurrently holding sum-mer camps for ages 4-12year-olds.

An open house, featur-ing live dance and musi-cal performances and afree line-dancing lesson,is scheduled for July 24.

For more information,call (706) 974-9161 orvisit www.balletetc.org.

Dance studio opens


Mary Warnke, owner of Ballet, etc. DanceStudio, cut the grand opening ribbon lastmonth. The studio is located near the intersec-tion on Hwy. 53 and Lumpkin CampgroundRoad.

‘It’s a social advantage as well as an economic one.’

Clark BeusseExtension agent


Carolyn Chambers,center, and AmandaChambers, right,pick out produceJuly 7 at the exten-sion service’s annu-al market. VendorMorgan Collettewas selling pota-toes, cucumbersand other fresh veg-etables.

Produce markets open for season


Thank YouChamber Building Fund

Sponsors

PropertyInvestmentAssociates

JUNE MEMBER RENEWALS

NEW MEMBERS

Diane and Larry LemleyJames A. Hamiliton, Attorney at LawJER Group Inc.Joh, John & JaneJungle ParadiseMAM Counseling Inc.

Perfect Gatherings CateringProfessional Therapy Services LLCRagsdale, Beals, Seigler, Patterson &Gray, LLPYorkie Doodle Embroidery

Trend StorageTim Buffkin42 Grant Road EastDawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-0057Category: [email protected]

North Georgia OutfittersGreg Gordon83 West 1st StreetDawsonville, GA 30534(706) 265-0020Category: [email protected]

Habitat for Humanity- NCGMary Lamond133 Samaritan Dr. #107Cumming, GA 30040(770) [email protected]

Doug Powell604 Stowers Rd WDawsonville, GA 30534(770) 329-6268Category: [email protected]

Jungle Paradise (Rejoined)Suzanne FranklinDawsonville, GA 30534Category: Master Gardener

ACUTRAQLarry McBerry737 Mayapple GlenDawsonville, GA 30534(706) 216-8835Category: Background [email protected]

Cherokee Hills Farm Kennel LLCThomas Severence237 Blue Ridge OverlookDawsonville, GA 30534(404) 878-7509Category: Dog & Cat [email protected]

From staff reports

Dawsonville Optometrist Dr. JoyceNat ions was recent ly named therecipient of the Bernard KahnMemorial Award by the 700-memberGeorgia Optometric Association atthe organization’s annual meeting.

At the event, which was held June3-6 in Pon te Vedra Beach , F la . ,offic ia ls recognized Nat ions forcontributions to the organization inserving as president and chair forthe “Healthy Eyes Healthy People”

project.Nat ions has served as the 9 th

District trustee for the association forsix years, and has also served as themembership chair.

Nat ions received her doctor ofoptometry degree in 1993 from theUniversi ty of Alabama School ofOptometry.

She a lso received her mastersdegree in publ ic heal th f rom theUniversity of Alabama and her bach-elor of science degree from NorthGeorgia College & State University.

Local optometrist awarded


AMBASSADORS CORNER

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT


Each month the DawsonCounty Chamber of CommerceAmbassador Program selects avolunteer as Ambassador of theMonth.

Kara Hewatt was chosen duringthe ambassadors June meetingheld at Comfort Inn inDawsonville.

Hewatt is a business develop-ment officer at United CommunityBank and is very active in thechamber and several local serviceorganizations.

She was one of three ambassa-dors recognized during the group’sMarch meeting for volunteering atchamber functions and acting as a

liaison betweenthe chamber andits membership.

Hewatt grewup in Jack-sonville, Fla., andmoved to thenorth Georgiaarea about 10years ago.

She is a graduate of NorthGeorgia College & StateUniversity and is married toRussell Hewatt, a former ambassa-dor.

The ambassadors are aninformed, select group of motivat-ed, enthusiastic and articulate busi-nessmen and women who serve asthe liaisons to the chamber’s mem-bership and represent the chamber

at many civic and social functions.Their efforts include attending

regularly scheduled chamber pro-grams, attending grand openingsand ribbon cutting celebrations,obtaining possible new memberleads and making personal visits tonew and potential chamber busi-nesses.

The Ambassador Program iscurrently seeking additional volun-teers and encourages chamberbusinesses to have a representativein the program.

