november 2009 chronicle

This week the team ofchamber members andlocal officials who pulltogether the LeadershipDawson Program had theirmonthly meeting.

There was a lot of dis-cussion about the program

itself, the state of the com-munity and the role that theleadership alumni plays inwhat happens in our com-munity. The conversationeventually came down tothe needs of the community(leadership alumni includ-

ed) and what the group cando to positively impact var-ious opportunities inDawson County.

In reading this article,don’t stop at this pointbecause you are sittingthere telling yourself: “OK,

I am not alumni or a candi-date for leadership, so thisdoes not pertain to me.”

Please read on.The group decided to

have several mini sessionsnext year, providing infor-mation for surviving tough

times. Everything from lossof jobs to feeding families,foreclosures, state budget-ing and finding shelter wasdiscussed.

The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

November 2009

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

Weaver wins national award

Jay Walker

Time for alumni to step up to the plate

See ALUMNI, Page 5

Scholarship given in chamber’s nameBy Michele [email protected]

A $1,000 scholarshipwill be awarded to aDawson County HighSchool student at the end ofthe school year in the nameof the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce.

The chamber purchased aletter of the alphabet in thethird annual Are YouSmarter than a 10-year-oldcompetition and was select-ed Oct. 13 to be named asthe scholarship donor.

READ, or ReadingEducation Association ofDawson County, a local lit-eracy and continuing educa-tion association, held thecompetition, which paired10 teams in a show of witand intelligence.

Calling themselves theDawson Damsels, PatCavanaugh, Jan Connell andDuane Wallace, of theDawson County Woman’sClub, breezed through their

The DawsonDamsels, from left,Pat Cavanaugh, JanConnell and DuaneWallace, breezedthrough their ques-tions in the Are YouSmarter than a 10-year-old contest Oct.13 at DawsonCounty MiddleSchool. The trio wonthe annual fundraiserbeating out nineother teams.

Photo/Michele Hester

Literacy event raises thousands

See EVENT, Page 5

As we near the end of2009, it is time to reflecton our accomplishmentsand recognize those inour membership whostand out by their degreeof contribution both toour organization and tothe community.

Awards will be pre-sented on Jan. 22, 2010,at our annual meeting,also know as the AnnualBanquet and Auction.

Our Chairman JayWalker will make a pres-entation based entirelyon his good judgment.This is understandablynamed “The Chairman’sAward.”

The membership shallselect the following

award winners: DonGordon Business LeaderAward, Jim WallaceVolunteer Award and theEntrepreneur of the YearAward. The nominationforms are available bycalling the chamber office.We will fax or e-mail theform to you. Please returnyour nomination forms tothe chamber by Dec. 18.

I encourage you torequest the form and nom-inate those you feeldeserve this recognition.

You may know ofsomeone that is servingunder the radar, so tospeak. Don’t assumesomeone else will nomi-nate the person of yourchoice. Often, the people

who do the most do it qui-etly and others are notaware of their accom-plishments.

Let us know what youknow.

Changing subjects, inpast membership surveys,a great number of youhave indicated a needfor a larger more promi-nent chamber facility onGa. 400.

Your board of direc-tors and I want to bringyou up to date on someimportant activity. Youwill remember that a cou-ple of months ago theboard decided tosell our 1.09 acreson Carlisle Road.

The property was

originally donated to thechamber by Joe K. Smithand Elora Stargel.

Your board felt thatthe best action at this timewas to sell the propertyand put the proceeds intoour building fund.

Please read elsewherein this issue about the saleof the property to a cham-ber member.

We will keep youposted as things developin our quest for a largerchamber building.

I hope you tookadvantage of our newonline registration for

chamber meetings. Karen Handel, Geor-

gia Secretary of State, isthe guest speaker at theNov. 12 membershipmeeting. I hope to see youthere and at other cham-ber events.

Won’t you join us?

• Dawson Chamber Chronicle • November 2009

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Nominations for 2009 Awards now open

From staff reports

The Dawson CountyChamber of Commercewelcomes Secretary ofState Karen Handel asguest speaker for thegroup’s Nov. 12 luncheonto be held at noon at theLakeview Center.

Handel is the third can-didate running for gover-nor on the Republicanticket to speak to thechamber in the last fewmonths.

Elected in November2006 and sworn into officeon Jan. 8, 2007, Handel isthe state’s first RepublicanSecretary of State, over-seeing elections, corpora-

tions, securities and pro-fessional licensing boards.

The secretary of state’soffice also controls thestate archives and theCapitol museum.

