Weekly Chamber Update as heard on AM630 WNEG Radio, Our Community Minded Radio Station:
First, we are honored to have the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman, Mr. Tom Bell as our guest speaker at the 65th Annual Meeting on Thursday May 19th, from 11am to 1pm at the GBCC. You can go to our calendar online at www.toccoagachamber.com and nominate a fellow member to receive one of the 11 Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. The deadline to vote is Friday, please cast your nomination, today. Come see our Chairman Lee Hicks pass the “gavel” to Vice Chairman Barry Roberts and meet the Officers for our new year that starts in July. Come celebrate with your Chamber! Register online today!
The Chamber’s Golf tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 25th at 11am at the Highland Walk Golf Course in Royston. Please recognize our presenting sponsor, North Georgia Credit Union.
Each Chamber will have 15 teams who will compete for the lowest score to win the Challenge Cup. Hole Sign Sponsors will have their signs seen by 2 different chamber communities. Players will have networking opportunities and great prizes. And ALL the membership can get involved, by purchasing a ball ticket and coming to watch the Ball Drop Event before the tournament starts. Applications are online at www.toccoagachamber.com or at the Chamber. Call 706-886-2132.
The Ambassadors kick off their 2011 Challenge TODAY to see who can make the most personal visits with our members and conduct one-on-one interviews, to listen and to share how to get the most out of their Chamber membership experience. The goal is to visit and interview every one of our 400+ Chamber members. So expect a call from one of our Ambassadors to interview you! We will summarize the responses and use them to focus our Business Plan based on the needs heard directly from the members.
Next Thursday May 5th at 8am we will have our Post Legislative Session Coffee at the Mitchell Allen Meeting Room in downtown Toccoa. Both State Representative Michael Harden and State Senator Jim Butterworth will attend as well as a representative from Congressman Paul Broun’s office. We will hear updates on what they were dealing with in government, this past session and they will take questions from the audience.
Also next Thursday is a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration at GM Wood Products, one of our newest industries. It will be at their location in the Meadowbrook Industrial Park at 10am.
And after work next Thursday we will have a Business After Hours at the Gloria Adams Day Care Center at their location on Design Point Center Rd from 5pm to 6:30pm the Jackpot is up to $525! You must be present to win.
Invest where you are vested and join the Chamber today so you can be a part of creating positive change in our community.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Chamber Business Plan Competition EXPO hosted at the Clary Care Center
April 25, 2011
Contact
Competition Chair: Matt Skilling, Sanders & Ranck 706-886-7533
Chamber President: Wendi Bailey 706-886-2132
A Chamber Business After Hours and Business EXPO was held at the Clary Care Center for the eight businesses in the Chamber’s Business Plan Competition. The participants turned in their first drafts of their Business Plans in March and received feedback from the Toccoa Falls College business school class. They have been introduced to and encouraged to access the services of the UGA Small Business Development Center, the North Georgia Technical College Small Business Resource Center, SCORE business coaches and Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE).
Here is a list of the entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Chamber’s competition: DFV Designs offers distinctive fresh and silk floral designs for all occasions and all budgets in Toccoa and surrounding areas. Visit www.dfvdesigns.com, 706-716-3698. The Fab 4 Store is at the Boys & Girls Club. It is a thrift store that offers a variety of kids and adult clothing as well as household items with the proceeds benefiting the Club and Teen Center, 706-886-3771. Finnegan's Baked Goods are made from fresh-milled organic grains. They mill and bake the same day to insure freshness and optimal nutritional value. Products range from honey wheat bread and pizza to decadent desserts. facebook.com/finnegansbakedgoods. 706-244-1530. Infinite Possibilities Internet Broadcasting Network announces the launch of the first in it's collective plans of internet based radio stations, all niche marketing driven. For example, BGreenRadio.com will soon come to life with information and ideas on what can be done for sustainable living. The internet opens boundaries to a global effort in exposure and web presence. Email us at ipibnradio@gmail.com, 407-539-4440. Jaymarz Signs & Graf-X offers signs, banners, magnetics, car tags, yard signs, sand blast, lighted, LED, decals, auto lettering, window decals, tinting, spray in-bed liner, t-shirts and more ineedsignz@gmail.com , 706-716-9426. Personal Assistance of Toccoa is an in-home care service as well as a non-medical van service for transportation. 706-297-1380. Reynold's Pool & Spa services both residential and commercial accounts with pool openings and closings, pool and spa equipment repairs and replacement. They sell pool and spa chemicals, parts and accessories. They sell new and used spa's and install above ground and in-ground pools. They offer a cleaning and maintenance service for your pool or spa 7 days a week. Email at reynoldspoolandspa@windstream.net or call 706-716-1765. Walker IT Services provides network and data consulting expertise to small and medium-sized businesses in Toccoa and in Stephens County. They specialize in computer networking and business efficiency, lowering costs and improving value. 972-740-5846.
