september 2009 chamber chronicle

By Michele HesterStaff Writer

Sitting at a table in theback of the room at theDawson County Chamberof Commerce ReverseRaffle Aug. 27, Yvonneand Bill Bombardier wereabout to sneak out and callit an early night.

Picking up her purse,Yvonne Bombardier toldher husband, “Did wemiss it? Did they alreadycall our number and wemissed it?”

The couple soon foundout their number wasn’tquite up yet. In fact, theirnumber was never called,and they left the LakeviewCenter $10,000 wealthier.

“We’re going toDisneyland,” Bob Bom-bardier joked. “Isn’t thatwhat you do when you winsomething?”

His wife said she didn’tknow what people do withtheir prize winnings. “I’venever won anything, ever.My name’s always the lastto be called. That’s one rea-

son we bought a reverseraffle ticket, since the lastone standing is the winner,”she said.

On a serious note, theBombardiers plan to putthe money in the bank,maybe begin saving for araining day, and buy twonew rims for their daugh-ter’s car.

“She hit a pot hole ear-lier and ruined the rims. Itold her I might buy hernew tires,” Yvonne Bom-bardier said.

The reverse raffle is one

The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

September 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

A natural approachto good health

Jay Walker

Reversal of fortuneChamber event raises $13,000

More important than ever to live united

See FORTUNE, Page 5

Last week I attended thekick off for the AtlantaDivision United Way cam-paign for Kroger.

There were two emo-tions felt in the room as wemade our plans for the2010 campaign.

First, you could feel theexcitement. As a division,all of us have gotten inbehind United Way as wehave seen first hand in ourcommunities what UnitedWay does for our employ-ees, our customers and our

citizens. As a division we will

raise more than $1,650,000this year.

Second, you felt a senseof urgency. With the eco-nomic times we are experi-encing, there has never

been a greater need for allUnited Ways and particu-larly that of DawsonCounty’s United Way.

Normally, I talk tochamber members aboutbusiness or governmentinterests that impact local

business. Though it may be not

the most important reasonto get involved with UnitedWay, the success of a cam-

See UNITED, 0

Photo/Michele Hester

With just five numbers left to be drawn, the remaining ticket holdersquestioned whether to split the $10,000 cash prize.

Last spring ourEntrepreneur Friendlycommittee meeting dis-cussions centered on thefact that local govern-ments and school boardswere, for the most part,bound to award bids onprojects, good and serv-ices to the lowest bidder.

It was noted that quiteoften bids are awarded tocompanies that are out-side of their own county,and perhaps even outsideof the state.

We discussed the factthat local business own-ers stimulate the localeconomy by providingjobs, depositing intolocal banks and doingbusiness with other localentrepreneurs.

If local sales tax isapplicable, those fundscome back to our owncounty budget. Localbusinesses give back to

their own communitiesby supporting local char-ities and sponsoring localball teams both at theschools and local parkand recreation depart-ments.

Businesses outside ofthe county rarely recipro-cate with the same par-ticipation and support

that local businesses doand it is not likely thatsales tax makes its wayback to Dawson County.

Conversations withlocal officials and per-sonnel at the county levelhave resulted in somepositive changes in coun-ty procedures.

The county policynow allows bids less than$100,000 to be awardedto a local business if theyare within three percentof the lowest bid and ifthey use a local bank.

On behalf of ourchamber members andall local businesses, Ipublicly thank thecounty commis-sion for taking thisaction.

This actionstrengthens thelocal economy inso many ways.

The multi-

plier affect is strongestwhen all the players arelocal.

Since I am writingabout supporting localbusiness, please markyour calendar for Oct. 6,when about 70 of ourfinest business memberswill participate in the

annual Business Expo. The event will be

held at Lakeview Center,2057 Dawson ForestRoad East, from 4-7 p.m.As always, the event isopen to the public at nocharge.

We invite everyone tocome in and see whatDawson County has tooffer.

I can safely guarantee

you will find a businessthat you were not awareis here.

There will be doorprizes, as well as sam-ples from our restaurantsand caterers.

I hope to see you at achamber event soon.Won’t you join us?

By Michele HesterStaff writer

A golf tournament tobenefit the DawsonCounty High School foot-ball team will be heldSept. 14 at ChestateeGolf Club.

The Tigers Touch-down Club, which isholding the tournament,raises funds in support ofthe high school's footballprogram.

The inaugural tourna-ment will have a 10 a.m.shotgun start and four

person teams. Registration begins at

8:30 a.m.Entry fees of $125 for

an individual or $450 fora team include a barbecuebuffet, cart and green feesand use of the club's prac-tice facility.

Prizes will be awardedto first and second placegross.

There will also beprizes for closest to thepin and longest drive.

Be sure to stop by thesilent auction for manyvaluable items to take

home in support of theTigers football teams.

There is still time tosign up.

For more information,call Lori Lewis at (561)254-4494 or (706) 216-7148.

• Dawson Chamber Chronicle • September 2009

Dawson Community News514 Academy Ave., Dawsonville

706-265-3384FAX 706-265-3276

Do you know what happened in your community lastweek? The Dawson Community News keeps you informed,so you always know what’s happening in your community.

SUBSCRIBE TODASUBSCRIBE TODAYYWEDNESDAY MAIL DELIVERY

NAME:_______________________________________________

ADDRESS:____________________________________________

CITY: ________________________________ ZIP:____________

PHONE: ______________________________

MAIL CHECK & FORM TO:Dawson Community News

(706) 265-3384P O BOX 1600

514 Academy Ave.Dawsonville, Ga 30534

OFFER GOOD WITHIN DAWSONVILLE

MAIL LIMITS ONLY

of your world.

