A s 2014 comes to a close we can see the signs of economic recovery continue to grow into a strengthening economy. In Forsyth County, our unemployment rate has decreased to 5.4 percent. We saw 23 new and existing companies create 1,047 new jobs and invest nearly $104 million dollars in new capital investment. With the economy in a steady upward turn, now is the time to seize the opportunities that recovery will bring. With your support, we will expand the reach of our economic development efforts. We will provide additional support to the fastest growing industry in our community – healthcare. Now is the time to make additional investments in resources to encourage more visitors to our community by targeting the lucrative amateur sports market. We have made important strides in this area, but there is more work to do and expanding those efforts will yield real economic opportunity for our retail and hospitality industries. Economies are built on relationships and leadership. We are blessed to have both of these in Cumming and Forsyth County. The Chamber is an integral part of facilitating those relationships and fostering strong leaders. Your Chamber is the sole economic development entity in our community. This streamlined approach to serving the needs of business clients gives us a competitive advantage. The partnership with the City, County and School System make us a strong player on a global stage. The Chamber will continue to work with leaders in Cumming and Forsyth County to concenter the process of business interaction with our local government to ensure it is clear to the region and the nation we have the most business- friendly community in the country. Cumming and Forsyth County have already taken strong steps in that direction and I thank them for their continued support. We have opportunities for growth in 2015. While the Chamber is on sound financial footing, the new services will require greater resources. While our membership numbers have recovered from the impact of the recession, we still have opportunities for growth and increasing our market share, especially in healthcare, international business and small business. The Chamber is our venue to channel the incredible collective resources of great business people to create economic opportunity for everyone. The opportunity is what makes us remarkable and sets us apart from so many places around the world. As incoming Chairman, I look forward to working with each of you to expand that opportunity for everyone in our community to reach their potential and achieve more than we could imagine. Horizons A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce January 2015 Prestige Members Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor Taubman Forsyth County Government Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inspiring Smiles Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry Kaiser Permanente jTech Networks The City of Cumming Georgia Power DeKalb Office Lou Sobh Honda 2015: Letter from the Chairman Atlanta Landscape Group Mark Bond, Chairman, Chamber Bd. of Dir.
Transcript
As 2014 comes to a close we can see the signs of economic
recovery continue to grow into a strengthening economy. In Forsyth County, our unemployment rate has decreased to 5.4 percent. We saw 23 new and existing companies create 1,047 new jobs and invest nearly $104 million dollars in new capital investment.
With the economy in a steady upward turn, now is the time to seize the opportunities that recovery will bring. With your support, we will expand the reach of our economic development efforts. We will provide additional support to the fastest growing industry in our community – healthcare. Now is the time to make additional investments in resources to encourage more visitors to our community by targeting the lucrative amateur sports market. We have made important strides in this area, but there is more work to do and expanding those efforts will yield real economic opportunity for our retail and
hospitality industries.
Economies are built on relationships and leadership. We are blessed to have both of these in Cumming and Forsyth County. The Chamber is an
integral part of facilitating those relationships and fostering strong leaders. Your Chamber is the sole economic development entity in our community. This streamlined approach to serving the needs of business clients gives us a competitive advantage. The partnership with the City, County and School System make us a strong player on a global stage. The Chamber will continue to work with leaders in Cumming and Forsyth County to concenter the process of business interaction with our local government to ensure it is clear to the region and the nation we have the most business-
friendly community in the country. Cumming and Forsyth County have already taken strong steps in that direction and I thank them for their continued support.
We have opportunities for growth in 2015. While the Chamber is on sound financial footing, the new services will require greater resources. While our membership numbers have recovered from the impact of the recession, we still have opportunities for growth and increasing our market share, especially in healthcare, international business and small business. The Chamber is our venue to channel the incredible collective resources of great business people to create economic opportunity for everyone. The opportunity is what makes us remarkable and sets us apart from so many places around the world. As incoming Chairman, I look forward to working with each of you to expand that opportunity for everyone in our community to reach their potential and achieve more than we could imagine.
HorizonsA publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
January 2015
Prestige Members
Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor
Taubman
Forsyth County Government
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Inspiring Smiles
Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry
Kaiser Permanente
jTech NetworksThe City of Cumming
Georgia PowerDeKalb Office
Lou Sobh Honda
535_12_tuxedoWearhouse101914
2015: Letter from the Chairman
Atlanta Landscape Group
Mark Bond, Chairman,
Chamber Bd. of Dir.
2 HORIZONS January 2015
Member Spotlight
For almost 60 years, Hayes, James & Associates, Inc. has provided civil engineering, land planning and surveying based on a foundation of excellent service. In 1957, Clarence Higginbotham and Eugene Edwin James formed the land surveying company, Higginbotham and James Mapping Corporation. Their company was the second survey and engineering company to be incorporated in Gwinnett County.
