horizons june 2014

HorizonsA publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

June 2014

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

Smithfield Farmland

Michael Williams

Lou Sobh Honda

I n January of 2014 the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce launched a strategic plan to

increase the economic vitality of our community. The plan, which is appropriately named “Business First,” seeks to grow the commercial segment of Forsyth County’s tax digest over a five-year time frame. By doing so, the Business First initiative will generate new jobs and new capital investment within the City of Cumming and Forsyth County.

In 2013 the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce successfully participated in 19 economic development projects that are forecasted to generate more than 600 new jobs and nearly $60 million in new capital investment. Since launching the Business First initiative in January of 2014 the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce has participated in ten economic development projects that are collectively forecasted to generate 417 new jobs and $83.4 million in new capital investment.

Chamber Leads the Way in Doing Business

See Chamber page 2

2 HORIZONS June 2014

Economic Development

H ealth care continues to serve as Forsyth County’s fastest growing industry sector. Nationally, the

construction of health care facilities is projected to increase by approximately 5 percent. Locally, the growth of our community’s senior services market is forecasted to bring about the development of several new senior living and care facilities.

Furthermore, recent expansions of Northside Hospital-Forsyth and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will prompt further growth in our community’s wellness sector. During the first quarter of 2014 our community participated in two health care projects that are forecasted to generate $1.2 million in new capital investment.

Home to 8 percent of the region’s data centers, Forsyth County remains a hub for technology companies. In 2014 Forsyth County was selected as the regional headquarters for Whitlock – a global audiovisual solutions provider that specializes in collaborative technology design, integration and managed services.

Our community is home to more than 500 manufacturing companies – including Smithfield, Metcam and Scientific Games. In 2014 the Manufacturing Society of Forsyth County, a business unit of the Chamber of Commerce, partnered with Lanier Technical College to host the 2014 Manufacturers’ Boot Camp.

The organization also partnered with the Georgia Department of Labor to host the 2014 Career Expo – a job fair for technically trained workers. Additionally, local manufacturers such as North Georgia Promotions and Scientific Games expanded their production facilities, thereby creating more than 50 new jobs within Forsyth County.

In the past ten years our community has emerged as a dominant hub for global commerce. Our community’s vibrant quality of life and close proximity to the world’s busiest airport have caused nearly 70 international companies – such as Trox, Siemens, Dieffenbacher and Hansgrohe – to establish multinational offices in Forsyth County and the City of Cumming. In 2014 the Chamber hosted an International Business Roundtable meeting that attracted nearly twenty representatives from multinational corporations.

Additionally, in June of 2014 the Chamber of Commerce’s International Engagement Committee will partner with the French Trade Commission to host a red carpet tour for a delegation of health care and technology companies who are seeking to establish themselves in the U.S. market.

A recent opportunity gap analysis confirmed that Forsyth County’s retail market is currently underserved. In 2014 the Chamber partnered with the City of Cumming and Forsyth County to attract such retailers as Costco, Fairfield Marriott, Aldi, JoAnn Fabrics and a new Kia dealership. The Chamber of Commerce also supported the expansions of such small business titans as Lenny’s and the Law Offices of Steve Leibel.

Our goal is focused. Our mission is specific: Business First. We look forward to serving you in 2014. If you would like to learn more about this initiative please contact the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce at (770) 887-6461, or visit us online at www.cummingforsythchamber.org.

Chamber, from page 1

HORIZONS June 2014 3

Welcome

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H ansgrohe, Inc., is proud to announce it has appointed Erik Christensen as President/GM,

effective April 7. Formerly a Vice President at Armstrong World Industries, Christensen comes equipped with more than 25 years of experience in the building products and flooring industries. Christensen has a proven track record in logistics, operations and sales, including successful establishment of distribution networks in foreign markets and development of strategic plans based on region specific demand.

According to Interim President Sibylle Mair,

“Hansgrohe’s foundation is built on leadership, innovation, dedication and service. It was important to find those core qualities in our next president. We cast a wide net and very carefully reviewed each candidate to ensure that we found just the right person to guide our US team. Christensen’s strong work ethic along with his industry experience and accomplishments in the commercial and residential markets made him stand out from the rest.” Christensen comes to Hansgrohe having worked with some of the most recognized manufacturers in the building products sector.

Welcome Erik Christensen, President of Hansgrohe, Inc.

Erik Christensen


Member Spotlight

Premier Promotions in North Georgia

N orth Georgia Promotions (NGA Promotions) was established in Forsyth County in 2010 and is owned by Shawn and Laura LaFave. NGA

Promotions started in the LaFave’s basement as a way to supply their son’s Scout Troop with caps and t-shirts. Shawn and Laura saw that there was a need in Forsyth County for a company that could provide quality embroidered, screen printed and promotional products at competitive prices.

