First Class of Georgia Certified Chambers Announced

HEADLINE: The Georgia Association of Certified Chamber Executives Announces the First Class of Georgia Certified Chambers

It’s an exciting time to be in the chamber industry and to be a chamber in Georgia. The quality of leadership, programs and services that define the over 150 chambers statewide continues to increase. Many chambers have risen to the challenge during these tough economic times to provide unparalleled leadership and direction, helping their members and communities thrive. This type of performance is a reflection of the solid organizational infrastructure built through much hard work and diligence.

Earlier this year, the GACCE Board of Directors sought a way to recognize chambers in the state that have focused internally on their operations to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to create efficient, effective organizations positioned to deliver great value. Thus the Georgia Certified Chamber program was created.

The program is modeled after the U.S. Chamber’s accreditation program. The purpose of the program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across the State of Georgia. Chambers must meet standards in organization, service intent and capacity, professional administration, financial management, communications, and advocacy in order to achieve the Georgia Certified Chamber designation.

With over 150 chambers in the State of Georgia, the 25 chambers that were recognized during the 2011 GACCE Leadership Conference as Georgia Certified Chambers received a prestigious honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership displayed by accredited chambers.

The following chambers make up the first class of Georgia Certified Chambers:

1. Albany Area Chamber

2. Berrien County Chamber

3. Blairsville-Union County Chamber

4. Blakely-Early County Chamber

5. Camden County Chamber

6. Carroll County Chamber

7. Catoosa County Chamber

8. Cherokee County Chamber

9. Columbia County Chamber

10. Conyers-Rockdale Chamber

11. Darien-McIntosh County Chamber

12. Douglas County Chamber

13. Dublin-Laurens County Chamber

14. Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber

15. Gilmer County Chamber

16. Lee County Chamber

17. Newnan-Coweta Chamber

18. Paulding Chamber

19. Pickens County Chamber

20. Robins Regional Chamber

21. Tifton-Tift County Chamber

22. Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber

23. Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber

24. Walton County Chamber

25. Wilkinson County Chamber

GACCE congratulates these chambers for their accomplishment!

Stephens County School System Annual Report Forum Set for Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee is committed to partnering and supporting the Stephens County School System with improving education, student achievement and building a skilled workforce.

The Committee is Chaired by Greg Roach-North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) Currahee Campus Operations Director. Committee members include Sherrie Whiten-School Superintendent and representatives from Toccoa Falls College, Department of Labor, Stephens Education and Literacy Foundation (SELF), Partners for Success, Career Technical Agriculture Education (CTAE), Graduation Coach programs and the Chamber Board of Directors.

The Committee is inviting everyone to attend the upcoming Stephens County School System Annual Report Forum to hear from our School Superintendent on our Schools System’s academic achievements and future initiatives.

The Forum is scheduled for Thursday, November 17^th at the North Georgia Technical College Currahee Campus from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Doors open at 10:30am. Call the Chamber to register. Lunch will be served by Cabe Crest Catering and the cost is $10 for pre-registered guests and $12 for day-of registration.

Here are some of the presentation highlights: The Stephens County School System is one of only 25 school systems in Georgia in which all schools and the system met Adequate Yearly Progress goals. The graduation rate for Stephens County students increased to 86.3%, up from 83% the previous year. On the CRCT this year, scores increased in 25 of 30 areas. In every area, Stephens County students outperformed students throughout the state. All six schools were once again named Title I Distinguished Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. 100% of Stephens County’s teachers meet the highly qualified requirement of No Child Left Behind. All schools are accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. SCHS students will move into a new state of the art facility this fall, replacing a building previously occupied in 1970.

Let the Education Committee connect your business with our schools. For more information on how you can become a Partner- in-Education please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.

CONTACTS

Greg Roach - Education Committee Chair, North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) Currahee Campus Operations Director, 706-779-8113

Sherrie Whiten – Stephens County School Superintendent, 706-886-9415

Karen Caudell – Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Education Committee, Partner-In-Education, Pruitt Foundation, 706-827-2110

Chamber’s Political Debate is Tuesday, October 18th at 6pm, Historic Courthouse

The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee and WNEG AM 630 are sponsoring a political debate prior to the November 1^st General Election this Tuesday October 18^th at 6pm, doors open at 5:30pm. Please plan to attend or tune in live on AM 630 WNEG to learn more about the candidates.

Georgia State Senate 50th District candidates are Rick Austin, John Wilkinson, David Strickland, Curtis Burger and Mary Beth Focer. The City Commissioner Post 1 candidates are incumbent Janice English and Terry Carter. The City Commissioner Post 4 candidates are Gail Fry, Wayne Perry and Bill Good who are all running for the seat currently held by Bob Troup, who is not running for re-election. All Stephens County voters are voting on the continuation of the county’s education SPLOST to pay for the new high school and other capital projects for school improvements.

The Community is invited to the upstairs Court Room in the Historic Stephens County Court House located in downtown Toccoa. Doors will open early at 5:30pm so the audience can submit questions for the candidates.

