Business Link Chairman's Column page 2 103rd Annual Meeting & Gala page 4 Economic Development page 5 Upcoming Events page 6 Member Announcements page 10 Small Business of the Month page 11 New Members page 11 Ribbon Cuttings page 12 Leadership Hall page 15 G r e a t e r H a l l C h a m b e r . c o m A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Save the Date APRIL 2011 Tuesday, April 12 Small Business Success Seminar Thursday, April 14 Business After Hours Tuesday, April 26 South Hall Business Coalition The Greater Hall Chamber's 4th Annual Consumers Life Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk Corporate Challenge kicked off in February with an employee fitness training program. Teams and individuals are gearing up for the race at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at Riverside Military Academy. A VISION 2030 initiative, Get Fit Stay Fit promotes health, wellness and fitness among companies and their employees, families and individuals. From small companies to large corporations, the event attracts some 1,500 participants at all levels – from competitive runners to social walkers. Register TODAY... Early registration ($20 per runner/walker) ends on April 6 and then cost will be $25. Register now as an individual or team at getfitstayfit5k.com. The challenge concludes with "Hall County’s Largest Office Party" following the race with awards to the Fastest CEO, the Fastest Corporate Team, the Fastest Community Team, the Most Spirited Team, the T-Shirt Design Contest Winner and awards in several individual categories. Free food and live music by Russell Hall. Contact Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected], or online at getfitstayfit5k.com 4th Annual Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk on April 21 32nd Annual Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament is April 15 Join scratch golfers and hackers alike for the Greater Hall Chamber's Hackers Holiday on Friday, April 15 at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Cost is $150 per player; $600 team (4-some). Fee includes green fee, cart, box lunch and reception. Tournament Chairmen Jay Jacobs, Scott McGarity and Rob Fowler are planning the best tournament ever! There's still time to register yourself or a team. The tournament is sponsored by Charter Business, Jackson EMC, Lafarge Aggregates, Turner Wood & Smith and Turnstile Deli and includes awards in three flights, a Hole-In-One prize, sponsored by First Command Financial and Milton Martin Honda, along with closest to the pin, longest drive, a putting contest and much more. The 19th Hole Re- ception, sponsored by AT&T, with delicious free food and drink follows the tournament at the clubhouse. WIN $1,000 CASH! A Golf Ball Drop Raffle will take place at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club to kick of the 32nd Annual Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament on April 15. A helicopter will drop a numbered ball for each ticket sold! Closest to hole wins! $10 per ticket or 3 tickets for $20. Do not have to be present to win. Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Register for the tournament and the raffle online: greaterhallchamber.com Browns Bridge Road MiltonMartinToyota.com
Transcript
B u s i n e s s L i n kChairman's Columnpage 2
103rd Annual Meeting & Galapage 4
Economic Developmentpage 5
Upcoming Eventspage 6
Member Announcementspage 10
Small Business of the Monthpage 11
New Memberspage 11
Ribbon Cuttings page 12
LeadershipHallpage 15
G r e a t e r H a l l C h a m b e r . c o m
A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Save the Date
A P R I L2 0 1 1
Tuesday, April 12Small Business Success Seminar
Thursday, April 14Business After Hours
Tuesday, April 26South Hall Business Coalition
The Greater Hall Chamber's 4th Annual Consumers Life Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk Corporate Challenge kicked off in February with an employee fitness training program. Teams and individuals are gearing up for the race at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at Riverside Military Academy. A VISION 2030 initiative, Get Fit Stay Fit promotes health, wellness and fitness among companies and their employees, families and individuals.
From small companies to large corporations, the event attracts some 1,500 participants at all levels – from competitive runners to social walkers.Register TODAY... Early registration ($20 per runner/walker) ends on April 6 and then cost will be $25. Register now as an individual or team at getfitstayfit5k.com.
The challenge concludes with "Hall County’s Largest Office Party" following the race with awards to the Fastest CEO, the Fastest Corporate Team, the Fastest Community Team, the Most Spirited Team, the T-Shirt Design Contest Winner and awards in several individual categories. Free food and live music by Russell Hall. Contact Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected], or online at getfitstayfit5k.com
4th Annual Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk on April 21
32nd Annual Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament is April 15Join scratch golfers and hackers alike for the Greater Hall Chamber's Hackers Holiday on Friday, April 15 at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Cost is $150 per player; $600 team (4-some). Fee includes green fee, cart, box lunch and reception. Tournament Chairmen Jay Jacobs, Scott McGarity and Rob Fowler are planning the best tournament ever! There's still time to register yourself or a team. The tournament is sponsored by Charter Business, Jackson EMC, Lafarge Aggregates, Turner Wood & Smith and Turnstile Deliand includes awards in three flights, a Hole-In-One prize, sponsored by First Command Financial and MiltonMartin Honda, along with closest to the pin, longest drive, a putting contest and much more. The 19th Hole Re-ception, sponsored by AT&T, with delicious free food and drink follows the tournament at the clubhouse.