The former presidentand CEO of the NorthFulton Chamber ofCommerce also served asan executive at severalFortune 500 companies,deputy chief of staff forthe Bush-Quayle WhiteHouse and deputy chief ofstaff to Gov. SonnyPerdue.

Reservations are sug-gested for the luncheon.For more information, callthe chamber at (706) 265-6278.

Handel to speak atupcoming luncheon

Dawson Chamber Chronicle • November 2009 •

C H A M B E R M E M B E R SChamber events

November

Nov. 11: The DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce will be closed inhonor of Veterans Day.The5th annual Veterans DayParade will begin at 3 p.m. Aformal ceremony will be heldat 4 p.m. in the DawsonCounty Middle SchoolAuditorium.

Nov. 12: Lunch with theChamber will be held atnoon at the LakeviewCenter, 2057 Dawson ForestRoad. Secretary of StateKaren Handel will be theguest speaker. Membersand visitors are encour-aged to register online. Goto www.dawson.org, clickon “Chamber ofCommerce,” then “EventRegistration.” The followingslate of directors will be pre-sented to membership forvote of approval: MikeUnderwood - 2010Chairman, Kathy Fuller -Secretary/Treasurer, PeterHill - Director, Rhonda Tower- Director, Taylor Wallace -Director. For more informa-tion, call (706) 265-6278.

Nov. 12: White Interiors,located at 278 Hwy. 400North, Suite 1100, will pres-ent “Woodland Christmas”open house from 4-7 p.m.Stop by and enjoy a cup ofcheer and experienceunique and creative giftideas. Bring two non-perish-able items and receive 10percent off any purchaseuntil Dec. 31. For more infor-

mation, call (706) 216-1230.

Nov. 14: Musical “TurningThirty” will be sponsored bythe Dawson CountyWoman’s Club from 7-9 p.m.at the Dawson County MiddleSchool. Five talented Atlantaactors and their band performan uplifting story of a youngman’s successful battle withcancer. Admission will be $15per ticket or $25 per couple.Proceeds will benefit Relayfor Life. For more information,call Cindy at (706) 344-1288.

Nov. 16: Are you ready totee off? Dawson CountyChamber of CommerceAnnual Golf Tournament atChestatee Golf Club. Eventwill begin with a shotgunstart at noon and will be in aFt. Lauderdale format.

Nov. 24: Business AfterHours will be held from 5-7p.m. at Nature’s WayChiropractic, at 6564 Hwy.53, Suite 100.The cashdrawing is up to $3,125 andis sponsored by AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, AndersonFamily Medicine-Dr. LarryAnderson, The NortonAgency-Kristie Myers, R&DCaulking-Mike Downs,United Community Bank-James Askew, Van KeithInsurance Agency ofDawsonville-Ann Grizzle andDenny Insurance Group-Denny Putlak. Remember,you must be present to win ifyour name is drawn. Formore information, call Mikeat (706) 265-7339.

Nov. 26-27: The DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce will be closed forThanksgiving.

Nov. 27-29: Premium OutletMall’s After ThanksgivingWeekend Sale, featuringMidnight Madness. Enjoygreat savings. For moreinformation, call (706) 216-3609.

DecemberThere will not be a member-ship lunch in December.Thechamber encourages itsmembers to enjoy extra timewith family and friends.

Dec. 10: Happy 150th birth-day to the city ofDawsonville.

Dec. 10: United CommunityBank, 6372 Hwy. 53 East,will host Business AfterHours from 5-7 p.m. Formore information, call (706)265-3232.The cash drawingis sponsored by AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, AndersonFamily Medicine-LarryAnderson, The NortonAgency-Kristie Myers, R&DCaulking-Mike Downs,United Community Bank-James Askew, Van KeithInsurance Agency ofDawsonville-Ann Grizzle andDenny Insurance Group-Denny Putlak. Remember,you must be present to win ifyour name is drawn.

Dec. 24-25: The DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce will be closed forChristmas.

Dec. 31: Ring in the NewYear at Amicalola Falls StatePark and Lodge.For moreinformation, call (800) 573-9656.

January

Jan. 1: The Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce willbe closed.

Jan. 14: Lunch with theChamber will be held at noonat the Lakeview Center, 2057Dawson Forest Road.SamOlens, chairman of the AtlantaRegional Commission will bethe guest speaker.Members

and visitors are encouraged toregister online by 5 p.m. Jan.11. Go to www.dawson.org,click on “Chamber ofCommerce,” then “EventRegistration.”

