Thursday, August 23, 2012

Weekly Chamber Update as Heard on WNEG AM630


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

The distribution of the new 2012-2013 Chamber Directory to all “462” members is now complete.  It categorizes members alphabetically and by business sector. We encourage you to do business with Chamber members, network with them, and market to them.  
We are also excited to roll out the new Online Directory. Your new “page” can be set up from your computer at your leisure and can be updated whenever you want. The BEST thing is you can have a new web page - today - that can be seen clearly from all mobile browsers.  Please take advantage of this great offer and market your business online today. 

The Currahee Military Weekend is set for October 5th-7th.  This week we confirmed the paratroopers to jump downtown and at the airport as well as the vintage vocal to sing throughout the weekend.  Currahee Challenge race Registration forms and a complete list of the weekend’s activities are on the Chamber’s web site at www.toccoagachamber.com.  

I Have a Few Announcements for you today:

Our Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Beverage World and owner Mic Patel has been postponed. We will announce the new date as soon as it is available. 
  
Today at 5pm we have a special Business-After-Hours hosted by Zaxby’s restaurant and manager Deborah Tolbert.  Don't forget your business cards!  Plan to enjoy some light refreshments while you network with other business owners. The jack pot drawing is at 5:30pm and its over $750. You must be present to win.

Next Wednesday, August 29th is our monthly Chamber Lunch at Quincy’s and the topic for discussion this month is Chamber Member Discounts. We have special $7 lunch and drink cards to share with participants.

Your Chamber is a valuable resource to businesses and community. We are working together for a better Toccoa Stephens County.

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

Thursday, August 16, 2012

WNEG AM 630 Weekly Chamber Update


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

The famous Currahee Military Weekend is set for October 5th, 6th and 7th.  The weekend events are hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Toccoa Mainstreet Program, Marine Corps League and the Civil Air Patrol.

Volunteers are organizing new twists to the weekend activities including the BBQ, Hanger Dance, Currahee Challenge Run "3 Miles Up & 3 Miles Down, re-enactor camps, blue ridge rifles, parade, parachute jumps and helicopter rides. 

Race Registration forms and a complete list of the weekend’s activities are on the Chamber’s web site at www.toccoagachamber.com.  

Few Announcements for you today:

First, The Concerned Citizens of Toccoa-Stephens County have a few $3 raffle tickets left for a chance to win a 55” flat screen Sony TV. The drawing will be held this Friday at 11:30am live on WNEG radio AM 630.

Today, at 10am we have a special Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration at The Dance Studio for the new owner Marlee Joiner. The Studio is located on the Clary Connector just off SR17 in Eastanollee. That’s 2091 Clary Connector. We hope to see you there!   

Finally, please put Wednesday August 22nd on your calendar to meet U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, who will host a town hall meeting for Franklin, Hart and Stephens Counties at the NGTC Currahee Campus from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Isakson will give a brief update from DC and then take questions from the audience. The public is invited to attend.

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

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Camp Toccoa Currahee Project, Visit camptoccoa@currahee.org


06/11/2012

Work continues to develop the Camp Toccoa at Currahee Project
Visit www.camptoccoa@currahee.org
Last year, Pacolet Milliken donated 5.85 acres of the original Camp Toccoa site to the Stephens County Historical Society.

The land is located on the site of the old Milliken plant. It includes the last remaining building at Camp Toccoa from World War II. In addition to the building, this land also contains original sidewalks and curbing from the camp.

Since the donation, efforts have been underway to come up with future plans for the property.

Cynthia Brown is one of those who is working on the project.

She said there are some initial plans in place for the site.

“We have access to one of the original barracks that was taken apart and was stored all of these years and that will be returned and re-assembled,” said Brown. “We also will have the 70th anniversary celebration of the founding of Camp Toccoa, which will take place on July 20.”

Future plans include a pavilion and other structures that could help draw people to the property and allow groups to hold events on the site. According to Brown, future plans depend on money that is available through fundraising and other sources.

Earlier this month, the Historical Society held its first “D-Day Run” to help raise funds and attention for the project. Organizers say the run went well.

Brown said they look forward to continuing to develop ideas for the site and get the public involved in those efforts.

“We are really excited about the potential that it has because it will preserve the legacy of those men who trained there and those who have shared the Currahee tradition since that time,” said Brown.

Brown said that more information on the project will also be available at the 70th Anniversary celebration on July 20.

Funds can be donated to the Camp Toccoa at Currahee project currently through the Stephens County Historical Society. 

Thursday, August 9, 2012


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

The Third Annual Triple Crown Watercross Race is this weekend at Tugaloo State Park.

150 tour teams, are coming off an exciting race in Virgnia, and will hit Lake Hartwell on extremely fast personal water craft.  These extreme sport riders are in an intense competition for points during the Triple Crown as they head next to the national finals.

Spectators are encouraged to come by land and boat.  The raised park mega-ramp venue allows spectators on land, to look down at the entire race course. Event admission is free, Tugaloo State Park parking fee $5.

This Friday, is the Sponsors Corporate Challenge. Four-person teams will race the clock in relay format for the best time. Toccoa-Stephens County is a sponsor and our team is named “Team Toccoa ROCKS”.  Members include James Faulk, James Hanson from TFC, Hank Knight and Mike Terrell of Fernside Package.

Pro Racing is from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm both days with “Freestyle Competitions” at noon and autograph signing at Intermissions around 1:00 pm.

There will be plenty of food and other vendors at the event and your Chamber will have a booth to showcase our local attractions and upcoming events, including the Currahee Military Weekend! Please come by and say hi!

Few Announcements for you today:

It’s Bo Time! Today, at 10am we have a special Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Bojangles’ Restaurant at their new location on Big A Road.  

Finally – please put August 22nd on your calendar to meet State Senator Johnny Isakson, who will host a town hall meeting for Franklin, Hart and Stephens Counties at the NGTC Currahee Campus. Isakson will give a brief update from DC and then take questions from the audience. The public is invited to attend.

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

Thursday, August 2, 2012


Thursday 8-2-12

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

Your Chamber of Commerce had a very successful past year ending in June.  The new Chamber is stronger, more effective, disciplined, results oriented and has a focus on substance. 

Our new 2012-13 theme is “Working Together for a Better Toccoa-Stephens County” because we believe working together works. 

New this year, The Ambassador Team will shift focus from attraction to retaining members by building strong relationships and improving 2–way communications.  We’re rolling out the improved Membership Directory listings and the new community map. The monthly member lunch at Quincy’s will now focus on hot business topics and issues. We are preparing to launch the new “Toccoa-Stephens County Tomorrow” visioning program. And we’ll continue to stand with the “Concerned Citizens of Toccoa-Stephens County” to address the negative impact of bad smells from the Wilbros plant. 

The Chamber is the community’s leading private business association. The Chamber is not a club, civic group, political party or government entity. Our Board of Directors is focused on service and action. Your Chamber has high expectations for a great new new-year.  So, call us today to learn more on how you can help make Toccoa-Stephens County even better than it is today!  

Few Announcements for you today:

First - The Concerned Citizens of Toccoa-Stephens County needs to raise money now to fight for clean air and stop the horrible smells coming from the Wilbros Plant. $3 raffle tickets for a chance to win a 55” flat screen Sony TV are available at the Chamber and Welcome Center. The drawing will be held this month.

Second –Today we have a special Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Antiques and More at 10am at their location on 123.   

Finally – save the date for the Triple Watercross Pro Watercross event at the Tugaloo Park on Saturday and Sunday August 11-12.

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