march chamber chronicle

It seems to me that, more and more, the business community has confused or even corrupted the word leadership. It has become a synonym for manager.

You actually see this kind of thing all the time. We don’t have garbage collectors any more — we have waste management engi-neers.

In my mind leadership and man-agement are different.

At the most basic level, a man-ager wants her team to do the same thing they did yesterday but a little bit better and a little bit fast-er. She wants to optimize produc-tion. Experimentation is really not part of the equation. In fact, any-thing that flirts with failure is to be

avoided at all cost. Managers are looking for predictability.

Leaders, on the other hand, embrace the fact that most ideas fail. I believe leaders, like manag-ers, are also looking for results, but they go about it differently. Leaders give their team a platform on which to experiment.

A true leader will give his team

encouragement and empowerment to do something they could not have done alone.

Clearly one role of leadership is to set the course of the team, but, more importantly, they know how to link vision and action.

Sure, leaders must be inspirational

By Michele [email protected]

The Department of Transportation has new plans for a major Dawson County intersec-tion that could begin to take shape as early as fall of 2014.

DOT Project Manager Robert Murphy outlined the plan that calls for a continuous flow inter-section at the crossing of Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53.

“I think the DOT needs to do more speaking engagements like this in your communities,” Murphy

said Feb. 14 during the monthly luncheon of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.

“We don’t want to design it and not take your concerns into consideration.”

A first for the state, the at-grade crossing is designed to move left-turning vehicles out of traffic’s main flow by using a series of access roads and longer left-turn lanes both east and west on Ga. 400.

The concept includes displaced left turn lanes on Ga. 400, which stop left turning traffic about 750

feet before the turn onto Hwy. 53. When the left-turn signal turns green, motorists will drive across the oncoming lanes into new lanes on the far left side of the road. Another left-turn signal then will prompt drivers to complete the left turn.

State route 53 would essentially “continue to operate like it does now,” Murphy said.

DOT began acquiring right-of-way for the $13 million renova-tion last fall.

The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

Edition Highlights:

March 2013Post Office Box 299292 Hwy. 400, North

Dawsonville, GA 30534(706) 265-6278

Women’s networking event a success

Residents take jump for literacy

Leadership Dawson program seeks applicants

Changes in the works for downtown

Is there a difference between leadership, management?

Official outlines plans for intersection

Hill

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR pETER HIll

See DIFFERENCE | 2

Hwy. 53/GA. 400

Michele Hester Dawson Community News

George Parson, left, and Chris Gaines take a look at a DOT rendering of the proposed Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53 continuous flow intersection Feb. 14 during the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon.See PLANS | 3

Have you ever noticed that you probably only drive on about five roads in our county?

You probably take the same route to work, school, church, home and the grocery store, that you have for the past five, 10, 20 years.

We are all creatures of habit, especially in our own communi-ties. We live inside our comfort zones and there is nothing wrong with that, but I can promise you that there is a lot happening right here that you might be missing out on in your small circle of habit.

One of the things that I love so much about my job is that I get to learn something new about our com-munity every single day.

Whether you have lived in Dawson County for three years or 30, I know that there are things that you could learn too.

Leadership Dawson is an excellent way to interact with other individu-als, maybe outside of your typical beaten path, and to learn a great depth of knowledge about the com-

munity in which we live.

We are now accepting Leadership Dawson applications for our program beginning this fall.

Please visit our Web site or contact

the chamber for more information and to apply.

Another great opportunity the chamber has coming up is to partici-pate in the Power of E-mail and Social Media Marketing Seminar.

We will be holding two seminars on March 28, one from noon to 2 p.m. and the other from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the chamber.

The event will be a quick way to learn how to ramp up your market-ing for 2013 without having to greatly increase your marketing spending.

We are also excited that Chris Clark, president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, will be our

guest speaker at our upcoming membership luncheon at noon March 14 at the Lakeview Center.

Clark will be sharing updates from session on legislation that impacts our business community, as well as, sharing insight into some of the eco-nomic trends for the foreseeable future in Georgia.

We hope you will consider join-ing us.

Christie HaynesPresident

2 | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | dawsonnews.com MARCH 2013

Brooke AndersonEtowah Water and Sewer Authority

Pat AndersonAnderson Family Mediciine

James AskewUnited Community Bank-Dawsonville

Charlie AuvermannDevelopment Authority of Dawson County

Jennifer BakerUnited Community Bank-Dawsonville

Mike BergDawson County Board of Commissioners

Carla BoutinState Farm Insurance

Kathy C. FullerKC Fuller & Associates

Chris GainesThe Gaines Agency

James GroganCity of Dawsonville

Christie HaynesDawson County Chamber of Commerce, CVB

Peter J. Hill Jr.Hill Design Architects Inc.

Andrew LeavittUniversity of North Georgia

Steve MelchingAmbassador representative

George ParsonCartridge on Wheels of North Georgia

Keith PorterDawson County Board of Education

Denny PutlakDenny Insurance Group

Vernon SmithLakeview Center of Dawson County

Carol TygerIndividual

Mike UnderwoodFirst Citizens Bank of Georgia

Gloria Wyatt, Northside Hospital-Forsyth

CHAMBer oF CoMMerCe 2013 BoArD oF DireCTorS

Take time to learn something new

Haynes

‘Whether you have lived in Dawson County for three years or 30, I know that there are things that you could learn.’

and motivate their team, but they must also walk the walk. They must be accountable to the vision they set.

Things like honesty, integrity and loyalty are defined from the top down in an organiza-tion. If the leaders are not modeling good behavior, if they are not walking the walk, it will be obvious to the rest of the organization. Everyone will know there is a double standard.

This kind of environ-ment kills innovation and

experimentation — main-ly because what is miss-ing is trust.

For your team to speak their mind or offer ways to improve your organi-zation they have to feel safe.