They decided to invest in additional equipment, move into a retail facility and start marketing to scouts, schools, churches and other small business owners in the community. Over the next three years they continued to grow the business, during what was considered to be a very tough recession period.

On May 1, 2014, NGA Promotions moved into a new facility that is three times larger than the last space the company occupied. With this expansion, Laura and Shawn have invested additional resources into state of the art equipment and training initiatives. The company also hired additional staff to make NGA Promotions the premier promotions company in Forsyth County and North Georgia.

The LaFaves would love to have you stop by their new production facility (located at 4040 Nine McFarland Drive, Suite 1200 in Alpharetta) to see everything they can do for you, your business and organization.

NGA Promotions’ commitment to community extends beyond providing their customers with great promotional items. Shawn is an active Chairman’s Cabinet level member of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce as well as a current member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. He is also a recent graduate of the Leadership Forsyth Class of 2014. Through their professional and personal activities, Shawn and Laura hope to see the small business sector of our area grow and flourish.

“NGA Promotions not only does embroidery and screen printing, we also produce: Banners and Signs, Business Cards and Paper Print, D i re c t To G a rm e n t A p p a re l , Rhinestones and Multi-decoration, Spirit Wear, Team Wear, Sublimation and Heat Applied Embellishment.”

Shawn LaFaveNorth Georgia Promotions

Top left: NGA Promotions’ T-shirts at the annual Boulder Dash race

Left: In addition to its local business, NGA Promotions also provides items for contract projects.

Below:This six-head Baradun Embroidery machine can sew up to 15 colors per design.


The Hemorrhoid Centers of America, directed by Alan L. Goldman, M.D., FACS, focuses on non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment and curing anal fissures. Every year they help thousands of patients avoid painful and unnecessary surgery. There is no longer a reason to suffer from the pain, bleeding, swelling, and itching from hemorrhoids. You can get the relief you deserve today with a quick, effective, painless office treatment. Through the use of the CRH-O’Regan Banding system they treat all grades of hemorrhoids quickly and effectively. No anesthesia is required and you can return to work the same day.

“If I had known how quick and easy this procedure would be I would have done it years ago. Thank you so much. This has changed my life. Thank you Dr. G.”

Dr. Goldman founded The Hemorrhoid Centers of America in 2006. He is the most experienced physician in the United States when it comes to the non-operative treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures. He is a Board Certified Surgeon who now dedicates his practice to help patients avoid surgery.

Free HomeColon Cancer Screening

for the month of March. E-mail [email protected] for more info.

HCA has six offices to serve you;Atlanta, Cumming, Holly Springs, Lawrenceville, Marietta, and Roswell.

Call us at 770-442-3117 or visit us at HCofAmerica.com to schedule

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Month in Review

Representatives from Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry enjoy the displayed equipment from Bluegrass

Materials Company at the post-race, Spring Fling.

Title Sponsor, Northside Hospital-Forsyth provid-ed nourishment to runners at the Spring Fling.

Bruce Longmore and the Lenny’s Sub Shop Cup were on-hand to greet runners

as they crossed the finish line.

Annual 5K-10KBoulder Dash

and Spring Fling


Month in Review

Lynn Jackson delivers Title Sponsor remarks on behalf of Northside Hospital- Forsyth.

L to R: Board of Commissioners Chairman, R. J. (Pete) Amos, Board of Education Chair, Darla Light, President/CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, Michael Paris,

President/CEO of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, James McCoy and Council for Quality Growth Board of Directors Chairman, Brent Reid.

L to R: Inez Silva, Jeff Smith and Jackie Martin L to R: Sean Houston and Beth O’Donoghue

State of the County

Business After Hours


Congratulations!(Now Let’s Celebrate)

Whether you’re planning an intimate rehearsal dinner, or a large reception for

your entire wedding party, we have a beautiful space for your celebration

with exceptional food and wine. Please contact us

and we’ll create every last detail to make your special

occasion… truly special.

The Collection at Forsyth. (formerly the Avenues).678-513-0791.

Chef GregDeMichielCelebrity

Chef. Food

Network. VH1. Bravo

www.siprestaurants.comspringflingSip.indd 1 4/14/14 10:36:13 AM


Economic Development SBSC & WWMB


TourismHCA

T he Healthcare Association of Forsyth County (HCA) will host

its annual Jazz in June event on June 19th at Northside Hospital-Forsyth from 5 to 7 p.m. This year’s event will have a new twist to it, so it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

The mission of the HCA is to expand and strengthen local health care commerce through the combined efforts of physicians, health care professionals, organizations and community leaders. It promotes healthier lives in Forsyth County through advocacy, leadership, education and service.

