The Currahee Military Reunion Weekend Celebration is here! Pull out your American flags and your red, white and blue and let’s celebrate our Camp Toccoa Veterans. Here is your weekend itinerary:
Start by attending the Chamber BBQ lunch on Friday from 11:30-1:30pm at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. After that you can wander over to the Train Depot for the Veteran’s book signing and autograph session. Then put on your 40’s outfits and head to the Airport’s old LeTourneau Hanger for the USO Hangar Dance.
But don’t stay up too late - because you will need to wake up early to run or walk the Currahee Challenge – that’s 3 miles up and 3 miles down. Hurry home to shower and then head downtown to see the Parachute Team jump at 10:25 - to start the Veteran’s parade. After that – walk to the depot to attend the Opening Ceremony and the dedication of the Loden Exhibit Hall.
By then you will be really hungry so have a nice big lunch and get your energy back up to tour the Currahee Military Museum, the 2 Memorabilia Shows on Doyle - and the Re-enactor Camp site on the Courthouse Lawn. They will be doing weapons demonstrations on the hour. Don’t miss it!
After that, head out to the airport for a once in a lifetime chance to purchase a ride in one of the Vintage WWII aircraft or the Huey Helicopter. The airport show will last until 4pm. Then go home to get your dress clothes on and get over to the Georgia Baptist Conference Center for a nice dinner and hear Camp Toccoa Veteran Carl Beck speak.
Rise early again - for the Sunday morning Remembrance Service at 8:30 at the Camp Toccoa Memorial - given by Norman Parrish with William Tucker blowing Taps and the re-enactors performing a 21 gun salute.
Toccoa-Stephens County is an All-American Patriotic Community and we “walk-the-talk” every year at the Currahee Military Reunion Weekend Celebration.
For a complete schedule visit www.toccoagachamber.com. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Toccoa-Stephens County Celebrates the 8th Annual WWII Currahee Military Reunion Week-end, October 1-3, 2010
Toccoa-Stephens County Celebrates the 8th Annual WWII Currahee Military Reunion Week-end, October 1-3, 2010
Media Contacts:
1. Camp Toccoa Veterans Reunion, Banquet & Auction– Brenda Carlan, Executive Director of the Stephens County and Currahee Military Museums, Cindy Tatum President of the Historical Society Board, 706-282-5055
2. Downtown Toccoa Events & the Vintage Vocals – Sharon Crosby, Events Coordinator for Mainstreet Toccoa, 706-282-3309
3. BBQ & Currahee Challenge Run/Walk – Wendi Bailey, President of the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, 706-886-2132, www.toccoagachamber.com
4. Army Aviation Heritage Foundation – Sgt Maj, USMC (Ret) Shanda Elkins, 770-897-0444
5. Dixie Wing Commemorative Air Force - Chris Madrid, Public Information Officer, 770-655-3315
6. WWII Hangar Dance – Krystle Whitlock, 706-491-7042 and Rick Duerr, Commander of the VFW, 706-573-7877
7. Veterans Parade – Douglas Warr, Commander of the American Legion, 706-297-7688, William Tucker 706-491-8215
8. Re-enactors & Living History Demonstrations – Steve Tilley, 706-282-5055, Troy Whigham Re-enactor 813-334-1520
9. Military Recruiters Displays – Jibby Baker, Junior ROTC, Stephens County High School, 706-886-6825
10. Memorabilia Show – Richard Shields, 704-282-1339
11. Special Forces Association Jump Team – Stanley Kinnison, 910-432-1825
In 1942 with the world at war, the United States government acquired a mountain and the surrounding land in Toccoa, Georgia as a training facility for a new type of soldier, the paratrooper. Young men from across the nation who had little in common except a shared future, descended on the small north Georgia town to train to defend their country.
To honor the men of Camp Toccoa and as a show of appreciation for the sacrifices they made, the Currahee Military Weekend and Reunion is set for the weekend of Oct. 1-3. The event is hosted by The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, Stephens County Historical Society and Toccoa Mainstreet Program.
