Chamber E-News - Pickens County Chamber of Commerce

December 2007
Chamber E-News
A monthly publication of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce
On the Inside…
November Breakfast Recap.... 2
A Note from the President....... 3
E-Friendly Update................... 3
Calendar of Events.................. 4
Youth Leadership Update ...... 5
Welcome New Members............6
Big Canoe Tops for Retirees....7
Ambassador of the Month....... 7
Board Spotlight ...................... 8
Business Spotlight ..................8
Monthly Breakfast
Tuesday, Dec. 11th
Guest Speaker
Santa’s Helpers
from Pickens County
Doors open at 7:00am for Coffee
R.S.V.P. by December 7th
(See Page 4 for Details)
Tourism Around Town
T
he Tourism Committee met on November 27 with an increase in attendance and new
ideas for promotion of tourism brought to the table. The Tourism Committee will be
attending Tourism Day at the Capitol on January 29, 2008 to promote tourism in Pickens
County among our legislators. Due to Tourism Day falling on the same day as our regularly
scheduled meetings,
the next tourism meeting will be held on
February 5, 2008.
At the Tourism
Meeting, John Edwards was representing
the Mountain Stewards. Promotion of
passive recreation and
self-directed activities
was discussed at the
meeting. Birdwatching, hiking and bike
riding trails along with
other outdoor activities
are different attractions
that Pickens County
and other surroundTourism Committee meets.
ing counties offer as
passive recreation to tourists. MiMi Jo Butler with the Marble Valley Historical Society also
added that the walking tours of downtown Jasper are also a newly promoted, self-directed
activity for tourists. Representatives from businesses and organizations such as Knowpickens.com, Jasper Church of God, and Earl Whiteley and Ardis McCain representing multiple
organizations were present supporting tourism.
It was also announced that there is to be a program on the Tate House which will broadcast on Georgia Public Television on January 4th and 5th.
Sherstin Batista, who recently moved to Pickens County, brought new ideas to the table
regarding the promotion of tourism among the Latin community. She will continue to assist
the Tourism Committee, so that Pickens County can move forward in that direction in a positive way.
We always look forward to any new and refreshing ideas in regards to promotion of
tourism and invite anyone to come to the meetings. Tourism promotion is a community
project. We would like everyone in the community to be involved. If you are interested in
promoting tourism or have ideas you wish to share we want to hear from you. Please attend
the meetings or e-mail your ideas and thoughts to [email protected]. 
Citizen of the Year Announced
Citizen of the Year presentation
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Congratulations to Regina Camp who was voted by the citizens of Pickens County to be
the “2007 Pickens County Citizen of the Year.” Each of the five nominees were recognized
during the banquet and given an engraved key chain. The evening was sponsored by ETC,
Pisconeri Studios, and Bojangles, who provided the meal for all in attendance. A portrait will
be made of Regina by Pisconeri Studios and put onto canvas. The unveiling of the portrait
will be at the Annual Dinner on January 11th, 2008. 
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November Breakfast Recap
T
(L-R): Board Chairman Jerrold Young; State
Senator Chip Pearson; and Chamber President Denise Duncan
Banner Program
Those members displaying their banners at this month’s breakfast were:
• Bent Tree Community
• Chestatee State Bank
• Community Bank of Pickens County
• Crescent Bank
• ETC
• GhostNet, Inc.
• Grizzle Insurance Agency
• ING Financial Services
• Jordan’s Crossing
• North Georgia Living Magazine
• Pickens Today.com
• Pied Piper Pest Control
• R&R Trikes and Bikes
• Rick Steiner/Keller Williams Realty
• Seventy-Four Ranch
• Slater Floors & Design Center
• Stoneledge
• TDS Telecom
• The Edge Group
• The UPS Store of Jasper
• United Community Bank
Thank you for your participation 
he Pickens County Chamber of Commerce held their monthly breakfast meeting on November 13, 2007. The breakfast was sponsored by
ETC Communications and catered by The Carriage House.