The association is a collective voice for current health care issues affecting Forsyth County and provides a conduit for information and resources to ensure the highest quality of health care to meet the needs of those living and working in Forsyth County.

If you would like to find out more about the HCA or would like to join, please contact the Cumming Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce at 770-887-6461.

N early 13 children are diagnosed with

a brain tumor every day in the United States, adding to the more than 28,000 other kids coping with one of the deadliest fo rms o f ch i ldhood cancer. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) is on a mission to eliminate the challenges o f t h i s d eva s t a t i n g disease.

For the 31st year, motorcyclists will join the PBTF’s Atlanta Ride for Kids to raise funds for research and family support.

The Atlanta Ride for Kids is Sunday, June 1, at t h e C u m m i n g Fairgrounds. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the ride begins at 10 a.m. The family-friendly event gives local children with brain tumors and their families a chance to have fun and forget about medical battles.

You don’t have to be a rider to join the fun! Come enjoy live music from the Black Cloud B a n d a n d C a r y n Womack, catered lunch from Deep South BBQ, a motorcycle stunt show and more. Go to www.rideforkids.org to register today.

Expanding and Strengthening Local

Healthcare Commerce

Ride for Kids Event Benefits

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Jazz in June 2013


Thank You toAll of the State of the

County Sponsors!

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WelcomesNaomi C. Akita, MD


Member News

S ponsored by State Representative Mark Hamilton, HB 714 passed

the General Assembly during this year’s legislative session and received the support of business groups across the state.

“This new law will create uniformity in administering unemployment benefits across Georgia, ultimately saving businesses $8-10 million annually because of the elimination of a loop-hole that benefited a small group of employers and employees,” said Rep. Hamilton. “The other part of the bill will allow the Georgia Department of Labor to be more efficient in their processing of claims while preserving an additional $80 million annually in the Unemployment Trust Fund. I want to thank all the businesses, organizations,

GDOL staff, my colleagues and Governor Deal for working so hard and for supporting this measure that will continue to help keep Georgia the “Number 1” place to do business.”

Governor Deal signed HB 714 on Thursday, April, 24, 2014 at a bill signing ceremony in the Governor’s office at the State Capitol. “HB 714 sponsored by Representative Hamilton will create an important cost savings for Georgia businesses and will help us keep Georgia number one for doing business,” said James McCoy, President of Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. “On a local level, the bill is important for companies in Forsyth County and ultimately will mean that companies can use the cost savings to create to new jobs and expand.”

Rep. Hamilton’s Legislation Signed by

Governor Deal

New Members

Absolute Association ManagementAcceptance Capital Mortgage LLCAdvanced Laparoscopic Surgery InstituteAIM Primary Care, LLCAllen’s All About Lawn CareAllstate InsuranceAmerican Home MortgageAmerican National InsuranceAtlanta Landscape Group, LLCAtlanta Ride for KidsAtlanta Water LinesBales Capital ManagementBetter Health By DesignBIS Benefits, Inc.Blastec Inc.BusinessInsite, Inc.Carneiro Cleaning, LLCCentury PaintingCGP - Custom Graphics PrintingColliers InternationalCommonwealth Primary CareCompass Relocation GroupConway & OwenCreative Windows by CarolD Cay Group, LLCDayBreak Enterprises, LLCDefinity PartnersEmergency Heating and Air ConditioningEvolve Engineering & Analysis, LLCFirst Citizens BankForsyth Dental TownFull House MerchGeorgia Foothills Hand SurgeryGeorgia Institute of CosmetologyGet2itGlobal Quality Management SolutionsGraBird Software Development, Inc.

Greater Atlanta Oral Facial SurgeryHooves on FireIts LearningJennifer ColosimoJet’s Pizza, LLC - CummingKuck Immigration PartnersLanier Fuller Center for HousingLaw Offices of Mark Weinstein PCLendmark Financial LLCLocal Kitchen and TapLord’s Computer Group Partners IncMace Salon & Co.Maxwell-Reddick and Associates, Inc.Meals By GraceMillie CollierMind Your Culture, LLCMountain Education Charter High SchoolNew Image RoofingPure Barre CummingRE/MAX All PropertiesRyland HomesSAFFT Sip Wine & TapasSoul Shine Marketing Inc.Storey ConsultingSuddath Workplace SolutionsSword & Shield Enterprise Security, Inc.TCD ConcreteThe Old Mill Store -

Community Outreach ProgramThe Pier FoundationTriNet HR CorporationsVirtual Management TechnologiesWeinstock Immigration Lawyers P.C.Wheeler Services Inc.Wholesale Merchant GroupZoom Design

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes

Our Newest Members!


