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

President

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

“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:

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

GLORIA WYATT

CHAMBER

MEMBERS

STRONG

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Chamber Viability

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.

Regional and Government

Partnerships

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.

Small Business Support

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.

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.

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

Creekstone Academy

Dick McNeill

Jydes Family Clinic

Hometown Real Estate Group

BankSouth Mortgage

American Home Mortgage

Jungle Paradise

Fuse Hair Studios

Five Star Architectural, LLC

BK Sports

El Jinete Mexican Restaurant

Morse, Kip

We Be Bouncing

America's Choice Home Loans, LP

Angels Party Store

Papa's Place

Chestatee Paint Center

Bear Ridge Lodge

Protherapy Benchmark Rehab Services

Georgia Crisis Response Services

Capital Electric Company, Inc.

Char's Family Daycare, Inc.

North Atlanta Golf Carts

ANH Collision Specialist, LLC

Edward Jones

Securlock Storage Center

All Animals Veterinary Hospital

North Georgia Academy of Martial Arts

Dawsonville Civitan Club

Events By Dezine

Upper Etowah River Alliance

TEC Drywall, LLC

Mary Kay - Michele Stewart

COSTCO Wholesale

BJ's Wholesale Club

Fajita Grill

O'Reilly Auto Parts

Lanierland Insurance Agency Inc.

Firehouse Subs

Hazelrigs Contracting Services, LLC

COUNTRY Financial

Willow Lake Senior Living

Zaxby's

Origami Owl Independent Director

Serlis, Irene

Abbott Creek Nursery

Nelson's Cabinet Solutions

South Country Homes

Pottery Barn Outlet

Modern Woodmen of America

Gracemont Assisted Living & Memory Care

Alden Trace Apartments

ADP (Automatic Data Processing)

Carleyetta’s Closet

American Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.

Etcon Employment Solutions

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.

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

Ribbon

Cuttings &

Grand Openings

Over relocation packets

distributed to new residents in 2014.

Ground Breaking

Luncheons

Business After Hours

Ribbon Cuttings

New Members

emailed newsletters

News from the Chamber

News from our Members

Upcoming Events

Answered phone

requests regarding local business and visitor information

Business Directory:

Views

Community Calendar:

Calendar events listings

Events page hits

mobile users

web users

pages viewed

pages viewed per session

new sessions

total pages viewed

.

***Most recent numbers from the Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

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.

Due to the taxes generated by tourism

economic activity, each Dawson County

household receives $349.82 in tax relief per

year.

Destination Dawsonville

recipients of monthly e-newsletter correspondence

Dawson County Welcome Center

welcomed

visitors

***Most recent numbers from the Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

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 Denise Legano Stephanie Woody, Chair BankSouth Mortgage BB&T Dawson Community News

Angela Harben Melissa Mayton Connie Baker KC Fuller & Associates Dawson News & Advertiser Carla Boutin-State Farm Insurance

Jennifer Haezebrouck, Co-Chair Steve Melching Community & Southern Bank Big Canoe HOA/Smoke Signals

Dustin Heard Kip Morse Northstar Bicycle Individual Member

Martha Holbrook Angela Nelson Bank of the Ozarks Liberty Tax Service

David Jordan Anthony Penaloza Grace Presbyterian N GA Academy of Martial Arts

Michele Krumm Nicole Stewart Allstate Insurance Suntrust Bank

PRIORITIES

CHAMBER VIABILITY AND EXCELLENCE

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.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

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

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.

REGIONAL AND GOVERNMENT

PARTNERSHIPS

Support regional collaboration and partnerships.

Advocate for the Dawson County legislative agenda

addressing federal, state and local issues.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

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 post-

secondary 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

Charlie Auvermann

Development Authority of

Dawson County

ex-Officio

James Bearden

Bearden Funeral Home

Mike Berg

Dawson County Board of

Commissioners

ex-Officio

Carla Boutin, Chair

Carla Boutin-State Farm

Insurance

Calvin Byrd

Byrd’s Mini Storage –

Dawson 400

Jo Brewer

Northeast Georgia Health

System – Medical Plaza 400

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

B B & 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 | info@dawson.org