Thursday, December 20, 2012

WNEG Weekly Chamber Update 12-20-12



December 20, 2012

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Are you ready for the big day? Did you shop our local businesses this year? Did you get a Hot Deal? On behalf of the 466 Members of the T-SC Chamber of Commerce, thank-you for buying local! 

Check out the Small Business Development Center’s deal on our web site. All you have to do is like their Facebook page you’ll receive $25 off your next SBDC class. Their business is helping your business!

I have a few announcements for you:

First, who wants to travel with the Chamber to Ireland? The Chamber is partnering with Ionosphere Travel Agency to present a “group travel” package with Collette Tours to Ireland in November of 2013.  Irish Splendor includes stops to Dublin, Blarney Castle, Killarney, just to name a few.  

Layaway now for Christmas! For pricing and payment plan information please attend the upcoming informational meeting on January 24th at 5:30pm at The Cornerstone Restaurant. Or call Ionosphere Travel today at 706-886-9471.

Second, Our Economic Development Committee is ready to recruit for the 2013 Business Plan Competition.  Do you know an entrepreneur working out of their homes or with a business idea you think could win? Please call the Chamber to get more information on the competition today!   

TODAY, at 5pm is a special Business-After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Currahee Club Welcome Center. They’ve opened up the Clubhouse restaurant to all the attendees.  We are looking forward to eating dinner with Anne Shurley at the Currahee Club tonight!

Finally, is a save the date announcement for January 10th at 5pm when we’ll have a Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Gate Cottage on the Toccoa Falls College campus. Come celebrate with Alisa Adams and Cabe Crest Catering their new role at Gate Cottage.  

Your chamber is the leading, private business association in our community. Our business is serving, promoting and protecting our members. Members get visibility, referrals and assistance with business challenges. Join the Chamber today and let’s work together for a better Toccoa-Stephens County.

I’m Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President. 


Thursday, December 13, 2012



December 13, 2012


Merry Christmas Everyone!

New this year, the Chamber is partnering with Ionosphere Travel Agency to present a “group travel” package with Collette Tours to Ireland in November of 2013.  Irish Splendor includes stops to Dublin, Blarney Castle, Killarney, just to name a few.

What a great Christmas Present this would be!  A trip to Ireland under the tree!  For planning, pricing and payment information please attend the upcoming informational meeting on January 24th or call Ionosphere Travel, just in time for Christmas, today at 706-886-9471.

This Friday, December 14th the Government Affairs Committee has organized the Pre-Legislative Coffee with Representative-Elect Dan Gasaway and Senator John Wilkinson.  There will be coffee and pastries and an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming legislative session. That’s Friday, December 14 in the 1st Franklin Training Room on Doyle Street, Downtown Toccoa, across from Troup's Studio and Hallmark.

I have a few announcements for you:

TODAY, at 11am we have a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the brand new El Patron Mexican Restaurant, at their new location, in the Super Walmart Shopping Center. Hope to see you there – at 11am!   

ALSO TODAY, at 5:30pm  is a special Business-After-Hours, in partnership with Lavonia and Franklin County Chambers, at the Ed Murdock Superstore at their Lavonia location on SR 17. Bring your business cards and let’s make some new contacts in Franklin County – at 5:30pm.

Finally, we have $1 Raffle Tickets in the Welcome Center - to sell for the fundraiser coordinated by the Concerned Citizens of Toccoa Stephens County. All proceeds will go to cover their lawyer fees. There are 5 chances to win $100, the drawing will be held on Friday December 15th at 11:40am live on WNEG radio. Get your tickets today!

Your chamber is the leading, private business association in our community. Our business is helping your business! Members get visibility, referrals and assistance with business challenges.  Join the Chamber membership in working together for a better Toccoa-Stephens County. 

I’m Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President. 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Ribbon Cutting & Business After Hours TODAY!



December 6, 2012


Merry Christmas Everyone!

And with it comes the shopping season. As we’ve done in the past, the Chamber is promoting all our member’s Christmas Hot Deals. We are up to 25 “Jingle Bell Buys” found on the chamber’s web site Hot Deals page, listed in our Weekly Chamber email update, and available on a handout in the Welcome Center.  Also, each member has a web page on the online directory to promote their discounted products and services. Visit toccoagachamber.com and click on the Business Directory to see for yourself.   