Jan. 22: The DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce Annual Banquetand Auction.This year’stheme will be: “It’s aWonderful Night,” a black andwhite gala event. Moredetails will be announcedsoon. For more information,call (706) 265-6278.


Volunteer handbook now onlineA volunteer handbook, created by Carol Shoemaker ofDawsonville, is now available to help those interested getinvolved with the community. From left, Linda Williams,Cathy Brooks and Claudia Gibson test the online versionof the community volunteer opportunity handbook at theDawson County Library. The online resource is availableat www.chestateelibrary.org, www.dawson.org andwww.dawsoncounty.org.

From staff reports

Teams are still form-ing for next week’sDawson County Cham-ber of Commerce’s 11thannual golf tournament.

Originally scheduledfor October, the tourna-ment was rescheduled toNov. 16 at ChestateeGolf Club.

A fundraiser thatsupports the efforts ofthe chamber, registra-tion begins at 11 a.m.,with the shotgun start atnoon.

As in years past, playwil l be in the Ft .

Lauderdale format thatwill include three hole-in-one challenges to winprizes, as well as closestto the pin and a longestdrive contest.

“We encourage thecommunity to come outand enjoy a round ofgolf while supportingthe chamber,” saidChamber PresidentLinda Williams.

“The event is alwaysfun, the food is greatand awards wil l begiven out.”

Golfers can playindividually for $125 orin teams of four for$450.

Entry fees includegreen fees and golf cart,practice range, lunch,goodie bag, awards din-

ner, raffle and awards. “Participating in the

tournament is a greatway to support thechamber, as well as pro-mote your businesswithin the community,”Williams added.

Prizes will be award-ed for the first and sec-ond low gross and lownet.

The pr ize for thehole-in-one competitionis $10,000, courtesy ofChestatee State Bank.

Sponsorships areavailable at many differ-ent levels, ranging from

a $150 Hole Sponsor to$1,000 Awards Sponsor.

Pre-regis t ra t ion ishighly encouraged, butthe chamber will regis-

ter teams on the morn-ing of, if necessary.

For more informa-tion, contact the cham-ber at (706) 265-6278.


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

P.O Box 1096137 Prominence Court

Suite 240Dawsonville, GA 30534

C H A M B E R M E M B E R S

By Frank [email protected]

A local husband-and-wife dentalteam who’s been serving Dawson Countyfor the past 11 years has a new location.

The new office on 212 ProminenceCourt is the first building they’ve ownedsince opening their practice in the KrogerShopping Center.

The new location is across the streetfrom the previous one.

Craig and Wendy Jones Harris, whoare co-owners of Harris Family Dentistry,opened their Dawsonville office a yearafter they got married.

“We’ve always been so blessed to bebusy,” said Wendy Jones Harris. “DawsonCounty has always welcomed us withopen arms and always been wonderful tous. We’re grateful for that.”

Harris said working with her husbandin the office has its advantages.

“We work well together,” she said.“We like different parts of dentistry, soit’s a good formula for us. It’s also nice

to have each other to consult with whenwe need it.”

Harris said she “fell in love with thearea” shortly after graduating from theMedical College of Georgia. “Wethought it was so beautiful here, and itseemed like the perfect place to raise afamily and make our home.”

The Harrises have two children: Lily,8, and Jones, 6.

Wendy is originally from Marietta,and Craig grew up in Cartersville. Thetwo met at the Medical College ofGeorgia.

The business provides general andcosmetic dentistry, as well as a full rangeof dental services.

Harris said their practice tries “to bethere for people. If someone has anemergency, we try to see them that dayor the next...we try to provide as high-quality of work as possible, and we standby it. We treat our customers like wewould want to be treated,” she said.

For more information, call (706) 216-7777, or visit www.harrisfamily-dentistry.com.

Harris Family Dentistry opens new location


Dentist Wendy Harris cleans Scott Black’s teeth as her husband, Craig,also a dentist at Harris Family Dentistry, entertains the patient.

Chamber golf tournament Monday at Chestatee‘The event isalways fun,the food is

great... ‘

Linda Williams Chamber president



questions and went on to win amillion points and the contestheld at Dawson County MiddleSchool.

“I do think READ is just anamazing program and does somuch for our county. It’s a lot offun to support it in that way,” saidConnell.

The competition mimickedJeff Foxworthy’s popular quizshow “Are You Smarter than a 5thGrader,” with two fifth-gradersfrom each of the county’s ele-mentary schools on stage to assistthe teams.

“It was really a fun night forthe kids, their parents and thecommunity as a whole,” saidREAD President Carol Tyger,who added she was pleased withthe amount the program raised.