W I N $ 1 , 0 0 0 CA S H!A Golf Ball Drop Raffle will take place at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club to kick of the 32nd Annual Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament on April 15. A helicopter will drop a numbered ball for each ticket sold! Closest to hole wins! $10 per ticket or 3 tickets for $20. Do not have to be present to win. Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Register for the tournament and the raffle online: greaterhallchamber.com
a Legacy 50 years in the making
Browns Bridge RoadMiltonMartinToyota.com
the BeginningIn 1961, Milton Martin gave a new meaning to “customer service” when he purchased a used car dealership in downtown Gainesville. Basing his business on earning his customer’s trust, he began building relationships that would last generations. It is then his commitment to the community began as he promised his customers “Satisfaction Guaranteed”. A guarantee that ultimately became the backbone of his long-standing, community-oriented, family business.
a new DayIn 1970 during a time imported vehicles were not readily accepted, Milton followed his instinct and purchased the Toyota franchise. Within two years, the dealership was relocated to Browns Bridge Road to accommodate the growth. Now it’s the Oldest Family Owned and Operated Toyota Dealership in Georgia.
continued GrowthMilton ingrained a strong work ethic and drive to please customers within the family business. Those cornerstones of Milton’s success are now continued through his sons and grandchildren. Brothers Mike and Ricky now own and operate the business. Growing up in the business, they were able to see firsthand the necessity of upholding the guarantee to the customer to deliver satisfaction.
protecting the FutureWhile the company was built on the principles of honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction, Mike and Ricky further established a standard within the business to secure the future. “Our business truly is a family business. Not because of three generations of Martins, but because my dad taught me long ago the importance of treating our customers like family,” Ricky Martin, co-owner. “The Milton Martin Toyota name has been carried down for a reason. It’s always stood for traditional values, trust and personal attention. It’s our heritage, and that’s why we’re still serving you 50 years later,” Mike Martin, co-owner.
With new industries, new retail businesses and expansions of existing industry in the Greater Hall area, we have much to be thankful. These new jobs will help stimulate the economy by putting friends and neigh-bors to work. Additionally, the Red Carpet Tour®, a Georgia Chamber of Commerce program highlighting Georgia communities, is coming to the Greater Hall area in April and will allow national and international business leaders to tour the area.
Economic development and job creation continue to be a top priority for your Chamber. We continue to provide information that help businesses become more successful. South Hall Business Coalition meetings and marketing seminars continue to be very well attended with many new members and visitors at each meeting. This indicates that your Chamber is offering workshops and meetings on topics that are important to a wide range of businesses in our community. Please continue to share your thoughts on programs that are of benefit to you and your business.
The Healthcare Committee is preparing for the extremely popular Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk Corporate Challenge. Expanding efforts in the area of healthy lifestyles and wellness has proven to be a very well received effort in the Greater Hall community. Come out on Thursday, April 21, join a team or participate as an individual and promote a healthy community.
The Membership Development and Marketing committees have been very busy at work this year reviewing everything from social media, to the new Chamber website, to identifying the best avenues of communication for our members. They are also working to identify the programs that are requested most frequently and add the greatest value to our members.
Chamber members will also be striving to learn more from other communities. As part of VISION 2030, a strategic leadership visit is planned for Cary, NC in June to gather best practices that can be brought back to the Greater Hall Area to continue improving the lives of our members and residents.
If you have a new idea that you would like to share, please let us know. Also, check out the new web-site at greaterhallchamber.com for a complete list of the dates and times of Chamber activities. Get involved with your community and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce today. If you have any questions or would like to become more involved in the Greater Hall Chamber, contact Robyn Lynch at 770-532-6206 or email: [email protected]. If you are not a Chamber member, we invite you to join and be a part of our business networking team! Call Michelle Wiley, Membership Coordinator, at 770-532-6202, email: [email protected] or join online at greaterhallchamber.com.
Marketing & CommunicationsKemie West, Business Link Editor/Consultant
Greater Hall Chamber Welcome CenterRobin Halstead, Manager
(L-R): Dr. Ronald R. Gadbois; Michelle Wiley,Greater Hall Chamber Membership Coordinator;Curtis Martin, Fogo Data Center; Dr. J. Andrew Ramsey, at Business After Hours sponsored by Northeast Georgia General, Restoration and Implant Dentistry. Drs. Gadbois and Ramsey sponsored the event at their clinic in Gainesville. Curtis was winner of the Cash Pot Prize. Don't miss the April 14th Business After Hours at Wilson Orthodontics.
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for both the Small Business of the Year and the Family Business of the Year. The small business award is presented to an outstanding small business and Greater Hall Chamber member with 50 or less employees. The Family Business of the Year is awarded to a family-owned business that has operated for 25 or more years.
Scott and Kay Dixon of Scott's on the Square, an upscale restaurant on Gainesville's Downtown Square, received the 2009-2010 Small Business of the Year Award, while Citisco Food Service Equipment, a provider of commercial food equipment, supplies, bakeware and cutlery was recognized as last year's Family Business of the Year.
A member may nominate their business or another member. All nominations must be received by Friday, April 22.
Award winners will be recognized at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Gala on Thursday, May 12 at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Along with the presentation of business awards, the event will include an elegant dinner buffet, live music and dancing. Other awards presented include the Commu-nity Service Award, the prestigious W.G. Mealor Award and Silver Shovel Awards.