This goes back to that platform I mentioned ear-lier. Leaders engender trust by not only being true to the words they speak, but by making hard decisions and defending others who do the same.

Often times it is those little acts of leadership that provide the most inspiration. Leadership takes on many forms and has many styles.

For example, elected

officials are very differ-ent from small business entrepreneurs, who are different from leaders of nonprofit organizations or pure volunteer groups. Each organization has a different set of goals, and different methods for accomplishing them.

Leadership Dawson is a local program dedicat-ed to the training and development of local leaders right here in our community.

It is administered through our chamber of commerce and lasts nine months, with another class starting this fall.

Certainly we spend lots of time learning about leadership and

observing other leaders, but we also get to know ourselves and learn what our leadership style is.

We learn how to run effective meetings and how to work as a team.

We take a close look at our community and pull the curtain back to see what makes Dawson County and our region really tick.

We have a few seats left in the next leadership class.

If you are interested, call the chamber and get an application. It will be a program you will never forget.

Peter HillChairman

FroM 1

Difference

dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 3MARCH 2013

March 14: Lunch with the Chamber will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center. Guest speaker will be Georgia Chamber President Chris Clark. He will also be sharing updates from the Georgia Chamber and the Small Business Alliance (of which we are participants), as well as his thoughts on business and economic development in the com-ing years in Georgia. The monthly luncheons are great opportunity to network and hear from speakers on issues that impact local business and the community. Be sure to R.S.V.P. to reserve a seat.

March 22: Spring Into March - Card Party Luncheon, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Bowen Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25 each or $100 per table. There will be a Bridge director available for consul-tations, wonderful door prizes, silent auction items and plenty of items to view in the Bowen Gallery. For more information, call Joyce Edmundson, (706) 216-1001 or visit www.dawsonarts.org.

March 23: Shine & Swine Festival hosted by K.A.R.E. For Kids Inc.at The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. BBQ cook-off, car show, moonwalks, motorcycle ride, blue-grass music and much more fun. If you are interested in participating in the BBQ Cook-off, contact Eddie Peppers at (706) 429-8537. For Car Show and Motorcycle Ride registration and information contact K.A.R.E. for Kids, Inc at (706) 216 KARE (5273)or e-mail [email protected]

March 23: Habitat for Humanity is holding an Application Meeting at 10 a.m. at Central Park Recreation Center, 2300 Keith Bridge Rd., Cumming, GA. For additional information, go to www.habitat-ncg.org

March 26: Business After Hours

will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Best Western. Join us for a fun opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas and develop new business relationships. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards! Special thanks to our cash drawing sponsors: Anderson Family Medicine, Dr. Larry Anderson and The Norton Agency, Kristie Myers.

March 28: The Power of E-mail & Social Media Marketing Seminar. Two class times are avail-able: noon to 2 p.m. or 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the chamber office. Attend the event to get your online marketing strategy geared up for 2013. Guest speaker will be Howard Flint of Ghost Partner Inc. The cost will be $8 for members and $12 for non-members. The price includes a boxed meal. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.

March 30: K.A.R.E. for Kids 2013 Easter Egg Hunt at Veterans Memorial Park. Festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. Come for lunch. We will have food for sale; hot-dogs and more. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures, Wayne’s Trains, inflatable’s, face painting, hamburger eating contest, fun for all.

The egg hunt will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. Participants should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early with baskets ready. Thank you to Veterans Memorial Park, K.A.R.E.’s partner for this year’s event. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (706) 216-5273.

Members’ business cards and brochures are displayed at the chamber: If you would like to dis-play your business cards and bro-chures at the chamber, drop them by! The chamber’s display racks will hold up to a 4x9 inch bro-chure.

calendar of events

“Most of the right-of-way we already own. We are in the right-of-way acquisi-tion now,” he said.

According to Murphy, DOT is currently in the final design process with plans for a final review set in August.

“That would give us another six months to fine tune the project,” he said.

The project will not displace any busi-nesses along the busy corridor, a con-cept Murphy said engineers were ada-mant about maintaining.

“It’s crucial that you have access to the businesses,” he said.

Construction is expected to take 18 months to complete and would be staged to allow the continuous flow of traffic.

Based on a recent traffic analysis, an estimated 68,000 motorists will pass through the crossing daily by 2025, nearly two times today’s projections.

The design would allow more traffic through the intersection, would reduce conflict points due to low visibility and reduce pollution by reducing congestion, as well as be a substantial savings to previous design ideas, DOT officials have said.

Among the options considered by the DOT were several styles of interchanges, “flyover” bridges and even a round-about. At one point, the DOT estimated $120 million for a full-blown inter-change.

The next Chamber of Commerce lun-cheon will be at noon on March 14 at the Lakeview Center. The guest speaker will be Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber President.

froM 1

Plans


The first ever “Women of the Chamber” event is being called an “ulti-mate success” by Dawson County Chamber of Commerce officials.

“We’re so glad we had such a great turn out for our inaugural event. This is some-thing we’re going to try to do quarterly,” said Christie Haynes, chamber president.

Several dozen women attended the Feb. 21 luncheon and for many it was their first chamber-sponsored event.

New to the area, Seanie Zappendorf said the event was an ideal venue to meet other business women in the community.

“I’ve been wanting to get involved. I was very involved in Peachtree City before we moved here in November,” said Zappendorf, who along with her husband, owns the racing pro shop at Atlanta Motorsports Park. “This has been really a great event to meet other business women in the community.”

Patricia Portal, a local corporate mas-

sage therapist, agreed and credited the event’s success to the up-close and personal relationships that can be made in a more relaxed and casual atmosphere.

“This was the best chamber event,” she said. “It was nice and so relaxed and it wasn’t intimidating, like some networking events can be.”