❑ $15 Local 1 Year Subscription

❑ $25 Local 2 Year Subscription

Appraisal Advisor, LLCIndustrial, Retail, Office, Land

Martinn E. WintersCertified General Real Estate Appraiser

Office: 706.265.2537 • Fax: [email protected]

www.appraisaladvisorllc.com

National Expertise - Local Service

Linda Williams

Thank you to the commissioners

Football team to benefit from tourney

Dawson Chamber Chronicle • September 2009 •

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

September

Sept. 10: Lunch with thechamber at noon, LakeviewCenter, 2057 Dawoson ForestRoad East. Guest speaker willbe Insurance CommissionerJohn Oxendine. Lunch is$12.50 with R.S.V.P. or $15with an R.S.V.P. after Sept. 7.Non-members are welcome at$18 each and must also RSVPby calling (706) 265-6278.

Sept. 11: The communityis invited to the county’sannual Sept. 11 service to beheld in the parking lot atEmergency Services Station1, located at 393 MemoryLane, at 9 a.m. This will be ashort service to rememberthose who gave the ultimatesacrifice that day. The servicewill also pay tribute to thosebrave men and women whoare currently serving in Iraqand Afghanistan protectingour freedom. The service willbe conducted by the Rev.Chad Rogers and the nationalanthem will be provided bythe choral department fromDawson County High School.

Sept. 18: Dawson CountyViet Nam Veterans of AmericaChapter 970 asks you to jointhem for a somber servicehonoring the memory of thoseKilled in Action and/orMissing in Action. The serv-ice will be held at 6 p.m. atVeterans Memorial Park onHwy. 9 North.

Sep. 19-20: North GeorgiaEvents Center presents theEastman’s Gun Show.Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. andSunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Contact Tammy Walker, man-aging director, at (706) 265-

9000 for more information.The center is located at 31Successful Way, Dawsonville.

Sept. 22: Chestatee StateBank, the Ga. 400 location,will host Business AfterHours from 5-7 p.m. For moreinformation, call (706) 216-2265. The cash drawing(Chamber’s EconomicStimulus Package) is spon-sored by AFLAC - SharonReagan, Anderson FamilyMedicine - Dr. LarryAnderson, The NortonAgency - Kristie Myers, R&DCaulking Inc. - Mike Downs,United Community Bank -James Askew, Van KeithInsurance Agency ofDawsonville, LLC - AnnGrizzel and Denny InsuranceGroup - Denny Putlak. Youmust be present to win if yourname is called. The cashdrawing is currently $2,750.

Sept. 24-26: NorthGeorgia Events Center pres-ents the Antique Show from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday andSaturday and Sunday 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. For more informa-tion, contact Tammy Walker,managing director, at (706)265-9000. The event center isat 31 Successful Way.

October

Oct. 6: 4 - 7 p.m. BusinessExpo - Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce.About 70 businesses willshowcase their products andservices at the LakeviewCenter on Dawson ForestRoad. Meet with DawsonCounty Chamber member’sfinest business owners, man-agers and representatives.There will be samples,

coupons and door prizes.Local restaurants and catererswill offer samples of theirspecialties.

Members need to reserve aspace because they are goingfast.

Oct. 8: Lunch with theChamber at noon, LakeviewCenter. Guest speaker will beBruce Lucia, president of theAtlanta Division of Kroger.Please R.S.V.P. no later thanOct. 5 by calling (706) 265-6278. Lunch is $12.50 withR.S.V.P. or $15 with anR.S.V.P. after Oct. 5. Non-members are welcome for $18each and must also R.S.V.P.Pre-payment is required.

Oct. 13: Are You SmarterThan a 10 Year Old? Based ona game show format, see localofficials, business people andother residents as they testtheir knowledge of the fifthgrade curriculum. Thefundraiser for R.E.A.D Inc.,Reading EducationAssociation of DawsonCounty, begins at 6:30 p.m.and will be held in theDawson County MiddleSchool Auditorium.Admission is $4 for adults, $3for children or $15 for theentire family. For more infor-mation, call Sandy Lipkowitzat (706) 579-1771.

Oct. 15: Dawson CountyChamber of CommerceAnnual Golf Tournament atChestatee Golf Club willbegin with a Shotgun Startand a Fort Lauderdale format.Sponsorships are available forcorporate, holes, box lunchand awards dinner. Competein the Hole in One and othercontests. For more informa-tion, call the chamber at (706)

265-6278.

Oct. 27: AppalachianCommunity Bank, located at4300 Dawson Forest Rd. (justoff GA Hwy 400), will hostBusiness after Hours from 5-7p.m. You may call (706) 265-5090 for more information.The cash drawing (Chamber’sEconomic Stimulus Package)is sponsored by AFLAC -Sharon Reagan, AndersonFamily Medicine - Dr. LarryAnderson, The NortonAgency - Kristie Myers, R&DCaulking Inc. - Mike Downs,United Community Bank -James Askew, Van KeithInsurance Agency ofDawsonville LLC - AnnGrizzel and Denny InsuranceGroup - Denny Putlak. Youmust be present to win if yourname is called.

November

Nov. 12: Lunch with theChamber at noon, LakeviewCenter. Guest speaker will beKaren Handel, Georgia’sSecretary of State. R.S.V.P. nolater than Nov. 9 by calling(706) 265-6278. Lunch is$12.50 with R.S.V.P. or $15with an R.S.V.P. after Nov. 9.Non-members are welcomefor $18 each and must alsoR.S.V.P.

Isn’t it time to upgradeyour skills or learn some-thing new? Check the manycourses offered onlinethrough your own DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce.

Simply go to www.daw-son.org and look for “Dawsonthe Scotty” at his computerscreen. Dawson CountyChamber members and their

employees may take advan-tage of a 10 percent discount.Call the chamber beforeenrolling to ensure youreceive the chamber price,(706) 265-6278.