The participants will turn in their final Business Plans this Wednesday, April 27th and the winner will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 19th. The winner will receive over $1,000 worth of prizes designed for a new business. Advertising Unlimited writing pens with business logo; the City waived business license fee; the Chamber of Commerce free 1 year membership; Currahee Graphics free web site development and hosting for 1 year; First Citizens will provide Merchant Services with credit card acceptance fee waived and networking with potential lenders and lending options; Sanders & Ranck legal services free of charge for one year related to lease preparation, negotiation, business formation and advice on these issues and assistance with negotiating, preparing, and obtaining a lease in downtown Toccoa, if needed. Toccoa Record will take 30% off 6-week run on a business card ad; $100 Cash and WNEG Radio will provide 20 FREE radio ads. Thank you to our sponsors for showing our participants that Toccoa-Stephens County is the Entrepreneur Friendliest!
Contact
Competition Chair: Matt Skilling, Sanders & Ranck 706-886-7533
Chamber President: Wendi Bailey 706-886-2132
A Chamber Business After Hours and Business EXPO was held at the Clary Care Center for the eight businesses in the Chamber’s Business Plan Competition. The participants turned in their first drafts of their Business Plans in March and received feedback from the Toccoa Falls College business school class. They have been introduced to and encouraged to access the services of the UGA Small Business Development Center, the North Georgia Technical College Small Business Resource Center, SCORE business coaches and Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE).
Here is a list of the entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Chamber’s competition: DFV Designs offers distinctive fresh and silk floral designs for all occasions and all budgets in Toccoa and surrounding areas. Visit www.dfvdesigns.com, 706-716-3698. The Fab 4 Store is at the Boys & Girls Club. It is a thrift store that offers a variety of kids and adult clothing as well as household items with the proceeds benefiting the Club and Teen Center, 706-886-3771. Finnegan's Baked Goods are made from fresh-milled organic grains. They mill and bake the same day to insure freshness and optimal nutritional value. Products range from honey wheat bread and pizza to decadent desserts. facebook.com/finnegansbakedgoods. 706-244-1530. Infinite Possibilities Internet Broadcasting Network announces the launch of the first in it's collective plans of internet based radio stations, all niche marketing driven. For example, BGreenRadio.com will soon come to life with information and ideas on what can be done for sustainable living. The internet opens boundaries to a global effort in exposure and web presence. Email us at ipibnradio@gmail.com, 407-539-4440. Jaymarz Signs & Graf-X offers signs, banners, magnetics, car tags, yard signs, sand blast, lighted, LED, decals, auto lettering, window decals, tinting, spray in-bed liner, t-shirts and more ineedsignz@gmail.com , 706-716-9426. Personal Assistance of Toccoa is an in-home care service as well as a non-medical van service for transportation. 706-297-1380. Reynold's Pool & Spa services both residential and commercial accounts with pool openings and closings, pool and spa equipment repairs and replacement. They sell pool and spa chemicals, parts and accessories. They sell new and used spa's and install above ground and in-ground pools. They offer a cleaning and maintenance service for your pool or spa 7 days a week. Email at reynoldspoolandspa@windstream.net or call 706-716-1765. Walker IT Services provides network and data consulting expertise to small and medium-sized businesses in Toccoa and in Stephens County. They specialize in computer networking and business efficiency, lowering costs and improving value. 972-740-5846.