Several local women entrepreneurs were also on hand with displays, samples and demonstrations to showcase their business-es.

Cathy Holcomb, a local independent agent with the dietary supplement Juice Plus, said she couldn’t have asked for a bet-ter venue to not only showcase her compa-ny, but also get to know other women in the business community.

“As a former educator for 30 years, I didn’t have the chance to get out, and I didn’t realize there are so many wonderful women in the community that I didn’t know,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed get-ting to know them, and this gave us a great chance to have camaraderie and get to know each other a little better.”

Women’s networking event deemed a success


The state of Georgia has a new system in place tol tax motor vehicles.

The law, which came into effect on March 1, is still expected to cause a few headaches at tax offic-es across the state while both the public and tax workers adjust to the new format.

“Transactions will most definitely take longer,” said Dawson County Tax Commissioner Linda Townley. “We’ve all trained on [the new sys-tem] to get us ready, but we’ve had no practice on the screens.”

The law eliminates sales-and-use tax and the annual ad valorem tax on vehicles purchased on or after March 1, 2013. They will be replaced by a one-time fee imposed on the fair market value of the vehicle.

Tax payers that will see the biggest jump in their bill will be buyers who pur-chase vehicles from a pri-vate individual rather than a dealer.

“People now who buy cars from an individual, when they come in to title their car, they will have to pay the 6 and a half per-cent title ad valorem tax based on the state’s deter-mined value of the car, not what is on the bill of sale,” Townley said.

To give an example, Townley calculated the tax on a vehicle valued by the state at $3,000, even

though the purchaser may only have paid $1,800 for the car.

“The purchaser will be required to pay the 6.5 percent ad valorem tax of $195, rather than the $18 he would have paid before for his title,” she said. “I have people come in to purchase titles that have put every cent they have to buy the car and then to add this tax on top of that…”

The bright side, Townley said, is “they won’t have to pay any more ad valorem tax ever,” and there is the option for appeal with the county’s assessor’s office.

“But that could take some time,” she said.

For buyers who make vehicle purchases from an authorized dealer on or after March 1, the dealer will col-lect the 6.5 percent tax at the time of sale.

An option to opt in to the new program is available for individuals who pur-chased vehicles in 2012 through February of this year, or they may also stay in the annual ad valorem system.

“They will continue to pay

their ad valorem tax every year,” Townley said.

“If they bought a car in 2012 or the first couple of months of this year, they can bring their paperwork that shows how much sales tax they paid when they bought the car,” Townley said.

Under the new system, all vehicle owners will continue to pay a yearly license plate fee in the month of their birth-day.

Townley suggests waiting until that time for individuals who plan to “opt-in” to the new system.

“I would like to request that people who want to opt in wait until their birth-day because they have all of this year to do it,” she said. “If they’ll come in when they renew their tag for this year and opt in at that time, the cost won’t be any different. But it won’t have everyone standing in line at one time.”

Even though the new tax law is currently on the books, legislators are continuing to examine it and work to refine it, according to Sen. Steve Gooch.

By David [email protected]

Dawson County resi-dents wanting a second opinion on medical issues will soon have a new central location to visit.

Medical Plaza 400, a part of the Northeast Georgia Health System, is set to open in April at what was formerly the Moto 400 building, located north of the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Ga. 400.

“Medical Plaza 400 gives us the opportunity to expand more of our outpatient and specialty services directly in the Dawsonville communi-ty,” said Melis-sa Tymchuk, director of public rela-tions and marketing for Northeast Georgia Health System.

“Dawsonville and its surrounding community have been a critical part of our service region for decades. We have continually evaluated the opportuni-ty to provide additional services in this part of the region,” she said.

The health system has been in the area since 1995 with the Northeast Georgia Physicians Group under the name Neigh-borhood Healthcare Center.

“Medical Plaza 400 gives us the opportunity

to expand more of our outpatient and specialty services directly in the Dawsonville communi-ty,” Tymchuk said. “Through our Urgent Care Center, Imaging Center, outpatient lab and numerous physician specialties, area resi-dents can have even more direct access to the Health System’s

award winning care.”Northeast Georgia

Health System pur-chased the Dawsonville location in early 2012 and began renovating in the fall. Design ele-ments of the renovated building are intended to mimic NGHS’ other locations, such as the North Patient Tower in Gainesville.


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

P.O Box 1096137 Prominence Court

Suite 240Dawsonville, GA 30534

For the Dawson Community News

A computer rendering of the completed Medical Plaza 400. The center is set to open in April.

Medical Plaza 400 plans to open soon

Medical Plaza 400 will offer many services, including:

• Urgent Care open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week

• All digital Imaging Center, including in-house MRI and CT, with an on-site, ACR board certified radiologist

• HealthLink Laboratory• Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Family

Medicine (relocating from their current location on Hwy. 53)

• Physician specialists including gastroenter-ology, neurology, OB/GYN, sports medicine, surgery and urology

New car tax in effect



The sky may have been cloudy and the wind may have been chilly, but that didn’t stop Dawson County citizens from jumping in a lake — for a good cause, of course.

WEE Books held its third annual Leap for Literacy on Feb. 23 at War Hill Park.

According to President Lionel Graves, each year has been more successful than the last, with successive events seeing an “increase in donations each year.”

The event benefits Dawson County WEE Books, a pro-gram developed to put age-appropriate books in the hands of children ages “zero to 4” years old.

“We did a few dollars better than we did last year,” said organizer Bob Inman. “This year we ended up raising a lit-tle over $4,000 for WEE Books.”

Eleven teams took a dip in Lake Lanier to combat illitera-cy, including two solo acts. Barry Mayes and Brian Burke both took the plunge alone to show support.

“Back when my kids were in school here, we did PTA, boy scouts, that kind of stuff. Both my kids are out of school now and my youngest just moved out yesterday,” Mayes said.

