Now Recruiting Participants for the 2014 Business Plan Competition

Our joint Economic Development Committee is Chaired by Matt Skilling of Sanders, Rank & Skilling and Stacy Miller of CB&T. We are currently recruiting for the 2014 Business Plan Competition. 

Do you know an entrepreneur with a business idea you think could win cash and prizes? We are inviting local entrepreneurs, new startups and existing home businesses, with feasible business ideas, to participate in this year’s challenge. We want to connect them with small business resources, the business students from Toccoa Falls College, and local business professionals, to help develop or refine their business plan, and assist them with operating a successful for-profit business in Toccoa-Stephens County.

There will be a kick-off luncheon in February with last year’s winners, The Dance Studio – Marlee Joiner and The Lan computer services – Keith Ord. Please call the Chamber to get more information on the 2014 competition today!   

I have a few announcements for you:

Today at 10am we have a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony for 2 new Chamber members. There are two businesses partnering up, That’s A Great Deal and owner Charles Hall and across the street from them is McGarity’s Starter and Alternator Repair and owner Steve McGarity.  The ceremony will be at That’s A Great Deal on South Big A Road next to the new beautiful empty lot that was formally T’s Restaurant. Another reason to celebrate! We hope to see you there!       

Next week there are two great opportunities to NETWORK and MARKET your business. Tuesday at 5pm is the Chamber 101 class that teaches you how to get the most from your Chamber membership experience. And Wednesday at 12pm is the monthly Chamber Lunch at BJ’s Restaurant. Bring your business cards and plan to promote your products and services at both events next week.  

The T-SC Chamber is here for you! Visit our website regularly for information and reach out to us if you want more. And when I drop in for a visit, and a cookie break, please don’t hesitate to let me know how we can help you and your company during the new year.

That’s your weekly update!

I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa-Stephens County CoC President with your Weekly Chamber Update.  

Welcome to 2014! Did you make a new year's resolution?

Welcome to 2014!  Do you have a new year's resolution?   

As we head into the new-year, please consider a membership in the Chamber of Commerce. Being a Chamber member is like being a team player for your community. Chamber involvement provides you with endless networking opportunities and helps build a solid foundation for your business.

Did you know you get a free directory web page with the purchase of a membership? Did you know there is a brochure rack and business card holder display, dedicated for members in the Welcome Center? Did you know members can attend free seminars to stay informed of hot topics?

The Chamber is also a tool to help you develop your leadership skills. There are over twelve different committees to serve on in the “Toccoa-Stephens County Tomorrow” visioning program initiative. All address important issues and are available for you to get involved with. Whatever your interest is, we invite you to join us and help make 2014 a wonderful new year.    

I have a few announcements for you:

Next Thursday, January 16^th from 12pm-1pm in the Mitchell Allen Room is a Lunch- N-Learn seminar on the Small Business Health Options Program called SHOP. Come meet UGA Health Navigator Cassandra Hunter to learn what the SHOP Marketplace is, how to qualify and the benefits of using the SHOP marketplace. Call the Chamber at 706-886-2132 to learn more.

Our Economic Development Committee is recruiting now for the 2014 Business Plan Competition.  Do you know an entrepreneur with a business idea you think could win cash and prizes? Please call the Chamber to get more information on the competition today.

   

Finally, the Humane Shelter is a Chamber member and they asked us to help them get the word out that they need supplies including towels, blankets, bleach and canned cat food.They also need volunteers. Please call the shelter today and register for the next volunteer orientation this Sunday at 2pm.

Being a Chamber member is like being a team player for your community. Chamber involvement provides you with endless opportunities and helps build a solid foundation for your business. The Chamber cares and wants to help. Join us today and make a difference!

That’s your weekly update!

I’m Wendi Bailey your Toccoa-Stephens County CoC President with your Weekly Chamber Update.  

AM 630 WNEG WEEKLY CHAMBER UPDATE

Hello this is Wendi Bailey your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President with your Weekly Chamber Update.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Your Chamber continues to actively promote our “Christmas Hot Deals” including Feral Outfitters, Organic Spa & Salon Anastasia, Meadows Surgical Arts, Cornerstone Restaurant, Rose Lane Bowling, Brother Johns and many more! These businesses have come together to offer you promotions on their hottest items of the season.