The participants will turn in their final Business Plans this Wednesday, April 27th and the winner will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 19th. The winner will receive over $1,000 worth of prizes designed for a new business. Advertising Unlimited writing pens with business logo; the City waived business license fee; the Chamber of Commerce free 1 year membership; Currahee Graphics free web site development and hosting for 1 year; First Citizens will provide Merchant Services with credit card acceptance fee waived and networking with potential lenders and lending options; Sanders & Ranck legal services free of charge for one year related to lease preparation, negotiation, business formation and advice on these issues and assistance with negotiating, preparing, and obtaining a lease in downtown Toccoa, if needed. Toccoa Record will take 30% off 6-week run on a business card ad; $100 Cash and WNEG Radio will provide 20 FREE radio ads. Thank you to our sponsors for showing our participants that Toccoa-Stephens County is the Entrepreneur Friendliest!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Toccoa Stephens County and Franklin County Chambers Compete in the NGCU Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Toccoa Stephens County and Franklin County Chambers Compete in the NGCU Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
New this year, the challenge is on to see which Chamber has the best golfers! Business leaders in the Toccoa-Stephens County and Franklin County Chambers have signed on to compete in the first ever golf tournament between the Chambers.
The presenting sponsor is North Georgia Credit Union. The tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 25th at 11am at the Highland Walk Golf Course at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston. Each Chamber will have 15 teams who will compete for the lowest score to win the Challenge Cup.
It is a great opportunity for two Chamber Communities to come together for a fun and profitable day of golf and networking. Enter a team and entertain customers, associates, and friends.
If you don’t play you can sponsor a hole sign on the course - and expand your advertising reach across the County line. Cart sponsorships allow you to interact with golfers on the course. Other marketing opportunities include donating items for the Hospitality Bags and door prizes!
Golf fees are affordable and prizes are plentiful. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and last place teams; there are 2 hole in one cars thanks to Ford Lincoln of Toccoa and Tri County Chervolet; prizes for the Accuracy Drive, Closest-to-the-Pin and the Putting Contest Winner will split the “fee pot” with both Chambers.
New this year, ALL Chamber members can participate. You are invited to come network before the tournament start and to watch the “Golf Balls From Heaven” Ball Drop. Buy your golf ball now for only $5 each or three for $12. Before the tournament, Georgia Power will drop a bucket full of numbered balls onto the target area and the closest ball to the hole wins 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.
Through your support of the NGCU Chamber Challenge golf tournament, you allow the Chambers to promote business and industry start up and growth. Plus it’s a great opportunity to beat Franklin County and bring home the Challenge Cup!
Invest where you are vested and register today. Applications are online at www.toccoagachamber.com or at the Chamber. Call 706-886-2132.
One announcement for you:
Today at 5pm at the Clary Care Center at the Hospital is a Business After Hours. It is also a “meet and greet” with the 8 participants in the Business Plan Competition. The participants will turn in their final Business Plans next Wednesday and the winner will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 19th. The winner will receive over $1,000 worth of prizes designed for a new business. Come network with the Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses and congratulate them on completing their Business Plans!
Toccoa Stephens County and Franklin County Chambers Compete in the NGCU Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
New this year, the challenge is on to see which Chamber has the best golfers! Business leaders in the Toccoa-Stephens County and Franklin County Chambers have signed on to compete in the first ever golf tournament between the Chambers.
The presenting sponsor is North Georgia Credit Union. The tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 25th at 11am at the Highland Walk Golf Course at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston. Each Chamber will have 15 teams who will compete for the lowest score to win the Challenge Cup.
It is a great opportunity for two Chamber Communities to come together for a fun and profitable day of golf and networking. Enter a team and entertain customers, associates, and friends.
