WHAT IS A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
A Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization that unites business and professional leaders. It creates a central agency designed to improve the business climate and build a better community. The Chamber’s mission is to be a business advocate, a community partner and an economic development stimulator.
The Chamber of Commerce is people. There is a place in the Chamber of Commerce efforts for ALL who share the desire to improve the community and the conditions under which business is conducted. It directs the energies of those who believe that a community worth living in is a community worth improving.
A Chamber of Commerce enables the members to accomplish collectively what not one of them could do individually. Its strength lies in attracting the greatest number of individuals and firms into membership, creating a pool of resources from which can be drawn ideas, energy, and finances.
A Chamber of Commerce gives a voice to the business person’s natural instincts to improve the local market and the community. The Chamber is not a department of the city, county, or state government, a political body; a civic club or society; a social service, welfare or charitable institution, a private advertising, publicity or public relations agency.
Originally, its function was to protect commerce in transit, in the marketplace, and to promote the sale of goods. Currently, the successful Chamber of Commerce is the one which recognizes all the factors which affect the community and adjusts its programs accordingly.
For more information on how you can join the leading association that is creating positive change for Toccoa-Stephens County please call 706-886-2132.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Leadership Toccoa Stephens County Accepting Nominations for 2011-2012
Good leadership skills are essential for a successful business or organization. They include communication skills, decision-making skills, conflict-resolution skills and the ability to cast vision. These skills are intended to empower people, provide clear direction and keep members of an organization informed.
Leadership Toccoa-Stephens County (T-SC) operates under the umbrella of the T-SC Chamber of Commerce. It is a community awareness and community education program.
It is designed to acquaint emerging and potential community leaders with the needs, issues, services and resources of T-SC. It is hoped that as a result of this improved awareness, participants will be challenged and motivated to assume an active leadership role in making T-SC an even better place in which to work and live.
A new Leadership class is selected each year by the Leadership T-SC Board of Directors. Each class is made up of approximately 20 individuals representing business and industry. It is a diverse group of participants, living and working in the City and the County, and representing a variety of social, economic and professional concerns.
Each year, the participants attend five learning sessions. They learn from each other’s different perspectives and the experience provides them with a broader view the future. With this deeper understanding, and increased knowledge, participants are better prepared to be leaders serving our community.
The Leadership Board is now accepting nominations for the 2011-2012 adult and youth classes. For more information, please call Vicky King at the Chamber, 706-886-2132.
Leadership Toccoa-Stephens County (T-SC) operates under the umbrella of the T-SC Chamber of Commerce. It is a community awareness and community education program.
It is designed to acquaint emerging and potential community leaders with the needs, issues, services and resources of T-SC. It is hoped that as a result of this improved awareness, participants will be challenged and motivated to assume an active leadership role in making T-SC an even better place in which to work and live.
A new Leadership class is selected each year by the Leadership T-SC Board of Directors. Each class is made up of approximately 20 individuals representing business and industry. It is a diverse group of participants, living and working in the City and the County, and representing a variety of social, economic and professional concerns.
Each year, the participants attend five learning sessions. They learn from each other’s different perspectives and the experience provides them with a broader view the future. With this deeper understanding, and increased knowledge, participants are better prepared to be leaders serving our community.
The Leadership Board is now accepting nominations for the 2011-2012 adult and youth classes. For more information, please call Vicky King at the Chamber, 706-886-2132.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Popping In to See You!
Weekly Chamber Update as heard on WNEG Radio AM630
Thursday June 2, 2011
Your T-SC Chamber of Commerce serves over 400 business members with only 2 full-time paid staff! We are fortunate to have the support of a team of Ambassadors who act as relationship managers with our members.
Each Ambassador is assigned a group of new, existing and potential members. The Chamber values our members and our Ambassadors walk-the-talk.
Every year from April through June, the Ambassadors compete in a challenge. This year the challenge is to see who can make the most personal visits and conduct the most one-on-one survey interviews.
The challenge is called “Popping In to See You” and they are distributing packets of microwave popcorn to all they meet with.
The Ambassador Team is led by Chair Tammy Riddle of Stephens Federal Bank. The Ambassadors competing include: Ann Ash - Georgia Baptists Conference Center, Cheryl Harris - Reins of Life, Christy LeCroy - Next To Me Medical Supplies, Danette Smith - Georgia Department of Labor, Brenda Sorrells - Northeast Georgia Bank, Brooke Stowe - North Georgia Credit Union, Eric Swilling - Habersham Bank and Leon Womack.
There will be prize drawing and a celebration luncheon in July. The biggest and best prizes go to the top three Ambassadors with the most interviews.
So expect a call from one of our Chamber Ambassadors to interview you! We’ll summarize the responses and use them to focus our 2011 Business Plan, based on the needs heard directly from the members.
