Press Release August 16, 2010: Triple Crown of Watercross Event Makes A Splash on Lake Hartwell
Media Contacts:
•Wendi Bailey, Toccoa-Stephens County (T-SC) Chamber President, 706-886-2132
•Kathy Benson, Anderson, South Carolina Convention & Visitors Bureau Ex. Director, 864-716-3660
•Connie Tabor, Toccoa Mainstreet Director, 706-282-3269
•Larry Torrence, Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance (LHMA) Chair, 706-436-0166, visit www.mylakehartwell.org.
•Upstate Watercraft Promotions has Race Results on www.uwpinc.com
•International Jet Sports Boating Association, www.ijsba.com
•Pictures courtesy of Glenn Brill, Director Anderson County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Division, 864-260-1092
The inaugural Triple Crown Watercross Competition on Lake Hartwell was held August 13-15th at the Big Oaks Recreation Area in Hart County. Over 150 watercraft racers participated and spectators came by car and boat - about 2,500 on Saturday and 3,000 on Sunday, to see speed and stunts. Rob Flores from Las Vegas and Ermino Iantosca from Naples were two points leaders racing to qualify for the upcoming nationals.
Mainstreet Director Connie Tabor and Chamber of Commerce President Wendi Bailey both serve on the Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance (LHMA) board along with other lake-surrounding county’s representatives from Franklin, Hart, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee. The LHMA successfully attracted the Watercross event to the Lake and the board as well as many volunteers organized the weekend activities.
The riders each received Lake Hartwell gift bags at registration with gift items and brochures from each of the counties. All reports indicate they loved the warm weather, deep water and Southern hospitality. It was the perfect environment for the first event of its kind in the southeast!
The PR and media coverage leading up to and during the event, including ESPN brought great visibility to our Lake Hartwell region. WNEG TV News Channel 32, WNEG Radio AM 630 and Advantage Cable Marketing sponsored the event by running commercials created by Good Machine. Riders and spectators came from all over including Canada and Germany. They ate food from Shirley’s Sole Food, heard music from Flash the DJ and learned about the region by visiting the county’s information booths.
T-SC volunteers included Peter and Wendi Bailey, David and Lynn Cox, Harry and Patti Joiner, Don and Connie Tabor and Jackie Whitmire. They helped share information about our T-SC attractions and upcoming events. “Many of the riders are staying in the region before leaving for Charleston, West Virginia for the next race,” said Connie Tabor Mainstreet Director, “we invited them to visit Toccoa-Stephens County attractions, restaurants and retail shops this week.”
On Friday, the counties and sponsors each entered a team of amateurs in the Corporate Challenge. The Toccoa-Stephens County team placed 4th out of 11 teams. Mike Haynie from 1st Franklin Financial Corporation had the fastest team time of 1:07, Peter Bailey, Wendi Bailey and Roger Guimond each had times of 1:08. The Mayor of Hartwell, Jennifer Scott had the overall fastest time of 1:04.
On Saturday, nine types of Riders (beginner to pro) on four types of watercrafts (seated or standing) competed in four types of classes (stock to modified) and five different events (endurance, drag racing to freestyle tricks). Each race begins with 20 racers, male and female, side-by-side all wanting to be first going into turn one.
Upstate Watercraft Promotions, the national promoter partnering with the International Jet Sports Boating Association is looking at venues in Anderson, SC for the 2011 event. Organizers believe it will continue to grow and be an economic boost for the Lake Hartwell region for years to come. “We are excited about the future of the LHMA and the other events being contemplated now, said Wendi Bailey Chamber President. “Tourists don’t see borders, just warm smiles and friendly faces. I came home with brochures from each of the counties and plan to create a new section in our Welcome Center called the Lake Hartwell Region.”
Watercross Event programs, T-shirts, caps, poster art, gift bags and other LHMA souvenir items are still available for purchase. Please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Weekly Chamber Update August 5th, 2010
I have 3 things to share with you today:
First - The Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance is hosting the Triple Crown Watercross Competition on Lake Hartwell August 13th through the 15th, at the Big Oaks Recreation Area in Hart County.
On Friday the 13th, each of the 6 counties around the lake is entering a “4-person relay team” and will compete against other “sponsor teams” for the fastest time on the professional watercross race course. The Awards Ceremony and Beach Party is at 4pm.
On Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm - the top U.S. and international competitors will race around obstacles at speeds up to 80 MPH. There is also a Freestyle event with two minute routines of choreographed tricks set to music. There is a beach volleyball tournament, food vendors from each county, an education area for personal watercraft, and a play area for children.
Bleachers will be provided for spectators and will be located on the dam for optimal viewing of the entire ½ mile and ¾ mile course.
Admission to the races and other events is free. There will be a nominal parking fee and shuttle busses will run from the parking area to the venue.
Volunteers are needed to work both days! Please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132 or visit toccoagachamber.com.
Second - Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Volunteers. We now provide regular Hospitality Training classes on Toccoa-Stephens County attractions and assets. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up for the next training class!
Finally – This morning at 10am we have a Ribbon Cutting Celebration at the Toccoa Veterinary Hospital with new owners Dr. Amy - and her husband John Dorminey at their location on Big A Rd. Hope to see you there!
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce has over 400 members and is growing. The online Business Directory gets over 850 hits a month. Where else can you get that kind of visibility for pennies a day? Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
First - The Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance is hosting the Triple Crown Watercross Competition on Lake Hartwell August 13th through the 15th, at the Big Oaks Recreation Area in Hart County.
On Friday the 13th, each of the 6 counties around the lake is entering a “4-person relay team” and will compete against other “sponsor teams” for the fastest time on the professional watercross race course. The Awards Ceremony and Beach Party is at 4pm.
On Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm - the top U.S. and international competitors will race around obstacles at speeds up to 80 MPH. There is also a Freestyle event with two minute routines of choreographed tricks set to music. There is a beach volleyball tournament, food vendors from each county, an education area for personal watercraft, and a play area for children.
Bleachers will be provided for spectators and will be located on the dam for optimal viewing of the entire ½ mile and ¾ mile course.
Admission to the races and other events is free. There will be a nominal parking fee and shuttle busses will run from the parking area to the venue.
Volunteers are needed to work both days! Please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132 or visit toccoagachamber.com.
Second - Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Volunteers. We now provide regular Hospitality Training classes on Toccoa-Stephens County attractions and assets. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up for the next training class!
Finally – This morning at 10am we have a Ribbon Cutting Celebration at the Toccoa Veterinary Hospital with new owners Dr. Amy - and her husband John Dorminey at their location on Big A Rd. Hope to see you there!
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce has over 400 members and is growing. The online Business Directory gets over 850 hits a month. Where else can you get that kind of visibility for pennies a day? Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
WNEG Radio Weekly Chamber Update 7-14-10
July 14, 2010
Hello this is Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President with your Weekly Chamber Update.
I have three things to share with you:
First – We want to assist our CHamber Members in doing everything they can to meet and attract new customers ONLINE. One of our goals this year is to assist members who do not have a web site with getting one to sell their products and services online.
The Chamber had over 10,000 consumers search the online member directory last year. That’s over 850 a month. From the Directory they bounce to our member’s web sites looking for products and services. However, approximately 25% of our members do not have a web site.
Currently, each Chamber member has a FREE marketing account on the web which includes a listing on the directory with a 200-character description of their business, hours of operation, driving directions and eight key words. For additional visibility they can post for FREE an event on the Community Calendar, post a Hot Deal to highlight their weekly specials and post a Job to reach qualified people.
For a FEE they can get even more visibility. Like a business logo next to their online listing and a mini web page with photos, a longer business description, a map link and online advertising spots.
It’s an E World! Let us help you develop a web page for your business and grow your customer base.
Second - The Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance is hosting a personal watercraft racing tour on Lake Hartwell August 13-15 at the Big Oaks Recreation Area in Hartwell.
The event will feature top U.S. and international competitors racing around obstacles and pounding waves at speeds up to 80 MPH. It is like motocross on water, handle bar-to-handle bar designed to keep competition tight and fans close to the action. It will also feature a Freestyle event with two minute routines of choreographed tricks set to music.
In addition local competitors who have little or no racing experience will also have the chance to compete on the same course. Yes, each of the 6 counties around the lake will place a team on Friday the 13th in the Corporate Challenge and your Chamber President will compete that day.
Admission to the races and other events is free. Volunteers are needed! Please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.
Finally - Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Welcome Center Volunteer Teresa French! We are actively recruiting more Volunteers to work 3 or 6 hour shifts alongside the Museum Volunteers. The hours are Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm.