Sponsorship opportuni-ties available for 2009

Contact Chamber for fullbenefits of sponsorship.

Chamber luncheons-$100 includes lunch for two,plus recognition during theluncheon, logo on calendar ofevents and sponsorship duringannouncements.

Golf Tournament - Holesponsorship - Oct. 15 atChestatee Golf Club $150 -your company name promi-nently displayed at a hole dur-ing the tournament.

Business Expo - Oct. 6,$500.

Leadership Dawson -Class of 2010 sponsorshipsare currently being sought fora variety of amounts, withmost from $200 to $1,000.Contact the chamber for asponsorship brochure withbenefits.

Ambassador Program -Monthly Meeting Sponsor$75.

Contact Denny Putlak forfull benefits of sponsorship,(706) 216-1750 or [email protected].

Special thanks to ourBuilding Fund Sponsors

Appalachian CommunityBank, Chestatee State Bank,Regions Bank, UnitedCommunity Bank & PropertyInvestment Associates.


Insurance and FireSafety CommissionerJohn Oxendine is sched-uled to be the guestspeaker at the DawsonCounty Chamber ofCommerce luncheontomorrow.

The luncheon startsat noon, with Oxendineexpected to beginspeaking at around12:30 p.m.

Oxendine has servedas Insurance and SafetyCommissioner s ince

1994 and is the longest-serving Republ ican

statewide ConstitutionalOfficer.

A proponent ofsmall business, Oxen-dine says he has pio-neered the applicationof business principlesto Georgia state gov-ernment.

Since becoming thefirst Republican to con-t ro l a s ta te agency,Oxendine has consistent-ly run the departmentunder budget, returningmoney to the taxpayersevery year he has been inoffice.

Oxendine has brought

the power of the privatesector to bear in address-ing Georgia’s healthcarechallenges, leading Geor-gia to became the firststate in America to crackdown on HMOs thatrefused to pay doctorsand hospitals on time.

To date, Oxendine haslevied more fines onHMOs than any otherInsurance Commissionerin the United States,ensuring that HMOs ful-fill their obligations totheir policyholders andour medical community.

Earlier this year he

announced he would runfor governor.

Lunch with theChamber is $12.50 withan R.S.V.P. or $15 with

an R.S.V.P. after Sept. 7.Non-members are wel-come at $18 each andmust also R.S.V.P. bycalling (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 Elizabeth HamiltonStaff writer

With emotions run-ning high at town hallmeetings across the coun-try over the president’shealthcare reform, sever-al local tempers flaredlast month as Con-gressman Nathan Dealmade appearances inDawson County andshared his views.

Speaking to theDawson County Cham-ber of Commerce, RotaryClub and Home Builder’sAssociation last month,healthcare topped Deal’sagenda and gave resi-dents an opportunity toexpress their concerns.

“This is the most asi-nine idea I’ve everheard,” said DawsonCounty resident VernonSmith, holding up

excerpts from PresidentBarack Obama’s morethan 1,000 page health-care reform bill.

Smith, a local busi-ness man, can’t believenon-U.S. citizens wouldbe covered underObama’s plan.

“This is going to buryus all,” he said.

Deal, who also field-ed questions, concernsand comments frommore than 500 people ata town hall meeting onhealthcare a day earlierin Gainesville, did notdisagree.

“This is a convolutedprocess under the best ofcircumstances. It is evenmore convoluted underthe process that has beenfollowed on this piece oflegislation. It is a billthat is in excess of 1,000pages in length,” he said.

Deal, the rankingRepublican on thehealthcare sub-commit-tee, said the bill, whichoriginally purported toprovide insurance to the45-50 million Americanswithout healthcare cov-erage, should pay closerattention to the muchsmaller percentage ofthose burdened by pre-existing conditions andterminal i l lnesses,deemed uninsurable.

“The original goal ofthe administration and ofthe speaker of the housewas to have this bil lpassed on the floor ofthe house before theAugust recess,” Dealsaid. “Whether or notthey can pass i t is aquestion that remains tobe answered. I’m sureyou’ve seen the evidenceof the public’s reaction

to this through mediacoverage of town hallmeetings throughout thecountry, and for thosewho have stood asdefenders of the bill, Ibelieve, are being testedon what exactly it is theysupport.”

Deal said that hebelieves the overall goalof the bill aligns withwhat President BarackObama stated through-out his presidential cam-paign, and what Speakerof the House NancyPelosi has openly statedas her objective, whichis to move the UnitedStates into a single-play-er government-runhealthcare system.

Deal, a Republicanfrom Gainesville, an-nounced earlier this yearhis intention to run forgovernor.

Deal speaks to residents on healthcare bill

Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton

Last month, U.S. Congressman Nathan Dealspoke at the Dawson County Chamber ofCommerce’s monthly luncheon.

John Oxendine to speak at chamber luncheon

Oxendine



of the chamber’s most antici-pated events each year.Proceeds from the raff le ,which raised about $13,000,help fund chamber economicdevelopment initiatives, likethe entrepreneur friendly andwork ready programs, whichpromote local entreprenuersand help educate the publicabout the importance of doingbusiness locally.

“You’re not only support-ing local entrepreneurs thatwrite local paychecks, butwhen those local entrepre-neurs make sells, the sales taxrevenue go into tax coffersand benefi ts everybodythrough the county budgets,”said Linda Williams, presi-dent of the chamber.

The chamber has severalevents planned for the next

two months to both DawsonCounty and the local businesscommunity.

The annual business expois scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Oct.6, at the Lakeview Center,followed by the chamber golftournament at Chestatee GolfClub Oct. 15.

“The business expo is oneof the things we do is giveour members an opportunity

to showecase their businessesand services , and we s t i l lhave space available in thismini trade show,” Williamssaid.