The morning started off with an exciting announcement from Jerrold Young,
Board Chairman. The Chamber reached the goal of 600 members over a month
early! Next, Ambassador Susan Wright announced the new members for September and October. There were 13 new members in September and 12 new members
in October. She then turned over the program to the Hope House.
The Hope House Board of Directors and the City of Jasper were recognized
and plaques presented to the Mayor and City Council members. Hope House
President Jim Milton stated, “Mayor John Weaver and the City Council have
always been available to help when called upon over the last 10 years.” Milton
said that almost 300 abused children have stayed at the Hope House and the
house parents try to stabilize their young lives by giving a lot of love and structure. He
also reminded the attendees that Hope House pays no salaries and depends totally on the
generosity and support of the community.
The meeting was then turned over to the Executive President, Denise Duncan, who
gave announcements and updates on existing programs of the Chamber.
Ambassador Carrie McKinney introduced the speaker, State Senator Chip Pearson.
Senator Pearson started with an overview on many crises facing the state of Georgia. The
first being the water crisis and he suggested different ways to conserve and alleviate the
problem. The second crisis is oil and its distributors, the rising prices and draining pockets.
The third crisis within the state of Georgia is the funding of transportation. A phrase that
the Senator repeated frequently, “Love, hate and fear are the emotions which drive us. We
have lost our American resolve.” 
Chamber President Denise Duncan with Will Beattie, Lisa Waddell and Dale Cochran breakfast
sponsor ETC.
Build a Relationship with your…
State Farm®
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710
“We can make a difference”
Hometown Bank
2
(706) 253-9600
www.cbopc.com
15 Sammy McGhee Blvd.
Jasper, GA 30143
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Parish Lowrie CPCU, Agent
746 W Church Street, Suite A
Jasper, GA 30143-1410
Bus 706 692 6920
www.parishlowrie.com
24 Hour Good Neighbor Service®
A Note from Our President…
T
he year is quickly coming to an end. As we start the holiday season, I would like to
take a moment to thank all our Chamber members, especially our board members and
ambassadors for their time and effort to help make Pickens County a better place to live.
We continue to improve sponsored events which take a lot of planning and time from our
board members and many other people in the community. Thanks for your help.
I hope you are able to join us at the 2008 Annual Dinner. We are so excited to be
holding the event at Appalachian Technical College, allowing us to increase the number
in attendance! Tickets are available now! 
Denise M. Duncan
Executive President
You are cordially invited to attend the
Our Chamber Staff
28th Annual Dinner
Executive President..... Denise M. Duncan
of the
Membership Coordinator Cassie Chastain
Pickens County Chamber of Commerce
Drugs Don’t Work .................Vicky Miller
Administrative Assistant ...... Candy Mullis
Information Specialist ........ Karla Howard
presenting
??? Mystery Dinner Theater???
“The Last Laugh”
Board of Directors
Jerrold Young, Chairman
ETC
presented by the Tater Patch Players
Friday January 11, 2008, 7:00pm
at the
Appalachian Technical College Education Center
$50.00 per ticket
Jeff Downing, Chairman-Elect
Foothills IGA
Paul Kiker, Immediate Past Chairman
Kiker Investment Services
Charlie Messner, Secretary
Sheryl Messner, CPA
Beverly Skelton, Treasurer
Citizens Bank of Forsyth County
Semi-formal/Black Tie Optional
Mike Ballew
Pickens County Schools
Dr. Sanford Chandler
Appalachian Technical College
E-Friendly Update
The Pickens E-Friendly Steering Committee and Volunteers have brought the interview phase of the designation process to a close with the deadline for surveys being
November 30th. The Steering Committee would like to thank each of you who took the
time to complete the on-line survey or participated in the face-to-face interview. Both
the online survey and face-to-face interview collected information including: How you
started your business here in Pickens County; what your experience was like; some
statistics about your business; and some important skill-sets you might like to improve
on. Now that the data has been collected, it will be reviewed and compiled statistically
so that new and existing businesses in Pickens County will find more resources to help
them in their entrepreneurial adventure. 