The group meets the fourthWednesday of each month at 8a.m. for breakfast at Comfort Innon Beartooth Parkway.

If you or an employee are inter-ested, call the chamber office at(706) 265-6278.

From staff reports

The Dawson County Chamberof Commerce Ambassadors wentbehind the scenes at LakeviewPublishing last month for a tourof the family owned phone bookpublishing business.

In business since 1999,Lakeview Publishing currentlyproduces directories forCumming, Dawsonville, Gaines-ville, Dahlonega, Roswell, JohnsCreek, Alpharetta, Woodstock,Canton and Cartersville at theDawsonville location on DawsonForest Road.

Lakeview Publishing alsoemployees about 40 local work-ers in their sales, arts, accountingand customer service depart-ments.

The ambassadors will continueto tour businesses throughout the

summer. If you are interested injoining the Ambassador Programor if you would like the ChamberAmbassadors to tour behind the

scenes of your Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce business,call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.

For the Dawson Community News

Several volunteers with the Ambassador Program took abehind the scenes tour of Lakeview Publishing last monthas part of the group’s summer tour series.

Chamber members tour business

Hewatt is Ambassador of the Month

Hewatt


A North Georgia economist and forecaster said June10 that residents must invest in the Dawson Countymedicine to see a recovery.

“This stimulus plan that the govern-ment is taunting isn’t going to helpDawson County,” said Frank Norton Jr,who researches market conditions andoutlines trends in an annual report,Native Intelligence.

“Dawson County you can produceyour own stimulus plan by having thefolks in Dawson County spend moneyin Dawson County,” he said.

As guest speaker at the monthlyDawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon,Norton told attendees he believes the once affluentDawson County is in recovery, but warned that thecounty’s market changed when the economy soured.

“What we’ve seen is that average people with aver-age credit are buying average houses,” he said.

Norton said the county’s new housing market is$250,000 and under.

“I grew up in a house where we didn’t havesheetrock in the garage or garage doors until I wasabout 15, so when did we all have to have three-cargarages with tongue and groove paneling and custom-made cabinets?” he said.

Norton said the key to a successful recovery inDawson County has not changed, though sales havedwindled.

“The fortuitous decisions of the leadership of thecounty that brought North Georgia Premium Outlets tolocate to this community has set off the catalyst for thedevelopment for a brand new city,” Norton said. “Wesee a city at that intersection. In the early ’90s the onlything sitting at the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Ga. 400was Sankys [gas station].”

Norton said only about 20 percent of the shoppers atthe outlet mall are from Dawson County.

“That means the rest are coming from other counties,spending their money and leaving tax revenue inDawson County,” he said.

The outlets, Norton said, are a “mecca any county inNorth Georgia wishes they had.

“Look at that economic engine and invest in thatmedicine,” he said.

Economist urgesresidents to invest in local resource

Norton



From tailored suits to dress shirts, casual wear and tuxedorental, Jos. A. Bank at North Georgia Premium Outlets offersquality men’s clothing at affordable prices.

Store Manager Phillip Abercrombie said the quality andworkmanship of the clothing sets Jos. A. Bank apart fromother mens clothiers.

Quality paired with prices typically 20-30 percent belowcomparable competitors has made “Jos. A. Bank one of themost recognized menswear makers in the country,” he said.

The local outlet is one of over 450 full line stores and out-lets in North America and the only Jos. A. Bank outlet inGeorgia.

Jos. A. Banks also produces four seasonal catalogs eachyear and backs all merchandise with a 100 percent satisfac-tion guarantee.

The menswear store recently launched a new line of tuxe-do rentals and is one of the few rental facilities in DawsonCounty.

For more information, call (706) 216-9938.

Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News

Jos. A. Bank sales associate Jamie Rhodes offersGlenn Abercrombie advice on selecting a dress shirtat the outlet store in Dawsonville.

Outlet offers quality,affordable menswear

PhillipAbercrombie,

manager atJos. A. Bank,

celebratedjoining the

chamber lastmonth with a

ribbon cutting.