Nomination forms or details: Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Make award nominations and reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com
103rdAnnual Meeting & Gala
Annual Chamber Business AwardsNominations for Small Business of the Year and Family Business of the Year
RecognizingSmall Business of the Year - Family Business of the Year
Silver Shovel Award Winners - W.G. Mealor Award Community Service Award - Long-time Chamber Members
The Board of Directors of the Greater Hall Chamber of CommerceChairman Darrell Snyder, Chairman-Elect Jay Jacobsand President CEO Kit Dunlap invite you to celebrate
Gainesville-Hall County's success over the past year at the
103rd Annual Meeting & Gala
Thursday, May 12, 20116:30 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Country Club
Black Tie OptionalCocktails 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Program 7:00 p.m. Reservations Required Robyn Lynch - 770-532-6206Email - [email protected] - GreaterHallChamber.com
Outdoor ReceptionElegant Buffet DinnerJazz Music & Dancing
Open Bar$75 per person
$125 couple$1000 Table Sponsorship
Sponsored by
During these challenging economic times, it’s im-portant to know what the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is doing to increase the value of member-ship. With a staff of 12 professionals and hundreds of volunteers, your Chamber continues to work to make our community a great place to live and do business.
The Greater Hall Chamber will continue to ensure that your membership investment is being well utilized and providing the maximum benefit that you expect. We are focused on providing valuable programs and ser-vices that give businesses the tools and resources to do more than just survive. Our mission is to provide real value to your business.
If you're reading this and not a member, we hope you'll join us and invest in your business growth and the com-
munity in which you live and do business. If you are already a member, we hope you are taking advantage of what you've helped to create, and we look forward to our continued partnership. While your Chamber works tirelessly to promote mem-bers with resources and referrals, your membership also boosts your community image and increases sales. National surveys continue to confirm that consumers are 63% more likely to buy from Chamber members.
The greatest benefits of Chamber membership include networking opportunities, community involvement, image enhancement, political advocacy, information ac-cess, and heightened credibility. Most of the dozens of programs we offer annually are focused on these areas. Now is the time to make an extra effort to attend every seminar, networking opportunity and take advantage of membership! (See page 6 for upcoming meetings and events.)
All we do could not be accomplished without the voluntary investments of our members. And, as a non-profit, all of our revenue is re-invested back into member-ship and community development programs. I hope you will take time to explore and discuss the many opportunities to become engaged with your Chamber. Let us help you add real value to your business.
More information about the Chamber, upcoming programs and news and events can be found on our new, interactive website – greaterhallchamber.com
Providing Real Value to Business
Kit DunlapPresident & CEOGreater Hall Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Hall Chamber's recent South Hall Marketing Workshop was presented byDavis White (left) and Robby Monk of Full Media,a Gainesville-based website design and internet marketing firm. The workshop, held at Spout Springs Library in South Hall, focused on helping small businesses use social media to their advantage. The workshop also provided practical tips and tools for marketing in today’s marketplace. For information on this and other membership programs, contact Greater Hall Chamber Membership Coordinator Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. greaterhallchamber.com
South Hall Marketing Workshop
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(L-R): Greater Hall Chamber Chairman Elect Jay Jacobs, Jacobs Media; Chamber Chairman Darrell Snyder, Georgia Power; Todd McDuffie, GDOT District Engineer;Vance Smith, GDOT Commissioner; Emily Dunn, GDOT Transportation Board 9th Congressional District; Todd Long, GDOT State Director of Planning; Kit Dunlap,President & CEO, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce; Tom Oliver, Chairman, Hall County Commission; Carl Rogers, State Representative. State Planning Director Todd Long spoke to the Greater Hall Chamber transportation forum audience about potential revenue from a regional one-percent sales tax voters must approve next summer. Without the new tax, dwindling state and federal motor fuel tax revenues might be enough to support highway maintenance, but no new projects. District Engineer Todd McDuffie noted an improved road surface project begins in July on the Highway 365 four lane, a 20-mile stretch to Habersham County from Highway 52 in Hall County. The transportation forum was sponsored by Rochester, McDonald's and The Times.
GDOT Transportation ForumMacon, Georgia-based C&P Restaurant Company announced the groundbreaking of its newest Cheddar’s Casual Café in Gainesville. The restaurant is expected to open this summer and will be the seventh Cheddar’s in Georgia. The new location will employ approximately 150 people with a payroll of over $1.2 million. Cheddar’s is the newest business to locate in the Beechwood Crossing Shopping Center on Dawsonville Highway following Olive Garden’s ground breaking in January 2011. The development is being marketed by Trivest Real Estate.
"We are very excited to be coming to the Gainesville area and look forward to serving our delicious food to the good folks in this community,” said restaurant owner Allen Peake. “If local residents haven't seen our generous portions, incredible prices, and wide variety of menu selection, I can assure you they will be pleasantly surprised."
“The new Cheddar’s will have an immediate impact on the local economy; first with construction jobs and then with full-time employment opportunities,” said Tim Evans, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Hall Chamber. “Cheddar’s will compliment our existing retail businesses by drawing people from around the region. The new restaurant caps a number of recent retail successes in the area, including JoAnn Fabric & Crafts, ALDI grocery, Olive Garden, The Children’s Place, Michael’s and ULTA.” cheddarsgeorgia.com
Cheddar's to Open in Gainesville
Red Carpet Tour Visits Hall CountyGeorgia’s Red Carpet Tour is one of the country’s pre-mier economic development marketing initiatives with the express purpose of attracting national and interna-tional companies considering relocating or expanding their businesses in Georgia. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce began the tour to entice further locations and expansions for the economy in the State of Georgia.
