Thursday, January 23, 2014

Now Recruiting Participants for the 2014 Business Plan Competition



Our joint Economic Development Committee is Chaired by Matt Skilling of Sanders, Rank & Skilling and Stacy Miller of CB&T. We are currently recruiting for the 2014 Business Plan Competition. 

Do you know an entrepreneur with a business idea you think could win cash and prizes? We are inviting local entrepreneurs, new startups and existing home businesses, with feasible business ideas, to participate in this year’s challenge. We want to connect them with small business resources, the business students from Toccoa Falls College, and local business professionals, to help develop or refine their business plan, and assist them with operating a successful for-profit business in Toccoa-Stephens County.

There will be a kick-off luncheon in February with last year’s winners, The Dance Studio – Marlee Joiner and The Lan computer services – Keith Ord. Please call the Chamber to get more information on the 2014 competition today!   

I have a few announcements for you:

Today at 10am we have a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony for 2 new Chamber members. There are two businesses partnering up, That’s A Great Deal and owner Charles Hall and across the street from them is McGarity’s Starter and Alternator Repair and owner Steve McGarity.  The ceremony will be at That’s A Great Deal on South Big A Road next to the new beautiful empty lot that was formally T’s Restaurant. Another reason to celebrate! We hope to see you there!       

Next week there are two great opportunities to NETWORK and MARKET your business. Tuesday at 5pm is the Chamber 101 class that teaches you how to get the most from your Chamber membership experience. And Wednesday at 12pm is the monthly Chamber Lunch at BJ’s Restaurant. Bring your business cards and plan to promote your products and services at both events next week.  

The T-SC Chamber is here for you! Visit our website regularly for information and reach out to us if you want more. And when I drop in for a visit, and a cookie break, please don’t hesitate to let me know how we can help you and your company during the new year.

That’s your weekly update!

I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa-Stephens County CoC President with your Weekly Chamber Update.  

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Welcome to 2014! Did you make a new year's resolution?



Welcome to 2014!  Do you have a new year's resolution?   

As we head into the new-year, please consider a membership in the Chamber of Commerce. Being a Chamber member is like being a team player for your community. Chamber involvement provides you with endless networking opportunities and helps build a solid foundation for your business.

Did you know you get a free directory web page with the purchase of a membership? Did you know there is a brochure rack and business card holder display, dedicated for members in the Welcome Center? Did you know members can attend free seminars to stay informed of hot topics?

The Chamber is also a tool to help you develop your leadership skills. There are over twelve different committees to serve on in the “Toccoa-Stephens County Tomorrow” visioning program initiative. All address important issues and are available for you to get involved with. Whatever your interest is, we invite you to join us and help make 2014 a wonderful new year.    

I have a few announcements for you:

Next Thursday, January 16th from 12pm-1pm in the Mitchell Allen Room is a Lunch- N-Learn seminar on the Small Business Health Options Program called SHOP. Come meet UGA Health Navigator Cassandra Hunter to learn what the SHOP Marketplace is, how to qualify and the benefits of using the SHOP marketplace. Call the Chamber at 706-886-2132 to learn more.

Our Economic Development Committee is recruiting now for the 2014 Business Plan Competition.  Do you know an entrepreneur with a business idea you think could win cash and prizes? Please call the Chamber to get more information on the competition today.
   
Finally, the Humane Shelter is a Chamber member and they asked us to help them get the word out that they need supplies including towels, blankets, bleach and canned cat food.They also need volunteers. Please call the shelter today and register for the next volunteer orientation this Sunday at 2pm.

Being a Chamber member is like being a team player for your community. Chamber involvement provides you with endless opportunities and helps build a solid foundation for your business. The Chamber cares and wants to help. Join us today and make a difference!

That’s your weekly update!

I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa-Stephens County CoC President with your Weekly Chamber Update.