A strong Chamber reflects a strong Community! Your support enables us to continue to provide the quality support and services you expect from a 4-star chamber. Thank you for your support!
Thursday June 2, 2011
Your T-SC Chamber of Commerce serves over 400 business members with only 2 full-time paid staff! We are fortunate to have the support of a team of Ambassadors who act as relationship managers with our members.
Each Ambassador is assigned a group of new, existing and potential members. The Chamber values our members and our Ambassadors walk-the-talk.
Every year from April through June, the Ambassadors compete in a challenge. This year the challenge is to see who can make the most personal visits and conduct the most one-on-one survey interviews.
The challenge is called “Popping In to See You” and they are distributing packets of microwave popcorn to all they meet with.
The Ambassador Team is led by Chair Tammy Riddle of Stephens Federal Bank. The Ambassadors competing include: Ann Ash - Georgia Baptists Conference Center, Cheryl Harris - Reins of Life, Christy LeCroy - Next To Me Medical Supplies, Danette Smith - Georgia Department of Labor, Brenda Sorrells - Northeast Georgia Bank, Brooke Stowe - North Georgia Credit Union, Eric Swilling - Habersham Bank and Leon Womack.
There will be prize drawing and a celebration luncheon in July. The biggest and best prizes go to the top three Ambassadors with the most interviews.
So expect a call from one of our Chamber Ambassadors to interview you! We’ll summarize the responses and use them to focus our 2011 Business Plan, based on the needs heard directly from the members.
A strong Chamber reflects a strong Community! Your support enables us to continue to provide the quality support and services you expect from a 4-star chamber. Thank you for your support!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Wins the NGCU Chamber Challenge Cup!
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber came home with the Trophy Cup after their teams won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament.
Business leaders in the Toccoa-Stephens County and Franklin County competed in the first ever golf tournament between the Chambers at the Highland Walk Golf Course with Pro Karl Gross at the Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston.
Congratulations to the winners! The 1st Place Team winner was the Toccoa Clinic with Wanda Weaver, Gordon Kelly Jr., Tea Spinks and Andrew Cronic. They each won a $75 certificate to the pro shop. The 2nd Place Team winner was the Black Mountain Golf Course with Byron Kennedy, Allison Smith, Clint Shaw and Trent Peepels. They each won a $50 gift certificate to the pro shop. The 3rd place team winner was Sanders & Ranck
and they each won a round of play at the Highland Walk Golf Course.
The Ball Drop Winner was Lynn Brumby Allen who split the pot with the two Chambers and took home $267.
The Putting Contest winner was Andrew Cronic who split the pot with the two Chambers and took home $70.
The Beat The Pro contest made $140 split between the two Chambers. There were two chances and no
winners of the car from Ford Lincoln of Toccoa and the truck from Tri County Chervolet. The Closest to the Pin
winner was Aaron Hodges and he received a Titleist Golf Bag ($150 value). The Accuracy Drive winner was
Greg Hern who won a Verizon Blue Tooth Set ($70 value). The Last Place Team was the Franklin County high
school and they each won a fishing pole.
It was a great opportunity for two Chamber Communities to come together for a fun and profitable day of golf and networking. They entertained customers, associates, and friends.
For those who do not play, they sponsored a hole sign on the course, and expanded their advertising reach across the County line. Other marketing opportunities included cart sponsorships, donating items for the Hospitality Bags and door prizes!
New this year, ALL Chamber members could participate. They were invited to network before the tournament start and to watch the “Golf Balls From Heaven” Ball Drop. Before the tournament, Georgia Power dropped a bucket full of numbered balls onto the target area and the closest ball to the hole won the grand prize of cash. There will be additional chances to win other prizes. Only 500 balls sold and winner splits the pot with the Chambers.
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber Golf Committee Chair was Bill Cochran of Standard Register and his Committee David Plaisted – Edward Jones, Hayley Knight – Wilkinson Clary Center, Nic Black – Gem Southeast, Jeff Whitlock - Windstream, Cam Parker – Georgia Power, James Addison- Sonic and Brian Lingle – 1st Franklin Investments.
T-SC had 13 Teams including 9 Platinum Teams – North Georgia Credit Union, 1st Franklin Financial, Absolute Security, Addington Enterprises, Georgia Power, Stephens County Development Authority, Toccoa Clinic, Windstream, GEM Southeast, and 4 additional teams included Black Mountain, Sanders & Ranck, Skelton Morris Associates and Stephens Federal Bank.
The Franklin County Golf Committee Chair was Steve Williams of Tri-State Distributers. They had
10 Teams - Ty Cobb Healthcare/LifeSprings Resources, Harbin Lumber, Tri-State Distributors, Franklin County H.S., Franklin County H.S., Athens First & Trust Bank, Georgia Power, Edward Jones, Pinnacle Bank and Tri-County Chevrolet.