The 52nd Annual Red Carpet Tour will visit Gaines-ville-Hall County on April 7-9. Hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Allies, 70 pros-pects and state hosts will visit specific area venues.
Guests will arrive on April 7 at Lake Lanier Islands Re-sort for a leisurely evening on the shores of Lake Lanier.
On Friday, April 8, a breakfast will be held at Chattahoochee Country Club with area industry leaders including representatives from Elan Drug Technologies, King's Hawaiian, and ZF Wind Power. Lunch at Jaemor Farms will feature live acoustic entertainment and a fried chicken lunch followed by a homemade Jaemor peach pie! Guests choose their afternoon venture from the zip lines at North Georgia Canopy Tours to race car driving at Road Atlanta by Skip Barber Racing. Golf at Legacy on Lanier or relaxation on a houseboat on Lake Lanier are other options. Local hosts greet guests at a reception and outdoor dinner at Legacy Pointe Pavilion with an ad-dress from John Addison of Primerica and live music. Guests depart on April 9 and travel to Augusta where the Red Carpet Tour concludes at The Masters.
The Gainesville-Hall County Host Committee includes co-chairs R.K. Whitehead,Whitehead Die Casting, and Denise Deal; Doug Carter, Don Carter Realty; Sam Hulsey, United Community Bank; David Sargent, Georgia Mountains Regional Com-mission; Lynn Carter, Carter Chiropractic; Melissa Tymchuk, Northeast Georgia Health System; David Lee, Jackson EMC; Spence Price, The Adams Companies; Dixie True-love, Truelove Dairy; Brent Hoffman, Prudential Georgia Realty; Chris Braswell, PB Properties; Darrell Synder, Georgia Power; Russell Vandiver, Lanier Technical College;Kit Dunlap, Tim Evans and Shelley Davis, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, April 6Healthcare Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber
Wednesday, April 6Leads Group11:30 a.m. – Turnstile Deli
Tuesday, April 12Small Business Success Seminar"Implications of Healthcare Reform for Small Business" presented by PhaedraCorso, UGA College of Public Health7:45 - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, April 12VISION 2030 Executive Committee11:30 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, April 12Ambassadors Council3:45-4:45 p.m. – Scott's on the Square
Wednesday, April 13Network Over Coffee8:30 -9:30 a.m. – Shane's Rib Shack in Flowery Branch
Wednesday, April 13Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Corporate Challenge Committee9:00 a.m. – Chamber
Wednesday, April 13Human Resource Council11:45 a.m. – Luna's Restaurant
Thursday, April 14Leadership Hall Wrap-up Retreat7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m – Riverside Military Academy
Thursday, April 14Business After Hours4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Wilson Orthodontics in Gainesville
Friday, April 15Economic Development Council7:30 a.m. – Chamber
Friday, April 15Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament10:00 a.m. – Lake Lanier Islands Resort
Tuesday, April 19Youth Leadership Hall 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Chattahoochee Country Club
Wednesday, April 20Issues Committee8:00 a.m. – Chamber
Wednesday, April 20Leads Group11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Turnstile Deli
Wednesday, April 20Environmental Sustainability Forum6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Featherbone Communiversity
Thursday, April 21Chamber Executive Committee11:30 p.m. – Chamber
Thursday, April 21 Consumers Life 4th Annual Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Run-Walk 6:00 p.m. – Riverside Military Academy
Friday, April 22Environmental Management 8:30 a.m. – Chamber
Tuesday, April 26South Hall Business Coalition"South Hall Update" presented by city managers Stan Brown, Oakwood; BillAndrew, Flowery Branch; Jennifer Dees, Braselton; Bryan Kerlin, Buford8:00-9:00 a.m. – Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands Resort
Tuesday, April 26Youth Leadership Hall Final Programand Graduation8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Montara Farm
Wednesday, April 27Network Over Coffee8:30 -9:30 a.m. – Longstreet Cafe
Friday, April 29Membership Seminar: “How to Get the Most from Your Chamber Membership”8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Chamber
Friday, April 29Chamber Board of Directors(NOTE Date Change from Thursday)12:00 p.m. – Gainesville Civic Center
MAY 2011
Friday, May 6Leadership Hall County Alumni Party & Class Graduation7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. – Poolside at the Chattahoochee Country Club
Thursday, May 12103rd Annual Meeting & Gala6:00 p.m. – Chattahoochee Country Club
Get info on these and other Chamber events online: GreaterHallChamber.com
Tuesday, April 127:45 - 9:00 a.m. Greater Hall Chamber of CommerceSponsored by United Community Bank Free for Members; $15 Non-Members
Implications of Healthcare Reform for Small BusinessesPhaedra Corso, PhD, MPA, Associate Professor of Health Policy
Thursday, May 126:00 p.m. Cocktails: 7:00 p.m. DinnerChattahoochee Country Club$75 per person; $125 Couple; $1,000 Table SponsorshipSponsored by AT&T, Georgia Power, Lake Lanier Islands ResortOutdoor Cocktails • Annual Business Awards • Buffet Dinner • Music • Dancing
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 103rd Annual Meeting & Gala includes an outdoor cocktail party, an elegant buffet dinner, music and dancing. Annual Business Awards will be presented as well as recognition for long-standing Chamber members.