Williams said it is busi-ness and individual memberslike those that participate inchamber activities that makethe events such a success.

With door prizes at theraffle ranging from a $400

patio set, to a digital camera,extravagant gift baskets and“cold-hard cash,” Williamssaid she appreciates all thesupport.

“Whether you sold tickets,donated door prizes or boughta ticket and sat in the audiencewhooping and hollerin,’ youhelped make it fun for us all,”Williams said. “Everyone hada great time.”

FORTUNE from 1

Promote business at upcoming expoBy Michele HesterStaff writer

Space is still available toreserve a booth at the DawsonCounty Chamber of Commerce9th Annual Business Expo.

Chamber members are invit-ed to showcase their businessand products from 4-7 p.m. Oct.6 at the Lakeview Center, locat-ed at 2057 Dawson Forest Road.

The event, which also giveschamber members a networkingopportunity, is free to the pub-lic. As in year’s passed, a vari-ety of local restaurants andcaterers will be on hand withsamples of their delicious spe-cialties.

The chamber is currentlyseeking sponsors for the event,which offers 70 businesses theopportunity to showcase theirproducts and services to hun-dreds of potential customers.

“As a sponsor, you willreceive prominent exposurebefore, during and after theevent,” said Linda Williams,president of the chamber. “Beinga sponsor is a very affordableway to bring exposure to yourbusiness.”

Businesses sponsoring at the$500 level will receive the com-

pany logo printed on all flyersand promotional advertising, aswell as in all press releasesadvertising the event. $500sponsors will also have theirtables prominently placed at theexpo with sponsorship signage,in addition to the business nameannounced repeatedly over theloud speaker.

Williams added that the expowill have a business resourcearea for entrepreneurs and futureentrepreneurs that can answer

any business start-up questions. There will also be a number

of door prizes drawn throughoutthe evening, and several grandprizes announced as the expocomes to a close.

“We are excited about andlooking forward to the event thisyear,” Williams said. “We areconfident this year will be just assuccessful as last year.”

To register a booth or to learnmore about the expo, call thechamber at (706) 265-6278.

File photo

Carla Boutin, a local State Farm Insurance agent, speakswith the owners of Scarlett’s Batch and Brew and Crimson‘N Scarlett’s Vineyard during last year’s Business Expo.

Expo participating businesses:

A Touch of HopeAccent TravelACEAFLACAppalachianCommunity BankBB&TBig D’s BBQChestatee RegionalHospitalChestatee State BankComfort KeepersDawson CommunityNewsDawson County LibraryDawson InsuranceAgencyDawson MontessoriDawson News &AdvertiserDCADenny InsuranceGroupDuncan ExterminatingInc.Grace Therapy Inc.

H&R BlockJohn SiebelPhotographyJolie Day Spa / J.Thomas SalonKrogerLakeview CenterLava Hair StudioLiberty Tax ServicesMcEver Signs &GraphicsMoe’s Southwest GrillPeach Brandy CottageRyan’sSBDCUnited CommunityBankUSDAVeterans Affairs ofDawson CountyVictory Custom HomesWhite InteriorsWindstreamCommunicationsWith A Touch of Pride



BAH cash drawing continues to growBy Elizabeth HamiltonStaff writer

Recent Business AfterHours events of theDawson County Chamberof Commerce have drawnlarge crowds, with manyattending the monthlygathering in hopes ofwinning the highlysought-after cash prizedrawing.

Had Regina Stepp ofExcellence Academybeen present at the Aug.25 event, held at theAbba House Thrift Store,she would have gonehome $2,550 richer.

Big D’s BBQ cateredthe event.

Even though no onepresent walked awaywith a pocket full ofcash, those in attendanceheard from founders andparticipants of the AbbaHouse and how it servesthe community.

According to founderJim Sharp, the AbbaHouse is a place ofrestoration for womenand women with childrento turn their lives aroundfrom living in hopeless-ness and desperation.

“Women come to uswho are in desperate situ-ations, with big needs,

who are looking for hopeand a way out,” Sharpsaid.

“We help by provid-ing a safe place whereaddicted, abused or oth-erwise broken womencan find God’s love, for-giveness, peace and anew life. God is in therestoration business, andthrough him and thisfacility, he restores these

women and their fami-lies.”

Abba House is a 12-month residential min-istry program that pro-vides training tools forwomen, teaching themjob and typing skills, andprovides other assistanceto help get them back ontheir feet and in controlof their lives again.

Participants are re-

quired to meet the 12month commitment, befree from drugs, medica-tion or alcohol at the timeof arrival, assist withdaily tasks and work atthe Abba House ThriftStore.

Currently serving 20women and children,Abba House is the onlyresidential treatmentfacility in the area of

Dawson and Forsythcounties.

Abba House expectsto open an additionalfacility in ForsythCounty that will allowroom for 67 women andchildren.

Next month’s BusinessAfter Hours event will beheld at Chestatee StateBank’s Ga. 400 locationon from 5-7 p.m. Sept.22. The cash prize is up to$2,750.

Sponsors of the cashdrawing are AFLAC,Sharon Reagan; Ander-son Family Medicine,Larry Anderson; The

Norton Agency, KristieMyers; R&D CaulkingInc., Mike Downs;United CommunityBank, James Askew; VanKeith Insurance Agencyof Dawsonville, AnnGrizzel and DennyInsurance Group, DennyPutlak.

You must be presentto win if your name iscalled.

For more information,call (706) 216-2265.

For more informationabout Abba House or itsprograms, call (678) 208-2000 or visit www.abba-house.com

Photos/Elizabeth Hamilton

Jay Walker carefully spins the prize drum in hopes of announcing achamber member as the winner of the “chamber’s stimulus package.”