The best part is they are all right here in our hometown! The Chamber encourages you to shop Toccoa-Stephens County FIRST, before going out of town or online. Please visit our web site at www.toccoagachamber.com to see ALL the Christmas hot deals.  

Your Chamber also continues to promote hospitality and customer service training.  We are now following up with a "Mystery Shopper Program".  Consider having secret shoppers visit your business, restaurants and stores to report back to you on the service they received. We are striving for EXCELLENT customer service in all Toccoa-Stephens County stores and restaurants. Please call the Chamber to learn more.  

Today at 10am is a special Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Square One Fitness at their location on North Big A Road. We will have refreshments and door prizes to celebrate. Come meet Steve and Chris Burtt, Brian Lingle and Manager Pheonix Carroll and take a tour of the new fitness facility to learn more. Hope to see you there!    

This past year has been an exciting one for the Chamber. It’s because of the guidance and support from investors like you, throughout the County, that we are able to be an effective advocate for Toccoa-Stephens County’s businesses and community.

Our Chamber offers opportunities for you to learn, to lead and to make a difference. We have over twelve different committees, all doing great work, for you to choose from.  Whatever your passion we need you to volunteer and get involved! Join us today!  

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

Chamber Members Offer Christmas "Hot Deals"!

Hello this is Phaleck Silien, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Intern with your Weekly Chamber Update.

Countdown to Christmas! 

Christmas is closer than you think with only 41 shopping days left this season. Every year the Chamber asks our members to submit a “Christmas HOT DEAL” on a featured item.

The Chamber takes the "Hot Deals" and posts them in the “Weekly Chamber Update” emailed to over 800 contacts. We also post them on our website at www.toccoagachamber.com and we print them on glossy, color, handouts to distribute in the Welcome Center and at member locations. New this year, we will host a special event to showcase what local businesses have to offer.

WHY do we do this? (1) So customers can get a jump start on Christmas shopping. (2) So we can keep customers buying local. (3) So we can market our Chamber businesses. 

Also, “Small Business Saturday” is coming up on Saturday, November 30^th.  Get ready to “keep it local” and plan to spend “$30 at a Chamber business this November 30th.

I have one announcement for you:

Today is the “Business After Hours” sponsored by Feral Outfitters at 5pm at their location on Doyle Street in historic downtown Toccoa.  Did you hear that Feral will be open from 12am-6pm on Black Friday? Their “Hot Deal” is for the month of December. If you buy one item of jewelry, you get 25% off the second item!   

Your Chamber helps you market your business, meet other business owners and continue your business education. Visit toccoagachamber.com to see the list of businesses who are building a better community.  Join us today!  

That’s your Weekly Update. I’m Phaleck Silien, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Intern.

Stephens County School System's Annual Report

Hello this is Wendi Bailey, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber President with your Weekly Chamber Update.

The Stephens County School System’s “Annual Report” will be presented by School Superintendent Sherrie Whiten next Tuesday at the Rotary Club of Toccoa meeting. 

The Chamber’s Education Committee is Co-Chaired by Greg Pitts of the department of Labor and Karen Caudell of the Pruitt Foundation.  

The committee is inviting the public to attend the luncheon and learn about the School System’s academic achievements, important issues, challenges and future initiatives.

The Forum is next Tuesday, November 12^th at Gate Cottage on the campus of Toccoa Falls College from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Doors open at 10:30am.

Reservations are required. Lunch will be served by Cabe Crest Catering and the cost is $10 for pre-registered guests and $12 for day-of registration. 

The Chamber’s Education Committee facilitates business support of the School System’s activities events and efforts to enhance student achievement and to build a skilled workforce. The Education Committee connects your business with our schools through the Partner-in-Education program.  Call the chamber at 706-886-2132 to learn more today.

I have a few announcements for you:

Today is the Grand Re-opening, and day-long celebration, at the Ingles grocery store from 11am to 4pm. They are offering free samples of Boar’s Head deli meats and there will be a Hot Dog Cart with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army.

This Saturday is a concert at the Currahee Vineyards benefiting the restoration of the Albemarle hotel and finally, don’t miss the 2013 Southern Living Custom Builder Showcase Home at the Currahee Club, open every Friday through Sunday, through December 22.      

Your Chamber helps you market your business, meet other business owners and continue your business education. Visit toccoagachamber.com to see the list of businesses who are building a better community.  Join us today! 

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