Details: Robyn Lynch, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected] Make your reservations online: greaterhallchamber.com
103rd Annual Meeting & Gala
Thursday, April 144:30 - 6:30 p.m. (new time!)Sponsored by Wilson Orthodontics1220 Sherwood Park Drive in Gainesville$5 Chamber Members • $15 Non-Members • Cash Pot Prize!
What'll Ya Have... Don't miss the opportunity to meet friends and enjoy great food from The Varsity with live music by Ryan Casper at the newly renovated office of Wilson Orthodontics. There will be the usual Cash Pot Prize and other giveaways including a weekend mountain cabin getaway on the Toccoa River in the North Georgia Mountains compliments of Corner Drugs. WilsonBraces.com
the BeginningIn 1961, Milton Martin gave a new meaning to “customer service” when he purchased a used car dealership in downtown Gainesville. Basing his business on earning his customer’s trust, he began building relationships that would last generations. It is then his commitment to the community began as he promised his customers “Satisfaction Guaranteed”. A guarantee that ultimately became the backbone of his long-standing, community-oriented, family business.
a new DayIn 1970 during a time imported vehicles were not readily accepted, Milton followed his instinct and purchased the Toyota franchise. Within two years, the dealership was relocated to Browns Bridge Road to accommodate the growth. Now it’s the Oldest Family Owned and Operated Toyota Dealership in Georgia.
continued GrowthMilton ingrained a strong work ethic and drive to please customers within the family business. Those cornerstones of Milton’s success are now continued through his sons and grandchildren. Brothers Mike and Ricky now own and operate the business. Growing up in the business, they were able to see firsthand the necessity of upholding the guarantee to the customer to deliver satisfaction.
protecting the FutureWhile the company was built on the principles of honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction, Mike and Ricky further established a standard within the business to secure the future. “Our business truly is a family business. Not because of three generations of Martins, but because my dad taught me long ago the importance of treating our customers like family,” Ricky Martin, co-owner. “The Milton Martin Toyota name has been carried down for a reason. It’s always stood for traditional values, trust and personal attention. It’s our heritage, and that’s why we’re still serving you 50 years later,” Mike Martin, co-owner.
a Legacy 50 years in the making
Browns Bridge RoadMiltonMartinToyota.com
the BeginningIn 1961, Milton Martin gave a new meaning to “customer service” when he purchased a used car dealership in downtown Gainesville. Basing his business on earning his customer’s trust, he began building relationships that would last generations. It is then his commitment to the community began as he promised his customers “Satisfaction Guaranteed”. A guarantee that ultimately became the backbone of his long-standing, community-oriented, family business.
a new DayIn 1970 during a time imported vehicles were not readily accepted, Milton followed his instinct and purchased the Toyota franchise. Within two years, the dealership was relocated to Browns Bridge Road to accommodate the growth. Now it’s the Oldest Family Owned and Operated Toyota Dealership in Georgia.
continued GrowthMilton ingrained a strong work ethic and drive to please customers within the family business. Those cornerstones of Milton’s success are now continued through his sons and grandchildren. Brothers Mike and Ricky now own and operate the business. Growing up in the business, they were able to see firsthand the necessity of upholding the guarantee to the customer to deliver satisfaction.
protecting the FutureWhile the company was built on the principles of honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction, Mike and Ricky further established a standard within the business to secure the future. “Our business truly is a family business. Not because of three generations of Martins, but because my dad taught me long ago the importance of treating our customers like family,” Ricky Martin, co-owner. “The Milton Martin Toyota name has been carried down for a reason. It’s always stood for traditional values, trust and personal attention. It’s our heritage, and that’s why we’re still serving you 50 years later,” Mike Martin, co-owner.
• Jullie King, director of human resources and community development at The Long-street Clinic, was re-elected to the Board of Directors for the Georgia Breast Cancer Co-alition Fund, a leader in state and national legislative advocacy efforts to ensure access to medical treatment for those diagnosed with breast cancer. King is a member of the Chamber's Healthcare Committee, Human Resources Council and Marketing Council. longstreetclinic.com• The Northeast Georgia Medical Center's Imaging Center Braselton received the Ex-cellence through Insight patient satisfaction award as the “Outpatient Radiology/Im-aging Unit for 2010” from HealthStream Research. nghs.com• The Georgia General Assembly presented a resolution recognizing Milton Martin Toyota's 50th Anniversary. In 1970, Milton Martin purchased Gainesville's Toyota franchise, which remains Georgia's oldest Toyota dealership. miltonmartintoyota.com• Hall County is building three competition baseball fields at Cool Springs Park. The turf fields are funded by Special Purpose Lo-cal Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST) collected from 2004-2009 for a North Hall area park. hallcounty.org• Acclaimed artist Gregg Kreutz will be in-structing on the topic of portraiture and still life in oil for a 4-day workshop, May 19 – 22 at the Quinlan Arts Center. The painter