In 1969, the firm incorporated as Hayes, James & Associates after Higginbotham left to become Gwinnett County’s first County Engineer. The Hayes, James & Associates corporate office is located in Norcross. The firm also maintains a location in Blue Ridge to better serve its clients in the north Georgia region. The firm’s current president, Mark Bond, is the 2015 Chairman of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Since 1989, Hayes, James & Associates have continued to expand their services to a variety of market sectors. Their talented staff professionals have successfully guided thousands of diverse projects from concept to construction. The staff maintains a high level of technical knowledge and proficiency through daily work experiences and continuing education. This assures that the engineering documents, surveys and land plans produced by
the firm are of the highest quality.Hayes, James & Associates’
employees take pride in their ability to communicate and work well with people. Their clients include municipal and county governments and residential, industrial and commercial developers. Their knowledge, experience and commitment to service has allowed for success and long lasting relationships. This is evidenced by 22 consecutive years of work for Forsyth County government.
Many of Hayes, James & Associates’ Forsyth County projects were designed to better the quality of life for county residents. Examples of these include the Fowler Membrane
Water Reclamation Facility and numerous recreational parks.
The Fowler Membrane plant project was the first water reclamation facility designed and developed by Forsyth County. Hayes, James & Associates was responsible for program management for the design, construction and operation of this urban water reuse system in Forsyth County with a value of approximately $27,000,000. The firm developed the preliminary design for the 2.5 MGD bio-membrane reactor treatment system and assisted the county in the development of the Request for
Proposals, selection of the Design/Build/Operate firm and contract negotiation. Other duties included the oversight of design 1and
construction activities, review and approval of payment applications and permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Hayes, James & Associates also provided site civil engineering and construction phase services for Central Park, Chattahoochee Pointe Park, the Coal Mountain Park Miracle League Field and others. Additions and renovations were designed at Midway Park, Bennett Park and Sharon Springs Park. In addition to active recreation elements, many of these projects
included passive recreation opportunities.
In addition to the projects Hayes, James & Associates has worked on in Forsyth County, the firm is also a supporter of local economic development and quality of life. The company is a member of the Chamber’s Chairman’s Cabinet, the prestigious Investors Council and has sponsored various Chamber functions such as the Annual Dinner & Celebration and the State of the County Address. The company also supports numerous
charities including the Relay for Life, the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, the Appalachian Children’s Center and the Norcross Cooperative Ministries.
Hayes, James supports Forsyth
Midway Recreation Park
Fowler Membrane Water Reclamation Facility
HORIZONS January 2015 3
Partners in Education
On Monday, December 9, 2014 the community’s
business and educational leaders gathered for the Annual Principal for a Day Luncheon. The event was presented by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
During the month of November Forsyth County Schools’ principals provided community leaders with a unique opportunity to serve as a pr incipal in their schools for one day. The P r i n c i p a l f o r a D a y
Luncheon allowed each of t h e p r i n c i p a l s a n d c o m m u n i t y l e a d e r s t o reunite and reflect on their experiences.
“At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, pediatrics is such a passion,” stated Linda Cole, Senior Vice President of Operations at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “The opportunity to get to go into where they are doing their work every day was such a u n i q u e a n d e x c i t i n g opportunity.”
Business Relationships are Principle for PrincipalsStan Vangilder of Georgia Power and Kelly Mill Elementary Principal, Ron McAllister participate in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta “Cape Day.”
4 HORIZONS January 2015
In-Depth
Resolve to Get the Most Out of Your Membership
T is the season of New Year’s resolutions.
All through January gyms will be crowded but Chamber events should be too because, as I tell many new Chamber members, your Chamber membership is very similar to a gym membership- the value you get is a result of the effort you put in. I frequently tell people that if you visit your gym sporadically you most likely come out feeling tired and frustrated. The same situation is true when utilizing your Chamber membership. You cannot see results until you consistently make the Chamber a part of your business operations. Similar to a
personal trainer, each Chamber member has a personal Membership Services Executive dedicated to helping you reach your professional goals. So this season, along with your other resolutions, resolve to get the most out of your Chamber membership. The first step is to spend some time with your Membership Services Executive putting together a Member
Engagement Plan. This plan will decide how you can best use your budget and time to receive the most value
from your membership.Perhaps the most
unique opportunity the
Chamber offers is for businesses to participate in distinct, community-wide events. Sponsoring these locally-focused
annual events is a marketing tactic that can set your business
apart from the rest. While there are multiple exciting options from the Celebration of Excellence Luncheon highlighting Forsyth County Schools to the City of Cumming Christmas Parade and Jingle Jog, our team regularly advises businesses to focus on the community members each event attracts. Are these people your target audience? Are the other sponsors organizations you want your business to be associated with? A great way to network is to show other Chamber members that your business aligns
behind the same causes they do. Reach out to your Membership Services Executive right away about what event sponsorships could best benefit your business. By the end of February eighty percent of Chamber sponsorship opportunities are sold out for the entire year!