It is estimated that as many as 17,000 soldiers from the 501st, 506th, 511th, 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments trained at Camp Toccoa during WWII. With the paratrooper population being greater than the town’s population, one can imagine the impact of the soldiers on the community. The once sleepy town was now a booming military town and quickly became a regional financial, medical and transportation hub for northeast Georgia.
Camp Toccoa reshaped the town and the soldiers training there ultimately became the inspiration for the Home Box Office mini-series The Band of Brothers, movies Saving Private Ryan and The Dirty Dozen as well as the History Channel’s Los Banos Prison Raid.
“We look forward to the paratroopers who trained at Camp Toccoa and their families coming back to Toccoa for the reunion to reminisce about their experiences with their friends who shared this very significant time in their lives,” says Brenda Carlan, County and Currahee Military Museum Executive Director. “New this year Witness to War project will be here to interview WWII veterans. We are accepting appointments now to preserve their stories and unique experiences. “
“Visitors can meet some of the paratroopers who trained at Camp Toccoa and listen to their stories. There are ten Camp Toccoa Veterans registered to return this year. Scheduled Events with the Veterans include school visits, a book signing with Jake McNiece of the 506th author of The Filthy 13. There will also be a Veterans’ Parade, Opening Ceremonies and a Banquet with special guest speaker Carl Beck, WWII Camp Toccoa Veteran. Guests can also visit the Currahee Military Museum and walk through the actual stable that housed some of the soldiers while they were fighting in Aldbourne, England. We look forward to honoring the men of Camp Toccoa again this year.”
Chamber of Commerce President Wendi Bailey says the military weekend is one of the most important events for the town and serves to create community pride. “We are thrilled about this year’s t-shirt design created by local artist Carl Fennell exclusively for the Weekend. It is sure to be a collector’s item and will teach WWII history, as it displays each of the four regimen emblems who trained at Camp Toccoa, 501st, 506th, 511th and 517th,“ said Wendi. “There are a number of activities planned including a BBQ, a Hangar Dance and the famous Currahee Challenge Run/Walk “3 Miles Up-3 Miles Down” Currahee Mountain which served as the paratroopers’ base camp and training facility. There will also be an Airport Show with a Parachute Jump Team and a once in a lifetime opportunity to recreate history by purchasing a ride in one of the vintage WWII aircraft flown by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing and the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.”
The majority of the weekend’s events will take place in close proximity to the historic district of downtown Toccoa where the Chamber of Commerce, Welcome Center and Historical Society and Currahee Military Museum are all housed in a historic, restored train depot.
“This event is a great opportunity to showcase our award winning downtown revitalization as well as thank the downtown merchants and restaurants for being there,” said Main Street Events Coordinator, Sharon Crosby. “There will be re-enactor encampments on the courthouse lawn where visitors can experience a WWII camp site and living history exhibits,” said Sharon. “There will also be military recruiters, military vehicles and a memorabilia show and sale with items from the Civil War, Indian Wars, WWI and WWII. There will be something for kids of all ages as we celebrate our military’s commitment to America.”
Toccoa-Stephens County is an All-American Patriotic Community and we “walk-the-talk” every year at the Currahee Military Reunion Weekend Celebration. The Currahee Military Reunion Weekend serves to honor the veterans who trained at Camp Toccoa, the thousands of veterans who have served our country on many other battlefields, and the active military men and women who are serving the country. These men, along with thousands of other men and women from Ft. Campbell, are serving in Afghanistan now. This year, a number of their spouses are coming to Toccoa to represent the brave deployed soldiers and participate in the weekend activities. Here is a schedule of events. The times are subject to change:
Thursday, October 1:
• 10:00am–6:00pm: Museum Open, Registration, Train Depot, Mitchell Allen Conference Room
Friday, October 2:
• 10:00am–6:00pm: Museum Open, Adults $5 and Children $3. Registration, Train Depot, Conference Room
• 10:00am–10:00pm: Hospitality Suite (Registered Guests Only)
• 11:30am–1:30pm: Chicken BBQ Lunch at the Toccoa First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Local businesses are encouraged to pre-order plates for their employees by Friday, September 24th and if 10 or more plates are ordered they will be delivered to their worksite. Tickets are $7 at the Chamber or at the door.