EVENT from 1

We went on to talk aboutspecific families in DawsonCounty that are surviving livingconditions that are unimagin-able. This is where the leader-ship alumni, future candidatesand certainly anyone else couldhelp.

From the first mini sessionwe will identify as a group thecourse we will take. All alumniand those who were contactedfor Leadership 2010 shouldwatch their e-mail for the dateto be made soon for the minisession.

As well , alumni that areinterested should attend theleadership meeting at 11 a.m.Nov. 13 at the county extensionoffice.

We will plan the first mini

session and we will fill you inon some people who need ourhelp and how we might helpthem.

When each of us graduatedfrom leadership we werecharged with making a differ-ence in Dawson County. As ourneighbors are helped to prosper,so goes the county.

Feel free to call me withquestions at (706) 216-5500. Aseach of us went through leader-ship we learned that the more ofus that got involved with a proj-ect the easier it was and thegreater the results were.

I am personally challengingthe Class of 2008 to getinvolved.

Jay WalkerChairman

ALUMNI from 1


Kilough Elementary School fifth-grader SophieHolley was on stage to assist the teams duringthe Are You Smarter than a 10-year-old contest, afundraiser for READ.

By Michele [email protected]

Marketing and advertisingprofessionals from a varietyof media outlets were onhand Oct. 20 to give adviceand answer questions onbusiness promotion in a sem-inar presented by the DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce.

Topics included printmedia, social media, radio,blogs and e-mail campaigns,in addition to discussionsabout which advertising andmarketing outlets are bestsuited for business needs.

The chamber’s businessdevelopment committee linedup the panel to speak aboutthe many opportunities avail-able to help promote a busi-ness, which is one of several

seminars requested by cham-ber members.

“This event was the resultof feedback we received fromsurveys we had with mem-

bers last year,” said LindaWilliams, president of thechamber. “Marketing was thebiggest issue for our mem-bers.”

The chamber also offereda seminar on financing busi-ness and worked with otheragencies to hold job andcareer fairs in the last year.

“Our business develop-ment committee is currentlyworking on programs forthe next year, based onfeedback we’ve receivedfrom our members,”Williams said.

Williams encouragesmembers to continue lettingthe chamber know how it canbe a benefit to its member-ship.

To make a business devel-opment suggestion, call (706)265-6278.

Chamber seeks feedback forbusiness development programs

‘This event wasthe result offeedback wereceived from

surveys we hadwith members

last year.’

Linda WilliamsChamber president


From left, Pepper Pettit, Carrie Toro and Barbara Robertsput on their combat boots and fatigues to attend the inau-gural Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Boot Camp.Designed as an overview of chamber initiatives, the bootcamp guides participants through various means availablethrough the chamber to help promote their business. Thechamber plans to hold the boot camp on a quarterly basis.For more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.

Boot camp aimed at new members




The Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce is gear-ing up for an annual night ofdinner, dancing and awards.

The gala gives guests theopportunity to sport their“Sunday best or better,” accord-ing to Linda Williams, chamberpresident.

This year’s event, which is

scheduled for Jan. 22 atLakeview Center features ablack, white and silver theme.

“People will have a chanceto dress up and have a spe-cial evening together withfriends and associates, andthen we will have an awardsceremony,” Williams said.

The gathering gives thechamber a chance to honormembers in the categories ofbusiness leader, volunteer

and entrepreneur of the year.Chairman Jay Walker wil lpresent the chairman’s award.

Ceremonies beg in a t 6p.m. with l ive music , andguests can mingle for about30 minutes before dinner isserved. Williams said thatd inner rese rva t ions comewi th two compl imenta rydrink tickets.

A silent auction will alsobe held a t the event . “We

will ask members that wouldlike to showcase either theirproduct or service or justwant to get their name outthe re , they can dona teitems,” Williams said.

Proceeds f rom sales ofthe i tems wil l go into thechamber’s general operatingbudget . Wil l iams said thegala i s the organizat ion’sb igges t fundra i se r o f theyear.

“It’s through the generos-ity of our members that it’ssuccessful,” she said. “Wehope to have another won-derful event this year.”

Inv i ta t ions to the ga lawi l l go ou t nex t month .Members can buy a single-seating ticket for $75 or atable for eight for $550.

For more in format ion ,call (706) 265-6278 or visitwww.dawson.org.

Annual chamber of commerce gala planned for January


With more than 25 years ofcombined experience, the owners ofVan Keith Insurance Agency offerone-stop policy shopping.