From staff reports

A seminar des igned tohelp those in the job market,planning to go back to col-lege or gain skills for a better

paying job will be held nextmonth at the Dawson CountyAdult Education Center.

The two hour presenta-tion, led by community lead-ers in their fields, will pro-

vide information needed togo back to get a job or enrollin college.

From resume preparationand the kind of employeesemployers look for, to acing

an interview and businessoppor tuni t ies in DawsonCounty, the helpful seminaris free and open to the pub-lic.

The event wi l l be he ld

from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Oct.19 at the Adult EducationCenter, located at 388 Hwy.9 North, Dawsonville.

For more informat ion ,call (706) 265-1690

Adult Education Center seminar aids those in workforce

Chamber members network at the businessafter hours event.



Montessori school back in businessBy Elizabeth HamiltonStaff writer

Just in t ime forschool to start, BarbieSkalleberg was able tohave the DawsonMontessori School upand running to welcomestudents on Aug. 10.

“I have been wantingto offer an alternativeschooling opportunityhere in Dawson County,”she said. “I was able totake an existing schoolthat had shut down,clean i t up and get i tback in business.”

Last month, theDawson County Cham-ber of Commerce offi-cially welcomed Skal-leberg and the school tothe community with aribbon cutting ceremonyon Aug. 20.

“We are glad to haveyou here and look for-ward to what you will beable to offer to DawsonCounty,” said Linda

Williams, chamber presi-dent.

According to Skal-leberg, owner and direc-tor of the school, there

are currently eight stu-dents at the school andthey are accepting othersbetween the ages of 3-6years.

“We are also wel-coming home school stu-dents because theMontessori philosophygoes hand in hand with

home schooling,”Skalleberg added.

Marina Turtzo, ateacher at the schoolwho has been aMontessori educator formore than 18 years, saysthe curriculum is a flexi-ble, different way oflearning that shedescribes as a communi-ty.

“Older and youngerchildren learn together,”Turtzo said. “It is anacademic program thatoffers more by dealingwith the whole child andallowing them to becomethe person they willbecome at the pace thatbest suits them.”

Turtzo continued tosay that the school wasfounded in the 12th cen-tury by Italy 's firstfemale doctor, MariaMontessori. She foundedthe school due to herbeliefs that no humanbeing is educated by

another person, butrather he or she mustlearn on their own or itwill never be done.

She believed that thegoal of early childhoodeducation should not beto fi l l the child withfacts, but rather to culti-vate the child's own nat-ural desire to learn.

“In a Montessorischool, children learn tobe self-directed andindependent. Everythingthey learn is hands on,and the materials arecolorful and engaging,”Turtzo said.

The school is locatedat 1732 Perimeter Roadin Dawsonville, and iscurrently accepting chil-dren ages 3-6 years withhopes to soon grow toaccept older children.

For more informa-tion, contact the schoolat (706) 265-0002 orvisit www.montes-sori.com.

Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton

The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the re-openingof the Dawson Montessori School on Aug. 20 with new owner and direc-tor Barbie Skalleberg.


The Dawson CountyChamber of Commerceis hosting i ts 11thAnnual Golf Tour-nament Oct. 15 atChestatee Golf Club.

A fundraiser thatsupports the efforts ofthe chamber, registrationbegins at 11 a.m. andthe shotgun start is atnoon.

As in years past, play

will 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 president LindaWilliams. "The event isalways fun, the food isgreat, and awards will

be given out."Golfers can play

individually for $125 orin teams of four for$450.

Entry fees includegreen fees and golf cart,practice range, lunch,goodie bag, dinner, raf-fle and awards.

"Participating in thetournament 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. $10,000, courtesyof Chestatee State Bank,is the prize for the hole-in-one competition.

Sponsorships areavailable at many differ-ent levels, ranging froma $150 Hole Sponsor to$1,000 Awards Sponsor.

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

Golf tournament set for next month

File photo

The 11th Annual Dawson County Chamber ofCommerce Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 15at Chestatee Golf Club.


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

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

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

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

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

QUICK TAKESAdvertising offered only to

Chamber members.

Delivery...Dawson Community News

Subscribers, All Dawson CountyChamber Members

Size...10” X 9.5”

Frequency...Monthly2nd Wednesday of Every Month

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

EXTEND YOUR ADVERTISING MARKETin our

Dawson Community NewsA Community Newspaper Serving Community Needs


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


July: Walk in visitors: 356Telephone referrals:2,019


With more than threedecades in the legal field,those needing assistancewith civil issues can beassured attorney James"Jim" Hamilton has theknowledge and expertiseto provide multiple legalservices to his clients.

A general practiceattorney, Hamilton, whomoved to Dawsonvilleabout three years ago withhis wife Sheri, has litigat-ed and tried cases involv-ing real estate contracts,property boundary dis-putes, title disputes, con-

demnations, propertyinspections, residentialand commercial leases,association regulations,foreclosures, real estateclosings and real estatefraud.

A proud member of theDawson County HomeBuilders Association,Hamilton has brought withhim a sound knowledge ofthe residential and com-mercial construction indus-try, although his practice isnot limited to those indus-tries.

He is also experiencedin many additional areasof the law, including willand trust preparation,

estate planning, contractpreparation, corporationand LLC formations.

Hamilton also hasextensive experience inlitigating estates, personalinjuries, contracts, buy-sell agreements, franchis-es, commercial transac-tions, divorce and domes-tics relations, wills andcorporate matters.

The law firm is locatedat 300 Old DawsonVillage Road, Suite 110,Dawsonville.

For more information,call (706) 216-4550 or e-mail [email protected].

UNITED from 1

Hamilton provides clients with legal expertise


Attorney Jim Hamilton invited members of the Dawson County Chamberof Commerce to his Old Dawson Village office last month for a openhouse and ribbon cutting celebration.