• 1:00pm–4:00pm: Book Signing in the Mitchell Allen Room. Come meet WWII veteran Jake McNiece
• 7:00pm-11:00pm: Hangar Dance at the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport LeTourneau Hangar – Atlanta singing group Vintage Vocals sing songs from the 1940’s and Flash the DJ will provide the big band music. There will be a costume contest, dance lessons and demonstrations. Tickets are $10 at the Chamber and $15 at the door.
Saturday, October 3:
• 7:00am: Day of Registration for the Currahee Challenge Run/Walk: 3 Mile at 7:45am and 6 Mile at 8:30am. Come run the infamous Currahee Mountain trail, “3 miles up - 3 miles down,” that served as part of the rigorous basic training where the men were hardened to become battle-ready paratroopers. 1st, 2nd 3rd prizes are matted weekend art suitable for framing. Fee is $15 in advance and $20 race day registration.
• 10:00am–1:00pm: Registration for Registered Guests, Train Depot, Conference Room. Hospitality Suite
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Museum Open, Adults $8 and Children $3, Train Depot
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Memorabilia Show (former Whiten’s Shoe Store) & Memorabilia Show & Sale (former Sunflowers kids clothing store) on Doyle St: Military arms and memorabilia of the Civil War, Indian Wars, WWI, WWII, Vietnam and more, Downtown Toccoa.
• 10:00am-4:00pm: WWII Re-enactor Living History Encampments and displays on the Court House lawn.
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Military Recruiter Displays and vintage military vehicles, Downtown Toccoa.
• 10:00am-4:00pm Airport Show: Dixie Wing WWII fighter plane rides include a Fairchild PT-26, L-16 Grasshopper, SNJ and a C-42. Rides start at $90. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation is bringing a Huey Helicopter. Rides are $50 and $40 for Veterans and are available on a first come first serve basis. Civil Air Patrol will offer a Café for snacks. Static displays of the OH58 Chopper and a variety of vintage planes.
• 10:25am: Parachute Jump Team, Downtown Boyd Field
• 10:30am: Veteran’s Parade, Doyle Street, Downtown Toccoa. American flags for the first 500 people.
• 11:00am: Opening Ceremonies and Museum Loden Exhibit Hall dedication, North Georgia College and State University Blue Ridge Rifles, Toccoa Falls College Brass Band, JROTC Presentation of the Colors and the singing of the National Anthem.
• 1:00pm, 2pm & 3:00pm: Re-enactor weapons demonstrations. Courthouse lawn.
• 2:00pm at the Airport: Parachute Jump Team
• 7:00pm: Banquet and Auction at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center featuring special guest and speaker WWII Camp Toccoa Veteran, Carl Beck. A fundraiser auction benefiting the Stephens County Historical Society will follow the dinner. Tickets are $30.
Sunday, October 4:
• 8:30am: Remembrance Service given by Norman Parish, a veteran and a minister. Taps by William Tucker and Re-enactor 21 Gun Salute. Meet at the Parachute Infantry Regimen Memorial, Currahee Mountain. Take highway 123 to the Patterson Pump and Milliken-Humphrey plants. Breakfast at downtown restaurants immediately following.
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Museum Open, Adults $8 and Children $3
This is a community-wide collaboration and celebration of Toccoa’s rich military history. The event would not be possible without broad support from our sponsors, volunteers and Civic Clubs.