“We can write auto, home, life,health, business and annuities,” saidagent Phillip Turk.

“If we only write your houseand car, then you’ll go down thestreet for your business insuranceand they’ll want to try to get all yourbusiness. We’d like to keep every-thing here and retain all of yourinsurance business,” Turk said.

An independently-ownedagency, Van Keith Insurance openedthe Dawsonville office in August.

Owners Turk, Ann Grizzle andNancy Carpenter all live inLumpkin County, but wanted tobring the qualities of an independentagency to Dawson County.

“This area is growing so much.

We wanted to be a part of thegrowth around Ga. 400,” Turk said.

While there are other independ-ent agencies in Dawsonville, Turksaid detail to customer service setsthe agency apart.

An agent will either answer theoffice phone or immediately return

any messages, Turk said.“We are in the customer service

business,” he added.Van Keith Insurance Agency is

located at 139 Prominence Court,Suite 150, Dawsonville.

For more information, call (706)429-0172.


Van Keith Insurance Agency celebrated its grand opening witha ribbon cutting in October. The independent agency offers poli-cies on auto, home, life, health, business and annuities.

Van Keith Insuranceoffers personal serviceAgent can writevariety of policies

Students test work ready skills

File photo

More than 200 seniors at Dawson County HighSchool spent the morning of Oct. 14 taking theGeorgia Work Ready Test, a skills assessmentcertification designed to prepare job seekersfor work and a job profiling system for busi-nesses. The initiative’s goal is to generate aworkforce that meets the needs of local busi-nesses, said chamber president and WorkReady Team Leader Linda Williams.




More than a decade ago,Dawson County residents sawpromise in a young boy withambition.

At 5 years old, BradleyWeaver announced to theDawson County Chamber ofCommerce that he planned tojoin the organization, toutinghis pumpkin-selling skills.

Weaver sold as many pump-kins as he could, and over theyears his business skills grew.

Recognition for his effortcame last month, when Weaver,now 18, took home a nationalaward for agricultural sales atthe FFA Convention inIndianapolis, Ind.

Since then, Weaver’s beenshowered with praise by hisparents and high school advis-er, who spoke with happinessof the award recently.

Bradley’s parents Tony andKaren Weaver attended theconference with their son. TonyWeaver said he was thrilledwhen his son was given theagricultural sales award, one of47 categories at the event.

“I was so excited,” he said.“I thought I was going to gothrough the roof. To win stateis an amazing thing. To winthis ... I don’t think I’ve fullycomprehended it yet. It’s soincredible. I’m so proud ofBradley.”

Bradley Weaver said what

probably sold the judges washis grasp of the business. “Theycould tell I do all the workmyself ... that I get out thereand do what needs to be doneto keep everything going.”

Dawson County HighSchool agricultural adviserReggie Stowers agreed.

“A lot of times, when yousee students that are 18 yearsold, they’re kind of riding onmomma’s or daddy’s coattails alittle bit, and I think it came outpretty plain in the interviewsessions that Bradley’s a kidwho knows the business,”Stowers said.

“He can explain every detailof what goes on,” he added.“That was probably his biggestadvantage when they werejudging.”

Weaver’s entry included hispumpkin business — Bradley’sPumpkin Patch — as well asboiled peanuts, Christmas trees,daffodils and daylillies he sells,according to the season. He’s

also the owner of a landscapingcompany with about 20 cus-tomers.

When Weaver’s not oversee-ing the businesses, he’s hittingthe books at North GeorgiaCollege & State University,where he’s a freshman. Heentered the FFA competitionlast year, while still a highschool senior.

Balancing the school andwork days can be a challenge,but it’s no problem for Weaver.He schedules his classes threedays a week, and tends to busi-ness the remaining days.

“I’m always on the move,”Weaver said. “I’m alwaysdoing something.”

He plans to continue hispumpkin ventures through col-lege. Being in business at ayoung age taught him a littleabout the trade.

Some lessons he’s learned:“If you have a bad pumpkin,don’t try to sell it. We leave allthose in the field. Always sell agood product,” and “be friendlyto your customers.”

Bradley’s mother saidgood customer service isn’tthe only thing that makes him

successful.“God gives each one of us

gifts,” said Karen Weaver.“Bradley was faithful to prayabout what God wanted him todo, and for him it was growingpumpkins.”

On the farm, she said,Bradley Weaver is right in hiselement.

“He’s a hard worker. He’s adoer,” she said. “He’s alwaysloved the farm. For him, this isheaven.”

Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch islocated at 25 Lawrence Drive,off Hwy. 183.