We provide extensive training on Toccoa-Stephens County as well as Hospitality Training - and we offer a friendly atmosphere. Come get involved in your community and help us welcome our special guests. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up for the next training!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Hello this is Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President with your Weekly Chamber Update.
I have three things to share with you:
First – We want to assist our CHamber Members in doing everything they can to meet and attract new customers ONLINE. One of our goals this year is to assist members who do not have a web site with getting one to sell their products and services online.
The Chamber had over 10,000 consumers search the online member directory last year. That’s over 850 a month. From the Directory they bounce to our member’s web sites looking for products and services. However, approximately 25% of our members do not have a web site.
Currently, each Chamber member has a FREE marketing account on the web which includes a listing on the directory with a 200-character description of their business, hours of operation, driving directions and eight key words. For additional visibility they can post for FREE an event on the Community Calendar, post a Hot Deal to highlight their weekly specials and post a Job to reach qualified people.
For a FEE they can get even more visibility. Like a business logo next to their online listing and a mini web page with photos, a longer business description, a map link and online advertising spots.
It’s an E World! Let us help you develop a web page for your business and grow your customer base.
Second - The Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance is hosting a personal watercraft racing tour on Lake Hartwell August 13-15 at the Big Oaks Recreation Area in Hartwell.
The event will feature top U.S. and international competitors racing around obstacles and pounding waves at speeds up to 80 MPH. It is like motocross on water, handle bar-to-handle bar designed to keep competition tight and fans close to the action. It will also feature a Freestyle event with two minute routines of choreographed tricks set to music.
In addition local competitors who have little or no racing experience will also have the chance to compete on the same course. Yes, each of the 6 counties around the lake will place a team on Friday the 13th in the Corporate Challenge and your Chamber President will compete that day.
Admission to the races and other events is free. Volunteers are needed! Please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.
Finally - Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Welcome Center Volunteer Teresa French! We are actively recruiting more Volunteers to work 3 or 6 hour shifts alongside the Museum Volunteers. The hours are Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm.
We provide extensive training on Toccoa-Stephens County as well as Hospitality Training - and we offer a friendly atmosphere. Come get involved in your community and help us welcome our special guests. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up for the next training!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Toccoa-Stephens County Leadership Team Spotlighted in the July 2010 Georgia Trend Magazine
Hello this is Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President with the Weekly Chamber Update.
Have you seen the July 2010 Georgia Trend Magazine? Toccoa-Stephens County is featured in this month’s premier statewide business magazine. Georgia Trend’s “spotlights” highlight community strengths and opportunities and prove to be a great economic development tool.
Our marketing campaign slogan is Toccoa Means MORE Than Beautiful. It means water - and lots of it. It means accessibility - by air, rail and ground. It means small town charm and urban sophistication - with our festivals and symphony orchestra. It means entrepreneur and small business friendly and Certified Work Ready. It means an educated and prepared work force and business ready - with industrial parks open for business. It means a beautiful place to live – with unsurpassed natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities - just outside our doors. Toccoa Means MORE Than Beautiful!
We are excited about this opportunity and believe it will benefit our businesses and enhance our community when reviewed by Georgia’s business, political and economic development leaders.
Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Welcome Center Volunteer Alicia Nails! We are actively recruiting more Volunteers to work 3 or 6 hour shifts - alongside the Museum Volunteers. We provide an extensive “Community & Hospitality Training” and offer a friendly atmosphere. Come get involved in your community and help us welcome our special guests. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up.
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce has over 400 members and is growing. The online Business Directory gets over 850 hits a month. Where else can you get that kind of visibility for only .52 cents a day? Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Have you seen the July 2010 Georgia Trend Magazine? Toccoa-Stephens County is featured in this month’s premier statewide business magazine. Georgia Trend’s “spotlights” highlight community strengths and opportunities and prove to be a great economic development tool.
Our marketing campaign slogan is Toccoa Means MORE Than Beautiful. It means water - and lots of it. It means accessibility - by air, rail and ground. It means small town charm and urban sophistication - with our festivals and symphony orchestra. It means entrepreneur and small business friendly and Certified Work Ready. It means an educated and prepared work force and business ready - with industrial parks open for business. It means a beautiful place to live – with unsurpassed natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities - just outside our doors. Toccoa Means MORE Than Beautiful!
We are excited about this opportunity and believe it will benefit our businesses and enhance our community when reviewed by Georgia’s business, political and economic development leaders.
