All Things Currahee

Toccoa-Stephens County’s All Things Currahee Day at the Capitol is Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Toccoa-Stephens County’s “All Things Currahee” Day at the Georgia State Capitol was a tremendous success today. The theme this year was taken from the Currahee Club golf course in Toccoa recently being recognized as one of The Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses, according to the biennial ranking recently published by D’Algue Selection out of Paris, France.   

“Jim Fazio was our special guest this year and was honored at the Capitol with a Resolution for his work,” says Wendi Bailey, T-SC Chamber of Commerce president.  “Jim is the acclaimed architect of the Currahee Club golf course that is the centerpiece of the breathtaking 1,200-acre community framed by both Lake Hartwell and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

As part of the celebration, each Georgia legislator received an invitation to be a Currahee Club member for a day that includes a round of golf at the award-winning golf course.      

The Day included the House of Representatives and the Senate each passing a Resolution officially proclaiming February 19th as Toccoa-Stephens County’s “All Things Currahee” Day, recognizing the attention Currahee Club and Fazio’s compelling golf course design have brought to the town, the county and the state. 

After that, the delegation from Toccoa, including Currahee Club Managing Director Andrew Ward, members of the Currahee team and Fazio, met with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and Speaker of the House for group photos.   

Later, a luncheon was sponsored by the North Georgia Credit Union at which the Currahee team and Fazio met with Senator John Wilkinson and Representative Dan Gasaway. Others invited to the lunch included Mike Beatty, the commissioner to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Cheryl Smith, the northeast Georgia tourism product manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 

In the afternoon, the Stephens County delegation paired up to visit the chairmen of the House and Senate

Committees important to the citizens of Toccoa-Stephens County.  This is a collaborative effort highlighting our

Community assets and attractions. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our team to review legislative issues and concerns including infrastructure, transportation, water supply, tourism product development, education and labor force – just to name a few,” says Tim Martin, executive director of the Development Authority. 

This was a day-long celebration coordinated by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority. “This event highlights the strength of leadership and the Toccoa Team spirit that provides the ability to make a difference in our community,” says Mayor David Austin.  “It is also a great way to thank our legislators and state agencies for their service, build good will, and tell everyone how much we respect and enjoy working with Senator Wilkinson and Representative Gasaway.”  

About Currahee Club  Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, atop the shores of Lake Hartwell, the private, gated community of Currahee Club is bringing mountain living to a whole new level. Drawing upon its rich local heritage and picturesque landscape, Currahee – a Cherokee word meaning “stands alone” – truly is one of a kind. Residents and members at Currahee Club enjoy a perfect blend of golf, mountain, lake and club. And an extensive collection of amenities, including a 48,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, will be complemented by a comprehensive new Amenity Center Campus currently under construction and set to open in May 2013. The new center will offer a zero-entry swimming pool, grand lawn, tennis courts, a sports club and grill, community garden, playground and more. Residential offerings at Currahee Club are varied and include beautiful mountain Manor homes and charming Cotswold-style cottages. Homes range in price from $300,000 to over$1 million. Currahee Club is part of the Arendale Hospitality portfolio of properties.

Media Inquiries:

Wendi Bailey – President Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, 706-886-2132

Tim Martin – Executive Director of the Stephens County Development Authority, 706-886-4242

Warren Grant – Windfall Communications, 404-266-2351, cell 404-405-3282

Weekly Chamber Update 2-7-13

February 7, 2013

Leadership Day at the Capitol was this past Monday. Representatives from the State leadership development programs provided remarks to celebrate the day including 4-H, J.W Fanning Institute for Leadership Development and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.

Greg Roach, Chairman of Leadership Toccoa-Stephens County attended and represented our local programs. Greg is the Director of the North Georgia Technical College Currahee Campus and serves on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Executive Committee. For a list of the Leadership Board members please visit www.toccoagachamber.com.

Also attending was Main Street Director Connie Tabor, a recent graduate from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development class - along with Kinloch Dunlap and Danette Smith. 

We were reminded that leadership begins by having the heart of a servant, putting the needs of people and community ahead of their own. Leaders discover issues they are passionate about - and give their time addressing them. Leaders have vision, they are bold, and they have perseverance to realize the vision.  They develop their styles and influencing skills by serving on local Committees and Boards. They never stop learning and never stop serving. They mentor future leaders and inspire others to volunteer and engage.       

The 2013 Leadership T-SC class is graduating next Tuesday, February 12th. This is significant as it is the first class to graduate since the T-SC TOMORROW visioning program held the Community Input Meeting, where leadership was identified as a top community priority. We look forward to the 2013 Graduation Ceremony and we thank them for their future service. 

Few announcements for you today:

TODAY is the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the Stephens County Hospital’s new practice,  Dr. Fordyce, at his office on Falls Rd. That’s 10am at 218 Falls Road.  Hope to see you there!

Also, TODAY we will recognize the 2013 Stephens County School System STAR Student and STAR Teacher at 3:30pm at the High School.

Next Wednesday is the Annual Career Fair for the Middle School 8^th Graders.  The kids will get to meet with representatives of a variety of careers and tour the high school and CTAE class rooms. 

If you would like more information about any of these programs please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.

The Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce is the Community’s leading advocate and champion for business. We provide leadership opportunities and business building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of our Community. Our business is your business!

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

1/31/13 Weekly Chamber Update

There are many events occurring so far this year that demonstrate community progress.  The first is the new Humane Shelter opening this Friday.  Also, is the Ground breaking for the new health care wing at North Georgia Technical College.

And did you hear about the Currahee Club being named to the “Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses” list.  And how about the Stephens County Hospital named to the Georgia Trend Magazine’s Top Hospital List, that’s number #8 on the top “Small Hospital” list.

If you ever need help recognizing community progress please visit the Chamber’s Web Site at www.toccoagachamber.com. There we post good news stories from all over the community under the “Accomplishments” tab.  So when you need to be uplifted just visit the web site and take a look of all we as a community have accomplished. 

Few announcements for you today:

TODAY at 10am is a special ground breaking ceremony for new member Currahee Home Builders and their first construction project at the Currahee Club. Arrive early to catch a glimpse of the new Amenities Center. The build site is located across from the there, the second paved road on the right. There will be coffee and refreshments. Please dress warm!

Next Thursday February 7^th is the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at 10am for Dr. Fordyce at his office on Falls Rd.

Also, next Thursday we will announce the 2013 Stephens County School System STAR Student and STAR Teacher at 3:30pm at the High School. To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the three part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. .

The Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce is the Community’s leading advocate and champion for business. We provide leadership opportunities, volunteer programs, and business building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of our Community.  

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  Start the year off right! Make a smart business investment today. Call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.

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

January 2, 2013

Happy New Year!

Have you heard the Chamber is going to Ireland? The Chamber has partnered with Ionosphere Travel Agency to present a “group travel” package with Collette Tours to Ireland in November of 2013. 

Irish Splendor includes a tour of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a night in the Ashford Castle, views of spectacular coasts, cliffs and landscapes, and some may want to learn about brewing Guinness or see how the Irish Whiskey is made.

The great news is you can layaway now! For pricing and payment plan information come to the “Irish Splendor” informational meeting on January 24^th at 5:30pm at The Cornerstone Restaurant. Or call Ionosphere Travel today at 706-886-9471.

Our Economic Development Committee is actively recruiting for the 2013 Business Plan Competition.  Do you know an entrepreneur working out of their homes or with a business idea you think could win? Please call the Chamber to get more information on the competition today!   

Finally, today at 5pm we have a Business-After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Gate Cottage on the Toccoa Falls College campus. Come celebrate with Alisa Adams and Cabe Crest Catering their new role at Gate Cottage.  

The Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce is the Community’s leading advocate and champion for business. We provide leadership opportunities, volunteer programs, and business building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of our Community.

By leveraging the support, talent and resources of our members, the T-SC Chamber connects business leaders to each other - and helps to improve the economy and quality of life for everyone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  Start the year off right! Make a smart business investment today. Call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.

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

January 2, 2013

Happy New Year!

Have you made your resolutions? Many of our Chamber members made New Year’s resolutions to do more of some things and less of others, all to improve their business in 2013.  For example:  

Some members want to NETWORK more to get more customers! Did you know the Chamber has a Member Lunch every month that is a great place to meet new people.  Come to BJ’s Restaurant the last Wednesday of the month, bring your business cards and plan to promote your business.  

Some members want to do more MARKETING. Did you know the Chamber web site gets over 5,000 hits each month? Shoppers visit the member's directory page, then their web site, they can click on a map for directions, and can even email the member directly. All this from the Online Business Directory!    

Some members want to CUT EXPENSES. Did you know the Chamber membership gets you access to discounts on Blue Cross Blue Shield and Auto Owners insurance products and through the Drugs Don’t Work program you can access discounts on Worker’s Compensation premiums. Chamber members also offer each other discounts - and encourage buying local.  

Finally, some members want to update or create a new BUSINESS PLAN. Our Economic Development Committee is rolling out a Business Plan Competition.  Entrepreneurs are invited to compete - to win “start-up” services and support.  Do you know someone with a business idea or a business plan you think could win? Please call the Chamber to learn more today.  

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Start the year off right! A chamber membership is a smart investment. A chamber membership enables your business to do and achieve more.    

I have a few announcements for you:

First, who wants to travel with the Chamber to Ireland? The Chamber is partnering with Ionosphere Travel Agency to present a “group travel” package with Collette Tours to Ireland in November of 2013.  Irish Splendor includes stops to Dublin, Blarney Castle, Killarney, just to name a few. Layaway now! For pricing and payment plan information please attend the upcoming informational meeting on January 24^th at 5:30pm at The Cornerstone Restaurant. Or call Ionosphere Travel today at 706-886-9471.

Second, Our Economic Development Committee is ready to recruit for the 2013 Business Plan Competition.  Do you know an entrepreneur working out of their homes or with a business idea you think could win? Please call the Chamber to get more information on the competition today!   

Finally, is a save the date announcement for January 10^th at 5pm when we’ll have a Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Gate Cottage on the Toccoa Falls College campus. Come celebrate with Alisa Adams and Cabe Crest Catering their new role at Gate Cottage.  

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