Weaver plans to keeppumpkins sproutingEarns national award

Photos/Frank Reddy

Bradley Weaver, above, won a national award for his business ventures, including a pump-kin farm in Dawson County. He sells several different types of pumpkins for decoration anddisplay. Left, Weaver talks to his father, Tony.

‘I thought I was going to go through the roof ... I’m so proud of Bradley.’

Tony WeaverBradley Weavers father


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

Timothy A.Annis,D.C.Jeremy Elzey

Elzey Exterminating Co., Inc.(Residential & Commercial)

Free Termite inspections

1992 Dr. Bramblett Rd.Cumming, GA 30040

Office # 678-455-9200Cell # 678-887-0038


October totals Walk-in: 2,500

Telephone referrals: 4,000

September totals unavailable

Moonshine Festival draws a crowd

Photos/Frank Reddy

More than 300 antique cars f i l led downtownDawsonville Oct. 24-25, celebrating the city’s bootleg-ging history dur ing the 42nd Annual MountainMoonshine Festival.

LarryWhittemore

of Adairsvillesold metallic

“backyardcreatures”during the

festival.

Stephen Gibbs of Centre, Ala., helpsReagan McClure, 7, of Dawson Countysecure her straps before a carnival ride.


Thank YouChamber Building Fund

Sponsors

PropertyInvestmentAssociates

New members

• Shop chamber members first.

• Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you.

• Are you certified Work Ready? To learn more, call (706) 265-6278.

Please let the Chamber know when you have a special event so we may add them in our Chamber Chronicle.

Special thanks to the following members that renewed in September• Kristie Myers Inc - The NortonAgency

• Summit Auto Events LLC

Moradi Brothers IncTed Moradi(770) 393-10101875 Old Alabama RoadSuite 620Roswell, GA 30076Category:Apartment Cleaning

Assured Integrity ServicesJoseph Waitman(678) 398-42442722 Davenport RoadDuluth, GA 30096Category:IT Management and Installation

Bailey Real Estate(706) 974-4766199 Oak Creek WayDawsonville, GA 30534Category: Real Estate

Bella Home Creations LLC(404) 702-6292182 Via Pisana Dahlonega, GA 30534Category: Interior Design

North Georgia Zoo/Wildlife Wonders(708) 348-72792912 Paradise Valley RoadCleveland, GA 30528Category: Petting Zoo


The Dawson CountyChamber of CommerceAmbassador Program is avolunteer organization madeup of local business men andwomen whose primary pur-pose is to promote the cham-ber and interact with mem-bers.

With the year coming to aclose, the chamber’s ambassa-dor program is seeking newmembers to join this dedicat-ed group of volunteers. Thechamber depends on ambas-sadors to serve as its liaison to

the general membership. Whether going out into the

community to welcome newbusinesses or attending cham-ber sponsored events, theambassadors are a vital com-ponent to the chamber’s con-tinued success.

Ambassador chairmanDenny Putlak said he ispleased with the direction theprogram is headed and looksforward to the new year when

he hopes to see new facesjoin.

“We could certainly use a

few new members,” he said.Ambassadors attend new

business grand openings andribbon cutting ceremonies, inaddition to registering guestsat chamber functions, includ-ing monthly luncheon andafter hours events.

The ambassadors alsomeet on a monthly basis atRyan’s in Dawsonville on thefourth Wednesday of eachmonth. Each month a differ-ent business or organizationsponsors the breakfast.Bobowski Financial GroupLLC of Cumming sponsoredthe group’s October meeting.

Breakfast sponsorships, at

a reasonable cost, are stillavailable for ambassadorbreakfasts.

The sponsorship is a greatway for businesses to spreadthe word about themselvesand/or their companies.

The sponsorship providesthe breakfast for the monthlymeeting, gives sponsors 10 to15 minutes to speak on theirbusiness and includes a shortprofile in the ChamberChronicle for members.

To register to sponsor anambassador breakfast or formore information about theprogram, call (706) 216-1750.



Ambassador SpotlightAmbassador SpotlightBecome anambassador

Putlak

McBerry named ambassador of the monthBy Frank [email protected]

Dawson County Chamber ofCommerce Ambassador forOctober is Susan McBerry, a long-time Dawson County resident anda branch manager at AppalachianCommunity Bank.

McBerry has lived in the areafor about 25 years, and she saidinvolvement in community groupsand activities drives her as a busi-nesswoman.

The Decatur native is vice pres-ident for the Dawson CountyWoman’s Club, serves on theFamily Connection board and vol-unteers with the county’s metham-phetamine task force.