The Moderator is Lee Hicks, Chairman of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and a lawyer from Moore & Hicks Law Firm in Hartwell. Each candidate will introduce themselves and then take questions from both the moderator and the media representatives. Each candidate will also have the opportunity to ask his opponent an issue-oriented question. At the end of the program, each candidate will be given two minutes for a closing statement.

Early voting has started for elections in Toccoa and Stephens County. In addition to the early voting Monday through Friday, there will be early voting on Saturday, October 29 for both the city and county election from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., also at the Registrar’s Office. The Stephens County Registrar’s Office is located in the Stephens County Government Building in downtown Toccoa. Voters must remember a picture ID.

For more information, call the Stephens County Registrar’s Office at 706-886-8954.

Currahee Military Weekend Highlights

Congratulations to everyone for your support and participation in this year’s Currahee Military Weekend.

The Friday night Hangar Dance was well attended and prizes were given to the winner of the 40’s costume – won by Tucker Joe Loudermilk and the dance contest - won by his parents Robbie and Michelle Loudermilk.

On Saturday we had a record of 428 participants at the Currahee Challenge. The 3mile up and 3mile down event was won by local Clint Sanders with at time of 41:55.

After that the Opening Ceremonies were delivered to a packed crowd and included the Purple Heart Ceremony for US Army Sergeant Jonathan Merck.

The Civil Air Patrol had 60 volunteers and logged 559 man hours to coordinate the airport events. 140 people got a ride on the Huey helicopter.

All this and more - would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and volunteers. For a complete list of sponsors please visit the Chamber’s website at toccoagachamber.com.

Currahee Military Weekend Itinerary

Pull out your American flags and your red, white and blue and let’s celebrate our Camp Toccoa Veterans!

Start by attending the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Community BBQ lunch with the Veterans on Friday at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. After that, wander over to the Train Depot for the Veteran’s book signing and autograph session. Then put on your 40’s outfits and head to the Airport’s old LeTourneau Hanger for the USO Hangar Dance.

But don’t stay up too late - because you will need to wake up early to run or walk the Currahee Challenge – that’s 3 miles up and 3 miles down. Hurry home to shower and then head downtown, get your free American flag and watch the Parachute Team jump at the start the Veteran’s parade. Then attend the Opening Ceremonies and Purple Heart Ceremony for Jonathan Merck.

By then, you will be really hungry so have a nice big lunch downtown and get your energy back up to tour the Currahee Military Museum, the Memorabilia Show on Doyle and the Re-enactor Camp site on the Courthouse Lawn. There will be weapons demonstrations on the hour, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm.

After that, head out to the Airport for a once in a lifetime chance to purchase a ride in one of the Vintage WWII aircraft or the Huey Helicopter. See the Parachute Jump Team jump at 2pm. Walk through static displays of vintage planes. Let you kids climb the Army Rock Wall.

Then go home to get your dress clothes on and get over to the Georgia Baptist Conference Center for a nice Banquet Dinner and Auction and hear speaker, Actor James Madio.

Rise early again on Sunday morning for the Remembrance Service at 8:30am at the Camp Toccoa Memorial - given by Pastor Scott Borderud. William Tucker will blow Taps and the re-enactors will perform a 21 gun salute. We will all meet downtown at BJ’s for a farewell breakfast following the service.

Come see why Toccoa-Stephens County is the MOST American Patriotic Community. For a complete schedule of weekend events and a list of the Camp Toccoa veterans attending visit the Chamber’s website at toccoagachamber.com.

We hope you enjoy the Currahee Military Reunion Weekend Celebration as much as we do! Currahee!

Downtown Toccoa Celebrates Currahee Military Weekend

Downtown Toccoa Celebrates Currahee Military Weekend

Toccoa, GA – Downtown Toccoa is getting ready to welcome returning WWII veterans, their families and friends, and hundreds of visitors during the Currahee Military Weekend, September 30 – Oct. 2, 2011. The mission of this weekend celebration is to honor the courageous men who trained at Camp Toccoa, to teach WWII history to our young people, and to celebrate our military’s commitment to America.

Many of the weekend events will be held in the downtown. Friday, September 30, registration will begin at the Currahee Military Museum at 10:00 a.m. in the Mitchell Allen Memorial Hall. Then from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. there will be a book signing with WWII veteran authors at the same venue.

Saturday, October 1, the day will begin with the Special Forces Association Parachute Jump Team who will jump over Boyd Field at the start of the Veteran’s Parade around 10:50. They will jump with their spectacular signature 20ft by 30ft American Flag. The Veterans parade will start at 11:00 a.m. and will begin on Doyle St and Pond St, go down Doyle St, turn on Sage St, and then go down Foreacre St to the Historic Depot. This year’s parade will be the biggest yet with the returning veterans, several large military vehicles, the SC High School band, as well as the SCHS JR ROTC and CAP.

The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the Blue Ridge Rifles team from North Georgia College and State University. The special speaker for the event will be, Julie Schugars, daughter of Joe Beryle. During the weekend there is an exhibit from Russia made possible by Russia, the United States and the Joe Beyrle family that will be displayed in the Currahee Military Museum. Beyrle’s story of being captured by the Germans, escaping and then joining up and fighting with the Russians against Germany is told at the exhibit.

