2014 Annual Report - Dawson County, Georgia

Dawson County
Chamber of Commerce
President’s Report
What a year it has been! 2014 was
filled with ribbon cuttings, business
development classes, luncheons,
Business after Hours, and many other
value driven events and programs. Our
Chamber experienced many successes
such as the passage of SPLOST,
strengthening our voice through increased membership, and
finding additional ways to promote and support our small
businesses. As we have witnessed our business atmosphere
move out of the recession and cautiously into a time of
growth, our businesses are expanding, innovating, and taking
smart risks to the benefit of our entire community.
I can earnestly say that our organization is in a place of
strength and purpose. We are proud to live out our mission
of “cultivating a successful economic environment and
desirable quality of life for our businesses and
community.” Our Chamber exists to raise the tide, not just
lift one ship. As we delve into 2015, I encourage you to seek
us out to partner with you as we continue to make Dawson
County the best place to live, work, play, and do business.
S. Christie Haynes
2014 Board of
Directors
James Askew
Jennifer Baker
James Bearden
Carla Boutin, 2015 Chair-elect
Jo Brewer
Calvin Byrd
Peter Hill, Immediate Past Chair
Steve Melching
Keith Porter
Mandy Power
Denny Putlak
Libby Smith
Carol Tyger
Mike Underwood
Gloria Wyatt, 2014 Chair
Seanie Zappendorf
Ex-Officio Directors
Brooke Anderson
Charlie Auvermann
Councilman Chris Gaines
Chairman Mike Berg
Mayor James Grogan
Christie Haynes
Executive Committee
Jennifer Baker, Past Chair
Pete Hill, Past Chair
Carla Boutin, Chair-elect
Gloria Wyatt, 2014 Chair
Christie Haynes, President
Chamber Staff
Christie Haynes, President
Melissa Mayton, Membership Director
Brenda Mason, Operations Manager
President
“Cultivating a successful economic
environment and a desirable quality of
life for our businesses and
community.”
Purpose
The vision of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is to be the hub of a thriving, growing
community. Our mission is “cultivating a successful economic environment and a desirable quality of life for
our businesses and community.” The core principles of Dawson County Chamber of Commerce are:
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Our members come first
Commitment to integrity and business ethics
Leaders in innovation
Provide resources for businesses, citizens and visitors
Collaborating with community partners
A Special Thanks to our 2014 Club Sponsors
LETTER FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
When I became the 2014 Chair for the Dawson County Chamber,
my goal was to work toward pushing us to have one of our best years ever.
I also challenged our members to do the same thing as well. I am pleased
to report we are achieving our goal.
We have worked with our local governments, school system and
community leaders to make our community a better place to live, work
and visit.
GLORIA WYATT
The Chamber has continued to increase the value of your
membership investment through new and improved offerings. The proof
of this success is shown in membership retention and new member
development.
However, membership and services are only as good as the
participation and feedback that we receive from you. We encourage you as
members to stay involved, provide feedback and talk to non-members
about the value of being a member of our Chamber. This will help us
continue to grow as we work toward fulfilling our mission.
To our Chamber Ambassadors, Board members, and volunteers, I
give you a heartfelt thank you and share with you this quote from Erma
Bombeck: “Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth
who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just
plain loving one another.”
I have so enjoyed my tenure as Chamber Board Chair and I thank
you for entrusting me with this position. I look forward to watching our
organization and community continue to develop and grow over the
coming years.
CHAMBER
MEMBERS
STRONG
!!!
HIGHLIGHTS
It is the combined effort of individuals with vision, dedication and perseverance, which allowed the many achievements of the Dawson
County Chamber of Commerce to be realized in 2014. The commitment of the Chamber Board of Directors and committees, the
support of Chamber Ambassadors, the cooperation of the government entities, and the interest and involvement of Chamber
membership continue to make Dawson County a great place to live, work and do business.
Member Engagement
Chamber Viability
Small Business Support
One major goal of the Chamber
was to continue to focus on
communication efforts to members
through newsletters, website and social
media. These efforts help address the
needs of our members and community.
Member support and growth was
a primary focus for the Chamber last year.