The title sponsor was North Georgia Credit Union. The hole in one truck was a Silverado from Tri-County Chevrolet. The hole in one car was a Lincoln MKX from Ford, Lincoln of Toccoa. The sign sponsor was Caterpillar. The prize sponsor was DOCO Regional Federal Credit Union. The snack stations were sponsored by Toccoa Super Wal-Mart and Reynolds Pool & Spa. The awards ceremony was sponsored by Zaxby’s.
The player’s hospitality gift bags came from Windstream and were filled with many gift items including portfolio note pads and flash lights from the Army, Gold’s Gym free one month trial membership cards, golf towels from the Edward Jones in Franklin, tees and markers from the North Georgia Credit Union, sunscreen from the Toccoa Clinic, hand sanitizer from the Ty Cobb Healthcare System, tire gauges from the Auto Zone in Lavonia, coupons from the Hardees in Toccoa and from the Waffle House in Franklin.
The sign sponsors in Stephens County were 1st Franklin Financial, AAA Cooper, Absolute Security
Adams Container Corporation, Addington Enterprises, Advertising Unlimited, Army, Brother John’s, Caterpillar
Doco Regional Federal Credit Union, Dr. Wilbanks, D.D.S., P.S., O.F.C., Ed K. Burton, First Citizens Bank, Ford Lincoln, Gem Southeast, Georgia Power, Habersham EMC, Hart EMC, Hartwell Railroad, Hodgepodge New & Used, J. Sam Johnson, C.P.A., P.C., Jarrett Electric, John’s Roofing, John Rooker & Associates, Moore & Hicks, P.C., Next to Me Medical Supplies, North Georgia Credit Union, North Georgia Technical College, Osborne Wood Products, Physical Therapy Specialists, Sanders & Ranck, Stephens County Development Authority
Stephens County Hospital, Toccoa Clinic, Toccoa Veterinary Hospital, Wally’s Royal Cleaners, Wal-Mart
Windstream and WNEG Radio AM 630 sponsored the commercial advertising.
The sign sponsors in Franklin County were North Georgia Technical College, Royston Diagnostic
Athens First Bank & Trust, Georgia Power, LifeSprings Resources, Franklin County Farm Bureau Young Farmers
Pinnacle Bank, Harbin Lumber, Tri-State Distributors, BB&T, Mayberry Tire, Royston Ace Hardware, Fort Realty
Hart EMC, Lavonia Laser Dentistry, Prudential GA Realty–Commercial, Ty Cobb Healthcare System, City of Royston and WHLR broadcast live from the golf course.
On behalf of the Chamber Boards, thank you to all sponsors, players, and volunteers for making the Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament and Fundraiser a success. Your support enables the Chambers to continue to deliver quality services and support for businesses and community.
Business leaders in the Toccoa-Stephens County and Franklin County competed in the first ever golf tournament between the Chambers at the Highland Walk Golf Course with Pro Karl Gross at the Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston.
Congratulations to the winners! The 1st Place Team winner was the Toccoa Clinic with Wanda Weaver, Gordon Kelly Jr., Tea Spinks and Andrew Cronic. They each won a $75 certificate to the pro shop. The 2nd Place Team winner was the Black Mountain Golf Course with Byron Kennedy, Allison Smith, Clint Shaw and Trent Peepels. They each won a $50 gift certificate to the pro shop. The 3rd place team winner was Sanders & Ranck
and they each won a round of play at the Highland Walk Golf Course.
The Ball Drop Winner was Lynn Brumby Allen who split the pot with the two Chambers and took home $267.
The Putting Contest winner was Andrew Cronic who split the pot with the two Chambers and took home $70.
The Beat The Pro contest made $140 split between the two Chambers. There were two chances and no
winners of the car from Ford Lincoln of Toccoa and the truck from Tri County Chervolet. The Closest to the Pin
winner was Aaron Hodges and he received a Titleist Golf Bag ($150 value). The Accuracy Drive winner was
Greg Hern who won a Verizon Blue Tooth Set ($70 value). The Last Place Team was the Franklin County high
school and they each won a fishing pole.
It was a great opportunity for two Chamber Communities to come together for a fun and profitable day of golf and networking. They entertained customers, associates, and friends.
For those who do not play, they sponsored a hole sign on the course, and expanded their advertising reach across the County line. Other marketing opportunities included cart sponsorships, donating items for the Hospitality Bags and door prizes!
New this year, ALL Chamber members could participate. They were invited to network before the tournament start and to watch the “Golf Balls From Heaven” Ball Drop. Before the tournament, Georgia Power dropped a bucket full of numbered balls onto the target area and the closest ball to the hole won the grand prize of cash. There will be additional chances to win other prizes. Only 500 balls sold and winner splits the pot with the Chambers.