and author has received numerous awards for his art and is represented by galleries from New England to the Southwestern United States. quinlanartscenter.org• EnviroShare is a voluntary county-wide environmental management system that unites local governments, industries, non-profits and citizens. Interested in serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee? Contact EnviroShare Coordinator Rick Foote at 770-535-8284 or [email protected]• Gainesville Theatre Alliance performs Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream at the Ed Cabell Theatre at Gainesville State College, April 12-23 at 7:30 pm, plus 2:30 pm matinees on April 17 and 23. Tickets: 678-717-3624. gainesvilletheatrealliance.com• Gateway Domestic Violence Center's 5th Annual Gateway to Hope is Friday, May 13, 7:00 pm at Brenau University's Yonah Hall with wine tasting, fine foods, live mu-sic, and spectacular silent and live auctions. Funds raised help provide services to more than 1,000 women and children annually who are fleeing abuse. $75 per person. 770-539-9080. gatewaydvcenter.org• The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved Gainesville State College with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology degree (with a sec-ondary teacher certification track) to satisfy demand for science teachers and entry-level biology graduates. gsc.edu
• “Murder in Crooke’s Crossing” a mystery dinner theatre benefiting Friends of the Hall County Library is Friday, April 15 at the Spout Springs Library. Dinner by Friends Café at 6:30 pm followed by the interactive mystery with "suspects" Phil Niekro, Flowery Branch Mayor Mike Miller and Oakwood City Councilman Sam Evans. Tickets $35 each; $60 couple. Friends of the Hall County Library receive 10% discount. 770-532-3311x134 or email [email protected]• UGA's Small Business Development Center's Gainesville Office offers "Start-ing a Business: Q & A" on April 13, 5-7 pm. Free and open to the public. To register, call 770-531-5681. georgiasbdc.org• Jazzercise Gainesville and Braseltonrecently joined forces with the Susan G. Ko-men mission for the annual Jazzerthon for the Cure, raising $198,000 to support breast cancer detection/survival. jazzercise.com • Elachee Nature Science Center's annual spring benefit, Flights of Fancy, is Friday, May 6, 6:30-9:00 pm with craft beer, out-door dinner and music by Mary Jennings, Gainesville-native and accomplished NYC based singer-songwriter. Auctions include unique birdhouses, garden sculptures, whimsical yard art, all donated by local artists and friends of Elachee. Tickets, $40. Elachee, the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and the UGA Coopera-
tive Extension Service, now offer the Geor-gia Master Naturalist Program, weekly with environmental topics on Thursdays, 1:00-5:30 pm. 770-535-1976. elachee.org• The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia's 20th annual Mutt Strut 5K is Sunday, April 17 at the American Legion Gainesville Post, 2342 Riverside Drive with a 1 Mile Walk (vaccinated pets welcome) at 2 pm and 5K at 2:30 pm. Register online at active.com or download the race form at hsnega.org. 770-532-6617.• M3 Hotel Accounting, an internet-based accounting and payroll service, announced that Brad Hoover has joined the Gainesville hotel accounting software company as Di-rector of AccKnowledge Sales. m3as.com
Business After HoursMembers of the Greater Hall Chamber Ambassadors Councilat Business After Hours at Rubicon Lakefront Offices. (L-R, Front Row): Megan Martin,American Security Shredding; Mary Meadows, The Norton Agency; Bill Kokaly,Capital Data Service;Andrea Brock, AFLAC.(Back Row): Jeff Allen,CT Solutions; Charles White; Susan Williams,Peach State Bank; Dave
Simpson, Simpson Custom Photography; Michelle Wiley, Greater Hall Chamber. The Ambassadors are the Chamber's official hosts, meeters and greeters, at Chamber ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, and other membership events. (Left) Roxann Bradford, RN, Director of Clinical Services, Affinis Hospice, was winner of the Cash Pot Prize, and Joseph Wyant was doorprize winner of a gift certificate to Recess Southern Gastro Pub at Business After Hours. The event was hosted by Rubicon Lakefront Offices and Recess. Don't miss the April 14th Business After Hours at Wilson Orthodontics in Gainesville with food from The Varsity, live music and fantastic door prizes including a mountain getaway trip.
Thank You Sponsors!Hackers Holiday Golf Tournament
Friday, April 15 • Legacy on LanierSign up online: greaterhallchamber.com
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Welcome New MembersAlpaca 4 Baby, Inc.Caroline Mixon5166 Union Church RoadFlowery Branch, GA 30542(770) 967-4041Farmer - Alpacas alpaca4babynetwork.comSponsor: Philip Wilheit
Card Control Systems, Inc.Bill FortunePost Office Box 1304Oakwood, GA 30566(770) 538-0008Business Servicecardcontrolsystems.com
Choice MaintenanceJim RizqallahPost Office Box 6766Gainesville, GA 30503(678) 858-5105Maintenance Service Provider choicemaintenance.com
Comfort Inn & SuitesHusein Khimani4951 Bristol Industrial WayBuford, GA 30518(678) 730-5050Hotelchoicehotels.com
Cheryl West1151 East Lake DriveGainesville, GA 30506(770) 531-4404Individual Member
To join the Greater Hall Chamber or for details on membership benefits, contact Michelle Wiley at 770-532-6206. Email:[email protected]. Join online: greaterhallchamber.com
Small Business of the Month Montara Farm in Clermont
Leadership Hall County participates in a team building exercise at Montara Farm in Clermont.
Trish Stump and Larry Becker, owners of Montara Farm.