If you don’t play you can sponsor a hole sign on the course - and expand your advertising reach across the County line. Cart sponsorships allow you to interact with golfers on the course. Other marketing opportunities include donating items for the Hospitality Bags and door prizes!
Golf fees are affordable and prizes are plentiful. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and last place teams; there are 2 hole in one cars thanks to Ford Lincoln of Toccoa and Tri County Chervolet; prizes for the Accuracy Drive, Closest-to-the-Pin and the Putting Contest Winner will split the “fee pot” with both Chambers.
New this year, ALL Chamber members can participate. You are invited to come network before the tournament start and to watch the “Golf Balls From Heaven” Ball Drop. Buy your golf ball now for only $5 each or three for $12. Before the tournament, Georgia Power will drop a bucket full of numbered balls onto the target area and the closest ball to the hole wins 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.
Through your support of the NGCU Chamber Challenge golf tournament, you allow the Chambers to promote business and industry start up and growth. Plus it’s a great opportunity to beat Franklin County and bring home the Challenge Cup!
Invest where you are vested and register today. Applications are online at www.toccoagachamber.com or at the Chamber. Call 706-886-2132.
One announcement for you:
Today at 5pm at the Clary Care Center at the Hospital is a Business After Hours. It is also a “meet and greet” with the 8 participants in the Business Plan Competition. The participants will turn in their final Business Plans next Wednesday and the winner will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 19th. The winner will receive over $1,000 worth of prizes designed for a new business. Come network with the Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses and congratulate them on completing their Business Plans!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Starting A Business Class, April 13th
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gainesville, GA – The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will offer the following classes in April: Starting a Business: Q&A on April 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm (no charge) and Starting a Business: Planning & Financing on April 20th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm ($69 per person). These classes will be held at The Featherbone Center, 999 Chestnut Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. Pre-registration is required.
Topics for discussion for the Starting a Business: Q&A include market research, choices of legal structure for your business, startup cost estimates, cash flow estimation, financing alternatives, failure factors, and business planning. There is no charge for this class but pre-registration is requested.
The Starting a Business: Planning & Finance course will walk participants through the actual development process of creating a marketing strategy, and will cover marketing research, start-up cost estimates, managing cash flow, financing alternatives, choosing legal forms of business, permitting/licensing, and risk management. Class materials include the text, "Mastering Loan Proposals" and other valuable tools. Cost is $69 per person.
Register online at www.georgiasbdc.org or contact Morgan Blakley at 770-531-5681 for more information.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Contact info:
Morgan Blakley
Program Coordinator - The University of Georgia SBDC
770-531-5681
mblakley@georgiasbdc.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gainesville, GA – The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will offer the following classes in April: Starting a Business: Q&A on April 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm (no charge) and Starting a Business: Planning & Financing on April 20th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm ($69 per person). These classes will be held at The Featherbone Center, 999 Chestnut Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. Pre-registration is required.
Topics for discussion for the Starting a Business: Q&A include market research, choices of legal structure for your business, startup cost estimates, cash flow estimation, financing alternatives, failure factors, and business planning. There is no charge for this class but pre-registration is requested.
The Starting a Business: Planning & Finance course will walk participants through the actual development process of creating a marketing strategy, and will cover marketing research, start-up cost estimates, managing cash flow, financing alternatives, choosing legal forms of business, permitting/licensing, and risk management. Class materials include the text, "Mastering Loan Proposals" and other valuable tools. Cost is $69 per person.
Register online at www.georgiasbdc.org or contact Morgan Blakley at 770-531-5681 for more information.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Contact info:
Morgan Blakley
Program Coordinator - The University of Georgia SBDC
770-531-5681
mblakley@georgiasbdc.org
Women Owned Small Business Certification Forms
SBA releases WOSB Certification Forms and Implements Repository
Filed under GTPAC News • Tagged with federal contracting, SBA, woman owned business, wosb
February 7, 2011 by admin
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has now released all the information needed for woman-owned small businesses to self-certify as eligible to participate in the federal government’s newest contract set-aside program.