Chamber E-news is a monthly publication of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce. All efforts have been made to check the accuracy of
the information included in this newsletter. The Chamber, its employees
or subcontractors shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions
contained within.
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Marty Callahan
Marty Callahan State Farm
Mary Ghorley
Piedmont Mountainside Hospital
Angie Jones
Crescent Bank
Ed Lovern
Piedmont Mountainside Hospital
Rhoda Neighbors
United Country Realty–Talking Rock
Dawn Popadics
Carriage House Coffee Shop
Donna Torres
Regions Bank
Earl Whiteley
Individual Member
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Calendar of Events
December
Membership
Breakfast
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 7:00am
Chamber Community Room
Doors Open & Breakfast Line Begins at 7:00am
7:15 - Invocation and Pledge
7:30 - Program Begins
Sponsored by
North Georgia Living Magazine
Speaker:
Santa’s Helpers from Pickens County
Catered by: Mustard Seed Café
December, 2007
Date & Time................ Event
Location
4th
9am................................... Ambassador’s Meeting....................... Chamber Board Room
11am................................. Ribbon Cutting..................................... Habitat for Humanity
4pm.................................. Ribbon Cutting............................... artsmith: a pottery studio
6th
7am................................... Optimist Club of Jasper..............................Savor Bar & Grill
12noon............................. PWPC Meeting.......................... Chamber Community Room
6:30pm............................. Marble Valley Friends..................... Tate Community Center
7th
4:30pm............................. Ribbon Cutting..................................... Sharp Mountain Grill
11th
7am................................... Monthly Chamber Breakfast..... Chamber Community Room
13th
11:30am............................ Family Connection Appreciation Luncheon....Chamber C.R.
7pm.................................. Lions Club Meeting...................................Dunn’s Restaurant
14th
7pm.................................. Board & Staff Appreciation Dinner...... Sharp Mountain Grill
19th
2pm.................................. Ribbon Cutting............................ Phenix Home Source, LLC
20th
7am................................... Optimist Club of Jasper..............................Savor Bar & Grill
21st
12noon............................. Anti-Drug Coalition.................. Chamber Community Room
24th-25th
All Day............................. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.................Chamber Closed
27th
7pm.................................. Lions Club Meeting...................................Dunn’s Restaurant
Wednesdays - 12noon...... Rotary Club Meeting................. Chamber Community Room
Wednesdays - 5:30pm...... Intenders Circle......................................A Touch for Healing
Click here to see any calendar updates on our Website!
If you are paid for the year,
call ONLY if you do not plan to attend
All others be sure to RSVP
by 5:00 pm Friday, December 7th
Cost is $5.00
Click here to R.S.V.P. online
OR
Call (706) 692-5600 or
e-mail: [email protected]
Please Bring an
Unwrapped Toy!
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Youth Leadership Update
he first session of Youth Leadership was held on Monday, October 29th at the Chamber. Robert Mein and Michele Crawford, Steering Committee Members, conducted the session
on Understanding Leadership & Teambuilding. Don Russell was the
guest speaker.
The second session was held on Monday, November 26th at The
Carriage House. Evelyn Matthews and Stephanie Matthews with The
Etiquette Company conducted the session on proper etiquette at dinner. A special thank you to The Carriage House staff for volunteering
to work!
The Pickens County Chamber of Commerce continues to solicit
donations to fund the 2007-08 Youth Leadership Council. We have
received donations from 28 sponsors varying from $10-$250. We are
very excited to announce a $3,000 donation from the Pickens County
Builders Association, in addition to their $250 donation, bringing our
total donations to $5,215.00! The Pickens County Builders Association will receive special
recognition in the Pickens County Progress for their sizeable donation.
A special thank you goes to ALL the businesses and individuals for supporting the Youth
Leadership Council. We are continuing to accept donations, please contact the Chamber if you
would like to make a contribution. Below is a list of our contributors to date. 
T
• All South Copiers, Inc.