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber Golf Committee Chair was Bill Cochran of Standard Register and his Committee David Plaisted – Edward Jones, Hayley Knight – Wilkinson Clary Center, Nic Black – Gem Southeast, Jeff Whitlock - Windstream, Cam Parker – Georgia Power, James Addison- Sonic and Brian Lingle – 1st Franklin Investments.
T-SC had 13 Teams including 9 Platinum Teams – North Georgia Credit Union, 1st Franklin Financial, Absolute Security, Addington Enterprises, Georgia Power, Stephens County Development Authority, Toccoa Clinic, Windstream, GEM Southeast, and 4 additional teams included Black Mountain, Sanders & Ranck, Skelton Morris Associates and Stephens Federal Bank.
The Franklin County Golf Committee Chair was Steve Williams of Tri-State Distributers. They had
10 Teams - Ty Cobb Healthcare/LifeSprings Resources, Harbin Lumber, Tri-State Distributors, Franklin County H.S., Franklin County H.S., Athens First & Trust Bank, Georgia Power, Edward Jones, Pinnacle Bank and Tri-County Chevrolet.
The title sponsor was North Georgia Credit Union. The hole in one truck was a Silverado from Tri-County Chevrolet. The hole in one car was a Lincoln MKX from Ford, Lincoln of Toccoa. The sign sponsor was Caterpillar. The prize sponsor was DOCO Regional Federal Credit Union. The snack stations were sponsored by Toccoa Super Wal-Mart and Reynolds Pool & Spa. The awards ceremony was sponsored by Zaxby’s.
The player’s hospitality gift bags came from Windstream and were filled with many gift items including portfolio note pads and flash lights from the Army, Gold’s Gym free one month trial membership cards, golf towels from the Edward Jones in Franklin, tees and markers from the North Georgia Credit Union, sunscreen from the Toccoa Clinic, hand sanitizer from the Ty Cobb Healthcare System, tire gauges from the Auto Zone in Lavonia, coupons from the Hardees in Toccoa and from the Waffle House in Franklin.
The sign sponsors in Stephens County were 1st Franklin Financial, AAA Cooper, Absolute Security
Adams Container Corporation, Addington Enterprises, Advertising Unlimited, Army, Brother John’s, Caterpillar
Doco Regional Federal Credit Union, Dr. Wilbanks, D.D.S., P.S., O.F.C., Ed K. Burton, First Citizens Bank, Ford Lincoln, Gem Southeast, Georgia Power, Habersham EMC, Hart EMC, Hartwell Railroad, Hodgepodge New & Used, J. Sam Johnson, C.P.A., P.C., Jarrett Electric, John’s Roofing, John Rooker & Associates, Moore & Hicks, P.C., Next to Me Medical Supplies, North Georgia Credit Union, North Georgia Technical College, Osborne Wood Products, Physical Therapy Specialists, Sanders & Ranck, Stephens County Development Authority
Stephens County Hospital, Toccoa Clinic, Toccoa Veterinary Hospital, Wally’s Royal Cleaners, Wal-Mart
Windstream and WNEG Radio AM 630 sponsored the commercial advertising.
The sign sponsors in Franklin County were North Georgia Technical College, Royston Diagnostic
Athens First Bank & Trust, Georgia Power, LifeSprings Resources, Franklin County Farm Bureau Young Farmers
Pinnacle Bank, Harbin Lumber, Tri-State Distributors, BB&T, Mayberry Tire, Royston Ace Hardware, Fort Realty
Hart EMC, Lavonia Laser Dentistry, Prudential GA Realty–Commercial, Ty Cobb Healthcare System, City of Royston and WHLR broadcast live from the golf course.
On behalf of the Chamber Boards, thank you to all sponsors, players, and volunteers for making the Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament and Fundraiser a success. Your support enables the Chambers to continue to deliver quality services and support for businesses and community.
65th Annual Meeting, Awards Program & Installation of New Board of Directors
The 2011 Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting was held last Thursday, May 19th at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center with record attendance at over 160 people attending.
U.S. Representative Dr. Paul Broun, Senator Jim Butterworth, Representative Michael Harden as well as the legislative aides from U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson’s office and U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss’ office attended the meeting.
The participants attended to hear Mr. Tom Bell, the Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and also to see the awards ceremony and the installation of the new Board of Directors.
The theme this past year was “Band of Businesses…..Lean, Mean, Fighting, Machines. Chamber President Wendi Bailey opened by announcing the Chamber is lean and strong with 400 members. She reviewed one success from each of the Chamber Divisions and recognized the people and projects including Currahee Graphics for the Online Marketing Program, Mainstreet Toccoa for the Camera Ready designation, Great Southern Publishers for completing the T-SC postcards, the Development Authority for the Toccoa-Stephens County Fireworks Over Toccoa Day at the Capitol, Matt Skilling and Entrepreneur and Small Business Week, Tammy Riddle and the Ambassadors Challenge and Membership Surveys. She thanked her City, County, and state agency providers for their support and asked the audience to renew their commitment to the Chamber and our Community.