Founded in 1995, Montara Farm is the Chamber's Small Business of the Month. Montara Farm is a center for equine-assisted learning and team development. Larry Becker and Trish Stump used a combined 30 years of corporate experience to develop the innovative outdoor learning program. With an MBA, Larry retired to the farm after many years as an executive in sales for information technology companies. Trish also has an MBA and a career in social work, civil rights enforce-ment, training and development. With a love for horses and wide-open spaces, Trish began to plan Montara Farm, an experience that would combine her love of horses, country life and unique solutions for organizations. With hundreds of acres of mountain view land in Clermont, the program helps build better organization teams and discover leaders. Montara is a working farm growing blueberries, fruit, and hay. The saddle club has 24 horses with miles of trail rides. Montara Farm, 6749 Stringer Road, Clermont, GA 30527. 770-983-0503. montarafarm.com
Amanda Kroll McClure(left), Executive Director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center with Merrye Watts (back) and students from her Enota Elementary School 3rd grade class, winners of the “Come Play with Clay! Mud and Ice Cream Party" at the Quinlan. In collaboration with the Greater Hall Chamber, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center is now part of the Partners in Education program as a partner-at-large with Gainesville City Schools. The Quinlan is providing free, incentive-based field trips to the class from each of the city elementary schools that has the best attendance in the first semester of the year. The class selected from each elementary school receives an “Arty Attendance Party.” Students are instructed by a group of Quinlan teachers and complete an art project with ice cream treats donated by Truelove Dairy. “It was such a neat surprise to see that we had won the attendance award, and all 25 of my students were so excited," said Watts. We are so grateful to the Quinlan, its staff, wonderful volunteers and donors who all helped make this happen for us.”
Todd Hicks, Dollar Wise President & CEO, cuts ribbon to celebrate the opening of Dollar Wise Discount Grocery in Downtown Gainesville. The store offers discount prices on every day grocery needs with overstock bargains. Dollar Wise Discount Grocery, 528 Bradford Street in Gainesville. 770-533-9473.
Dollar Wise Discount Grocery
Anita Deraney cuts ribbon for the opening of Summer’s Landing at Limestone, a new assisted living facility in Gainesville. Accommodations, programs, and services are designed with the needs of senior adults and their loved ones in mind providing assistance with activities of daily living to special personal care for those living with Alzheimer's or Dementia. Summer's Landing at Limestone, 2030 Windward Lane, Gainesville, GA 30506. 678-524-6390. summerslandingatlimestone.com
Summer's Landing at LimestoneRyan Sawyer cuts ribbon as Biotrauma, Inc. celebrates its opening at Featherbone Communiversity. Biotrauma, founded by Ben Lichtenwalner and Sawyer, both U.S. Marines serving in Mortuary Affairs in Iraq, has become a nationwide leader in biohazard cleanup methods in a few short years. Biotrauma, 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville. 866-435-7704. biotrauma.com
Biotrauma, Inc.
Cherie Bates cuts ribbon for ServiceMaster Clean, a trusted name in cleaning carpets in residential and commercial properties for over 50 years. The opening of Gainesville's ServiceMaster by Twins, Alford family-owned and headquartered in Rome, GA, offers Hall County a high level of customer service, experience, equipment and highly skilled technicians. Along with cleanup work, ServiceMaster by Twins also instructs insurance agents and adjustors in state approved continuing education classes on mold remediation, flood insurance, fraud, ethics, water damage mitigation, smoke and odor removal and restorative structural drying. ServiceMaster Clean, 770-536-6858. servicemastertwins.com
ServiceMaster Clean
Congressman Tom Gravesheld an open house and ribbon cutting at his Gainesville office, 311 Green Street, on the anniversary of Washington’s birthday. The event was well attended, as Graves met with constituents and tours of the office were given by his staff. The Congressman has a second office in Dalton to help support the 15 counties within the 9th Georgia District. 770-535-2592.
U.S. Congressman Tom Graves
Sweet Monkey Frozen YogurtAileen Paskoff cuts ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new Sweet Monkey Frozen Yogurt located on Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville. The yogurt shop offers over 50 different flavors and over 100 toppings! Sweet Monkey Frozen Yogurt, 821 Dawsonville HighwayGainesville, GA 30501. 678-450-7122. sweetmonkeyfrozenyogurt.com
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Hall County Home Values Recognized NationallyHall County leads the nation in home value apprecia-tion and single-family home sales, according to a CBS Moneywatch study of U.S. metropolitan areas with the biggest gains in home value appreciation. Gainesville-Hall County ranked a strong second among all metro areas. Data for the study was gathered from Zillow.com and measured the percentage gain or loss in year-over-year home values through the end of the fourth quarter 2010. The biggest winners with the highest year-over-year home value gain include:
1) Ann Arbor, MI (Gain: 11.3%) 2) Gainesville, GA (Gain: 8.4%)
3) Honolulu, HI (Gain: 4%)
The CBS Moneywatch study followed recent data compiled by The Norton Agency that Hall County outperformed the US, Georgia and all our neighboring counties with a 9.7% increase in the number of single family home sales from 2009 to 2010.Gainesville Mayor Ruth Bruner said today she is pleased and encouraged by the report, “This is excel-lent news for our real estate market. This article confirms that Gainesville is not experiencing the same plummeting values as so many other cities around the country. Hopefully, as people see the report, they will want to know more about our city,” Bruner said.