• Appalachian Design & Development
• Community Bank of Pickens County
• Crescent Bank & Trust Company
• Daisy Boutique
• Matt & Lori Delong
• Judge Harry Doss
• Episcopal Church of the Holy Family
• 1st Franklin Financial
• Stephen & Nancy Hammer
• Hinton Milling Company
• KnowPickens.com
• Liquid Code Designs
• Ardis & Charles McCain
• Charles & Sheryl Messner
• Mountain Christian Book Store
• Pickens County Builders Association
• Pickens County Juvenile Fund
• Pickens County Reading Council
• Pickens County Republicans
• Piedmont Mountainside Hospital
• Pickens Progress
• Royston
• Shaklee & The Natural Health Alternative
• State Farm – Parish Lowrie, CPCU
• Donna & Alberto Torres
• Torrey Mtn. Properties, Inc. – Don Martin
• Trevi Pizzeria
• United Community Bank
LUXURY
RENNER
TM
RENNER HOMES
a division of RENNER CONSTRUCTION, LLC
The builder
of choice.
CUSTOM-BUILT
HOMES IN
NORTH GEORGIA
TM
770.720.4940
Tuesday, January 22nd
5:00–7:00pm
Chamber
Community Room
Space is Limited!
If you would like to reserve a table,
please contact the Chamber of Commerce.
Truck Raffle Winner
Now
located in
Jasper!
R
Next
After-Hours Mixer
www.rennerhomes.com
Ed Jenkins pictured with Chamber Executive President Denise Duncan,
Pickens County Sole Commissioner Robert Jones, Jasper Mayor John
Weaver and Chamber Chairman of the Board Jerrold Young.
Congratulations to Ed Jenkins, winner of Pickens County Chamber of
Commerce’s Annual Truck Raffle. Thanks to all who bought tickets and attended the barbeque dinner, catered by Tommy Shaw & Family. Door prizes
were in abundance and the Chamber truly appreciates all donations by
member businesses. We look forward to seeing you at the 2008 Truck Raffle,
which will be held in August, the usual time slot for this event. 
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Welcome Our New Members for November
Advanced Computing Technologies
Joanne Taylor
2760-B Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Duluth, GA 30097
(770) 935-0300 • Fax: (770) 935-0303
[email protected]
www.chamberexpress.com
COMPUTER/INTERNET/WEBSITE
SERVICES
Content and management systems.
Appalachian Country Magazine
Jodi Williams
P. O. Box 1668
Ellijay, GA 30540
(706) 698-5634
[email protected]
PUBLISHING
Magazine publishing/advertising.
Appalachia Grill
Kristeen Fitts
P. O. Box 662
Jasper, GA 30143
(770) 893-3389 • Fax: (770) 893-4098
[email protected]
www.appalachiagrill.com
RESTAURANT
Restaurant.
Appalachian Home Furnishings, Inc.
Mearle & Judy Beaver
25 H. Mullins Court
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 692-3283 • Fax: (706) 253-3773
[email protected]
www.appalachianhomefurnishings.com
RETAIL BUSINESS
Retail furniture store.
artsmith: a pottery studio
Janet Smith
635 Crippled Oak Trail, #20525
Jasper, GA 30143
(770) 595-1977 or (770) 894-4915
[email protected]
www.axcentspottery.com
ART/CLASSES/GALLERIES/FRAMING
Teach pottery.
Fatz Cafe
Brad Bonamico
800 Noah Drive
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 692-0003
[email protected]
www.fatzcafe.com
RESTAURANT
Restaurant.
Georgia Mountain Dermatology, LLC
Stacy Adams & Carlton Faulk
150 Interstate South Dr., Suite 100
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 253-3376 • Fax: (706) 253-3223
[email protected]
PHYSICIANS
Dermatology.
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Global Employment Solutions
Bart Markley/Debbie Underkoffler
586 Church Street
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 692-0066 • Fax: (706) 692-0194
[email protected] or
[email protected]
www.gesnetwork.com
RETAIL
Temporary staffing.