The rules for the woman-owned small business (WOSB) contracting program were published in the Federal Register on Oct. 7, 2010. The rules are designed to get federal contracts to women-owned businesses in 83 industries. Specifically, the program allows contracting officers, for the first time, to set aside specific contracts for certified WOSBs and economically disadvantaged WOSBs to help federal agencies achieve the existing statutory goal of five percent of federal contracting dollars being awarded to WOSBs.
The rules allow WOSBs to either self-certify themselves as eligible to participate or secure certification through an approved third-party. While the SBA has not yet approved any third-party certifiers, WOSBs may now take steps to self-certify.
The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) recommends that you take these steps to qualify for the program:
1. Familiarize yourself with the Compliance Guide for WOSB Program 02.2011.
2. Determine whether your firm qualifies as a WOSB or an economically disadvantaged woman owned small business (EDWOSB), and then fill-out the appropriate certification forms: WOSB Certification Form – OMB Approved or EDWOSB Certification Form – OMB Approved. Be sure to assemble and compile all necessary documentation called for on the forms.
3. Register in Central Contractor Registration (CCR) as a WOSB. (Note: Effective Feb. 22, 2011, CCR has added four new women-owned business types in support of the SBA WOSB program. These are: Women-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women-Owned Small Business, and Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business.) (Additional Note: CCR is currently experiencing a delay in processing new registrations and updates. If your renewal is affected, CCR will extend your expiration date by sixty (60) days. CCR is working to resolve the backlog by the end of March.)
4. Register your WOSB status in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). (Note: Necessary changes in ORCA to allow for WOSB registration are not yet made; these changes are now estimated to be made in April 2011.)
5. Establish an account in SBA’s General Login System so that you may upload your certification form and any documentation. You can familiarize yourself with the GLS by reviewing GLS Screen Shots – SBA WOSB Program – 02.2011, and you can set-up your account by clicking here.
The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center will keep all clients advised on the implementation schedule for this important new federal program. If you need assistance, feel free to contact your nearest GTPAC Counselor.
Filed under GTPAC News • Tagged with federal contracting, SBA, woman owned business, wosb
February 7, 2011 by admin
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has now released all the information needed for woman-owned small businesses to self-certify as eligible to participate in the federal government’s newest contract set-aside program.
The rules for the woman-owned small business (WOSB) contracting program were published in the Federal Register on Oct. 7, 2010. The rules are designed to get federal contracts to women-owned businesses in 83 industries. Specifically, the program allows contracting officers, for the first time, to set aside specific contracts for certified WOSBs and economically disadvantaged WOSBs to help federal agencies achieve the existing statutory goal of five percent of federal contracting dollars being awarded to WOSBs.
The rules allow WOSBs to either self-certify themselves as eligible to participate or secure certification through an approved third-party. While the SBA has not yet approved any third-party certifiers, WOSBs may now take steps to self-certify.
The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) recommends that you take these steps to qualify for the program:
1. Familiarize yourself with the Compliance Guide for WOSB Program 02.2011.
2. Determine whether your firm qualifies as a WOSB or an economically disadvantaged woman owned small business (EDWOSB), and then fill-out the appropriate certification forms: WOSB Certification Form – OMB Approved or EDWOSB Certification Form – OMB Approved. Be sure to assemble and compile all necessary documentation called for on the forms.
3. Register in Central Contractor Registration (CCR) as a WOSB. (Note: Effective Feb. 22, 2011, CCR has added four new women-owned business types in support of the SBA WOSB program. These are: Women-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women-Owned Small Business, and Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business.) (Additional Note: CCR is currently experiencing a delay in processing new registrations and updates. If your renewal is affected, CCR will extend your expiration date by sixty (60) days. CCR is working to resolve the backlog by the end of March.)
4. Register your WOSB status in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). (Note: Necessary changes in ORCA to allow for WOSB registration are not yet made; these changes are now estimated to be made in April 2011.)
5. Establish an account in SBA’s General Login System so that you may upload your certification form and any documentation. You can familiarize yourself with the GLS by reviewing GLS Screen Shots – SBA WOSB Program – 02.2011, and you can set-up your account by clicking here.