Chamber of Commerce BBQ
Title Sponsor - Springer Mountain Farm
Silver Sponsor – Quality Foods
Bronze In-Kind Sponsor – Adams Container
In Kind Sponsors: 1st Baptist Church of Toccoa, McDonalds, NGTC Culinary School, Zaxby’s, Elk’s Lodge pit, County EMS pit, Toccoa Elementary and Stephens County High School Chorus and JROTC Cadet
WWII USO Hangar Dance with the Vintage Vocals
Title Sponsor – Foothills Aviation
Gold Sponsor - Flash the DJ
Silver Sponsor - VFW Post 4346
In Kind Sponsors - Fernside Package Store, Stephens County Airport Authority, Civil Air Patrol
Currahee Military Reunion
Sponsors: AT&T, Acree-Davis Funeral Home, Acree Oil Company, Dr. Ken Schneider, Eaton, First Citizens Bank,
Georgia Baptist Conference Center, McClure, Ramsay Dickerson & Escoe,
Quincy’s Family Steakhouse, Stephens County Historical Society, Stephens Federal Bank
In Kind Sponsors: Super Wal-Mart, Stephens County High School Marching Band, Stephens County High School JROTC, WNEG Radio, WNEG TV, Toccoa Record, Dal Studios, Good Machine, County and City Employees
American Legion Post 104, Pilot Club, Rotary Club, Lion’s Club and Mega Motorsports
Currahee Challenge Run/Walk
Title Sponsor – North Georgia Technical College
Title In Kind Sponsor - Frames & Things
Gold Sponsor – Caterpillar
Gold Sponsor - Stephens County Hospital
Silver Sponsor– Marine Corps Detachment, Post 1303
Bronze Sponsor - Skelton Morris Associates
In Kind Sponsors: Gold’s Gym, Civil Air Patrol, HAM / TARS Radio Operators, Sheriff and Police, Stephens County EMS and Caterpillar, Cub Scouts Pack 168, Wendy’s, Stephens County EMA
Airport Show
Title Sponsor – Stephens County Airport Authority
Gold Sponsor – Toccoa Clinic
Silver Sponsor – American Legion Post 104
Bronze Sponsor – SAGE Automotive Interiors
Bronze Sponsor – Millard Inc. Architects
In Kind Sponsors - Dominos Pizza, Civil Air Patrol
Re-Enactors WWII Living History & Weapons Demonstrations
Gold Sponsor – Combat Training Solutions
In Kind Sponsors - Gold’s Gym
Media Contacts:
1. Camp Toccoa Veterans Reunion, Banquet & Auction– Brenda Carlan, Executive Director of the Stephens County and Currahee Military Museums, Cindy Tatum President of the Historical Society Board, 706-282-5055
2. Downtown Toccoa Events & the Vintage Vocals – Sharon Crosby, Events Coordinator for Mainstreet Toccoa, 706-282-3309
3. BBQ & Currahee Challenge Run/Walk – Wendi Bailey, President of the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, 706-886-2132, www.toccoagachamber.com
4. Army Aviation Heritage Foundation – Sgt Maj, USMC (Ret) Shanda Elkins, 770-897-0444
5. Dixie Wing Commemorative Air Force - Chris Madrid, Public Information Officer, 770-655-3315
6. WWII Hangar Dance – Krystle Whitlock, 706-491-7042 and Rick Duerr, Commander of the VFW, 706-573-7877
7. Veterans Parade – Douglas Warr, Commander of the American Legion, 706-297-7688, William Tucker 706-491-8215
8. Re-enactors & Living History Demonstrations – Steve Tilley, 706-282-5055, Troy Whigham Re-enactor 813-334-1520
9. Military Recruiters Displays – Jibby Baker, Junior ROTC, Stephens County High School, 706-886-6825
10. Memorabilia Show – Richard Shields, 704-282-1339
11. Special Forces Association Jump Team – Stanley Kinnison, 910-432-1825
In 1942 with the world at war, the United States government acquired a mountain and the surrounding land in Toccoa, Georgia as a training facility for a new type of soldier, the paratrooper. Young men from across the nation who had little in common except a shared future, descended on the small north Georgia town to train to defend their country.
To honor the men of Camp Toccoa and as a show of appreciation for the sacrifices they made, the Currahee Military Weekend and Reunion is set for the weekend of Oct. 1-3. The event is hosted by The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, Stephens County Historical Society and Toccoa Mainstreet Program.
It is estimated that as many as 17,000 soldiers from the 501st, 506th, 511th, 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments trained at Camp Toccoa during WWII. With the paratrooper population being greater than the town’s population, one can imagine the impact of the soldiers on the community. The once sleepy town was now a booming military town and quickly became a regional financial, medical and transportation hub for northeast Georgia.