A Chamber cannot be successful without a
strong membership base and the Chamber
is pleased to be on an upward trend in
membership and retention adding 57 new
members and retaining 85% of the
previous year’s membership in 2014.
Many partnerships formed
during the year to assist and support small
businesses. The Chamber partnered with
the Gainesville SBDC to offer several
workshops and seminars providing
educational resources and business
development opportunities to our small
businesses.
Regional and Government
Partnerships
The Chamber promoted and
participated in Small Business Saturday on
November 29th. The Chamber distributed
hundreds of “Shop Small” promotional
items to members and encouraged citizens
to shop locally.
The Chamber also continues to
strive to engage new sectors of our
business community. The Chamber
increased engagement with young
professionals by creating the YP
networking and brainstorming group for
local professionals under the age of 40.
The Chamber continues to offer
many networking and educational events.
Business After Hours, Lunch with the
Chamber and Women of the Chamber
draw many business leaders together who
want to engage with their peers in the
business community.
Attendance at Chamber events
was at an all-time high during 2014.
Yearly events like the Annual Golf
Tournament and Annual Gala are excellent
networking opportunities for members
while giving sponsors a premium
opportunity to highlight their business.
The Chamber’s goal each year is
to initiate and support regional and local
partnerships. The Chamber continues to
support many transportation, education
and economic development initiatives.
A huge Chamber success in
2014 was running a successful campaign
to pass SPLOST VI (Special Purpose
Local Option Sales Tax). The SPLOST
campaign passed with over a 70%
approval rating. This SPLOST will benefit
the entire community through various
projects, such as: new and enhanced park
space, additional canoe/kayak launch,
amphitheater, fire station, community
center, safer roads and sidewalks and
improved public safety.
Tourism
The Office of Tourism
Development revised the Dawson County
visitor’s guide this year, updating all of the
tourism partner information and distributed
10,000 of the brochures throughout
Georgia and the southeast.
Governor Deal formally recognized
the Dawson County Office of Tourism
Development by awarding them the Paul
Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives.
Steps taken to promote the county with the
creation of “Mansions, Moonshine &
Goldmines” increased awareness of visitor
opportunities within the collaborating
communities.
.
New Members of 2014
new members joined the Chamber in 2014.
Bobby Tucker Grading and Hauling
Dawsonville Civitan Club
Creekstone Academy
Events By Dezine
Dick McNeill
Upper Etowah River Alliance
Jydes Family Clinic
TEC Drywall, LLC
Hometown Real Estate Group
Mary Kay - Michele Stewart
BankSouth Mortgage
COSTCO Wholesale
American Home Mortgage
BJ's Wholesale Club
Jungle Paradise
Fajita Grill
Fuse Hair Studios
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Five Star Architectural, LLC
Lanierland Insurance Agency Inc.
BK Sports
Firehouse Subs
El Jinete Mexican Restaurant
Hazelrigs Contracting Services, LLC
Morse, Kip
COUNTRY Financial
We Be Bouncing
Willow Lake Senior Living
America's Choice Home Loans, LP
Zaxby's
Angels Party Store
Origami Owl Independent Director
Papa's Place
Serlis, Irene
Chestatee Paint Center
Abbott Creek Nursery
Bear Ridge Lodge
Nelson's Cabinet Solutions
Protherapy Benchmark Rehab Services
South Country Homes
Georgia Crisis Response Services
Pottery Barn Outlet
Capital Electric Company, Inc.
Modern Woodmen of America
Char's Family Daycare, Inc.
Gracemont Assisted Living & Memory Care
North Atlanta Golf Carts
Alden Trace Apartments
ANH Collision Specialist, LLC
ADP (Automatic Data Processing)
Edward Jones
Carleyetta’s Closet
Securlock Storage Center
American Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.
All Animals Veterinary Hospital
Etcon Employment Solutions
North Georgia Academy of Martial Arts
About the Chamber:
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the positive growth and development of the
Dawson County area. It encourages the growth of existing industries and businesses, while giving all proper assistance to any new firms
or individuals looking to locate in the Dawson County area. The Chamber strives to support all activities believed to be beneficial to the
community and seeks to enhance the standard of living for all Dawson County citizens. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is an
organization through which the voluntary manpower of our community works effectively to make Dawson County a better place to live,
work and play.