“I wanted to stay active in the community and this is the first event I saw in the paper, so I decided to come down and do it. Plus I’m training for the Tough Mudder, which ben-efits the Wounded Warrior Project and I figured this would be a good test.”

Mayes also said that he plans on looking for more

events in the community to take part in in the future.

“I jumped the first year because I know Jane [Graves, wife of Lionel Graves] through Rotary and I know what WEE Books does in the community,” Burke said.“Studies show that when you expose young peo-ple to books, they are much better off when they are older.”

While Burke was jumping alone this year, he did show support for The Interact Club, the Rotary Club’s high school arm, who also jumped this year.

“Literacy is a big thing in Rotary Club, as well,” he said. “We have a scholarship that Rotary gives to high school stu-dents each year, so this event hopefully is the genesis of

that.”This year’s Interact team had

a special guest jumper. Maj. Tony Wooten of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office jumped with the high school team in full uniform.

“I’m with Rotary and one of the sponsors of the Interact Club,” Wooten said.“I told them if we raised the money I would jump in full uniform. There were four kids that were willing to jump in the lake, so I did it with them.”

Wooten didn’t completely cross future jumps off of his list.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought,” he said.“I think the anticipation was worse than the actual water -except for the initial shock of ‘Where did my breath go and why can’t I feel

my hands?’ Other than that, it’s fun.”

Judges Christie Haynes, president of the Dawson County Chamber of

Commerce, Jan Whetstone of Jan’s Family Daycare and Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan observed the jumps and gave awards.

The Interact Club team was awarded the Best Leaping award. Most Creative went to KISSing Illiteracy Goodbye, the Dawson County High School team. The award for the Highest Sponsorship Team went to Robinson Elementary’s Three Blind Mice team, who raised $750. Best Leaper went to solo act Barry Mayes.

Residents take the jump for literacy

Teams included:• The Dawsonville Red Hatters Bathing Beauties• Dawson County Humane Society• The Dawson Community News• Team KNEES for the Woman’s Club• The RIC Rack• Dawson County High School Interact Club with Maj.

Tony Wooten• Barry Mayes• Robinson Elementary School’s Three Blind Mice Team

with Superintendant Keith Porter• Brian Burke• Dawson County High School’s KISSing Illiteracy

Goodbye Team• The Juniorettes for the Woman’s Club

David Renner Dawson Community News

Brian Burke takes a running dive off the dock into the water. WEE Books held its third annual Leap for Literacy on Feb. 23 at War Hill Park.

‘Studies show that when you expose young people to books, they are much better off when they are older.’

Brian BurkeVolunteer jumper

Rep. Kevin Tanner, R-Dawsonville, was recently named to the 2013 Georgia Adult Literacy Advocate Legislative Honor Roll. Nominated by both Lanier Technical College and Reading Education Association of Dawson County, Tanner was awarded for his efforts in promoting and supporting adult learn-ing and literacy locally and at the state level. Brenda Thomas with Lanier Tech, from left, Sandy Lipkowitz of R.E.A.D. and John Gerheim, director of Lumpkin County’s adult literacy program, pre-sented the awards during one of Tanner’s legislative update breakfasts at Ryan’s in Dawsonville.


• Don’t miss the luncheon, March 14, Chris Clark, presi-dent of the Georgia Chamber, will be the guest speaker.

• Don’t miss the chamber’s Power of E-mail & Social Marketing Seminar, March 28 at the chamber. Two class times are available, noon to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get your online marketing strategy in place for the new year. Event will be $8 for members, $12 for non-members, boxed meal included.

• Improve your skills … take an online class. For more information, visit www.dawson.org.

• 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.

Tanner named To honor roll



Peggy Hulsey’s 68-foot Southern Magnolia stands proudly on her property, a vivid reminder of the past.

“Daddy hated the tree because they make such a mess, but [my mom] loved it. Nobody was going to cut down that tree as long as she was there, and it’s still there,” she said.

The stately tree on War Hill Park Road is now a county champion, meaning it’s the larg-est Southern Magnolia scored in Dawson County.

Hulsey said her mom, Lillian Taylor, who set out the tree more than six decades ago, would be proud.

“I know my mother would have been thrilled to death,” Hulsey said.

The Southern Magnolia was

one of four recognized as county champions by the Dawson County Tree Preservationists Committee during the Feb. 15 Arbor Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.

Other champions include Nell Watson’s 67-feet tall Silver Maple on Elliott Family Parkway and two oak trees, a Southern Red Oak and a Scarlet Oak, in Jackie and Lynn Townley’s front yard near Liberty Church Road.

Georgia Forestry Ranger Tony Page praised the winners for being good stewards of the trees.

“...not only to recognize these trees, but the people that have preserved and protected them. We appreciate people that try to preserve these trees and protect them when they are doing con-struction work,” he said.

The annual Arbor Day celebra-tion, which is co-sponsored by

Keep Dawson County Beautiful, also marks the occasion to name Dawson County’s Tree Preservationist of the Year.

A tradition since 2006, the award commemorates business-es, groups or individuals that make concerted efforts to pro-tect and preserve trees when commercial or residential devel-opment occurs.

This year’s recipients were the residents of Crooked Tree, a small subdivision off North Seed Tick Road in northern Dawson County.

With large, heavily wooded lots, “Crooked Tree is a wonder-ful place,” said Dave Hinderliter, tree preservationists committee chairman.

“If you want to see what build-ing houses and saving trees is all about, go over and take a look at Crooked Tree.”

Resident Ruth Sutton agreed.

“Come on over and see us, but wait till spring when it’s just beautiful,” she said.

A tree was planted at the

park in their honor with an engraved marker recognizing the neighborhood’s effort to preserve and protect.