Your Membership Service Executive can
also put you in touch with additional Chamber resources to meet your specific needs. Seeking more one-on-one
networking opportunities? Make a consistent commitment to attend the Chamber’s weekly Power Networking Lunches or monthly Business After Hours and Women Who Mean Business events. Looking to expand your business or obtain free consulting on your business plan? Schedule time with the Chamber’s Small Business Services Center. Interested in becoming involved with county economic development efforts? Consider joining our Chairman’s Cabinet. Resources are available for you to accomplish your professional goals. Dedicate the time and put in the effort to make the most of them.
Finally, let it be known that your business is a part of the Chamber! A great deal of credibility comes with promoting your Chamber membership. Consumers know that you are serious about doing business and supporting our great community.
We focus on helping our members to build, grow and succeed. Make that your goal in 2015 and contact us at 770-887-6461!
By Jimmy Lane, Director of Membership Services at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber members spend time networking at lunch every Tuesday.
Chamber members enjoy networking after hours.
HORIZONS January 2015 5
North Cumming Dentistry
FREE TEETH BLEACHING
With Adult Exam and Cleaning(Call Us for Details @ 470-253-7349)
• MostInsurancesAccepted• EmergenciesandDental
Anxiouspatientswelcomed• FullDentalServices
provided(Callfordetails)
• WeekendandEveningAppointments
• AcceptMedicaidKids&Adults
Welcoming Smiles and Compassionate Care
New Patients Welcome
Dr. Farid Moghaddam, D.M.D.Check us out on @ Facebook.com/NorthCumming
1715 Friendship Circle | Suite 100 | Cumming, GA 30028Phone: (470) 253-7349 | Fax: (470) 253-7352
11077_1_nCummingDentistry112814Horizons
6 HORIZONS January 2015
Month in Review
Cumming Christmas Parade
HORIZONS January 2015 7
Month in Review
L to R: Darren Jackson, Jackie Johnson and Ketna Ghia
L to R: Robin Ralph
and Beth O’Donoghue
December’s Business After Hours was jointly hosted by Keller Williams Realty Community Partners and Digitel Corporation / JTech Networks.
Santa delivered a flat screen TV to be raffled off at the event to one lucky winner!
Business After HoursMingle Jingle
8 HORIZONS January 2015
HORIZONS January 2015 9
High Country Christmas� omas Kinkade Vault
Image sizes: 12 x 18 / 18 x 27 / 24 x 36
Parsons GalleryLakeland Plaza • Cumming
770.888.9924Holiday Hours 9 am-9pm Closed Sundays
www.parsonsthomaskinkadegallery.com
After Christmas Shopping at its Best...
GIFT WITH PURCHASE ALL CHRISTMAS
Receive a $90 Canvas Wrap + $18 Calendar with an limited edition canvas purchase.
30%OFF Excludes limited edition canvas and plates.
Peter Wrobel, M.D.
“You Have Only One Pair of Legs. Trust Them to North Georgia Vein”
Let us restore your leg health and youthfulness!Procedures are covered by most medical insurance plans and Medicare. And you can resume your daily acti viti es almost immediately.
www.NorthGeorgiaVein.comCumming Dawsonville
678-513-1600
10406_1_northGAVein102614_HW
Cumming location is a Med Spa, too!
Do you have Varicose Veins or Spider Veins? Having leg cramps, burning, itching, pain, throbbing, swelling or fatigue?
Introducing Dawn Ferrer, the new PA who will do all
of our aesthetics!Dawn has been in
practice for over 15 years specializing in cosmetic
and plastic surgery including facial aesthetics.
Botox-usually $12 unit now $9 unit Exp. 12/31/14
Juvederm-usually $500 syringe- now $375
Exp. 12/31/14
Latisse 5ml- usually $179 now $149Exp. 12/31/14
Sclerotherapy-usually $328 now $129
Exp. 12/31/14
10 HORIZONS January 2015
Tourism
T he Cumming Annual Christmas Parade was held on December 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. The
parade’s presenting sponsor was once again Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta- Forsyth. The Children’s Ambulance was there to lead the parade down Marketplace Boulevard.
The rain stopped and the sky turned blue just to kick-off the ninth annual Christmas parade down Marketplace Blvd. The Cumming Police Department and all the volunteers made it a successful event each and every year, especially in rougher weather!
Several floats came away as winners: Forsyth County Family YMCA won “Best Overall Float” for the second year in a row, the Girl Scouts won “Most Creative Float Idea,” Moohan Martial Arts won “Most Original Float Idea,” Sawnee Ballet won “Best Use of a Christmas Theme” and Honorable Mention goes to Corner Stone Schools and their marching band!