Ribbon
Cuttings
&
Grand Openings
Saddle Buddies
We Be Bouncing
Oaks Senior Living
Dawsonville Civitan Club
American Home Mortgage
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Fuse Hair Salon
Blocker Insurance
NOA
Rotary Splash Park – Grand Opening
North Georgia Vein
Humane Society – Grand Opening
The Ship in A Bottle
Atlanta Motorsports Park
Papa’s Place
Fire House Subs – Grand Opening
Creekstone Academy
Hometown Real Estate
The Oak’s – Grand Opening
Northstar Bicycle
Jungle Paradise
Zaxby’s
Chestatee Paint Store
Origami Owl
Angels Party Store – Grand Opening
Wild Birds Unlimited
SAFFT
Nelson Cabinet Solutions – Grand Opening
North Georgia Academy of Martial Arts
Carleyetta’s Closet
Modern Woodmen of America
Ground Breaking
Luncheons
Business After Hours
Ribbon Cuttings
New Members
Over
relocation packets
distributed to new residents in 2014.
emailed newsletters
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News from the Chamber
News from our Members
Upcoming Events
Answered
phone
requests regarding local business
and visitor information
mobile users
web users
pages viewed
Business Directory:
Views
pages viewed per session
Community Calendar:
Calendar events listings
Events page hits
new sessions
total pages viewed
The Office of Tourism Development works
with over 44 local tourism partners to
promote Dawson County as a destination,
resulting in $42.32 million in direct
tourist spending and representing the largest
sector of Dawson County’s economy.
Dawson County
Welcome Center
welcomed
visitors
Due to the taxes generated by tourism
economic activity, each Dawson County
household receives $349.82 in tax relief per
year.
.
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Destination Dawsonville
recipients of monthly
e-newsletter correspondence
Leadership
Dawson
2013-2014
Leadership
Dawson –
Leaders inspire
action in others
The Leadership Dawson Class of 2014 graduated 23 outstanding citizens. The class
will continue the Mission of Leadership Dawson Graduates by going out in our community in
many leadership roles.
Faculty from the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute facilitated the curriculum based
specifically to Dawson County for Leadership Development. An overnight retreat was held at
the Len Foote Hike Inn for a team building and outdoor leadership experience, which set the
stage for the challenges of learning and working together over the nine months.
Problem solving, effective communications, decision-making, leading in conflict
and overcoming barriers to change were some of the sessions. In addition to the Fanning
program, the participants visited the State Capitol, along with Dawsonville city and county
government facilities and heard from officials about the inner-workings of local government.
The class experienced a day of learning the demographics and diversity of our county, a
volunteer expo and class project.
The next Leadership program will begin in August of 2015 with graduation for the
newest class in May of 2016. Leadership Dawson is a program administered by the Dawson
County Chamber of Commerce.
Vision: to cultivate a cadre of leaders who share a desire to advance our vibrant community
Mission: to provide relevant educational programs to inspire & empower citizens to lead
within Dawson County
~Carol Tyger, Co-Chair
Dawson County 2014 Chamber Ambassadors
The Ambassadors are a prestigious group of volunteers who represent, promote, and encourage participation in the Chamber. These
volunteers are integral to daily operations as they assist the Chamber with member outreach and communication on many levels. The Ambassadors
serve as the welcoming committee for new members at ribbon cuttings, networking events and numerous other occasions. They also mentor and
engage new members.
Debi Campbell
BankSouth Mortgage
Denise Legano
BB&T
Stephanie Woody, Chair
Dawson Community News
Angela Harben
KC Fuller & Associates
Melissa Mayton
Dawson News & Advertiser
Connie Baker
Carla Boutin-State Farm Insurance
Jennifer Haezebrouck, Co-Chair
Community & Southern Bank
Steve Melching
Big Canoe HOA/Smoke Signals
Dustin Heard
Northstar Bicycle
Kip Morse
Individual Member
Martha Holbrook
Bank of the Ozarks
Angela Nelson
Liberty Tax Service
David Jordan
Grace Presbyterian
Anthony Penaloza
N GA Academy of Martial Arts
Michele Krumm
Allstate Insurance
Nicole Stewart
Suntrust Bank
PRIORITIES
CHAMBER VIABILITY AND EXCELLENCE
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Continue and expand existing Chamber services,
events and recognition programs to retain existing
members and recruit new members.