Preservationists of the year named


Residents of Crooked Tree subdivision in northern Dawson County plant a Lacebark Elm tree recently at Veterans Memorial Park during an Arbor Day celebration. The group was named Tree Preservationist of the Year.


T E E NE X P L A I N E DT H E B R A I N

Teen brains are wired differently. So what can you do to CONNECT with your kids? Join expert speaker Mike Nerney for a thought-provoking and entertaining evening as he explains what’s really going on inside your teen’s head.

[Hint: It’s a lot more than you think.]

April 23, 7:00 p.m. at Dawson High School Detai ls at capa-ga.org or 706-265-1981

POPPOWER PARENTSOF

Knowledge is Power


(706) 974-9161w w w. b a l l e t e t c . o r g

Now Offering Guitar, Piano, and Banjo Lessons!

Gift Certificates Available258 Beartooth Pkwy, Suite 170

Dawsonville, GA, 30534

Wealth management company sponsors BAHBy Michele [email protected]

North Georgia Wealth Management was in the spotlight Feb. 25 when its staff sponsored the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the chamber office.

With one office in Cleveland and a second in Dahlonega, North Georgia Wealth Management spe-cializes in serving pre-retirees and retirees with fee-based financial planning focusing on wealth accu-mulation, income distribution and wealth transfer strategies through LPL Financial.

Clients include long-time residents, as well as business owners and indi-viduals drawn to the natural beauty of northern Georgia as a retirement destination, according to Laura La Tourette, company founder.

She said her staff looks forward to growing the company’s “local mar-ket.”

“We’ve wanted to get more involved in Dawson County,” she said.

The chamber’s next Business After Hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Best Western, 76 North Georgia Ave., Dawsonville.

Chamber staff reminds everyone to bring “plenty of business cards” to the event, designed to give members the opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas and develop new business relationships.

The chamber would like to thank its monthly cash drawing sponsors: Larry Anderson with Anderson Family Medicine, and Kristie Myers with The Norton Agency.

To take home the monthly cash prize, winners must be present when their name is drawn.


Laura LaTourette, second from left, and her staff at North Georgia Wealth Management sponsored the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.


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

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

The Chamber will keep the community informed about ribbon cuttings, business expansions, chamber functions and events, community events and the benefits of Chamber membership through Chamber Chronicle.

The Chronicle is mailed to all subscribers of the Dawson Community News, plus all Chamber members. Additional copies are available at the Chamber office.

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in our monthly


By Sharon DuntenDCN regional staff

The president of one techni-cal college in Georgia and vice presidents of two others have been named as finalists to become the next president of Lanier Technical College.

A selection committee named Joanne Tolleson, vice president of institutional effec-tiveness and operations at Lanier Tech; Jamie Loyd, vice president of economic devel-opment at Columbus Technical College in Columbus; and Ray Perren, president at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in Valdosta, as finalists.

Six candidates were inter-viewed to replace Russell Vandiver, who is retiring at the end of March after 37 years

at Lanier Tech, including the last three as president.

Roger Slaton, agent and owner of State Farm Insurance in Dawsonville, chaired the selection committee.

“A large amount of candi-dates applied to the (Technical College System of Georgia) commissioner’s office in Atlanta, and the candidates given to the selection commit-tee were all from in state,” said Slaton.

The Lanier Tech search committee interviewed all six in a one-day marathon to select three to go back to the TCSG com-missioner for a

final decision, he said.“We interviewed good peo-

ple who wanted to be presi-dent of Lanier Tech,” said Slaton.

The committee was given the responsibility to follow a list of required qualifications from the state.

“Most were doctoral candi-dates,” said Slaton.

Slaton said the presidency of Lanier Tech is a prestigious

job, and that it was a pleasure to participate.

“It was an excellent example of information and education for me on how a decision is made (in the selection pro-cess).”

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson will interview the three candidates this month. The final choice must then be approved during the TCSG state board’s monthly meeting April 4 in Atlanta.

“I want to thank Roger Slaton and his fellow commit-tee members for the time and effort they put forth to help in the selection process for the next president of Lanier Technical College,” Jackson said.

Other selection committee

members included: Doug Carter, president and broker of Don Carter Realty Co., Gainesville, and member of the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia; Kit Dunlap, president and CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce; Gwen Hill, owner of Hill’s Ace Hardware and Lumber in Winder; Lynn Jackson, admin-istrator of Northside Hospital-Forsyth and member of the Lanier Tech board of directors; Tracy L. Moon Jr., partner in the law firm of Fisher and Phillips LLP in Atlanta and mem-ber of the Lanier Tech Foundation board of trustees; and Dennis Stockton, publisher of The Times.

Committee narrows president finalist to 3

PerrenTolleson Loyd

Lanier Tech


The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dawson program is quickly approaching and the chamber is accepting applica-tions.

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 residents have graduated from Leadership Dawson.

“Chambers across Georgia are active in providing and promoting community leader-ship programs because it helps

strengthen knowledge and community connections and provides a foundation to grow future leaders,” said Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Christie Haynes.

Participants not only learn leadership skills, but in addition become familiar with the needs and opportunities for service in Dawson County. Some of the topics covered are local demo-graphics, economic develop-ment, communication and edu-cation.

“We encourage anyone who is currently active or looking to get active in Dawson County to apply for Leadership Dawson. The program allows you to meet a variety of people and evalu-

ate and enhance your personal leadership skills,” she said.

The nearly yearlong program, which begins in late fall and cul-minates with a graduation cere-mony in May 2014, meets monthly, typically on the second Wednesday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The program includes an overnight retreat, classwork, seminars, and a visit to the state capitol. It also requires 100 per-cent commitment to all activities, events and assignments.

A 2011 graduate, Angela Harben will serve as the pro-gram’s co-chair, along with Carol Tyger.