“I stay really, really busy,”McBerry said. “It’s important to

stay involved with the community... to stay in tune with what goes onaround you.”

She said the AmbassadorProgram is helpful to that end.

“Being in the program, I’vemet a lot of people that way ... it’sall about networking.”

She said community involve-ment is a goal of AppalachianCommunity Bank as well.

“One of our primary focusesis, we’re a community bank, sowe get involved and serve ourcommunity. I guess not all busi-nesses are community focused,but we certainly are,” McBerrysaid.

Dawson County Chamber ofCommerce President LindaWilliams said McBerry is indeeda community-focused business-woman.

“Susan loves working with thecommunity, and she’s been a greatambassador and all around volun-teer for the chamber,” Williamssaid. “She represents her companywell and represents the chamberwell, and it’s members like herthat rise to the top and rise to theoccasion.”

McBerry has been married for20 years to husband Larry. Theyhave a daughter, Amanda, and ason Larry, III.

Prior to her career in banking,she was in human resources.When she moved to the Dawson400 branch of AppalachianCommunity Bank it was her “firstexposure” to branch banking.

“Working and living in DawsonCounty has been great,” she said.“It’s a good place to be.” McBerry




A p p a l a c h i a nCommunity Bank wasrustling with the soundsof fall at last month’sDawson County Chamberof Commerce BusinessAfter Hours.

But the group of about200 grew quiet as JayWalker, chairman of thechamber’s board of direc-tors, announced it wastime for the much antici-pated cash drawing.

For almost two years,the cash drawing grandprize has increased by$150 each month.

The chamber drawsfrom a list of chambermembers for the cashprize every month atbusiness after hours.

The winner must bepresent to collect theprize money.

Had Amanda Slaugh-ter, a doctor at FamilyCounseling of Georgia,been present, she wouldhave taken home thegrand prize.

Instead, the pot con-tinues to grow to $3,125for the Nov. 24 BusinessAfter Hours event to beheld from 5-7 p.m. atNature’s Way Chiro-

practic on Hwy. 53 East.The chiropractic staff

has big shoes to fill afterthe Halloween partyAppalachian CommunityBank threw for theOctober Business AfterHours event.

Dozens of chambermembers dressed up forthe occasion and entereda costume contest held bythe bank.

Chamber memberCarol Tyger, dressed as aparty girl, took firstplace. Jason Lord andSarah Watkins won sec-ond for their Donald andDaisy Duck costumes.

Walker also joinedthe festivities in a BigBad Wolf costume withLittle Red Riding Hoodby his side.

Ghouls, ghostsand Donald Duckattend local eventCash drawing continues to grow

Photos/Michele Hester

Top left, Blueberry Muffin (Jenna Bryant of Appalachian CommunityBank) greeted guests to the Dawson County Chamber of CommerceBusiness After Hours Oct. 27. Above, Jay Walker, chairman of the cham-ber’s board of directors, joined the festivities in a Big Bad Wolf costumewith Little Red Riding Hood (Amy Cox) by his side.




Officials with Eto-wah Water and SewerAuthority last monthwelcomed guests to theDawson Forest WaterReclamation Facility,which opens the doorsfor growth in DawsonCounty for years tocome.

Located next toRock Creek Park, thefacility is part of theauthority’s masterexpansion plan toserve any businesseswanting to locate toDawson County withadequate water andwaste water treatment

capabilities.“Currently, we have

the capabilities for500,000 gallons perday in treating wastewater,” said GeneralManager BrookeAnderson. “With thecompletion of theexpansion, we’ve ad-ded the capability foran additional half amillion gallons aboveand beyond what we’reable to treat now.”

Anderson said thefacility is built with thefuture in mind.

“Some of the facili-ties we built are easilyexpandable by addingadditional pumps andpipes up to 10 milliongallons per day in the

future,” he said.“Nothing will be wast-ed or not used whenwe expand into thefuture.”

The authority alsohas plans to expand itswater treatment plantlater this year.

“With the additionof the waste watertreatment facility andthe water treatmentplant, we’ll have thecapabilities to handleany commercial busi-nesses wanting tocome to DawsonCounty,” Andersonsaid. “We know thegrowth has slowed, butwe want to be readywhen the growthreturns.”

Kroger raises moneyto fight cancer


Officials with Etowah Water and Sewer Authority celebrated thecompletion of the Dawson Forest Water Reclamation Facility lastmonth. The facility doubles the authority’s waste water treatmentcapabilities.