Throughout the day, visit the living history displays on the courthouse lawn and see what the living conditions were for the soldiers during the war. There will also be a Memorabilia Show and Sale on Doyle Street. The show will have memorabilia from WWI, WWII, and other foreign wars.

Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open during the weekend.

“We want to welcome all of our guests and visitors to this special weekend. We never want to forget the sacrifices that were made for us, not only by these brave men during WWII, but also by the men and women in uniform today,” said Sharon Crosby of Main Street Toccoa.

WORLD WAR II VETERANS TO BE HONORED DURING CURRAHEE MILITARY WEEKEND

WORLD WAR II VETERANS TO BE HONORED DURING CURRAHEE MILITARY WEEKEND

The ninth annual Currahee Military Weekend is only three weeks away—Friday through Sunday, September 30-October 2. The event is sponsored by the Stephens County Historical Society, Main Street Toccoa, and the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce.

Other community organizations involved in the weekend include the Civil Air Patrol, Marine Corps League, American Legion, VFW, Stephens County High School Junior ROTC, the Pilot Club of Toccoa, Toccoa Lions Club, Rotary Club of Toccoa, Toccoa Falls College Brass Ensemble, and the Stephens County High School and Toccoa Elementary Choruses.

Several World War II veterans who trained at Camp Toccoa in the four parachute infantry regiments (PIR) will be attending the weekend festivities. As of today, the following men have registered to attend: Carl Beck, Robert Meyers, and Robert Wright (501 PIR), Ed Pepping, Ed Shames, and Al Mampre (506 PIR—Easy Company), Robert Parks, Ken Johnson, Ira Moorehart, Fred Bahlau, Pee Wee (Jim) Martin, Mario Patruno, Malcolm Martin, and Jake McNiece (506 PIR). At least five children of Camp Toccoa men will also be in attendance.

These gentlemen will be arriving in Toccoa Thursday, September 29, and Friday, September 30. They will be speaking to students in the Stephens County School System Friday morning; autographing books, pictures, and other memorabilia from 1-4 p.m. Friday afternoon in the Mitchell Allen Memorial Hall at the Currahee Military Museum; participating in the parade Saturday morning at 11 a.m.; attending the banquet Saturday evening; and attending the memorial service at Currahee Mountain Sunday morning. You might even see some of them at the hangar dance to be held in the LeTourneau hangar at the airport Friday night at 7 p.m.

Living historians (re-enactors) from Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee will be present for the weekend and will set up their camps on the Stephens County Courthouse lawn and other areas near the museum.

The Currahee Challenge Run/Walk, sponsored by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, will begin Saturday at 7:45 a.m. for the 3M run and at 8:30 a.m. for the 6M run. The run, of course, is held at Currahee Mountain.

Participants in the parade will include the Stephens County High School Indian Band, Camp Toccoa veterans, re-enactors driving military vehicles, Stephens County High School JROTC, and Shriners. Grand Marshal for the parade will be James Madio, the actor who portrayed Frank Perconte in the HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers.” Madio appears in nine of the “Band of Brothers” episodes. This is the first time that one of the actors has participated in Currahee Military Weekend, and he will be here to honor the veterans and celebrate the tenth anniversary of the mini-series release. The parade will begin after a parachute jump by the Special Forces Association Parachute Team.

Activities at the airport will begin Friday night with the hangar dance and will continue Saturday with plane and helicopter rides, vintage planes on display, and army recruiter displays (including a climbing wall).

Opening ceremonies will be held at the depot following the parade. The Blue Ridge Rifles from North Georgia College will perform; and Rev. David Ritcey, pastor of First Baptist Church will sing the national anthem following the presentation of colors by the Stephens County High School JROTC.

Julie Beyrle Schugars, daughter of Joe Beyrle, will speak at the opening ceremonies. Beyrle trained at Camp Toccoa and jumped into Normandy on D-Day. He was captured by the Germans, and after several attempts he escaped. Unable to locate Americans, he joined the Russians and fought with them against the Germans, their common enemy. . The Joe Beyrle exhibit, “A Hero of Two Nations,” will continue to be displayed through October 2 in the museum.

Visitors to Toccoa/Stephens County are encouraged to visit the Camp Toccoa property recently donated to the Stephens County Historical Society by Pacolet-Milliken, Inc. and the memorials that are nearby.

The Currahee Military Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day during the weekend, and local citizens are encouraged to visit the museum and become a part of the excitement of this event. Admission prices are $8 for adults and $3 for students under 18.

Currahee Military Weekend gives the community and Northeast Georgia an opportunity to honor the veterans who trained here, the thousands of veterans who have served our country on many other battlefields, and the active military men and women who are currently serving the United States on several battlegrounds and on military posts around the world. There will undoubtedly be active military men and women in attendance during the weekend. Show your appreciation to the active military, as well as to the veterans, when you visit Toccoa during Currahee Military Weekend.