WAL-MART SUPPORTS LIONS CLUBWal-Mart in Dawsonville made a $500 donation to the Dawson County Lion’s Club lastmonth. Dawsonville Lions Club President David James, center, said the donation will helpfund several club initiatives, such as providing hearing aids to those in need. Also picturedare Wal-Mart representatives Cecil Bennett, left, and Carrie Brooks.

YOUTH DONATE TO FOOD BANK

Frank Reddy at Dawson Community News

Liberty BaptistChurch VacationBible School stu-dents pitched infor the communi-ty last month bycollecting fooditems to donateto RIC Rack.



One of the county’s newest indus-trial operations held a grand open-ing ceremony and open house lastmonth to showcase itself as a recog-nized leader in industrial dry stream.

AmeriVap Systems welcomed theDawson County Chamber ofCommerce to the new facility locat-ed at 31 Successful Way June 11and offered chamber members achance to see how dry steam canclean even their most valuable pos-sessions.

Chamber member Kitty Jarrardwas amazed after an employeecleaned her wrist watch with hotsteam.

Holding her watch to the light,Jarrard said the difference wasinstantly noticeable.

AmeriVap manufactures drysteam vapor sanitizing equipmentfor use in hotels, medical facilities,food processing and packagingplants.

Earlier this year, AmeriVapsecured a USDA RuralDevelopment loan to expand thebusiness, while promoting economicdevelopment and improving thequality of life in rural areas.

The expansion is expected to cre-ate several new jobs in the countyover the next year.

Owner Werner Diercks said helooked forward to doing business inDawson County.

AmeriVap holds grand opening celebration


AmeriVapowner Werner

Diercks cut aribbon June11 to signifythe compa-ny’s expan-

sion intoDawsonCounty.

AmeriVap is arecognized

leader inindustrial dry

stream.


A local couple and their adultson recently took four hoursout of their busy schedules totake part in a statewide initia-tive to become Certified WorkReady.

Susan and Larry McBerry,along with their 20-year-oldson, Larry, are the county’sfirst Certified Work Readyfamily af ter taking theGeorgia Work Ready assess-ment a t Lanier Tech las tmonth.

Work Ready is a statewideinitiative designed to showpotential new businesses con-sidering locating to Georgiathat the state can support newbusiness with a capable work-

force.Susan McBerry, a local

banker, said she had wantedto take the assessment forabout a year, but couldn’tmake it fit her schedule.

“This was the fi rs t t imethey offered it at night, so Iasked them both to take itwith me,” she said.

For taking the test, eachreceived a $50 gift card fromKroger as an incentive.

They also have braggingrights. Susan McBerry is oneof only four Dawson Countyresidents to score the plat-inum certification, the highestpossible score. Father and soneach scored gold certifica-tions, though both anticipatedlow scores in mathematics.

“Math was never my strong

point ,” said the elderMcBerry, who always has hiswife calculate tips when thecouple goes out to dinner.

Susan McBerry said shewon’t be doing math for himanymore.

While the McBerry familytook the assessment in order

to build the number of cur-rently employed participantsin the local program, WorkReady also focuses on help-ing the unemployed.

Possession of a GeorgiaWork Ready Cert i ficateshows potential employersthat a job appl icant has

demonstrated skil ls in theareas of applied mathematics,locat ing information andreading for information, skillsthat are considered crucial bymost employers, according tolocal coordinator LindaWilliams.

“The Work ReadyCertificate is good evidencethat a job candidate has thoseskills,” Williams said.

Free, onl ine ski l ls gaptraining is also available tohelp individuals improve theirWork Ready Certificate level.

Individuals can take homeas much as $300 for takingthe three part examination,which is administered freethrough Lanier Tech.

The program offers a $100prepaid card to assist with jobsearch expenses and a $200pre-paid card for improving awork ready level.

Applicants who successful-ly complete the assessmentswill also receive a GeorgiaWork Ready Certificate fromthe office of the governor,identifying the skill levelsthey have demonstrated.

For more information, callWilliams at (706) 265-6278.

Family earns certification


Larry and Susan McBerry, along with their 20-year-old son,Larry, are the county’s first Certified Work Ready familyafter taking the Georgia Work Ready Assessment at LanierTech last month.


NASCAR’s ‘godfather’ dies


In December 1947, agroup of men gatheredinside a smoky confer-ence room in DaytonaBeach, Fla. to create theNational Association forStock Car Auto Racing,or NASCAR.

