Friday, August 30, 2013

Weekly Chamber Update Thursday August 29, 2013



Currahee Military Weekend planning is well underway for October 3rd through the 6th’ 2013!

New this year, the Stephens County Community Theater will perform the “A Musical Tribute to Our Veterans” live on Thursday October 3rd at the Schaefer Center. On Saturday at the Airport there will be a Huey AND a Cobra helicopter available for rides. On Saturday afternoon at the Train Depot there is a “Grenade Toss”. On Saturday night October 5th is the banquet and auction will be set up in tents on the original Camp Toccoa Property and the entertainment is a 1940’s radio show.

Also new this year, we want everyone to dress up in period dress likes it’s the 1940’s all weekend long. The hair dressers in town will offer 40’s hairstyles and there are plenty of army fatigues around.

Of course we’ll have all the weekend favorites returning: a community BBQ, a book signing, the Hangar Dance, the Currahee Challenge run; parachute demonstration jumps, a parade and a remembrance service on Sunday morning.

We’re distributing Currahee Military Weekend posters and rack cards now along with Toccoa Trivia and a County Quiz to all our front line businesses. These are the people who will meet and greet our out of town guests coming in to see the Southern Living Home and for the Currahee Military Reunion Weekend.

We need you all of you to give our out-of-town visitors and customers an amazing experience so that they do all our public relations for us. Please help us roll out the red carpet and make their day!

Few announcements for you:

Next Thursday, is a Business-After-Hours from 5pm-6:30pm at the Currahee Club for Currahee Home Builders and their new overnight accommodations house.  Please plan to attend this wine and cheese after hours affair and register in the drawing for a free overnight stay.   

Also, please register for the Social Media Marketing L-N-L on Tuesday September 10th from 11am to 1pm in the Mitchell Allen room. Learn how to use low cost social media marketing tools to gain visibility and dive sales.

Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to exhibit at the 2013 Northeast Georgia Job Fair & Career Expo at the NGTC-Currahee Campus on Friday Sept. 27th.  There’s no charge for your booth space and lunch will be provided. Please call the DOL at 706-282-4514.     

That’s your weekly Update.  We hope you have a safe and happy Labor day!  I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President. 

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Weekly Chamber Update, August 22, 2013



Currahee Military Weekend planning is well underway for October 3rd through the 6th’ 2013!

New this year we will have a show at the Schaefer Center on Thursday and the banquet will be held on the Camp Toccoa Property. We will also have the favorites – a community BBQ, veterans book signing & Hangar Dance on Friday;  a run, helicopter rides, parachute demonstration jumps, and parade on Saturday; and a remembrance service on Sunday morning.

We are distributing Customer Service & Hospitality Training materials, community calendars, Toccoa Trivia and the County Quiz to all our front line businesses. These are the people who will meet and greet our thousands of out of town guests coming in to see the Southern Living Home and for the Currahee Military Reunion Weekend.

We want to test your Toccoa Native Intelligence. How high is Toccoa Falls? How much higher than Niagara? How many miles of shoreline does Lake Hartwell Have? How many paratroopers trained at Camp Toccoa? Can you name all the Parachute Infantry Regiments? We’ve made extra copies of the training so call or come by the Welcome Center to get yours today!   

If you haven’t already please register your business to exhibit at the 2013 Northeast Georgia Job Fair & Career Expo at the NGTC-Currahee Campus on Friday Sept. 27th.  There is no charge for your booth space and lunch will be provided. Please call the DOL at 706-282-4514.     

There is plenty to do this weekend! Oceans 11 is playing at the Schaefer Center, there is a huge Farmer’s Market at the Currahee Club and the Humane Shelter is having their annual dinner and auction at the NGTC Currahee Campus. For more information visit the Chamber’s Calendar at www.toccoagachamber.com.    

Our business is helping your business! Next Tuesday is the Chamber Member Orientation, next Wednesday is the Chamber Member Luncheon at BJ’s and save the date for the Social Media Marketing L-N-L on Tuesday September 10th.

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

Thursday, August 1, 2013

WNEG AM 630 Weekly Chamber Update, August 1, 2013



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

TODAY we have a special Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Damon Media Outdoor Advertising here at the Train Depot. Come meet owners Damon and Pat Bush and learn more about their billboard business. Hope to see you there!

Next Thursday August 8th is the “Customer Service & Hospitality Training” facilitated by Ruth King of NGTC from 11:30an to 1pm in the Mitchell Allen Room. Participants will learn “customer service” tips and how to best promote Toccoa-Stephens County’s attractions, activities and events - as the best on earth. Please call to register your spot or if you cannot attend, to request class materials at 706-886-2132. 

Also next Thursday is a Business-After-Hours with a TWIST at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center - sponsored by American Pest Control. This event is the first annual Chamber Member/Guest Event. All Chamber members are inviting non-member guests to attend and enjoy complementary water melon, ice cream, rides on the water slide and door prizes. Reservations are kindly requested. That’s Thursday, August 8th from 5:00 pm - 6:30 p.m. at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center.

Finally next weekend a national personal watercraft racing tour will be on Lake Hartwell from 9am to 4pm both days - hosted by the Hartwell Marina in Hartwell Georgia. The Lake Hartwell Triple Crown Water Cross will feature more than 150 athletes racing and performing stunts. The Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Directors in the Lake Hartwell region are working together including Anderson County South Carolina and Hart, Franklin and Stephens Counties Georgia.  The goal is to market the lake region as one destination, disregarding the county and state borders. Admission is free both days. For a complete schedule please call or come by the Welcome Center. 

Our business is helping your business! The Chamber mission is to serve, promote and protect our members to help them grow and prosper. Every day we give referrals and offer assistance with business challenges. Join us today and let’s work together for a better Toccoa-Stephens County.

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