Gold Star Construction Services, LLC
Jeremy Roth
P. O. Box 28
Jasper, GA 30143
(770) 401-9773 • Fax: (706) 692-0866
[email protected]
www.goldstargeorgia.com
CONSTRUCTION
Renovations, finished basements, additions, home repair.
Harmony Computing Services, Inc.
Susan VanHemert
1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Suite 200
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(678) 222-2970
[email protected]
www.harmonycomputing.com
COMPUTER/INTERNET/ WEBSITE
SERVICES
IT services.
Jasper Finance and Tax Service, LLC
Johnny McEntyre
586 East Church Street
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 253-1481 • Fax: (706) 253-1483
[email protected]
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Personal loans and tax preparation.
Keepsakes By Me, Inc.
Katherine Olsen
35 S. Main Street
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 692-3501 • Fax: (706) 692-3501
[email protected]
RETAIL SERVICES
Retail, gifts and home decor.
Mustard Seed Café
Lauri Grizzle
P. O. Box 764
Ball Ground, GA 30107
(770) 735-7000
[email protected]
RESTAURANT
Catering/special events/café.
Neighbors Pump Service, Inc.
Jon Neighbors
254 West Creekview Drive
Jasper, GA 30143
(770) 893-8987 • Fax: (770) 735-1376
[email protected]
WATER WELL SERVICE
Water well pump installation &service.
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Nortech Enterprises
James and Darlene Crowe
325 South Woods Court
Jasper, GA 30143
(678) 910-9090 • Fax: (678) 454-0046
[email protected]
ELECTRONICS/REPAIRS
Electronics repairs.
LCP Granite
Luis Giraldo
18 McKinzie Blvd.
Jasper, GA 30143
(678) 755-5011 • Fax: (706) 253-0480
[email protected]
www.lcpgranite.com
SUBCONTRACTOR
Granite countertops.
Roland Tire
Mark Roland
820 South Main Street
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 692-5900 • Fax: (706) 692-1169
[email protected]
AUTOMOTIVE SALES/SERVICE/
PARTS
Complete auto repair.
WYYZ Radio
Tonia Clark
P. O. Box 1390
Jasper, GA 30143
(706) 692-4100 • Fax: (706) 692-4012
[email protected]
RADIO STATION
Radio station.
X-Cel Supply, Inc.
Kevin Roper
P. O. Box 990
Jasper, GA 30143
(678) 451-2441 • Fax: (706) 253-0040
[email protected]
CLEANING SERVICES/SUPPLIES
Janitorial & cleaning chemical supply.
Yard Art
David Harmon
186 Grandview Rd
Jasper, GA 30143
(770) 364-5604
[email protected]
RETAIL SPECIALTY
Yard art.
Keep your directory up to date.
Just print this page out and place in
your directory to keep all member’s information close at hand.
Retire in Georgia Magazine Names “The
10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia”
Big Canoe makes the top 10!!!
R
etire in Georgia magazine, a publication of Georgia Lifestyles Publishing Inc.,
announces “The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia.” Retire in Georgia received nominations from more than 30 cities and counties spanning the entire
state. The editorial staff compared criteria such as climate, travel and tourism assets,
cost of living, healthcare infrastructure, housing, population dynamics, community
commitment, state and local parks systems and lifelong learning opportunities when
making their decision. Each community is profiled in the Fall/Winter issue of Retire in
Georgia magazine, which is available at www.retireingeorgia.com.
“Narrowing our list to only 10 was difficult, given all the great communities that
were nominated,” said Rick Duke, co-founder and editor of Retire in Georgia. “We are
lucky to live in a state with such diverse options. The recipients of this year’s awards
are not ranked, but rather they stand together as a representation of the rural, urban,
coastal and mountain communities that draw retirees to Georgia. This wide spectrum
of options adds to Georgia’s appeal as a retirement destination for everyone.”