In addition to gaining vital leadership skills, Harben said

she developed numerous last-ing relationships in the commu-nity.

“Leadership taught me how to work effectively with other leaders. I made amazing friends that I will have for a lifetime,” Harben said.

The cost is $450 with appli-

cations and a $50 deposit due by May 1. Full payment is due by July 1.

To learn more about Leadership Dawson or to apply for the next class, call the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 265-6278.

Leadership Dawson program seeks applicants‘Chambers across Georgia are active in provid-ing and promoting community leadership pro-grams because it helps strengthen knowledge and community connections and provides a foundation to grow future leaders.’

Christie HaynesPresident, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce


Walk-in visitors: 37 Referrals: 82 Newcomer packages: 18

member renewals

monthly totals

Thank YouChamber Building Fund

Sponsors

PropertyInvestmentAssociates

new members

Office Depot6600 North Military TrailBoca Raton, FL 33496(678) 455-3622Fax: (678) 455-7480Category: Office products

P.C. Doctors of Georgia LLC35 Valleybrook LaneDahlonega, GA 30533(706) 265-9703

Category: Computer Web site devel-opers

Arbonne with AngelaAngela Harben3396 Elliott Family ParkwayDawsonville, GA 30534(706) 974-5859Category: Cosmetics skin care consul-

tant

Blackburn, Al and BobbieThe Outside WorldLiberty Tax ServiceK.C. Fuller & Associates LLCLiberty Tax ServiceComfort KeepersFox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks

& McKinnonVictory Custom Homes Inc.B B & TIndependent Producers of

AmericaAround Back At Rocky’s PlaceHill Design Associates

Architects, Inc.Hosea, TommyDawson County Tax

CommissionerNorth Georgia Premium RV &

Boat StorageCitruSolution of Dawson &

Lumpkin Co.Comfort InnThe Blue BicycleChestatee Regional HospitalDawson Family PhysiciansH & R Block

Impulse Manufacturing, Inc.American Red CrossNGM PropertiesPower Realty PartnersHolly Theatre Community

Center IncJER Group Inc..Walter Lee, Contractor for

Georgia PavingHolly Theatre Community

Center IncTim Couch PC CPACarla Boutin-State Farm

InsuranceBennett Landscape, Inc.Cummings & Kelley P.C.Abba HouseAnderson Family MedicineNorth Georgia Wealth

Management GroupDonald III, Norman H.Cunningham & AssociatesK.A.R.E. For Kids, Inc.State Farm Insurance Company,

R SVisiting Angels of Lake Lanier

special thanks to the following members for renewing in February


AmbAssAdor spotlight

File photo

Comfort inn welComes AmbAssAdorsFebruary’s Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador meeting was held at Comfort Inn. The local hotel has recently seen a number of renovations, such as a redesigned conference center, eatery and patio. Comfort Inn offers its guests a non-smoking, pet-friendly facility, close proximity to parks and lakes, an exercise room, seasonal pool and a free continental breakfast. Contact Comfort Inn at (706) 216-1900 to reserve your room today.

From staff reports

Northeast Georgia Medical Center is one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals, according to a study by Truven Health Analytics, formerly the healthcare busi-ness of Thomson Reuters.

The study names top hospitals in five dif-ferent categories — from major teaching hospitals to small community hospitals — and NGMC is one of only 20 “large community hospitals” selected.

NGMC is also the only hospital in Georgia to make the list in any catego-ry.

This is the second time NGMC has made the 100 Top Hospitals list and comes on the heels of the hospital being

named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2013 by Healthgrades.

“Being named to this elite list just one week after we were named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades is further proof that our organization is making Georgia a national destination for health care,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System. “The dedication that our entire team demonstrates while caring for the peo-ple of this community, and beyond, is reflected with each award we receive.”

To learn more about services offered at NGMC and through Northeast Georgia Health System, visit www.nghs.com or call (770) 219-3840.

Center named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals


Dawson County has a new title to wear according to a renowned eco-nomic forecaster for North Georgia.

Frank Norton Jr., owner of The Norton Agency, encouraged the com-munity to pay close attention to the “tremendous potential” of Ga. 400 and called Dawson County a mecca for shoppers.

The meeting was held in collabora-tion with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the local Kiwanis club.

“You’re attracting retail here, which is attracting housing here, which will attract business here, which will improve here,” Norton said Feb. 28 when he spoke during a Rotary Club of Dawson County meeting. “We are now mecca, not to worship. They are coming to spend money.”

Stressing the impact of the North Georgia Premium Outlets, Norton said the outlet’s sales exceed those of nearby center retail malls.

“You see people leaving Dawson County with bags full of stuff, leaving their taxes here. When you go to Mall of Georgia or Northpoint Mall, what you see is people walking in an air conditioned park. You don’t see as many bags leaving there,” he said.

According to Norton, 75 percent of every dollar spent locally comes from outside Dawson County.

“You are North Forsyth’s retail…and that momentum isn’t going to stop. You are mecca for retail for all of North Atlanta,” he said. “Dawson County doesn’t need more retail, but we need more retail for the people who aren’t from Dawson County.”

Commission Chair Mike Berg said Norton’s assessment of the local eco-nomic outlook is “spot on.”

“He’s right. Anytime you can get other people to spend their money

here and live somewhere else, where we don’t have to put up the infrastruc-ture in, we’re in a wonderful situation,” he said. “People come from outside because they’re drawn either by the outlet mall or they’re coming through here. We have a huge amount of peo-ple from outside the county. Again, they put their tax dollars here and they go home, and that’s great.”

Christie Haynes, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, said she hopes new busi-nesses considering Dawson County are as encouraged as she is by Norton’s view of Ga. 400’s economic potential.