Increase non-dues revenue sources.
Maintain financial sustainability.
Provide additional value driven benefits.
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REGIONAL AND GOVERNMENT
PARTNERSHIPS
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MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
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Develop and execute a plan to respond to the needs
of members.
Continue to improve communications with members
and the community.
Increase emphasis on member retention.
Increase focus on business education.
Create Retail Mob program.
Expand current communications with membership
EXISTING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
ADVOCACY
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Create Agriculture Task Force to determine
opportunities to better serve and provide value to that
sector of our local economy.
Introduce programming to better inform voting
population on business related issues.
Advocate on behalf of businesses and appropriate
growth at zoning, city council and county
commission meetings.
Support regional collaboration and partnerships.
Advocate for the Dawson County legislative agenda
addressing federal, state and local issues.
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
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Increase member involvement in school system.
Continue collaboration with the Development
Authority, Lanier Technical College and University
of North Georgia.
Continue to work with Dawson County High School
to present programming that encourages postsecondary education.
Help encourage and find placement for high school
interns at area businesses
Challenge the business community to develop
summer internships and apprenticeships that expose
high school and college students to career
opportunities in target sectors.
2015 Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Brooke Anderson
Etowah Water and Sewer
ex-Officio
Calvin Byrd
Byrd’s Mini Storage –
Dawson 400
Charlie Auvermann
Development Authority of
Dawson County
ex-Officio
Jo Brewer
Northeast Georgia Health
System – Medical Plaza 400
James Bearden
Bearden Funeral Home
Mike Berg
Dawson County Board of
Commissioners
ex-Officio
Carla Boutin, Chair
Carla Boutin-State Farm
Insurance
Tim Costley
Superior Arbor Management
John Drew
The Norton Agency
James Grogan
Dawsonville City Council
ex-Officio
Damon Gibbs
Dawson County
School System
ex-Officio
Christie Haynes
Dawson County
Chamber of Commerce
Tom Horton
Walmart
Blake House
Sawnee,EMC
Steve Melching
Big Canoe
Homeowners Association
Chair-elect
Mandy Power, Treasurer
BB&T
Libby Smith
SleeveCo, Inc.
Carol Tyger
Individuals
Regina Varnado
United Community Bank
Seanie Zappendorf
Discovery Parts, Inc.
S. CHRISTIE HAYNES – PRESIDENT
S. Christie Haynes has served as president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of
Tourism Development since August of 2012. She currently serves on the Dawson County Family Connections
Board, Dawson County Development Authority, the Dawson County Technical Education Advisory
Committee, and the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism. A graduate of the University of
Georgia, Ms. Haynes serves as chair of the School of Public and International Affairs Alumni Board and was
named to UGA’s list of Top 40 Under 40 in 2012. She previously served as president of the Blakely-Early
County Chamber of Commerce where she represented Early County on the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, the Southwest
Georgia Workforce Investment Board, and as vice president of the Plantation Trace Travel Association. She is a graduate of the
Georgia Academy of Economic Development and Leadership Dawson. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Dawson County.
MELISSA MAYTON, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Melissa Mayton joined the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce in December of 2014. She is a graduate of
the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications. Before joining the Chamber,
Melissa worked for the newspaper group Community Newspapers Inc. in a variety of roles from reporter to
marketing, most recently as news editor with the Dawson News & Advertiser. Before joining the Chamber as a
staff member, she served as an Ambassador for the organization. She currently serves on the board of Family
Promise of Dawson County.
BRENDA MASON – OPERATIONS MANAGER
Brenda Mason has served as Operations Manager of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce since
September of 2012. She graduated Lanier Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Business
Administration and Accounting. Prior to joining the Chamber team Brenda was a small business owner for over
15 years owning a retail store, a grading and transport business and a virtual administration business.