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia are:
• Albany - Dougherty County
• City of Atlanta
• Big Canoe in Pickens and Dawson Counties
• Douglas - Coffee County
• Gainesville - Hall County
• Morgan, Greene, Putnam & Baldwin Counties
• Lowndes, Brooks and Lanier Counties
• McDuffie and Columbia Counties
• St. Marys
• Thomasville - Thomas County
For a complete list of finalists, as well as thos receiving honorable mention and
Georgia communities on the rise for future consideration, please visit the website at
www.retireingeorgia.com/TheTenBest.aspx. 
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Ambassador of the Month
for November
The Chamber
hopes you will join
us in congratulating
our Ambassador
of the Month for
November. Mike
Young with Imageworks has been in
business for three
years in Pickens
County. ImageMike Young
works is a family
owned and operated business providing
corporate and industry apparel embroidery. Mike, a graduate of Florida State
University, has over 30 years business
experience in corporate and industry
services. Mike has been an ambassador
since May of 07, and he is on the Entrepreneur Friendly Committee as well as
the Marketing and PR committee with
the Chamber. He and his family are also
actively involved in their church, Living
Word Church.
Thank you, Mike, for all your hard
work on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.
Any member of the Pickens County
Chamber of Commerce who would like
to become an ambassador, please call the
Chamber at (706) 692-5600. 
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Board Spotlight
Each month we will be spotlighting a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Board of
Directors, giving the membership a more personal look at the people representing them
on the Board.
This month’s spotlight – Dr. Sanford Chandler – Director
A
native of Kilpatrick, Alabama, Dr. Sanford Chandler received his baccalaureate
and master degrees from Auburn University and his doctoral degree from the
School of Leadership and Lifelong Learning at the University of Georgia. Dr. Chandler
has spent more than 28 years in the education arena, and his experience includes teaching as well as administrative duties. He currently serves as President of Appalachian
Technical College.
Prior to Dr. Chandler’s career in education, he spent five years operating his own
business as a landscape architect. He has served on numerous board and advisory councils regionally and nationally. In addition to serving as a member of the Pickens County
Chamber Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Council on Occupational Education.
Dr. Chandler and his wife, Desiree, reside in Jasper and have four children and five
grandchildren. 
potlight on…
Business S�������������
D&L Enterprises
C
. Larry Wilson started his sole proprietorship, D & L Enterprises, in March of this
year. D & L Enterprises is a consulting firm. Mr. Wilson consults with developers
and citizens; as well as consulting with governments during development projects. He
has 35 years experience in planning and development with public and private sectors.
Mr. Wilson retired from the City of Canton Streets, Parks and Transportation and
served as Director of Planning and Zoning Development and Code Enforcement. He
was instrumental in developing the comprehensive plan for the City of Canton and rewriting their zoning and development codes.
Mr. Wilson later worked for Gilmer County as Director of Public Works and was
involved in developing a plan that resulted in a $30 million General Obligation Bond,
of which $16 million was set for roads and improvements.
In the private sector, he successfully obtained rezoning approval for several commercial developments. He also obtained variance appeals for many developments.
Mr. Wilson adds, “With my 35-plus years experience in the public and private sectors, I can provide my clients with a wide range of expertise from design, to negotiations/representation, to construction and to the final product.” 
Dr. Sanford
Chandler
Director
November Renewals
These are the members who renewed in the
month of November.
• Affordable Home Inspections
• Jasper Montessori School, INC
• J & J Adams
• Pickens County Certified Literate Program
• Piedmont Physicians at Tate Clinic
• R & B Locksmith
• Riskmasters, LLC
• Save-A-Lot
• The Hot Dog Wagon
• United Community Bank
Thank you for your continued support!
Non-Renewals for
November, 2007
Below is list of businesses who have
notified the Chamber they would not be
renewing their membership or have gone
out of business. Please make note in
your directory of this information.
Non-Renewing Members
• Floral Pleasures
• James Thomas Air
• Kernel Kob Corn Maze
• Live Well Counseling
• Mauldin Trash Service
• Oprandi & Associates, Realtors
• The Pawn Shop 
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