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. 

WNEG Weekly Chamber Update 12-20-12

December 20, 2012

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Are you ready for the big day? Did you shop our local businesses this year? Did you get a Hot Deal? On behalf of the 466 Members of the T-SC Chamber of Commerce, thank-you for buying local! 

Check out the Small Business Development Center’s deal on our web site. All you have to do is like their Facebook page you’ll receive $25 off your next SBDC class. Their business is helping your business!

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 Christmas! 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!   

TODAY, at 5pm is a special Business-After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Currahee Club Welcome Center. They’ve opened up the Clubhouse restaurant to all the attendees.  We are looking forward to eating dinner with Anne Shurley at the Currahee Club tonight!

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.  

Your chamber is the leading, private business association in our community. Our business is serving, promoting and protecting our members. Members get visibility, referrals and assistance with business challenges. Join the Chamber today and let’s work together for a better Toccoa-Stephens County.

I’m Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President. 

December 13, 2012

Merry Christmas Everyone!

New this year, 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.

What a great Christmas Present this would be!  A trip to Ireland under the tree!  For planning, pricing and payment information please attend the upcoming informational meeting on January 24^th or call Ionosphere Travel, just in time for Christmas, today at 706-886-9471.

This Friday, December 14^th the Government Affairs Committee has organized the Pre-Legislative Coffee with Representative-Elect Dan Gasaway and Senator John Wilkinson.  There will be coffee and pastries and an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming legislative session. That’s Friday, December 14 in the 1st Franklin Training Room on Doyle Street, Downtown Toccoa, across from Troup's Studio and Hallmark.

I have a few announcements for you:

TODAY, at 11am we have a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the brand new El Patron Mexican Restaurant, at their new location, in the Super Walmart Shopping Center. Hope to see you there – at 11am!   

ALSO TODAY, at 5:30pm  is a special Business-After-Hours, in partnership with Lavonia and Franklin County Chambers, at the Ed Murdock Superstore at their Lavonia location on SR 17. Bring your business cards and let’s make some new contacts in Franklin County – at 5:30pm.

Finally, we have $1 Raffle Tickets in the Welcome Center - to sell for the fundraiser coordinated by the Concerned Citizens of Toccoa Stephens County. All proceeds will go to cover their lawyer fees. There are 5 chances to win $100, the drawing will be held on Friday December 15^th at 11:40am live on WNEG radio. Get your tickets today!

Your chamber is the leading, private business association in our community. Our business is helping your business! Members get visibility, referrals and assistance with business challenges.  Join the Chamber membership in working together for a better Toccoa-Stephens County. 

I’m Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President.