Next Friday, December 14th the Government Affairs Committee has organized the Pre-Legislative Coffee with Representative-Elect Dan Gasaway and Senator John Wilkinson.  There will be coffee and pastries and an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming legislative session. That’s Friday, December 14 in the 1st Franklin Training Room on Doyle Street, Downtown Toccoa, across from Troup's Studio and Hallmark.

TODAY, we have a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the brand new Fern Point Apartments, at their new location off Fernside Drive in their Club House, on Fern Point Drive. They have organized apartment tours and refreshments. Hope to see you there!   

ALSO TODAY is a Business-After-Hours hosted by our friends at CB&T at their location on Big A Road. The start time is at 6pm with the drawing for the Jack Pot at 6:30pm. Our Jack Pot is up to $850. To celebrate Christmas and our Chamber Family we will give away all $850 TONIGHT. Members must be present to win – and one of them there tonight - will walk away with $850.

Finally, we have $1 Raffle Tickets in the Welcome Center - to sell for the fundraiser coordinated by the Concerned Citizens of Toccoa Stephens County. All proceeds will go to cover their lawyer fees. There are 5 chances to win $100, the drawing will be held on Friday December 15th. Get your tickets today!

Your chamber is the leading, private business association in our community. Our business is helping your business! Members get visibility, referrals and assistance with business challenges.  Join the Chamber membership in working together for a better Toccoa-Stephens County. I’m Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Weekly Chamber Update



November 1, 2012

The Chamber’s Education Committee is Co-Chaired by Karen Caudell of the Pruitt Foundation and Renee Herron, the Stephens County Middle School Graduation Coach. We also have representatives from the DOL, Communities in Schools, and the high school.

The Committee provides opportunities for businesses to build relationships with our schools for example, through the Partners-in-Education program where businesses invest in our schools by volunteering time, money and expertise. 

The Committee is inviting all Partners, all businesses and members of the Community to attend the Stephens County School System “Annual Report Forum.”  Hear from our School Superintendent, Sherrie Whiten on our Schools System’s academic achievements and future initiatives.

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 13th at the Gate Cottage on the Toccoa Falls College Campus from 11am – 1pm. Doors open at 10:30am.

Lunch will be served and the cost is $10 for pre-registered guests, $12 for day-of registration.  Please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132 to register.  

Have a few announcements:

Today the Business After Hours at Sonic has been postponed.  We will announce the new date once it is confirmed.  

Next Wednesday, November 7th  at 8:45am is the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Goody’s and store manager Donna Rudaseal. This is different from our usual ceremony so please mark your calendars for this very special date and time! That’s next Wednesday, 8:45am in the Stephens Plaza.  

This weekend is the last weekend you will be able to see the Lake Hartwell Art Exhibit in Toccoa! So, swing by the Cornerstone Restaurant and help celebrate Lake Hartwell’s 50th Golden Damniversary.  

Your Chamber helps you market your business 24/7, meet other business owners and continue your business education, all for a little over $15 a month! Join the Chamber today and let’s build a better Community, together.  I’m Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.

Thursday, October 18, 2012



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

Early voting has begun. Do you know WHO you are voting for? And, there are two proposed constitutional amendments to learn about, one on charter schools and the other on multi-year rental agreements.  Please visit the Georgia Voter information web site at www.mvp.sos.state.ga.us to download your sample ballot. Or come by the Chamber to get yours today.

Would you like to learn more about the issues?  Please plan on attending the upcoming Political Forum and Debate next Monday Oct 22nd - with the 2 candidates for school board, Jim Ledford and Curtis Waters. As well as hear from the Democratic candidate for US Representative, Mr. Jody Cooley. 

The forum is Monday, October 22nd at 5:30pm downtown in the historic courthouse. Or you can listen in live to AM 630 WNEG radio. Doors will open at 5pm so the audience can submit questions to the candidates. 

I have a few announcements for you:
 
TODAY at 6pm is the Rotary Top 5 Dinner, Auction and Fundraiser for scholarships. We look forward to seeing you tonight at the Stephens County High School! 

Have you seen the Lake Hartwell Art Exhibit yet? Swing by The Cornerstone Restaurant this weekend and help celebrate Lake Hartwell’s 50th Golden Damniversary. View over 70 photos of the construction of the dam. The exhibit will be there through the month of October so make plans to stop in for a meal.
  
Your Chamber helps you market your business, meet other business owners and continue your business education, all for a little over $15 a month! Join the Chamber today and let’s build a better Community, together. Call 706-886-2132

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