Mr. Tom Bell provided the keynote address and his speech focused on his concerns regarding the national debt. Bell said he thinks the debt poses a tremendous threat to the future of the free enterprise system. “In a recent speech in Washington, my friend and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, I think rightly characterized the debt crisis as follows,” said Bell. “Daniels said that it is something as threatening to us as our wartime enemies in the first or second world wars, or the war on terrorism.”
Bell called on the federal government to do a few things well, rather than many things poorly. He added that the federal government needs to live within its means and not spend what it does not have. As for what he sees as the solution, Bell said it all starts with public awareness. In that respect, he said he has reason for optimism. “About 60 percent of the American people say when asked, that debt is the number one problem facing the country,” Bell added. “That is good news. How we do fix things in this country? It all starts here.” He urged those in attendance to talk about the debt issue with others and tout the free enterprise system and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Each year the Chamber members submit nominations and votes for award recipients and the Chamber Awards Committee Chaired by Alan Burton coordinates the presentations. Jay Doss was the Master of Ceremony of the awards presentation. Eleven awards were given out to businesses and individuals for their service to our Chamber and Community:
MWL, Inc. Mark Wilkinson Lumber is Industry of the Year. Sonic is Retail Business of the Year. Sanders & Ranck is the Service and Professional Business of the Year. The Toccoa Record received the Tourism Promotion Business of the Year. John Taylor is Senior of the Year. Greg Roach is Volunteer of the Year. Deidra Nicole Dickson is Youth of the Year.
Non-Profit of the Year award went to the T-SC Humane Shelter. Entrepreneur of the Year was presented by North Georgia Technical College to Alisa Adams of Cabe Crest Catering. The Pruitt Foundation is the Partner-In-Education of the Year presented by Superintendent Sherrie Whiten. Chairman of the Chamber Executive Committee, Lee Hicks presented the Chairman’s award to Greg Roach of North Georgia Technical College. Commissioner Ron Seib presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Bob Troup.
New this year, the Chamber announced Brian and Angie Finnegan of Finnegan’s Baked Goods as the winners of the 2010–2011 Business Plan Competition sponsored by the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee. Brian and Angie Finnegan’s passion is to make delicious baked goods that not only taste good but are also good for you. All baked goods are made from fresh milled organic grains and baked the same day. Finnegan’s uses only pure and simple ingredients and no additives or preservatives. As the winner of the competition, Finnegan’s Baked Goods will receive over $1,200.00 in cash, products, and services that will assist them in operating, marketing, and managing their business.
The Chamber of Commerce would also like to recognize and commend the other businesses and entrepreneurs involved in the Business Plan Competition: The Boys & Girls Club Fab 4 Store, DFV Designs, Infinite Possibilities Internet Broadcasting Network, Jaymarz Signs & Graf-X, Personal Assistance of Toccoa, Reynold’s Pool & Spa, and Walker IT Services.
Also new this year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized the 10th District U.S. Congressman Paul Broun at the meeting with its “Spirit of Enterprise Award.”Moore Hallmark with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said the chamber looks at issues important to its members and judges members of Congress accordingly.
Outgoing Chairman Lee Hicks presented and installed the 2011-2012 Board of Directors. The Executive Committee includes Chair – Barry Roberts, Plant Manager of Global Partitions, Vice Chair – Lee Ellen Fields of J. Sam Johnson, C.P.A., P.C., Treasurer - Brian Akin, President and CEO of North Georgia Credit Union and Past Chair – Lee Hicks of Moore & Hicks, P.C.
There are 9 At-Large Board Members: Hayley Knight – SCH Wilkinson & Clary Care Centers, Steve Dougherty-President of North Georgia Technical College(NGTC), Karen Caudell of Pruitt Foundation, Andy Childs – Ebenezer Baptist Church, Michelle Lamping - First Citizens Bank, Eddie Powers - DOCO Regional Federal Credit Union, Tammy Riddle – Stephens Federal Bank, Shannon McFarlin – 1st Franklin Financial, Forest Connelly – County Extension Office.
Senior Sector: Steve Tilley, MC Stowe and Bill Standard. Retail Sector: Patti Joiner - Troup’s Photo and Hallmark, Mike Terrell – Fernside Package Store and Laura Ritcey – Quality Foods. Promotion & Tourism Sector: Angie Rammage – Toccoa Falls College, Bobby Davis - Stephens County Airport and Bill Wheeler – Georgia Baptist Conference Center. Manufacturing Sector: Bill Cochran - Standard Register, Jason Beckerdite - Caterpillar and Joe Moore – American Woodmark. Service & Professional Sector: Brian Lingle of 1st Franklin Financial, Jay Doss – Skelton Morris Associates, Matt Skilling – Sanders & Ranck.