August: Walk in visitors: 424Telephone referrals:2,951

paign or lack there of,impacts each of our busi-nesses.

Family Connectionsteers people in the rightdirection to get help withhousing, food, etc, help-ing some of our citizensto keep their jobs.

The MentoringProgram not only gives achild the missing loveand care that they need,but it helps put a better

employee in the marketonce the child has gradu-ated from school….Youget my point.

Each agency has apositive impact of ourcitizens, which in turnmakes for better “local”employees and increasesthe quality of l ife inDawson County.

I am fortunateenough to have servedon the United Way

Allocation Board forseveral years and I hopethat I am invited backthis year.

This is probably themost humbling event Iparticipate in. I witnessthe passion of your localagencies as they sharewhat they have done inprevious year. Equal tothat is the passion of theallocation board as theydebate “where” to send

“how much.”All of this said, here

is my charge to you.First, start by participat-ing in the United WayDay of Caring, as wellas the campaign kick offon Sept. 18. The more ofyour associates youbring to this day of workand fellowship, the easi-er your campaign.

Each of my employ-ees who participated last

year were “instant”ambassadors this year.

Second, if your com-pany does not have acampaign…start one.Taylor Wallace, myselfand others would bemore than happy to getyour group started withanything from UnitedWay materials toexplaining payrolldeductions.

Third, if you already

have a campaign …Thank you. Challengeyour company to take itup a notch this year.Again, if you need ideasplease ask. There are plen-ty of us who will help.

This is my officialchallenge for each cham-ber member to get inbehind our communityand “Live United.”

Jay Walker Chairman


Thank YouChamber Building Fund

Sponsors

PropertyInvestmentAssociates

New members

Don’t forget to showcase your products or services from 4-7p.m. Oct. 6 at the Business Expo.

Shop chamber members first. Shopping local keeps sales taxdollars working for you.

Don’t miss the College/Career Seminar from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 19 atthe Adult Education Center. Community leaders will provideinformation on how to get a job or enroll in college. For moreinformation, call (706) 265-6278.

Have you taken the Work Ready Assessment? Visitwww.gaworkready.org to learn more.

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

The County ReportCrystal Nunley(706) 273-1451P.O. Box 1400Ellijay, GA 30540

Teresa & Jeffrey Kelly(706) 216-685468 Chestnut Oak LaneDawsonville, GA 30534

Special thanks to the followingmembers that renewed in August

Metropolitan Appraisal GroupAriston Tyler(678) 859-04058080 Garden Oak CourtCumming, GA 30041

Barbara and Joe FulmerGeorgia Farm GirlsRichard's Private Wellness andFitness Studios

SearsUncle John's Attic


Each month a differentbusiness or organizationsponsors the Dawson CountyChamber of CommerceAmbassador’s Breakfast, heldat Ryan’s in Dawsonville thefourth Wednesday of themonth.

Chestatee State Banksponsored the group’s Aug.26 meeting.

A community bank withits headquarters in Daw-sonville, Chestatee StateBank has served the commu-nity for more than a decade.

Now with two locations inDawsonville, one in ForsythCounty and one in the MarbleHill Foothills area, Chestatee

State Bank thrives to servethe community’s bankingneeds.

The personal touch is thecornerstone of the bank’scharter, and the experiencedstaff is committed to assistingcustomers with their businessneeds.

Additionally, the bank andits employees are activelyinvolved in the communityand the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce.

Business DevelopmentOfficer Stephanie Womackcurrently sits on the chamber’sboard of directors and former-ly co-chaired the chamber’sAmbassador program.

Bank president PhilipHester formerly chaired thechamber board.

For further informationabout the bank, call (706)216-2265.

Breakfast sponsorships,at a reasonable cost, are stillavailable for ambassadorbreakfasts through the year.

The sponsorship is a

great way for businesses tospread the word about them-selves and/or their compa-nies.

The sponsorship providesthe breakfast for the monthlymeeting, gives sponsors 10-15 minutes to briefly speak

on their business andincludes a short profile in theChamber Chronicle.

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



Ambassador SpotlightAmbassador SpotlightChestatee State Bank

Meehan is Ambassador of the MonthFrom staff reports

Being involved in the DawsonCounty Chamber of CommerceAmbassador Program has opened sev-eral doors for Bernie Meehan, whojoined the ambassadors about threemonths ago.

“Dawsonville is a very small town,where everybody knows everybodyelse. This is such a good way to get toknow your neighbors,” said Meehan,the manager at Best Bank, locatedinside the Dawsonville Kroger.

The Dahlonega resident began herbanking career at a credit union inGainesville and later worked her wayfrom teller to manager at GainesvilleBank and Trust.

She has served as branch managerat Best Bank for almost two years.

The ambassadors are a group ofvolunteers that act as liaisons betweenthe chamber and its membership.

Ambassadors meet once a month toshare success stories. They also spend agreat deal of time promoting the cham-ber through various activities such as

Business After Hours events, new busi-ness ribbon cuttings and personallymeeting new and existing members.

“This has been a great opportunityto actually get to know all the otherchamber members. The chamber's agreat networking tool,” she said.

In her free time, Meehan enjoysexercising and spending time with herhusband Thomas Patrick Meehan andhis family.

She also plans to expand her com-munity involvement by joining theDawson County Rotary Club. Meehan




Anyone looking totake control of theirhealth, well being andquality of life through anatural approach tohealing might considergiving Paula Pride acall.

Pride, a certified fit-ness trainer, owns Witha Sense of Pride, a pri-vate training facility inDawsonville.

Working at homes ofher clients or in a cliniclocated on Hwy. 53 Eastin Dawsonville, Prideeducates her clients onhow to reduce s t ressnatural ly f rom theirbody by bringing it intobalance through exercis-es, diet and acupuncturepoints.