Camp Toccoa reshaped the town and the soldiers training there ultimately became the inspiration for the Home Box Office mini-series The Band of Brothers, movies Saving Private Ryan and The Dirty Dozen as well as the History Channel’s Los Banos Prison Raid.
“We look forward to the paratroopers who trained at Camp Toccoa and their families coming back to Toccoa for the reunion to reminisce about their experiences with their friends who shared this very significant time in their lives,” says Brenda Carlan, County and Currahee Military Museum Executive Director. “New this year Witness to War project will be here to interview WWII veterans. We are accepting appointments now to preserve their stories and unique experiences. “
“Visitors can meet some of the paratroopers who trained at Camp Toccoa and listen to their stories. There are ten Camp Toccoa Veterans registered to return this year. Scheduled Events with the Veterans include school visits, a book signing with Jake McNiece of the 506th author of The Filthy 13. There will also be a Veterans’ Parade, Opening Ceremonies and a Banquet with special guest speaker Carl Beck, WWII Camp Toccoa Veteran. Guests can also visit the Currahee Military Museum and walk through the actual stable that housed some of the soldiers while they were fighting in Aldbourne, England. We look forward to honoring the men of Camp Toccoa again this year.”
Chamber of Commerce President Wendi Bailey says the military weekend is one of the most important events for the town and serves to create community pride. “We are thrilled about this year’s t-shirt design created by local artist Carl Fennell exclusively for the Weekend. It is sure to be a collector’s item and will teach WWII history, as it displays each of the four regimen emblems who trained at Camp Toccoa, 501st, 506th, 511th and 517th,“ said Wendi. “There are a number of activities planned including a BBQ, a Hangar Dance and the famous Currahee Challenge Run/Walk “3 Miles Up-3 Miles Down” Currahee Mountain which served as the paratroopers’ base camp and training facility. There will also be an Airport Show with a Parachute Jump Team and a once in a lifetime opportunity to recreate history by purchasing a ride in one of the vintage WWII aircraft flown by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing and the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.”
The majority of the weekend’s events will take place in close proximity to the historic district of downtown Toccoa where the Chamber of Commerce, Welcome Center and Historical Society and Currahee Military Museum are all housed in a historic, restored train depot.
“This event is a great opportunity to showcase our award winning downtown revitalization as well as thank the downtown merchants and restaurants for being there,” said Main Street Events Coordinator, Sharon Crosby. “There will be re-enactor encampments on the courthouse lawn where visitors can experience a WWII camp site and living history exhibits,” said Sharon. “There will also be military recruiters, military vehicles and a memorabilia show and sale with items from the Civil War, Indian Wars, WWI and WWII. There will be something for kids of all ages as we celebrate our military’s commitment to America.”
Toccoa-Stephens County is an All-American Patriotic Community and we “walk-the-talk” every year at the Currahee Military Reunion Weekend Celebration. The Currahee Military Reunion Weekend serves to honor the veterans who trained at Camp Toccoa, the thousands of veterans who have served our country on many other battlefields, and the active military men and women who are serving the country. These men, along with thousands of other men and women from Ft. Campbell, are serving in Afghanistan now. This year, a number of their spouses are coming to Toccoa to represent the brave deployed soldiers and participate in the weekend activities. Here is a schedule of events. The times are subject to change:
Thursday, October 1:
• 10:00am–6:00pm: Museum Open, Registration, Train Depot, Mitchell Allen Conference Room
Friday, October 2:
• 10:00am–6:00pm: Museum Open, Adults $5 and Children $3. Registration, Train Depot, Conference Room
• 10:00am–10:00pm: Hospitality Suite (Registered Guests Only)
• 11:30am–1:30pm: Chicken BBQ Lunch at the Toccoa First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Local businesses are encouraged to pre-order plates for their employees by Friday, September 24th and if 10 or more plates are ordered they will be delivered to their worksite. Tickets are $7 at the Chamber or at the door.
• 1:00pm–4:00pm: Book Signing in the Mitchell Allen Room. Come meet WWII veteran Jake McNiece
• 7:00pm-11:00pm: Hangar Dance at the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport LeTourneau Hangar – Atlanta singing group Vintage Vocals sing songs from the 1940’s and Flash the DJ will provide the big band music. There will be a costume contest, dance lessons and demonstrations. Tickets are $10 at the Chamber and $15 at the door.