The outgoing 2009-2010 Board of Directors were thanked for their service: Donna Gipson, David Miller, Anne Shurley, Kevin Hayes, April Shirley, Chuck Wright, Wayne Gardner and Tim Batson.
Incoming Chair Barry Roberts closed the program and introduced the new 2011-2012 Theme: Vision, Focus and Resolve….Charting a Course for Excellence. He told the audience he is convinced we are poised to do some great things over the next several years in Toccoa-Stephens County and said, “I firmly believe that this is our time to build on our successes and focus this community in the direction we want it to go. But to do this, we must all be headed in the same direction. To reach that ultimate destination of excellence, we must all be headed in the same direction.”
For more information on how your can become a member of the Chamber of Commerce and invest in your business and community please call 706-886-2132.
U.S. Representative Dr. Paul Broun, Senator Jim Butterworth, Representative Michael Harden as well as the legislative aides from U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson’s office and U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss’ office attended the meeting.
The participants attended to hear Mr. Tom Bell, the Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and also to see the awards ceremony and the installation of the new Board of Directors.
The theme this past year was “Band of Businesses…..Lean, Mean, Fighting, Machines. Chamber President Wendi Bailey opened by announcing the Chamber is lean and strong with 400 members. She reviewed one success from each of the Chamber Divisions and recognized the people and projects including Currahee Graphics for the Online Marketing Program, Mainstreet Toccoa for the Camera Ready designation, Great Southern Publishers for completing the T-SC postcards, the Development Authority for the Toccoa-Stephens County Fireworks Over Toccoa Day at the Capitol, Matt Skilling and Entrepreneur and Small Business Week, Tammy Riddle and the Ambassadors Challenge and Membership Surveys. She thanked her City, County, and state agency providers for their support and asked the audience to renew their commitment to the Chamber and our Community.
Mr. Tom Bell provided the keynote address and his speech focused on his concerns regarding the national debt. Bell said he thinks the debt poses a tremendous threat to the future of the free enterprise system. “In a recent speech in Washington, my friend and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, I think rightly characterized the debt crisis as follows,” said Bell. “Daniels said that it is something as threatening to us as our wartime enemies in the first or second world wars, or the war on terrorism.”
Bell called on the federal government to do a few things well, rather than many things poorly. He added that the federal government needs to live within its means and not spend what it does not have. As for what he sees as the solution, Bell said it all starts with public awareness. In that respect, he said he has reason for optimism. “About 60 percent of the American people say when asked, that debt is the number one problem facing the country,” Bell added. “That is good news. How we do fix things in this country? It all starts here.” He urged those in attendance to talk about the debt issue with others and tout the free enterprise system and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Each year the Chamber members submit nominations and votes for award recipients and the Chamber Awards Committee Chaired by Alan Burton coordinates the presentations. Jay Doss was the Master of Ceremony of the awards presentation. Eleven awards were given out to businesses and individuals for their service to our Chamber and Community:
MWL, Inc. Mark Wilkinson Lumber is Industry of the Year. Sonic is Retail Business of the Year. Sanders & Ranck is the Service and Professional Business of the Year. The Toccoa Record received the Tourism Promotion Business of the Year. John Taylor is Senior of the Year. Greg Roach is Volunteer of the Year. Deidra Nicole Dickson is Youth of the Year.
Non-Profit of the Year award went to the T-SC Humane Shelter. Entrepreneur of the Year was presented by North Georgia Technical College to Alisa Adams of Cabe Crest Catering. The Pruitt Foundation is the Partner-In-Education of the Year presented by Superintendent Sherrie Whiten. Chairman of the Chamber Executive Committee, Lee Hicks presented the Chairman’s award to Greg Roach of North Georgia Technical College. Commissioner Ron Seib presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Bob Troup.
New this year, the Chamber announced Brian and Angie Finnegan of Finnegan’s Baked Goods as the winners of the 2010–2011 Business Plan Competition sponsored by the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee. Brian and Angie Finnegan’s passion is to make delicious baked goods that not only taste good but are also good for you. All baked goods are made from fresh milled organic grains and baked the same day. Finnegan’s uses only pure and simple ingredients and no additives or preservatives. As the winner of the competition, Finnegan’s Baked Goods will receive over $1,200.00 in cash, products, and services that will assist them in operating, marketing, and managing their business.
The Chamber of Commerce would also like to recognize and commend the other businesses and entrepreneurs involved in the Business Plan Competition: The Boys & Girls Club Fab 4 Store, DFV Designs, Infinite Possibilities Internet Broadcasting Network, Jaymarz Signs & Graf-X, Personal Assistance of Toccoa, Reynold’s Pool & Spa, and Walker IT Services.