“Natural health andfitness has been an inte-gral par t of my l i fe ,both personally and pro-fessionally for over 20years,” Pride said.

She began studyingkinesiology (the studyof human movement) atthe Universi ty ofWater loo in Ontar io ,Canada in 1987 and hasworked in many gymsand chiropractic officesover the years.

Pr ide has s tudiedlaser acupuncture, aro-matherapy, Reiki, shiat-su and lymphatic mas-sage, reflexology andhomeopathy.

As she works withher c l ients , Pr ideencourages them to takecharge of their health byteaching them to usefood and exercise aspreventative medicine tohelp their body functionas i t was meant to ,while increasing thequality of their lives.

Pride also offers postrehabilitation exercisesto rebalance the muscletension in the body,which she said is espe-cially important after aninjury when the body has compensated for an

injury in order to pre-vent re-injury.

For physical therapyclients, workout plansare designed with SuzieHeintz, a physical thera-pis t a t PhysiotherapyAssociates in Daw-sonville.

With a Sense ofPride is located at 6002Hwy. 53 East , Daw-sonvi l le , a t Physio-therapy Associates.

Additional informa-t ion is avai lable a twww.senseofpride.biz,or call (706) 461-9029.

A natural approach to good health

Photos/Michele Hester

Physical Therapist Paula Pride places energy tabs on client Sara Reed's knee before a recentphysical therapy session.

Pride assists Reed on and off a step to helpher strengthen her knee.

Bruce celebrates 40 years with bankUnited CommunityBank presented longtime employee JimmyBruce with a clockFriday, Aug. 7 to sym-bolize his 40 yearswith the bank and tosay thank you for hisservice.





To Bill Goode, a home ismore than just a place to hangyour hat and sleep at night, butrather a place where friendsand relatives gather, couplesraise families and grandparentscome to visit.

“I’ve had the pleasure ofdoing what I love for morethan 25 years — building andremodeling exceptional homesfor great people,” says Goodeon his company's Web site.

Victory Custom Homes wasstarted by Goode when he sawa need for a custom homebuilder who approached thingsdifferently, working by theideas of bids being accurate,timelines being met, promisesbeing kept and clients becom-ing friends.

Victory Custom Homesprovides the services of customhome building and homeremodeling and additions tothe following counties:

Dawson, Lumpkin, Forsyth,Hall, Gilmer, Pickens andWhite.

According to Goode, hiscompany prides itself on

understanding the importanceof selecting the right builderfor your home.

He says that home buildingand remodeling involves sig-

nificant investments, and thathis company works to createthe home of the client's dreams'The Victory Way' to maximizeefficiency and minimize dis-ruption of the client's life.

Building a custom homecan be overwhelming. Oneaspect that sets Victory CustomHomes apart from similarorganizations is that they go togreat lengths to make thehome-building experience asstress-free and enjoyable aspossible.

Goode says that his com-pany takes care of all thedetails, keeping everythingmoving smoothly.

For more information, con-tact Victory Custom Homes at(706) 216-1814 or visitwww.victorycustomhomesinc-.com.


Most would agreed that aperson's profession is not deter-mined by genetics, but rather bythe choice of a career path.

This however is not neces-sarily the case with LarryAnderson, owner of his ownpractice in Dawson County,Anderson Family Medicine.

“With the exception of myfather, I am a fifth generationphysician in my family,”Anderson said. “My great-grandfather was a surgeon inDalton during the Civil War.”

Describing the practice ofmedicine as always his “lot inlife,” Anderson says that his

career has turned out well.With 30 years under his belt,

including more than 10 years ofschooling, he has served onmany boards and committeesconcerning various health andwellness issues. With a previouspractice in Gwinnett County,

Anderson re-located his busi-ness to Dawson County threeand half years ago.

“The warm reception wereceived from the communityand the sense of family is whatmakes having my practice inthis county great,” Andersonsays. “I enjoy working withboth the business and govern-ment communities.”

Anderson is a primary carephysician that provides familymedicine services through hispractice, where he says heenjoys helping people to enjoya healthy and better life.

“We do whatever it takes to‘fix you’ to lead a normal life,one that is healthy and one thatyou can enjoy,” Anderson said.

Not only does Anderson'spractice offer family medicineservices, but his office alsoserves as a lab resource for drugscreening.

He added that the mostunique aspects about his prac-tice are the 30 minute timeblocks in which he scheduleshis patients.

He says this gives him“more time to interact with thepatient and provide more one-on-one, personal attention.”

Spiritual counseling andguidance is available forpatients who may have driftedaway from their faith due topersonal medical conditions orthat of a family member.

Anderson's practice also

allows third and fourth yearmedical students to completetheir intern and field studyrequirements. “Over the yearswe have worked with state pro-grams to offer family medicinelocations for students to gaintheir clinic experience,”Anderson said.

Currently, Anderson is thechairman of the DawsonCounty Board of Health andhas served in that capacity forthe past two years.

Anderson Family Medicineis located at 400 DawsonCommons Circle, Suite 410, atthe corner of Hightower Pkwy.and Hwy. 53 in Dawsonville.For more information, call(706) 265-1335.

Being a doctor is in his genes

Victory Custom Homes builds specific to each client

Photos/Submitted

Victory Custom Homes provides housebuilding and remodeling services toDawson, Lumpkin, Hall, Forsyth, White,Gilmer and Pickens counties.

Anderson




The CDC has released newguidance that recommendsresponse and planning actionsthat non-healthcare employerscan take now under current fluconditions.

The Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce receivedinformation about the guide-lines, and is encouraging localbusinesses to be proactive andtake extra precaution during thisflu season.