Water authority celebratescompletion of local plant

Left, Miley Davis, 5, ofForsyth County, buzzedher way through Kroger'sFall Festival Oct. 29. Theevent raised more than$2,000 for the Susan G.Komen cancer researchfoundation.

Photos/Michele Hester

Above, KiloughElementary School fifthgrader Nina Roberts bobsfor apples at the festival.Left, Mikey Gray, 3, ofCumming used his spiderpowers to fling a smallturkey into a row of papertowels.




The owners of SleeveCo, a man-ufacturer in Dawson County, closedon 1.09 acres near Ga. 400 ownedby the Dawson County Chamber ofCommerce.

The chamber board of directorsvoted to sell the commercial land onCarlisle Road earlier this year in aneffort to liquidate assets.

The chamber acquired the landin 2005 as the potential site for anew visitors center along the Ga.400 corridor to serve the thousandsof visitors Dawson County wel-comes each week. The property wasoriginally donated to the chamberby Joe K. Smith and Elora Stargel.

The chamber’s current office is

located in downtown Dawsonville inthe county’s historic jail.

SleeveCo, according to ChamberPresident Linda Williams, closed onthe property Nov. 2 at $101,000.

Williams said the profits will beadded to about $100,000 of pledgesthe chamber has received from areabanks for the new building.

“That money’s in the bank draw-ing interest. It’ll be our down pay-ment when we find a suitable build-ing for our new chamber office,” shesaid.

With the current economy andreal estate prices continuing to fall,Williams said the chamber board isaggressively searching for a site.

“We think the time is now orsoon,” she said.

Representatives of SleeveCocould not be reached, but chamberboard members said the manufac-turer plans to build an expansion onthe property.

Photo/Submitted

James Johnson of SleeveCo, left, shakes hands with Jay Walker,chairman of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Boardof Directors, finalizing the sale of 1.09 acres. Chamber PresidentLinda Williams and Chamber Secretary/Treasurer Kathy Fullerare also pictured.

Chamber sells land Proceeds added tonew building fund


Dawson County resi-dents will band togethertoday to celebrate the livesof military men andwomen who served theircountry, and those whocontinue to serve.

The 5th AnnualVeterans Day Celebrationbegins this afternoon witha parade through down-town Dawsonville. A for-mal ceremony is scheduledto follow at DawsonCounty Middle School.

The event is sponsoredby Veterans Affairs ofDawson County and thechamber of commerce,who welcomed a soldierback Oct. 30 fromA f g h a n i s t a n . S g t .Christopher Goodwin Sr.,of Dawsonville, will bepart of today’s ceremonies.

Goodwin, 38, will behome for the next coupleweeks until he goes back tofinish his National Guardservice, which could lastuntil April.

“It felt so good to behome, to be on Americansoil,” said Goodwin, 38,who has spent the last sixmonths stationed inGardez, Afghanistan. “Ithanked God I was home.”

Dawson County resi-dents are thankful to havehim back as well, and willshow him appreciation dur-ing today’s ceremonies.

A Medivac helicopterwill make a flyover to

commemorate the occa-sion.

“Honoring our veteransis what it’s all about. Wehonor and respect them atthis ceremony,” said PamHamalainen, president ofVeterans Affairs of DawsonCounty.

Hamalainen saidGoodwin will be a part ofthe ceremony as a repre-sentative of U.S. activemilitary.

Until he departs again,Goodwin plans to spendsome quality time withwife, Kim; son, Chris Jr.,12; and mother, Nevah.

So far, it’s been homesweet home, according toGoodwin.

“It’s been very relax-ing,” he said. “We grilledout steaks, and I’m goingto hang out with some bud-dies of mine sometimesoon.”

He said “being withfamily and eating home-cooked food” are amongthe comforts he missesmost while overseas.

His mother, Nevah, saidit’s good to see him, evenif for just a couple weeks.

“I’m so happy rightnow,” she said, hugginghim Oct.30. “I’ve beenwaiting so long for this.”

Veteran returns homeCeremony isset for today

Photos/Frank Reddy

Christopher Goodwin Sr. shares a laugh Fridaywith his son, Chris Goodwin Jr., and mother,Nevah Goodwin, at the Dawson County Chamberof Commerce.

Among those takingpart in the celebrationwere, from left, Com-missioner James Swaf-ford, Goodwin, NevahGoodwin, Chris Good-win Jr. and LindaWilliams.


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november 2009 chronicle

Documents

chamber office

theleadership alumni

platesee alumni

thedawson county womansclub

annual meeting

tothe community

thethird annual

end ofthe school year