Saturday, October 3:
• 7:00am: Day of Registration for the Currahee Challenge Run/Walk: 3 Mile at 7:45am and 6 Mile at 8:30am. Come run the infamous Currahee Mountain trail, “3 miles up - 3 miles down,” that served as part of the rigorous basic training where the men were hardened to become battle-ready paratroopers. 1st, 2nd 3rd prizes are matted weekend art suitable for framing. Fee is $15 in advance and $20 race day registration.
• 10:00am–1:00pm: Registration for Registered Guests, Train Depot, Conference Room. Hospitality Suite
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Museum Open, Adults $8 and Children $3, Train Depot
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Memorabilia Show (former Whiten’s Shoe Store) & Memorabilia Show & Sale (former Sunflowers kids clothing store) on Doyle St: Military arms and memorabilia of the Civil War, Indian Wars, WWI, WWII, Vietnam and more, Downtown Toccoa.
• 10:00am-4:00pm: WWII Re-enactor Living History Encampments and displays on the Court House lawn.
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Military Recruiter Displays and vintage military vehicles, Downtown Toccoa.
• 10:00am-4:00pm Airport Show: Dixie Wing WWII fighter plane rides include a Fairchild PT-26, L-16 Grasshopper, SNJ and a C-42. Rides start at $90. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation is bringing a Huey Helicopter. Rides are $50 and $40 for Veterans and are available on a first come first serve basis. Civil Air Patrol will offer a Café for snacks. Static displays of the OH58 Chopper and a variety of vintage planes.
• 10:25am: Parachute Jump Team, Downtown Boyd Field
• 10:30am: Veteran’s Parade, Doyle Street, Downtown Toccoa. American flags for the first 500 people.
• 11:00am: Opening Ceremonies and Museum Loden Exhibit Hall dedication, North Georgia College and State University Blue Ridge Rifles, Toccoa Falls College Brass Band, JROTC Presentation of the Colors and the singing of the National Anthem.
• 1:00pm, 2pm & 3:00pm: Re-enactor weapons demonstrations. Courthouse lawn.
• 2:00pm at the Airport: Parachute Jump Team
• 7:00pm: Banquet and Auction at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center featuring special guest and speaker WWII Camp Toccoa Veteran, Carl Beck. A fundraiser auction benefiting the Stephens County Historical Society will follow the dinner. Tickets are $30.
Sunday, October 4:
• 8:30am: Remembrance Service given by Norman Parish, a veteran and a minister. Taps by William Tucker and Re-enactor 21 Gun Salute. Meet at the Parachute Infantry Regimen Memorial, Currahee Mountain. Take highway 123 to the Patterson Pump and Milliken-Humphrey plants. Breakfast at downtown restaurants immediately following.
• 10:00am–4:00pm: Museum Open, Adults $8 and Children $3
This is a community-wide collaboration and celebration of Toccoa’s rich military history. The event would not be possible without broad support from our sponsors, volunteers and Civic Clubs.