The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center will keep all clients advised on the implementation schedule for this important new federal program. If you need assistance, feel free to contact your nearest GTPAC Counselor.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The 5th Annual Drugs Don’t Work (DDW) conference is set for April 14th from 11am to 1pm in the 1st Franklin Training room on Doyle St. Our goal is to give our businesses and industry the tools they need to become - and stay a Certified Drug Free workplace.
We have partnered with the Phillips Group, and the HR Personnel Society to bring you a program that will benefit your business and our community.
Some of the benefits include: a bottom line savings of 7.5% on Worker’s Compensation premiums; Supervisor training credits needed for certification renewal; knowledge of resource providers in the community; and employee drug awareness education that will reach the entire community.
We have a great program this year! Our keynote speaker is Andria Lure Ryan who is a partner in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips and represents employers in virtually every area of employment and labor law.
Also, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Toccoa Police Department will open with updates on the fight against drugs in our community. Danny Yearwood will also give a report from the Stephens County Anti-Drug Coalition. There will be door prizes and participant information packets provided.
Your Chamber has discounted the certification fee from $150 to $100 through the end of June. We provide assistance with completing the certification requirements including: having a substance abuse policy, a drug testing program, employee and supervisor training and an EAP program or a listing of counseling and treatment centers.
Please call the Chamber today to reserve your spot in the Drugs Don’t Work Conference at 706-886-2132.
Few Announcements for you:
First we’d like to introduce our new Welcome Center Visitor Information Specialist, Ms Debra Lewis. She has lived in Martin f or the last 10 years and is a native of Hart County. She has a background in education and social work. Please come by and meet Ms Debra Lewis. Bring her your brochures for the displays - and small gift items for the Newcomer Welcome bags!
Finally did you hear the Chamber is offering members a business web page for $150? This is a great opportunity for those who do not have a web presence, to affordably create another point of connection. We continue to see - the effectiveness of the Internet and social media. The Chamber is offering new members the web page for $100 when they join between now and April 30th. Come grow with us!
We have partnered with the Phillips Group, and the HR Personnel Society to bring you a program that will benefit your business and our community.
Some of the benefits include: a bottom line savings of 7.5% on Worker’s Compensation premiums; Supervisor training credits needed for certification renewal; knowledge of resource providers in the community; and employee drug awareness education that will reach the entire community.
We have a great program this year! Our keynote speaker is Andria Lure Ryan who is a partner in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips and represents employers in virtually every area of employment and labor law.
Also, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Toccoa Police Department will open with updates on the fight against drugs in our community. Danny Yearwood will also give a report from the Stephens County Anti-Drug Coalition. There will be door prizes and participant information packets provided.
Your Chamber has discounted the certification fee from $150 to $100 through the end of June. We provide assistance with completing the certification requirements including: having a substance abuse policy, a drug testing program, employee and supervisor training and an EAP program or a listing of counseling and treatment centers.
Please call the Chamber today to reserve your spot in the Drugs Don’t Work Conference at 706-886-2132.
Few Announcements for you:
First we’d like to introduce our new Welcome Center Visitor Information Specialist, Ms Debra Lewis. She has lived in Martin f or the last 10 years and is a native of Hart County. She has a background in education and social work. Please come by and meet Ms Debra Lewis. Bring her your brochures for the displays - and small gift items for the Newcomer Welcome bags!
Finally did you hear the Chamber is offering members a business web page for $150? This is a great opportunity for those who do not have a web presence, to affordably create another point of connection. We continue to see - the effectiveness of the Internet and social media. The Chamber is offering new members the web page for $100 when they join between now and April 30th. Come grow with us!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Team Toccoa-Stephens County Receives Camera Ready Designation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Stefanie Paupeck
Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4075
SPaupeck@georgia.org
Seventy-three Georgia Counties Named Camera Ready Communities
Economic impact of the entertainment industry in Georgia was $1.4 billion in 2010
ATLANTA (March 21, 2011)— Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), designated 73 Georgia counties Camera Ready at the Georgia State Capitol today. The state’s Camera Ready Community Program was launched as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster Georgia’s growing film and television industry.
