WNEG Radio Weekly Chamber Update 7-14-10

July 14, 2010

Hello this is Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President with your Weekly Chamber Update.

I have three things to share with you:

First – We want to assist our CHamber Members in doing everything they can to meet and attract new customers ONLINE. One of our goals this year is to assist members who do not have a web site with getting one to sell their products and services online.

The Chamber had over 10,000 consumers search the online member directory last year. That’s over 850 a month. From the Directory they bounce to our member’s web sites looking for products and services. However, approximately 25% of our members do not have a web site.

Currently, each Chamber member has a FREE marketing account on the web which includes a listing on the directory with a 200-character description of their business, hours of operation, driving directions and eight key words. For additional visibility they can post for FREE an event on the Community Calendar, post a Hot Deal to highlight their weekly specials and post a Job to reach qualified people.

For a FEE they can get even more visibility. Like a business logo next to their online listing and a mini web page with photos, a longer business description, a map link and online advertising spots.

It’s an E World! Let us help you develop a web page for your business and grow your customer base.

Second - The Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance is hosting a personal watercraft racing tour on Lake Hartwell August 13-15 at the Big Oaks Recreation Area in Hartwell.

The event will feature top U.S. and international competitors racing around obstacles and pounding waves at speeds up to 80 MPH. It is like motocross on water, handle bar-to-handle bar designed to keep competition tight and fans close to the action. It will also feature a Freestyle event with two minute routines of choreographed tricks set to music.

In addition local competitors who have little or no racing experience will also have the chance to compete on the same course. Yes, each of the 6 counties around the lake will place a team on Friday the 13th in the Corporate Challenge and your Chamber President will compete that day.

Admission to the races and other events is free. Volunteers are needed! Please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.

Finally - Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Welcome Center Volunteer Teresa French! We are actively recruiting more Volunteers to work 3 or 6 hour shifts alongside the Museum Volunteers. The hours are Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm.

We provide extensive training on Toccoa-Stephens County as well as Hospitality Training - and we offer a friendly atmosphere. Come get involved in your community and help us welcome our special guests. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up for the next training!

That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.

Toccoa-Stephens County Leadership Team Spotlighted in the July 2010 Georgia Trend Magazine

Hello this is Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President with the Weekly Chamber Update.

Have you seen the July 2010 Georgia Trend Magazine? Toccoa-Stephens County is featured in this month’s premier statewide business magazine. Georgia Trend’s “spotlights” highlight community strengths and opportunities and prove to be a great economic development tool.

Our marketing campaign slogan is Toccoa Means MORE Than Beautiful. It means water - and lots of it. It means accessibility - by air, rail and ground. It means small town charm and urban sophistication - with our festivals and symphony orchestra. It means entrepreneur and small business friendly and Certified Work Ready. It means an educated and prepared work force and business ready - with industrial parks open for business. It means a beautiful place to live – with unsurpassed natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities - just outside our doors. Toccoa Means MORE Than Beautiful!

We are excited about this opportunity and believe it will benefit our businesses and enhance our community when reviewed by Georgia’s business, political and economic development leaders.

Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Welcome Center Volunteer Alicia Nails! We are actively recruiting more Volunteers to work 3 or 6 hour shifts - alongside the Museum Volunteers. We provide an extensive “Community & Hospitality Training” and offer a friendly atmosphere. Come get involved in your community and help us welcome our special guests. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up.

The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce has over 400 members and is growing. The online Business Directory gets over 850 hits a month. Where else can you get that kind of visibility for only .52 cents a day? Come grow with us!

That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.