SAVANNAH GARRICK – INTERN
Savannah Garrick is a senior at Dawson County High School. Savannah is interning with the chamber through
the work based learning program at Dawson County High School. This year she competed with the varsity
competition cheerleading team. Savannah is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America.
Savannah will attend University of North Georgia in the fall and plans to major in marketing.
The Voice of Business
As your voice, the Chamber represents 338 commercial entities and
35 individuals. From small businesses to international manufacturers,
our diverse member composition includes local shops and major
retailers; as well as institutional firms and service providers. Our
commitment is to advocate for favorable policies and legislation on
important issues, as well as create the best place for business in
Dawson County.
Let your voice be heard. Join us today.
Thanks to our 2014 Sponsors
The sponsorship program provides recognition and additional value for those members investing in the
Chamber at a level significantly above the dues schedule; levels include Chairman’s Club (+$10,000),
Platinum (+$5,000), Gold (+$2,500), Silver (+$1,000), Bronze (+$500) and event sponsors
Chairman’s Club:
Gold Sponsors:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Forsyth
Bronze Sponsors:
Development Authority of Dawson County
United Community Bank
Luncheon Sponsors:
Georgia Power
Northside Hospital Forsyth
Business After Hours Sponsors:
Northside Dawson Medical Campus
John Megel Chevrolet
NOA (No One Alone)
Foothills Community Bank
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Northeast Georgia Health System-Medical Plaza 400
KC Fuller & Associates
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
The Norton Agency
The Outside World
Dawson County Arts Council
United Community Bank
Business After Hours Cash Sponsors:
AFLAC – Sharon Reagan
Anderson Family Medical
Mills Fuel Service
Northside Dawson Medical Campus
The Norton Agency
Women of the Chamber:
Northside Dawson Medical Campus
North Georgia Vein Institute
Northeast Georgia Health System-Medical Plaza 400
Shine Pedalers Metric Sponsors:
Northside Hospital Forsyth (Presenting)
BoJangles (Breakfast Sponsor)
Northstar Bicycle
Townley Portables
Gala Sponsors:
Northside Hospital Forsyth (Presenting)
Foothills Community Bank
North Georgia Premium Outlets
Golf Tournament Sponsors:
Northside Hospital Forsyth (Presenting Sponsor)
NGHS – Medical Plaza 400 (Lunch Sponsor)
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Forsyth (Awards Sponsor)
Dawson Gun and Pawn (Awards Sponsor)
University of North Georgia (Awards Sponsor)
United Community Bank (Hole in One Sponsor)
Hole Sponsors:
AFLAC – Sharon Reagan
AmeriVap Systems, Inc.
Atlanta Gear Works
BB&T
BankSouth Mortgage
Bearden Funeral Home/Dawsonville Monuments
Byrd’s Mini Storage - Dawson 400
Carla Boutin – State Farm Insurance
City of Dawsonville
Covenant Appraisals
Dawson Community News
Dawson Insurance Agency
Development Authority of Dawson County
Digital Interiors
Duplicating Product, Inc.
Etowah Water and Sewer Authority
Foothills Community Bank
Georgia Power
Gloria Wyatt
Gold Creek Foods, Inc.
H & R Block
Heritage Charity Auctions & Awards
John Megel Chevrolet
K.C. Fuller & Associates, LLC
Leon Jones Feed & Grain
Netchex
Premier Landcare
Rushton & Company, LLC
SleeveCo, Inc.
State Farm Insurance – Roger Slayton
The Norton Agency/Kristie Myers
Townley Construction Company, Inc.
United Community Bank
Schedule of upcoming events:
February 20 – Annual Gala
April 23 – Teacher of the Year Luncheon
March 31 – Women of the Chamber
July 25 – ‘Shine Pedalers Metric
Chamber Golf Tournament
Reverse Raffle
December 5 – 3rd Annual Christmas Parade
Reoccurring Events:
Membership Luncheon – 2nd Thursday of each month
Business After Hours – 4th Tuesday of each month
Women of the Chamber – quarterly event
44 Commerce Drive | Dawsonville, Georgia 30534
(706) 265-6278 | www.dawson.org | [email protected]