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 events

Member 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.

For more information contact Ryan Garmon at770-205-8960 or [email protected].

HorizonsA publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

May 2014

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

Smithfield Farmland

Michael

Williams Lou Sobh Honda

Keeping abreast of the political challenges

and activities that affect the area and your

business has never been more important!

Network with many of the area’s top business

and political leaders and expand your business

contacts when you attend the 2014 Post

Legislative Session Breakfast, presented by

AT&T on Tuesday, May 6th at 7:30 a.m. at the

Forsyth Conference Center (3410 Ronald

Reagan Blvd. Cumming, GA 30041). This

event is hosted by the Lanier-Forsyth Rotary

Club and all attendees should register with the

Chamber with the exception of Lanier-Forsyth

Rotary Members. Admission is $15 for

Chamber Members and $30 for Non-Members.

Register at www.cummingforsythchamber.org.

Plan to Attend the Post

Legislative Session Breakfast

Calling All Chamber Members!

PUBLISHES4th Friday of every month in the Forsyth County News

and following Sunday in the South Forsyth News

Market Your Business in the Ultimate B2B Publication, Horizons.

May 28Commercial Real Estate Roundtable-11 a.m., Polo Golf & Country Club

June 3Women Who Mean Business Networking-7:30 a.m., The Cupbearer

June 3Member Power Networking Lunch-Noon, Marie’s Italian Deli

June 10Member Power Networking Lunch-Noon, Mestizo Southwest Grill

June 12Business After Hours-5 p.m., Catalyst Physical Medicine

June 17Member Power Networking Lunch-Noon, Wildflower Eatery

June 19Jazz in June5 p.m., Northside Hospital-Forsyth

June 24Member Power Networking Lunch-Noon, Sip Wine & Tapas


James McCoyPresident & CEO

Randall ToussaintVice President of Economic Development

Alex GirrbachDirector of Operations

Laura StewartDirector of Communications & Events

Jason MockDirector of Small Business Services

Anna BarlowDirector of Tourism Development

Jimmy LaneDirector of Membership Services

Jeff TweedMembership Services Executive

Maggie Schmitz, Sherri KlugAdministrative Assistants

2014 Officers Board of Directors

Nelish PatelHampton Inn

Bruce LongmoreLenny’s Sub Shop

Lynn JacksonNorthside Hospital-Forsyth

Shawn LaFaveNorth Georgia Promotions

Tracy MoonFisher & Phillips LLP

Jeff PruittForsyth Conference Center

Bruce HagenauMetcam

John RasperDekalb Office

Bob RussellRussell Landscape

Terry SmithA.C. Smith Poultry Co.

Connie SandersWells Fargo

Bert DurandUnited Community Bank

Ethan UnderwoodLipscomb, Johnson, Sleister, Dailey, & Smith LLP

Pete AmosChairman, Forsyth CountyBoard of Commissioners

Paul ChambersAT&T

Bill CuppAGL Resources

Darla LightChair, Forsyth County Board of Education

Dr. Buster EvansSuperintendent,Forsyth County Schools

Jay RyerseJtech Networks, LLC

Mark BondHayes, James & Associates, Inc.

H. Ford GravittMayor, City of Cumming

Blake HouseSawnee EMC

Jon McDanielForsyth County Public Library

Mary Helen McGruderSawnee Mountain Foundation

Doug DerrerForsyth County Manager

Hon. Phil SmithState Court Judge

David SeagoChair, Forsyth County Development Authority

Dr. Joanne TollesonLanier Technical College

Jen BrunoHansgrohe

Chris StockhoffAnchor Home Mortgage

Walter SearsAlpharetta Children’s Dentistry

Charles BanksPNC Bank

Daniel ShafferSnap Technology, Inc

Derek BrooksBrandywine Printing

Pam BowmanPB Consulting Services

Mike WathenKaiser Permanente

Thom SmithBB&T

Matt McClureBank of North Georgia

Carter BarrettCommunity Business Bank

Kevin GarmonBannister Creek, LLC

Drew WalkerAlliance National Bank

Rep. Mark Hamilton

Rep. Mike Dudgeon

Sen. Jack Murphy

Sen. Steve Gooch

Rep. Geoff Duncan

Rep. Kevin Tanner

Rep. Sam Moore

Ann-Margaret Johnston, Chair,Johnston & Associates

Linda Cole, Past-ChairCHOA

Chris Ethridge, Secretary/TreasurerFrazier & Deeter, LLC

Ex-Officio Chamber Staff

Horizons

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horizons june 2014

Documents

new jobs

new capital investment

new senior living

global commerce

economic development

businesssee chamber

health care projects

economic vitality