Another Successful Year of Holiday Cheer
E ach year, real estate expert Frank Norton, Jr.
delivers his economic forecast to Cumming and Forsyth County at a meeting presented by Title Sponsor, Community & Southern Bank and hosted by the Cumming-Forsyth C o u n t y C h a m b e r o f Commerce and the Lanier F o r s y t h R o t a r y C l u b. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Norton’s expectations for 2015 and network with other business leaders.
The forecast will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at the Forsyth County Conference Center, located at 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, GA.
Norton, president of the Gainesville-based Norton Agency real es tate and insurance firm, is known for
giving accurate economic projections on communities across North Georgia.
Norton became president of the Norton Agency in 1997 and today manages a vast n e t wo r k o f a s s o c i a t e d businesses.
He is also widely known for his excel lent market ing strategies and keen business intuition. For the past several years, Norton has outlined growth and business trends for the community in his annual economic forecast. These predictions are based on a wealth of data collected by the Norton Agency’s Native Intelligence Report.
Don’t miss out on this outstanding educational event. Registrat ion is $20 for Members and $30 for Non-M e m b e r s . Vi s i t w w w.cummingforsythchamber.org to register for this event.
The 2015 Economic Forecast Breakfast
For the past several years, Norton has outlined growth and business trends for the community in his annual economic forecast. These predictions are based on a wealth of data collected by the Norton Agency’s Native Intelligence Report.
2015
Frank Norton, Jr.
HORIZONS January 2015 11
Last semester students in the Cottrell MBA pro-
gram at the University of North Georgia (UNG)’s Cumming campus discussed issues from leadership to operations management as a variety of guest speakers brought real business cases to the classroom.
“One of the benefits of exposing MBA students to topics like organizational cul-ture or corporate fraud is that they have a chance to think and talk about the values that they want to exhibit,” said Dr. Wendy Walker, assistant professor of management in the Mike Cottrell College of Business at UNG. “Making these decisions ahead of time, while also discussing and practicing how to deal with the obstacles that can arise in the workplace, can make leaders feel more confi-dent about creating the cul-ture that they think is right for the organization.”
In late October of 2014, the Cottrell MBA program host-ed Aaron Beam during its annual Dinner and Dialogue event sponsored by the BB&T Center for Ethical
Business Leadership. Beam, co-founder and former chief financial officer of HealthSouth, spent three months in federal prison after admitting to authorities that he and other HealthSouth leaders had committed corpo-rate fraud. To prepare for the event, MBA students taking courses in accounting and leadership reviewed business cases in the areas of ethical decision making.
“Integrating business prac-tice and theory through these types of events has a huge impact on learning,” said Donna Mayo, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business. “We believe by partnering with the business community to bring business leaders into our classrooms, we can create stronger gradu-ates and stronger ties with the university that will result in stronger communities.”
Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKeG39-stsA to view a video summary of this event.
Business Leaders Meet with MBA Students
UNG faculty and students pose for a photo with Aaron Beam.
Aaron Beam discusses his relationship with former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy.
Education
Education
12 HORIZONS January 2015
Thank You
HORIZONS January 2015 13
Because ofDANCES�� ���� �r�� �� �i��
CONFIDENCE
3 Convenient Locations!
Buford HighwayElm StreetTribble Gap
Over 10 Years Instructional Excellence!
770-781-4922CummingDanceAcademy.com
14 HORIZONS January 2015
Upcoming Events
• Please visit our Event’s Calendar atwww.cummingforsythchamber.org to see a full list of events, more information and registration.
Key to the eventsMember Power Networking Lunch — Meets every Tuesday at noon at a different location and includes casual networking for 20-35 other business professionals.Business After Hours — Meets the second Tuesday of every month from 5-7 p.m. at a different host location every month. The purpose is networking and to experience new businesses in the community.Women Who Mean Business — Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. This is a specialized networking group of over 50 female business professionals. Join them for breakfast.
928 Market Place770-888-8036
January 6Pre-Legislative Session Breakfast7:30 a.m.; Forsyth Conference Center
January 8Business After Hours-5 p.m.; The Villas at Canterfield
January 13Women Who Mean Business7:30 a.m., Dream Dinners
January 13Member Power Networking LunchNoon; Buffalo’s Cafe
January 27 Economic Outlook Breakfast7:30 a.m.; Forsyth Conference Center
January 27 Member Power Networking LunchNoon; Mia’s Ristorante
HORIZONS January 2015 15
James McCoyPresident & CEO
Randall ToussaintVice President of Economic Development
We’re honored to serve youIt’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover
that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in
Georgia. While people chooseNorthside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.