Come by the Welcome Center and meet our newest Welcome Center Volunteer Alicia Nails! We are actively recruiting more Volunteers to work 3 or 6 hour shifts - alongside the Museum Volunteers. We provide an extensive “Community & Hospitality Training” and offer a friendly atmosphere. Come get involved in your community and help us welcome our special guests. Please call 706-886-2132 to sign up.
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce has over 400 members and is growing. The online Business Directory gets over 850 hits a month. Where else can you get that kind of visibility for only .52 cents a day? Come grow with us!
That’s your weekly Update. I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
2010 Community Branding Survey
January 27, 2010
The Georgia tourism industry gathered for the 2010 Tourism Day at the Capitol this week to celebrate the significant role tourism plays in Georgia’s economy - as the 2nd largest industry behind agriculture.
The tourism industry presented a BIG check to the state, representing the $850 million generated in state tax revenue, from tourism-related expenditures.
Your Chamber was recognized as one of 41 agencies who received grant funding from the state to promote tourism. Our Tourism Promotion Committee is using that funding to renew the Toccoa-Stephens County brand - for a new County advertising campaign - as well for a new County brochure and postcards.
So have we heard from you yet? Have you filled out the 2010 Community Branding Survey? We hope all Toccoa-Stephens County citizens will join us in our effort - and share what makes Toccoa-Stephens County special and unique to them.
Please visit www.toccoagachamber.com and click on the survey link on the bottom left of the Chamber’s home page.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Georgia tourism industry gathered for the 2010 Tourism Day at the Capitol this week to celebrate the significant role tourism plays in Georgia’s economy - as the 2nd largest industry behind agriculture.
The tourism industry presented a BIG check to the state, representing the $850 million generated in state tax revenue, from tourism-related expenditures.
Your Chamber was recognized as one of 41 agencies who received grant funding from the state to promote tourism. Our Tourism Promotion Committee is using that funding to renew the Toccoa-Stephens County brand - for a new County advertising campaign - as well for a new County brochure and postcards.
So have we heard from you yet? Have you filled out the 2010 Community Branding Survey? We hope all Toccoa-Stephens County citizens will join us in our effort - and share what makes Toccoa-Stephens County special and unique to them.
Please visit www.toccoagachamber.com and click on the survey link on the bottom left of the Chamber’s home page.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Toccoa-Stephens County Leadership Team Attends Georgia Chamber Events
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber organized a leadership team to attend the January 11-12, 2010 Georgia Chamber Annual Meeting Dinner and Eggs & Issues Breakfast, along with Senator Butterworth and Representative Harden.
At the dinner we heard from keynote speaker, Governor Mike Huchabee who shared his thoughts on national issues including healthcare, education and the federal deficit.
At the breakfast we heard from the Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, the newly elected Speaker of the House David Ralston and Governor SOnny Perdue. They reviewed many of the key challenges the legislators are facing as the 2010 General Assembly gets underway, such as the economy, water, transportation and education.
The leadership group from Toccoa-Stephens County networked with legislators, state agency representatives, and fellow Chamber and Development Authority colleagues to build and sustain relationships and goodwill as well as advance our agenda priorities including Hwy 17 expansion and keeping Traveler's Rest open for visitation.
It was a great opportunity for the leadership team to bond and share our community spirit and pride with key officials.
At the dinner we heard from keynote speaker, Governor Mike Huchabee who shared his thoughts on national issues including healthcare, education and the federal deficit.
At the breakfast we heard from the Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, the newly elected Speaker of the House David Ralston and Governor SOnny Perdue. They reviewed many of the key challenges the legislators are facing as the 2010 General Assembly gets underway, such as the economy, water, transportation and education.
The leadership group from Toccoa-Stephens County networked with legislators, state agency representatives, and fellow Chamber and Development Authority colleagues to build and sustain relationships and goodwill as well as advance our agenda priorities including Hwy 17 expansion and keeping Traveler's Rest open for visitation.
It was a great opportunity for the leadership team to bond and share our community spirit and pride with key officials.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Chamber Membership is a Key Component of any Businss Plan
It's a brand new year and a great time to remind our readers that membership in the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber is a key component of any business plan. Networking and promotion are just a few of the benefits that Chamber membership can bring. We provide an opportunity for businesses to do together - what no business can do by itself. We are affordable and tax deductible. What business wouldn't want to be a member of the Chamber? Please call the TSC Chamber at 706-886-2132 for a consultaiton on all the benefits of membership.
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