“We have experienced a significant increase in jobs, investment, infrastructure and film induced tourism, making Georgia’s entertainment industries among the state’s fastest growing sectors,” said GDEcD commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “The statewide response has been tremendous from Georgia counties that want to become Camera Ready in order to help bring jobs and investments to their local communities.”
Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A Camera Ready Community must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level. The first 16 Georgia counties were designated Camera Ready at EUE/Screen Gems Studio in Atlanta on October 7, 2010.
The 73 Georgia counties that received the ‘Camera Ready Community' designation were Appling, Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Berrien, Bulloch, Butts, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coffee, Columbia, Crisp, Dawson, Decatur, Dooly, Douglas Elbert, Fannin, Fayette, Franklin, Glynn, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Henry, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Laurens, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Macon, Marion, McDuffie, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscogee, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Pulaski, Rabun, Richmond, Rockdale, Schley, Screven, Stephens, Sumter, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Terrell, Toombs, Towns, Upson, Walton, Warren, Washington, Webster, White and Whitfield.
The 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act helped the state’s entertainment industry achieve record numbers. The economic impact of production activity increased 440 percent between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, surging to $1.4 billion. Georgia is now among the top five states in the nation for film and TV production with more than 335 productions shot in Georgia in FY2010 bringing in more than $759.3 million in investment to Georgia.
The Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), a not-for-profit coalition of companies and individuals active in the state's film, video, music, and interactive game industries, founded the original Camera Ready program formerly known as Fast Forward. Established in 1998, this professional group has been instrumental in the grass roots organization of the production community and the development of key legislative incentives.
To learn more about Georgia’s Camera Ready Community Program, please visit www.georgia.org/cameraready.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
CONTACT:
Stefanie Paupeck
Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4075
SPaupeck@georgia.org
Seventy-three Georgia Counties Named Camera Ready Communities
Economic impact of the entertainment industry in Georgia was $1.4 billion in 2010
ATLANTA (March 21, 2011)— Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), designated 73 Georgia counties Camera Ready at the Georgia State Capitol today. The state’s Camera Ready Community Program was launched as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster Georgia’s growing film and television industry.
“We have experienced a significant increase in jobs, investment, infrastructure and film induced tourism, making Georgia’s entertainment industries among the state’s fastest growing sectors,” said GDEcD commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “The statewide response has been tremendous from Georgia counties that want to become Camera Ready in order to help bring jobs and investments to their local communities.”
Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A Camera Ready Community must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level. The first 16 Georgia counties were designated Camera Ready at EUE/Screen Gems Studio in Atlanta on October 7, 2010.
The 73 Georgia counties that received the ‘Camera Ready Community' designation were Appling, Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Berrien, Bulloch, Butts, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coffee, Columbia, Crisp, Dawson, Decatur, Dooly, Douglas Elbert, Fannin, Fayette, Franklin, Glynn, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Henry, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Laurens, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Macon, Marion, McDuffie, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscogee, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Pulaski, Rabun, Richmond, Rockdale, Schley, Screven, Stephens, Sumter, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Terrell, Toombs, Towns, Upson, Walton, Warren, Washington, Webster, White and Whitfield.
The 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act helped the state’s entertainment industry achieve record numbers. The economic impact of production activity increased 440 percent between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, surging to $1.4 billion. Georgia is now among the top five states in the nation for film and TV production with more than 335 productions shot in Georgia in FY2010 bringing in more than $759.3 million in investment to Georgia.
The Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), a not-for-profit coalition of companies and individuals active in the state's film, video, music, and interactive game industries, founded the original Camera Ready program formerly known as Fast Forward. Established in 1998, this professional group has been instrumental in the grass roots organization of the production community and the development of key legislative incentives.
To learn more about Georgia’s Camera Ready Community Program, please visit www.georgia.org/cameraready.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
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