Chamber of Commerce BBQ
Title Sponsor - Springer Mountain Farm
Silver Sponsor – Quality Foods
Bronze In-Kind Sponsor – Adams Container
In Kind Sponsors: 1st Baptist Church of Toccoa, McDonalds, NGTC Culinary School, Zaxby’s, Elk’s Lodge pit, County EMS pit, Toccoa Elementary and Stephens County High School Chorus and JROTC Cadet
WWII USO Hangar Dance with the Vintage Vocals
Title Sponsor – Foothills Aviation
Gold Sponsor - Flash the DJ
Silver Sponsor - VFW Post 4346
In Kind Sponsors - Fernside Package Store, Stephens County Airport Authority, Civil Air Patrol
Currahee Military Reunion
Sponsors: AT&T, Acree-Davis Funeral Home, Acree Oil Company, Dr. Ken Schneider, Eaton, First Citizens Bank,
Georgia Baptist Conference Center, McClure, Ramsay Dickerson & Escoe,
Quincy’s Family Steakhouse, Stephens County Historical Society, Stephens Federal Bank
In Kind Sponsors: Super Wal-Mart, Stephens County High School Marching Band, Stephens County High School JROTC, WNEG Radio, WNEG TV, Toccoa Record, Dal Studios, Good Machine, County and City Employees
American Legion Post 104, Pilot Club, Rotary Club, Lion’s Club and Mega Motorsports
Currahee Challenge Run/Walk
Title Sponsor – North Georgia Technical College
Title In Kind Sponsor - Frames & Things
Gold Sponsor – Caterpillar
Gold Sponsor - Stephens County Hospital
Silver Sponsor– Marine Corps Detachment, Post 1303
Bronze Sponsor - Skelton Morris Associates
In Kind Sponsors: Gold’s Gym, Civil Air Patrol, HAM / TARS Radio Operators, Sheriff and Police, Stephens County EMS and Caterpillar, Cub Scouts Pack 168, Wendy’s, Stephens County EMA
Airport Show
Title Sponsor – Stephens County Airport Authority
Gold Sponsor – Toccoa Clinic
Silver Sponsor – American Legion Post 104
Bronze Sponsor – SAGE Automotive Interiors
Bronze Sponsor – Millard Inc. Architects
In Kind Sponsors - Dominos Pizza, Civil Air Patrol
Re-Enactors WWII Living History & Weapons Demonstrations
Gold Sponsor – Combat Training Solutions
In Kind Sponsors - Gold’s Gym
Monday, September 13, 2010
LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Here are a couple of questions and common misconceptions about your Chamber membership.
Q. I don’t “get anything” our of the Chamber Membership. It does not benefit me in any way.
A: It is important to ask yourself what it is that you expect to “get out of the Chamber and how you define benefit. Most people have varying expectations when they join the Chamber but it is important to think of membership as an investment in your business, not as an expense. We believe that – as with anything – you will only get out of it that which you put into it! Joining the Chamber is similar to joining the gym; the mere act of joining does not automatically mean you will lose those extra 20 pounds. It is essential to have a plan and follow it consistently to realize the results you are hoping for. Just as the gym provides an energizing atmosphere, proper equipment, diverse classes and members with a common goal, the Chamber offers diverse networking venues, promotional benefits, camaraderie, and opportunities to meet hundreds of like-minded business people. What you choose to do with these resources and how much you decide to utilize them is up to you. While what you may “get” out of the chamber may not be exactly what another member “gets,” everyone benefits from belonging to the Chamber. While the referral benefit may be of greater value to an event planner than say a manufacturer in the Industrial Park, so too is the annual lobbying for a single tax rate much more important to the manufacturer than it is to the freelance artist. And so on….
Q. I never attend or I don’t have time to attend the meetings and events.
A: With only 24 hours in a day, it is indeed a challenge to manage both our professional and personal lives. But how we schedule and manage our days is our choice. Opportunities are available in the morning, evening and occasionally at lunch. Again if you were to join a gym and never go, would you expect to be physically fit after a year? And remember, attending events is not the only way to utilize your membership. Submit an article for the Investment Report, place a piece in the Chamber Pak, join a committee, etc.
From the Rapid City, South Dakota, Chamber Newsletter
Q. I don’t “get anything” our of the Chamber Membership. It does not benefit me in any way.
A: It is important to ask yourself what it is that you expect to “get out of the Chamber and how you define benefit. Most people have varying expectations when they join the Chamber but it is important to think of membership as an investment in your business, not as an expense. We believe that – as with anything – you will only get out of it that which you put into it! Joining the Chamber is similar to joining the gym; the mere act of joining does not automatically mean you will lose those extra 20 pounds. It is essential to have a plan and follow it consistently to realize the results you are hoping for. Just as the gym provides an energizing atmosphere, proper equipment, diverse classes and members with a common goal, the Chamber offers diverse networking venues, promotional benefits, camaraderie, and opportunities to meet hundreds of like-minded business people. What you choose to do with these resources and how much you decide to utilize them is up to you. While what you may “get” out of the chamber may not be exactly what another member “gets,” everyone benefits from belonging to the Chamber. While the referral benefit may be of greater value to an event planner than say a manufacturer in the Industrial Park, so too is the annual lobbying for a single tax rate much more important to the manufacturer than it is to the freelance artist. And so on….