Increasing home sales and home value appreciation are positive indicators of other economic activity to come. “The growth in Hall County home sales and appreciation are bellwether indicators for retailers and restaurants that follow rooftops,” said Tim Evans, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. “It affirms that Hall County is a long-term growth market that will support additional retail and services for this growing commu-nity as well as the region. This growth is all the more remarkable because it was achieved despite a challeng-ing U.S. housing market,” Evans said.
The Hall County Environmental Management System (EvMS) is holding a free, public forum on Wednesday, April 20, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Featherbone Communiverity. Sustainability in Business Forum: People, Profit, Planet is a joint venture between sister cities, LaGrange-Troup County and Gainesville-Hall County, and features a distinguished panel of experts exploring how businesses and industry can go green and remain profitable: Jim Hartzfeld,Managing Director, InterfaceRAISE, a corporate consulting resource; Elizabeth Umberson, President,
ZF Wind Power; William Silva, President & CEO, United Renewable Energy, a widely recognized expert on solar power; Dr. Carol Couch, Senior Public Service Associate, UGA College of Environment & Design, former director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division; and Forum Moderator Dr. Maria Zayas, Chair, Sustainability Initiatives, Brenau University.
A reception, including a light buffet supper, will be held at the Manufacturing Development Center Rotunda, 999 Chestnut Street in Gainesville at
6:00 p.m. The panel discussion begins at 7:00 p.m. Sponsors are the Hall County EvMS, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Warren Featherbone Foundation, Lanier Tech Manufacturing Development Center, Brenau University, Elachee Nature Science Center and the Rotary Club of Gainesville. Reservations, 770-535-8284.
Environmental Forum on April 20Sustainability starts with a commitment from the community, businesses and governments to leave this earth better than we found it for future generations...
Thursday, April 216:00 pm • Riverside Military Academy
Register NOW as an individual or a team!GetFitStayFit5k.com
Thank You Training Sponsors: Body Plex, Body Sanctuary, First Baptist Family Life Center, Fit 2 Tri, Frances Meadows Center, JA Walters YMCA, Jazzercise
(L-R, Front): Joyce Stephens,United Community Bank;Jay Kelly, Signs by Tomorrow;Mary Jane Locklear, Cox Communications & Electronics;Patrick LaRocco, Eagle Carpet and Restoration.(Back): Presenter Ron Simmons, UGA Small Business Development Center; Tony Paramore, Gainesville Paint; Charles White, 50 Plus Info. Don't miss the next seminar on April 12 – Implications of Healthcare Reform for Small Businesses – presented by Phaedra Corso, PhD, MPA, Associate Professor of Health Policy, University of Georgia College of Public Health. Details, Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206. Email: [email protected]. Online: greaterhallchamber.com
Small Business Success Seminar
Thank You Sponsors!
Permits Issued - Hall County
Housing Area Permits Feb Feb Jan Total 2011County 2011 2010 2011 2010 YTDBarrow 2 4 3 45 5Dawson 4 1 1 33 5
At the Judicial Program, Youth Leadership Hall heard from Stephanie Woodard, Solicitor General, Northeast Judicial Circuit, about laws that pertain to teens, including texting and drinking alcohol, and Hall County Sheriff Steve Cronic with a tour of the jail by Captain Mark Bandy. The class visited the Hall County Court House, participated in a mock trial, and heard from Lindsay Burton of the District Attorney’s Office. Many thanks to sponsors Brenau University, Randy Smith, Mountain Valley Community Bank and Chick-fil-A of Gainesville.
Youth Leadership learned of the duties of the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), the Gang Task Force/MANS Unit and the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) team.
As part of the Industry Program, Youth Leadership Hall participants toured the walk-in freezer at Stevi B’s Pizza. The class also visited Elmer Truelove Dairy, ZF Industries and ACE Hardware. Many thanks to sponsors John Rutledge, Stevi B’s Pizza and Chic-fil-A Stonebridge Crossing.
Leadership Hall CountyMembers of the Leadership Hall County class traveled to the State Capitoland met our local delegation including Senator Butch Miller, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and State Representatives Carl Rogers and James Mills. Additionally the class listened to presentations by Chris Riley, Governor Deal’s Chief of Staff; Stephanie Carter, Special Assistant for Policy and Projects, GDOT; and Lindsey Thompson, House Messenger for the Speaker. Many thanks to Jackson EMC and David Lee for sponsoring lunch, Adams Data Management, Milton Martin Toyota and Turner Wood & Smith for sponsoring the bus transportation. Leadership Hall's Quality of Life Programincluded an overview of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center by Doug Carter and a presentation by Gordon Sawyer about the rich history of our community and the heritage of Gainesville-Hall County. Tours included Hall County's Laurel Park, the Frances Meadows Center, Gainesville High School, The Arts Council and lunch at Brenau University. Teri Pope, GDOT, gave updates on road construction and budgets. Many thanks to sponsors Rick Walters/Dairy Queen Green Street, Chamber Chairman Darrell Snyder and Brenau University.
Leadership Hall Art Project Winners, as part of The Quinlan Visual Art Center program: (L-R): 3rd Place Spears Mallis, The Longsteet Clinic; Judy Turk, NEGA Health System; 1st Place Tara Richards, City of Flowery Branch; Debbie Mott, Treatment Services;Pyper Macloskie, Children Center for Hope & Healing; 2nd Place Trey Wood, Turner Wood & Smith; Alison Toller, District Attorney's Office.