“One thing I think the presentation showed is that this is a great place for retail businesses to open. Like Frank mentioned, we have all of the people that come from all the sur-rounding areas, not just Dawson County and Dawsonville for our shopping,” she said. “Retail industry that is looking for a place to build right now or just come and open a business, we are a great place to open a business.

“We’ve tried to put that message out there and we’re hoping to use some of this information to continue to put that message out there and grow our businesses in Dawson County.”

While Norton’s outlook on retail potential was positive, he said Dawson County, like others along the Ga. 400 corridor, is in need of affordable housing.

“We sold more houses under $150,000 in Dawson County than we have in the last seven, but that tells me there is still a market for aver-age people with average credit buy-ing average houses,” he said. “Average people with average credit buying average houses is the North Georgia market. But we’re out of inventory.”

Expert: Dawson ‘mecca’ for retail



New legislation may help out with a rebirth for down-town Dawsonville.

House Bill 128 is being touted as Georgia’s down-town renaissance act and allows a three-tiered system to aid with refurbishing and renovating small, downtown areas.

“Our downtown area is the heart of our county. It’s the pulse of the economy when you get right down to it. Everything started downtown and from there it all moved outward,” said Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan.

“What I see is an exodus back to the small cities. People like that atmosphere and want to be around it. That’s the reason we’re look-ing to do what we’re doing by improving the area.”

In recent months, the Dawsonville Downtown Development Authority formed a steering committee in an effort to create a plan to revitalize the city.

City Councilman Chris Gaines sits on the committee and is excited about the potential for another tool in the group’s rejuvenation plans.

“It’s awesome,” Gaines said. “It would be another tool that we would have that will allow us to encourage business growth downtown.”

Under this bill, the city would designate an area as a renaissance district for res-toration.

“We would have to decide what areas to restore at that point,” Grogan said. “The renaissance act that’s in legis-lation right now is something

that we feel like would bene-fit us because it’s benefitted other communities — not nec-essarily this particular act — but a joint partnership between public and private money to get tax credits from doing those projects in down-town areas.”

According to the mayor, this bill would be a private partner-ship between the state and businesses that includes tax incentives.

The Dawsonville City Council passed a similar poli-cy last November, which offers immediate funding to down-town businesses wishing to make small upgrades, such as a new awning for a building, intended to grow business. The city has the ability to directly loan money at no inter-

est for a 12 month period.“[HB 128] will provide tax

credits at a state level,” Gaines said. “We don’t have a city tax, so we don’t have the ability to lower tax below zero. This bill will help encour-age money to flow through downtown in a development and revitalization standpoint.”

According to Gaines, the local steering committee was already planning to renovate the downtown area before any talk of this legislation came up.

“I think it’s perfect timing. I’ve pushed for this since I was chairman of the develop-ment authority two years ago, to get downtown revital-ized,” Gaines said. “Everybody you talk to wants to see a vibrant downtown

and for us to be just ahead of the curve for what they’re doing with this renaissance program is great. I think it’s phenomenal that we’re right on target.”

The committee, made up of downtown stakeholders from the business community, is currently developing a plan, setting goals and laying a foundation in anticipation ofinviting land owners and property owners to get behind the effort and improve the downtown area.

Citizens of Dawsonville are also getting involved by shar-ing ways to help improve downtown and bring addi-tional tourism to the area.

“Dawsonville’s only known for two things – moonshine and racing. It seems like it’s

accepted now more than in the past,” said Gordon Pirkle, president of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

He has suggested renaming some of the numbered streets in Dawsonville to reflect the city’s unique heritage.

Pirkle’s plan proposes renaming the portions of Dawsonville’s numbered streets in honor of racing greats Raymond Parks, Bernard Long, Ted Chester, GoberSosebee, Bill Elliott, Harry Melling, Roy Hall and Lloyd Seay.

According to Pirkle, among the names are the fiveracing legends from Dawsonville to have won at Daytona’s famed tracks. The other sug-gested names are from three NASCAR champions from “this tiny town of racing.”

“Naming the streets will bring attention to Dawsonville. The committee from the University of Georgia really liked this idea,” he said.

Pirkle believes focusing on the town’s history is vital in making plans to revitalize the downtown area.

“Some people thought changes were bad at the start, like when we wanted to rename the Fall Festival to the Moonshine Festival. We need things that we can mar-ket, even if it means chang-ing something’s name,” he said.

He’s also proposed that advertisement spaces be sold and painted onto several old race cars. These cars would then be parked out front of businesses and rotated as new advertisement spaces were purchased.

David Renner Dawson Communtiy News

A refurbished race car sits outside of the historic courthouse in Dawsonville. Plans are currently underway in hopes of revitalizing downtown Dawsonville.

Changes in the works for downtown



Easter is quickly approaching and K.A.R.E. for Kids is preparing for its annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The hunt begins at 11:30 a.m. on March 30 at Veterans Memorial Park. The organization invites everyone to come out for a lunch of hotdogs and more.

“This is about the 10th year that K.A.R.E. for Kids has hosted this event, but it goes back at least 25 to 30 years,” said K.A.R.E. for Kids president Calvin Byrd. “The egg hunt has a rich history in this county. I can remember doing it as a kid.”

The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures as well as rides by Wayne’s Trains, inflatable play houses, face painting and a mini-hamburger eating contest.

The organization would like every-one to know that the egg hunt will

begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. and for participants to arrive at least 30 min-utes early with a basket in hand in order to snag that perfect egg hunting location.

“It’s really just another way for us to give back to the kids in this communi-ty,” Byrd said. “It’s what K.A.R.E. for Kids is all about. We’re not just toys and clothes at Christmas. We want to give kids a reason to smile year round.”

For more information, contact K.A.R.E. for Kids at (706) 216-5273.

K.A.R.E. for Kids egg hunt around the corner

‘The egg hunt has a rich history in this county. I can remember doing it as a kid.’