Q. I never attend or I don’t have time to attend the meetings and events.
A: With only 24 hours in a day, it is indeed a challenge to manage both our professional and personal lives. But how we schedule and manage our days is our choice. Opportunities are available in the morning, evening and occasionally at lunch. Again if you were to join a gym and never go, would you expect to be physically fit after a year? And remember, attending events is not the only way to utilize your membership. Submit an article for the Investment Report, place a piece in the Chamber Pak, join a committee, etc.
From the Rapid City, South Dakota, Chamber Newsletter
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
2010 Governor's Conference on Tourism
We attended the Governor’s Conference on Tourism this week with over 400+ other professionals responsible for destination marketing. The Senate and House Joint Committee on Economic Development and Tourism - along with the Secretary of State and the Governor attended to brief us on tourism success stories across Georgia.
We learned from the experts how to take our Social Media to the next level including best practices for creating your business web site, and Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts. We are bringing this technology home to our members and are planning a class this month. The education seminar is titled “Web Site & Social Media Strategies” and the objectives are to assist you with - 1) reviewing web site options, 2) getting lots of fans on Facebook and 3) and getting good reviews to drive sales.
Second, we learned about the importance of hospitality and the tourist’s experience. When visitors come into our Community, the Welcome Center or your business, they may not remember your name or what you said but they will remember how they were treated. The Chamber offers Hospitality Training for our new Welcome Center Volunteers and would be happy to include sales associates from your businesses, too. Also, we offer a Secret Shopper program and can come to your business, assess the level of hospitality and report back to you.
Finally, we learned the importance of partnerships and collaboration. The Chamber has a Tourism Committee that meets the 2nd Friday of every month - and partners closely with the Toccoa Mainstreet Program to promote Tourism. Also, we are members of the Georgia Mountain Travel Association and the Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance.
We are now calling on all our partners and associations and alliances to help us promote the upcoming Currahee Military Weekend October 1st-3rd. The mission is to preserve WWII history - and honor our veterans. It is also to share our history and heritage with about 2,500 visitors. Tourism is economic development!
Check the Chamber Calendar on our web site at www.toccoagachamber.com for the dates and details of our classes and events. Or call 706-886-2132 today!
Your Chamber has over 400 members and is growing. We give our members the Networking, Marketing and Education opportunities they need for success. Come grow with us!
We learned from the experts how to take our Social Media to the next level including best practices for creating your business web site, and Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts. We are bringing this technology home to our members and are planning a class this month. The education seminar is titled “Web Site & Social Media Strategies” and the objectives are to assist you with - 1) reviewing web site options, 2) getting lots of fans on Facebook and 3) and getting good reviews to drive sales.
Second, we learned about the importance of hospitality and the tourist’s experience. When visitors come into our Community, the Welcome Center or your business, they may not remember your name or what you said but they will remember how they were treated. The Chamber offers Hospitality Training for our new Welcome Center Volunteers and would be happy to include sales associates from your businesses, too. Also, we offer a Secret Shopper program and can come to your business, assess the level of hospitality and report back to you.
Finally, we learned the importance of partnerships and collaboration. The Chamber has a Tourism Committee that meets the 2nd Friday of every month - and partners closely with the Toccoa Mainstreet Program to promote Tourism. Also, we are members of the Georgia Mountain Travel Association and the Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance.
We are now calling on all our partners and associations and alliances to help us promote the upcoming Currahee Military Weekend October 1st-3rd. The mission is to preserve WWII history - and honor our veterans. It is also to share our history and heritage with about 2,500 visitors. Tourism is economic development!
Check the Chamber Calendar on our web site at www.toccoagachamber.com for the dates and details of our classes and events. Or call 706-886-2132 today!
Your Chamber has over 400 members and is growing. We give our members the Networking, Marketing and Education opportunities they need for success. Come grow with us!
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