“A few years ago, the countybegan work on a pandemicinfluenza plan, and now all ofthat work will serve the com-munity well as we deal with theH1N1 flu and work to preventit,” said Linda Williams, presi-dent of the Dawson CountyChamber of Commerce.

The new guidance providesrecommendations on ways todecrease the spread of seasonalflu and 2009 H1N1 flu in theworkplace, while making surebusinesses can continue tooperate as normally as possible.

“The best defense is sim-ple,” Williams said. “Avoidhand-shaking, wash your handsfrequently, stay home whenyou feel ill and be flexible withyour employees if they becomeill or feel ill.”

Some steps businesses cantake to address the current flusituation include advising work-ers to check themselves for anysigns of sickness before report-ing to work each day.

The CDC also suggests sep-arating and sending homeemployees who have flu-likesymptoms at work, encouragingemployees to wash their handsfrequently with soap and water

and frequently cleaning allcommonly touched surfaces.

Businesses could also con-sider offering vaccinations orencourage employees to get flushots.

Because predictions can’t bemade for how severe the 2009-2010 flu season will be, theCDCs guidelines are designedto help employers plan for andrespond to a continuation of thecurrent flu situation and a moresevere outbreak.

Williams noted that mostcrisis situations call for thecommunity to come togetherand support each other, butwith the H1N1 flu, that is not

the case. “I encourage people to stay

aware and up to date with themost recent information by fre-quently checking the CDC Website for updates and detailedguidelines,” Williams said.

She also emphasized theimportance for employers to beflexible with employees shouldany of them become ill or showsymptoms of the flu.

“Allowing people to workfrom home, if possible, is agood proactive approach to pre-venting any spread of the virus.”

For more information, visitwww.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/busi-ness/guidance/.

Guidance for local employers this flu seasonBusinesses urged to be flexible

Sept. 11 service planned


The community isinvited to a remem-brance ceremony to paytribute to those who losttheir lives in the Sept.11 terroristic attacks onAmerica.

The ceremony willbegin at 9 a.m. Friday atDawson County Emer-gency Services Station1, located at 393Memory Lane.

Emergency ServicesDirector BillyThurmond, Chief LanierSwafford and SheriffBilly Carlisle invite thecommunity to the cere-mony.

"This will be a shortservice to remember

those who gave the ulti-mate sacrifice that day,a day that changed ourcountry forever," saidSwafford.

The ceremony willalso pay tribute to thebrave men and womenwho are currently serv-ing in Iraq andAfghanistan protecting

our freedom, Swaffordadded.

The Rev. ChadRogers, who serves aschaplain for DawsonCounty Public Safety,will conduct the service.

The Dawson CountyHigh School choraldepartment will sing thenational anthem.

Ceremony beginsat 9 a.m. Friday

File photo

Dawson County Public Safety ChaplainChad Rogers reflects on Sept. 11 duringlast year's ceremony.

The Heroes of Dawson County

We sleep peacefully at night knowing Dawson County's finest is on patrol.They guard, protect and keep us safe anytime they receive a 911 call.They encounter dangerous situations few of us ever know.Yes neighbors, Crime rate is low thanks to our Dawson County Law.

When an accident occurs, the worst is feared and we fall apart.Dawson County E.M.S. arrives to reassure us as they take control.We are comforted by their kind words that come from the heart.Their dedication to care for us is instilled deep into their soul.

If a child or adult is lost or gone missing nearbyC.E.R.T. is just a call away for search and rescue.Carefully, as they walk deep into the woods, they listen for a cry.They give their all to bring them safely home, nothing less will do.

Our Veterans & Active Military bravely answered the call to serve.They never boast of the lives they saved or the terrorists they fought.Occasionally, a tear you'll see when someone hits a raw nerve.Respect these men and woman, it is your freedom they bought.

Illegal drugs are running rampant and destroying many lives.The Meth Task Force of Dawson County has promised they would fight.They are giving hope to schools, families, husbands and wives.At the end of the tunnel, we have begun to see the light.

Yes, there are heroes among us we who give their very all.Many you will never know, many you'll never see.They are just doing their job when they answer the call.They are our heroes of Dawson County.

Pam Hamalainen Dedicated to the memory of the victims of September 11th


Main Office, Hwy. 53 & 400 • (706) 216-BANKWith locations in downtown Dawsonville, Keith Bridge Commons-Cumming & Marble Hill

“A very special thanksgoes to Chestatee StateBank. A talentedgroup of truly serviceoriented people who creatively take dreamsand make a fantasticreality possible. Theyhave always helped uspursue our passionwhich is taking care ofyou. With a leader like

Mr. Philip Hester, you know its going to be a win-win situation.”

Dr. Matthew Dunford & Dr. Michelle MorrowDawsonville Distinctive Dentistry

“Chestatee State Bankprovided personal servicefrom their President,Philip Hester, my initialbusiness loans and secondmortgage, reliable bankingservice for business andpersonal accounts andfriendly, prompt service onall occasions. TheirFinancial Advisory servicesand ancillary bankingservices have been handyand useful, their stafffriendly and courteous at

all times. I have used them exclusively for my busi-ness over the past 7 years since our start up.”

Dr. Gary BerlinerChestatee Emergent Care

“We have been banking withChestatee State Bank since 1998.They have truly made bankingmore efficient for us, by provid-ing the most up to date bankingtechnologies, including remotedeposit and a variety of userfriendly online banking inter-faces. Their customer service isjust as extraordinary. They havealways met all of our needs, andmore. It has been a blessing to

have been partnered with Chestatee State Bank for the last 11 years.”

Drs. Craig and Wendy HarrisHarris Family Dentistry

september 2009 chamber chronicle

Documents

dawsoncountys united

local charities

local parkand recreation

factthat local business

local sales tax isapplicable

reverseraffle ticket

yvonne bombardier

bob bombardier