Calvin ByrdPresident, K.A.R.E. for Kids

File photo

Drew and Brooklyn Ledford examine their Easter treasures following last year’s egg hunt. Mother, Jenny Ledford, looks on.


Dawson County’s economic future is being closely examined by one county commissioner and he remains concerned about Dawson County’s economic future, he says. The scruti-ny was brought on by a recent 2011 to 2012 budget comparison of rev-enue versus expenses for the coun-ty.

“People don’t want to hear it, but we’re going to end up at some point, if we don’t find another source of revenue, services will have to be cut and I don’t think we’re having that discussion with the public,” said District 1 Commissioner Gary Pichon.

“You can’t have it both ways. You can’t have really good services and have them for nothing. That’s not going to work.”

According to a report distributed by County Manager Cindy Campbell, revenue collected in 2012 is down by nearly $1.32 million, 6 percent, while expenses are down by 1.38 million from 2011.

She said the 2012 totals have yet to be audited and cautioned there could be a change in the totals.

Pichon, however, said it’s time to open the discussions on what the county can do to insure the worst doesn’t happen.

“What’s happening is the income from property tax continues to fall. Sales tax is rising, but not enough to cover the shortfall, and nobody wants to deliver the ugly news,” he said. “I think the first thing we need to do is to have this discussion.”

In the coming weeks, Pichon said he plans to propose an idea intend-

ed to address the need to increase sales tax revenue along the Ga. 400 corridor.

“We’re headed toward problems if we don’t get more sales tax to jump out of the ground out at 400,” he said.

Like the City of Dawsonville has made an effort to improve the downtown area by developing a revitalization plan, Pichon said he hopes the county commission will take a look at improving 400 to lure additional development that brings sales tax revenue to the county.

“I hope we can take a look at doing something at 400 to try to support that tax base. That’s what I’m looking for,” he said.

There has been a recent spike in interest from developers along the busy Ga. 400 corridor.

Among the confirmed new busi-nesses are a Dunkin Donuts near Ga. 400 and Industrial Park Road, a Dollar General on Hwy. 53 west of Tractor Supply and O’Reilly Auto Parts just north of Hwy. 53 on 400.

Additionally, Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, has con-firmed talks on several other potential developments along the corridor.

“Interest has most definitely picked up in the last couple of months,” Auvermann said. “There have been a number of properties that are being looked at because the economy is improving.”

Dawson County Planning Director David McKee also recently announced a surge of nearly 40 percent in build-ing permits and building in January compared to that of a year ago.

“This is definitely positive,” he said. “January was by far the busiest month for our office in quite some time.”

Commissioner concerned about revenue for countyHopes to see increase in sales tax generators



K.A.R.E. for Kids is preparing for its inaugural Swine & Shine Festival. The event is designed to be a barbecue cook-off and car show.

The festival will be held beginning at 11 a.m. March 23 at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in downtown Dawsonville.

“For the past few years, we’ve held the annual poker run that helped fund our pro-gram to send kids to summer camps,” said K.A.R.E. for Kids president Calvin Byrd. “This year we’re trying to make the event bigger with the Swine and Shine Festival.”

The festival will be a one day event that features a car show, moonwalks, motorcy-cle rides, bluegrass music and a backyard barbecue cook-off.

“Anyone who thinks they have the best

barbecue recipe should come out and give it a shot,” Byrd said. “We have some barbecue people from Forsyth coming down to judge it, [so] people won’t think we’re being partial.”

But Byrd said the real reason behind the event is to keep kids active and involved in academics.

“The main thing is to keep the kids involved in school,” he said. “We’re hop-ing that the money raised from this event will be able to send these kids to educa-tional summer camps and help pay for school trips.”

For more information, contact K.A.R.E. for Kids at (706) 216-5273.

To compete in the barbecue cook-off, contact Eddie Peppers at (706) 429-8537.

K.A.R.E. for Kids to host barbecue contest

For the Dawson Community News

Adult literAcy recognized in StAte HouSeState Rep. Kevin Tanner, a Dawsonville republican, honored Lanier Technical College’s adult literacy program in Dawson and Lumpkin coun-ties Feb. 21 with the reading of a House Resolution. Representatives from both adult learning centers, as well as students who have achieved their GED’s through the program were in attendance for the reading.


A recent meeting held at Dawson County Emergency Services Station No. 2 outlined future plans for Carlisle Road.

Several Carlisle Road residents attended the town hall style meeting on March 2 held by Dawson County Public Works Director David Headley and County Engineer Corey Gutherie, who outlined the project that includes paving, widening and restructuring the gravel road.

“We want people to be able to move around in our county. It improves our county to be able to do that. But it is still a residential road, so with that being said, the road would be designed to have a 35 mile per hour speed limit,” Gutherie said.

While residents said they under-stand paving the road would mean more drivers will use it to access Ga. 400, Scott Mullinax said the new, improved paved road will be wel-comed, even if it means taking down a couple of the trees on his property.

“They’re a focal point for us, but I’m reasonable and I think we’ll be able to work something out,” he said.

The county is currently working with land owners on Carlisle Road to acquire right-of-way for the project.

Commission Chair Mike Berg said the project is primarily funded by a $250,000 state transportation grant with the remainder coming from the county’s one-cent sales tax.

“The grant from DOT is for this spe-cific road. We told them it was one of the roads we had on our list and they know it’s a cut-through to Ga. 400,” he said.

Gutherie said the plan is to begin the project this summer.


Dawson County Public Works Director David Headley, center, and County Engineer Corey Gutherie, left, go over plans to pave and widen Carlisle Road with resident Scott Mullinax on March 2 during a town hall meeting. The project is expected to begin this summer.

Plans for Carlisle Road outlined to residentsRenovation could begin this summer


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