Also new this year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized the 10th District U.S. Congressman Paul Broun at the meeting with its “Spirit of Enterprise Award.”Moore Hallmark with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said the chamber looks at issues important to its members and judges members of Congress accordingly.
Outgoing Chairman Lee Hicks presented and installed the 2011-2012 Board of Directors. The Executive Committee includes Chair – Barry Roberts, Plant Manager of Global Partitions, Vice Chair – Lee Ellen Fields of J. Sam Johnson, C.P.A., P.C., Treasurer - Brian Akin, President and CEO of North Georgia Credit Union and Past Chair – Lee Hicks of Moore & Hicks, P.C.
There are 9 At-Large Board Members: Hayley Knight – SCH Wilkinson & Clary Care Centers, Steve Dougherty-President of North Georgia Technical College(NGTC), Karen Caudell of Pruitt Foundation, Andy Childs – Ebenezer Baptist Church, Michelle Lamping - First Citizens Bank, Eddie Powers - DOCO Regional Federal Credit Union, Tammy Riddle – Stephens Federal Bank, Shannon McFarlin – 1st Franklin Financial, Forest Connelly – County Extension Office.
Senior Sector: Steve Tilley, MC Stowe and Bill Standard. Retail Sector: Patti Joiner - Troup’s Photo and Hallmark, Mike Terrell – Fernside Package Store and Laura Ritcey – Quality Foods. Promotion & Tourism Sector: Angie Rammage – Toccoa Falls College, Bobby Davis - Stephens County Airport and Bill Wheeler – Georgia Baptist Conference Center. Manufacturing Sector: Bill Cochran - Standard Register, Jason Beckerdite - Caterpillar and Joe Moore – American Woodmark. Service & Professional Sector: Brian Lingle of 1st Franklin Financial, Jay Doss – Skelton Morris Associates, Matt Skilling – Sanders & Ranck.
The outgoing 2009-2010 Board of Directors were thanked for their service: Donna Gipson, David Miller, Anne Shurley, Kevin Hayes, April Shirley, Chuck Wright, Wayne Gardner and Tim Batson.
Incoming Chair Barry Roberts closed the program and introduced the new 2011-2012 Theme: Vision, Focus and Resolve….Charting a Course for Excellence. He told the audience he is convinced we are poised to do some great things over the next several years in Toccoa-Stephens County and said, “I firmly believe that this is our time to build on our successes and focus this community in the direction we want it to go. But to do this, we must all be headed in the same direction. To reach that ultimate destination of excellence, we must all be headed in the same direction.”
For more information on how your can become a member of the Chamber of Commerce and invest in your business and community please call 706-886-2132.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony
The T-SC Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is next Thursday, May 19th at 11am at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center.
This is a time to celebrate the Chamber member’s accomplishments and recognize our outstanding Board of Directors, Ambassadors and business and community partners. Mr. Jay Doss of Skelton-Morris Associates will present the awards program for the Business-of-the-Year in each of the business sectors including Industry, Retail, Service & Professional, Tourism Promotion, Senior and Non-profit.
Our Superintendent will recognize our Partner-In-Education of the year; the NGTC Business Coach will name the Entrepreneur of year; EcD Committee Co-Chair Matt Skilling will announce the winner of the Chamber’s Business Plan Competition and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented.
After the awards, Senator Butterworth will introduce this year’s key note speaker Mr. Tom Bell - the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board. U.S. Representative Paul Broun is also attending and will be presented with the US Chamber’s “Spirit of Enterprise” Award for his pro-business voting record.
Outgoing Chairman Lee Hicks will pass the baton to incoming Chairman Barry Roberts and the 2011-2012 Board of Directors will be installed. Come celebrate with us!
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The Chamber Challenge Golf tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 25th at 11am at the Highland Walk Golf Course in Royston. Our presenting sponsor is North Georgia Credit Union.
Franklin and Stephens Chambers are sending their best teams to compete. Be a hole Sign Sponsor or purchase a golf ball raffle ticket for a chance to win cash at the Ball Drop Event. We need volunteers to work the event, too. Come join the fun and expand your marketing and networking reach.
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Tonight at 6:30pm at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center is the Leadership Toccoa Stephens County Video Release & Awards Party. Get your tickets at the Welcome Center!
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Next Thursday at 10am is the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Kakoon Homes.
For more information, on how you can join the leading business association, creating positive change in our community, please call 706-886-2132.
This is a time to celebrate the Chamber member’s accomplishments and recognize our outstanding Board of Directors, Ambassadors and business and community partners. Mr. Jay Doss of Skelton-Morris Associates will present the awards program for the Business-of-the-Year in each of the business sectors including Industry, Retail, Service & Professional, Tourism Promotion, Senior and Non-profit.