Among them was awell-dressed, 33-year-old man fromDawsonville with bigdreams and deep pock-ets.

With his financialsupport , the largestsanct ioned body ofstock car racing in theUnited States f lour-ished. To many,Raymond Parks wouldcome to be known as“the Godfather ofNASCAR.”

Memorial serviceswere held June 23 atPeachtree Chris t ianChurch in Atlanta forParks, 96, who diedJune 20 at his Atlantahome. He was the lastl iving member of thegroup who createdNASCAR, said GordonPirkle , Dawsonvil lePool Room owner andracing historian.

“If it hadn’t been forRaymond Parks, therewould be no NASCAR,”Pirkle said. “His moneyis what helped financethem to get started.”

Pirkle said some ofParks’ financial successstemmed from bootleg-ging days.

“He was the biggestmoonshiner and liquordistributor there was,”Pirkle said. “AfterProhibi t ion, he wentinto legal business, andthen he really made akilling.”

Added Pirkle: “It’shard to imagine himwith the kind of back-ground he had. To seehim, you’d think of himas a minister more sothan a moonshiner. Hewas such a gentleman.”

Dawsonville nativeDavid Sosebee agreed.

“He was the gentle-man’s gentleman,” saidSosebee, son of race cardriver Gober Sosebee.“His word was betterthan any written contractfrom any lawyer today.”

Sosebee said his fatherwas friends with Parks.

“My dad saidRaymond was squareand honest, and he did-n’t put up with peoplewho wasn’t,” Sosebeesaid.

Added Sosebee:

“There wouldn’t havebeen a NASCAR if notfor Raymond Parks.[NASCAR co-founder]Bill France was the pro-moter. Raymond was thebackbone, the one withthe money.”

Sosebee said themoney “maybe camefrom running moonshine... but he took that anddid an important thing.Something very goodcame out of it all.”

Parks began runningmoonshine at the age of15. He left Dawsonvilleabout the same time,moving to Atlanta.

He later became abona fide businessmanin the real estate indus-try. He also fought in theBattle of the Bulge inWorld War II as part ofthe 99th InfantryDivision.

Sosebee said Parkswill be missed.

“He was about asgood as they come,” hesaid. “A great legendhas died.”

Parks remembered as gentleman ‘His word was better than any written contract from any lawyertoday.’

David SosebeeDawsonville native

Photos courtesy of Gordon Pirkle

Raymond Parks is pictured next to a car used inthe early days of NASCAR.

Above, from left, Red Byron,Curtis Turner, Ray Parks andBill France Sr., pose for a pic-ture taken in the 1940s. Left,NASCAR was created inDecember 1947 at theStreamline Hotel in DaytonaBeach, Fla. Among the cre-ators was Dawsonville’sRaymond Parks, top photo.


“CHRISTMAS IN JULY”Benefiting Ric Rack

(Dawson County’s Food Pantry & Thrift Store)

WE NEED YOUR HELP!Please drop off any of the needed items listed below at Ric Rack, located on Hwy 9N, Dawsonville.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL RIC RACK AT 706-265-1371.

Hwy. 53 & 400, Dawsonville & Downtown Dawsonville706-216-2265 www.chestateestatebank.comMAIN OFFICE DRIVE-THRU OPEN 7-7 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY SATURDAYS FROM 8-12 NOON

• Proceeds from the sale of goods in the thrift store are used to purchase food for the food pantry. • Ric Rack depends largely on donations (clothing and household goods and non perishable food items for the pantry).

• Over 17% of the households in Dawson County are dependent on the Food Pantry each month. • Summertime is a particularly difficult time for Dawson Co. families; 52 % of our students are on free or reduced

lunch/breakfast at school. During the summer, these families have to find other ways to feed and care for their children.

• Diapers (for young and elderly)• Toilet paper• Laundry soap• Dish detergent

• Paper towels• Cleaning products• Feminine products• Personal hygiene items

• Baby Food• Cereal• Other food items

ITEMS CURRENTLY NEEDED ARE:

Is Proud To Sponsor

july 2010 chamber chronicle

Documents

annual sparks

countysee chamber

rock creek park

quality menswearfourth

agreen organization

state andby frank

park celebration

individual members