Our Superintendent will recognize our Partner-In-Education of the year; the NGTC Business Coach will name the Entrepreneur of year; EcD Committee Co-Chair Matt Skilling will announce the winner of the Chamber’s Business Plan Competition and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented.
After the awards, Senator Butterworth will introduce this year’s key note speaker Mr. Tom Bell - the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board. U.S. Representative Paul Broun is also attending and will be presented with the US Chamber’s “Spirit of Enterprise” Award for his pro-business voting record.
Outgoing Chairman Lee Hicks will pass the baton to incoming Chairman Barry Roberts and the 2011-2012 Board of Directors will be installed. Come celebrate with us!
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The Chamber Challenge Golf tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 25th at 11am at the Highland Walk Golf Course in Royston. Our presenting sponsor is North Georgia Credit Union.
Franklin and Stephens Chambers are sending their best teams to compete. Be a hole Sign Sponsor or purchase a golf ball raffle ticket for a chance to win cash at the Ball Drop Event. We need volunteers to work the event, too. Come join the fun and expand your marketing and networking reach.
###
Tonight at 6:30pm at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center is the Leadership Toccoa Stephens County Video Release & Awards Party. Get your tickets at the Welcome Center!
###
Next Thursday at 10am is the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Kakoon Homes.
For more information, on how you can join the leading business association, creating positive change in our community, please call 706-886-2132.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Toccoa Celebrates National Train Day
Toccoa Celebrates National Train Day
Press Release
April 25, 2011
The City of Toccoa will join with Amtrak in celebrating the 2011 National Train Day on May 7, 2011 with a special event at the historic train depot in downtown Toccoa. Mayor Janice English, city officials, and citizens will welcome the train as it stops in Toccoa on its way to Atlanta at 6:15 a.m. AM630 WNEG Radio will broadcast live. A drawing for several prizes will be held at the event. Enter to win at these locations: Ionosphere Travel, WNEG Radio, and the Chamber of Commerce.
New this year to the celebration will be a special train display in the Mitchell Allen room of the Currahee Military Museum. Dess Oliver, from the Railroad Museum in Rabun Gap will display his collection of “trains throughout the decades.” The display will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
The City of Toccoa has had a long history with the railroad industry. In fact, the city originated in 1873, and can be traced back to the development of a coaling station for the Atlanta to Charlotte Railroad after the Civil War. Over the years, due to access to the railroad, industry came to Toccoa as well as a college and a United States military training camp. The city has also benefited for the past thirty years from Amtrak’s Crescent Line being one of only three stops in Georgia. In 2008, more than 3,000 people came through the historic downtown via Amtrak and the number increases every year.
“Not only does the National Train Day celebration help focus on the importance of the railroad to our community, it highlights the opportunities it presents today. We continue to promote Amtrak travel as a relaxing way to visit Toccoa,” states Sharon Crosby, Special Events Coordinator.
The Crescent Line travels through more states – including the District of Columbia – than any other Amtrak route. Offering daily service, the 1,377 - mile route travels from New York’s Penn Station to the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal in 30 hours, stopping in 33 communities along the way.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sharon Crosby, Special Events Coordinator
706.282.3309
Press Release
April 25, 2011
The City of Toccoa will join with Amtrak in celebrating the 2011 National Train Day on May 7, 2011 with a special event at the historic train depot in downtown Toccoa. Mayor Janice English, city officials, and citizens will welcome the train as it stops in Toccoa on its way to Atlanta at 6:15 a.m. AM630 WNEG Radio will broadcast live. A drawing for several prizes will be held at the event. Enter to win at these locations: Ionosphere Travel, WNEG Radio, and the Chamber of Commerce.
New this year to the celebration will be a special train display in the Mitchell Allen room of the Currahee Military Museum. Dess Oliver, from the Railroad Museum in Rabun Gap will display his collection of “trains throughout the decades.” The display will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
The City of Toccoa has had a long history with the railroad industry. In fact, the city originated in 1873, and can be traced back to the development of a coaling station for the Atlanta to Charlotte Railroad after the Civil War. Over the years, due to access to the railroad, industry came to Toccoa as well as a college and a United States military training camp. The city has also benefited for the past thirty years from Amtrak’s Crescent Line being one of only three stops in Georgia. In 2008, more than 3,000 people came through the historic downtown via Amtrak and the number increases every year.
“Not only does the National Train Day celebration help focus on the importance of the railroad to our community, it highlights the opportunities it presents today. We continue to promote Amtrak travel as a relaxing way to visit Toccoa,” states Sharon Crosby, Special Events Coordinator.
The Crescent Line travels through more states – including the District of Columbia – than any other Amtrak route. Offering daily service, the 1,377 - mile route travels from New York’s Penn Station to the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal in 30 hours, stopping in 33 communities along the way.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sharon Crosby, Special Events Coordinator
706.282.3309
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