2017 ANNUAL REPORT. Chamber of Commerce

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1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Chamber of Commerce

2 Existing Business Support Hosted second Business Expo at Cornelia Community House to support and promote existing businesses. A packed exhibition hall of 46 businesses showcased their wares Business Expo: Exhibitor Nick Frady, Benchmark Therapy explains their services to Whitney Eilers. Hosted a Seminar/Luncheon at the Cornelia Community House to celebrate National Small Business Week. An expert panel shared ideas for marketing, customer service and retail presentation for small business Small Business Week Membership Luncheon Panel Discussion on Marketing, Branding and Customer Service L-R: Rush Mauney, Abby Jackson, Chris Wright, Kelley Herrin, John Herrin and Judy Taylor Co-partner in the Shop Local campaign for Small Business Saturday and with The Northeast Georgian for Hello Habersham (county resource guide). Hosted Existing Industry breakfast meetings, membership meetings with timely topic presentations, and pre- and post-legislative breakfasts to provide opportunities for community to interact one on one with elected officials.

3 Tourism Hosted a community-wide meeting for the State Tourism Product Development Team to present its findings and recommendations from the 2016 visit. As a result, grants have been received and recommended projects implemented. Co-Sponsored and co-partnered with delivery of Habersham s Total Eclipse of the Park in Pitts Park on August 21 - Huge event that brought thousands to Habersham County. Habersham s Total Eclipse of the Park - Pitts Park Working with Banks & Rabun County CVBs and the Banks/Habersham/ Rabun Joint Development Authority to create a GORGEous Mountain Parkway, U.S. 441 North through the three counties. Served on the Habersham County Bicentennial Committee and marketed the event nationally. Served as the marketing point-of-contact for the Committee for Preservation of Georgia s Oldest and one of the 10 oldest white oak trees in the United States located in Habersham County. Marketed Habersham County in statewide and national publications - specifically targeted events and audiences to reach millennials. Administrative Improvements Applied for and received 5-STAR re-accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 5-STAR Re-Accreditation Call from U.S. Chamber of Commerce Initiated and working on new website to be launched before the end of the year or early 2018.

4 Member Initiatives (New) Initiated, trained for, and implemented a SCORE program. SCORE, a national organization of expert volunteers, provides free business mentoring and resources for small business startups and growing existing business. First SCORE mentoring session Working towards starting a Toastmasters Club in Habersham County at the request of Chamber and community members. Member Initiatives Promoted and supported businesses and industries through 10 Business after Hours, a Business before Hours, 30 Ribbon Cuttings; 1 Beautification Award; 4 Professional Women (S.O.A.R.) meetings; 12 Members of the Month plus other initiatives mentioned under different categories. S.O.A.R. - first meeting of 2017 StrengthsFinder 2.0 Supported and promoted member businesses by featuring 36 representatives on Windstream Cable TV Chamber Chat programs; approximately 50 WCHM and WCON Radio programs featuring 2 members each time; 60 or more members featured on the Chamber Connections page in The Northeast Georgian, and countless members in 12 Chamber Member-to-Member ads, 52 newsletters, etc. Supported members through a LEADS group, a small business networking group, a non-profit networking group, and the Northeast Georgia Safety Association monthly meetings.

5 Economic Development The Chamber and Habersham Partnership for Growth/EDC provided a three-industry tour for Ninth Grade Academy teachers and administrators Teacher Tour of Industry Worked with Habersham Central High School, Habersham Partnership for Growth/EDC and local industries to organize an Industry Summit featuring 6 local companies presenting to over 125 seniors about careers in manufacturing Industry Summit at Habersham Central High School Worked with Habersham Partnership for Growth/EDC to implement the program and hire an Executive Director of Economic Development. Habersham Partnership for Growth First Executive Committee Meeting with Tim Lee

6 Education Continued sponsorship of Star Student/Star Teacher recognitions at both Habersham Central High School and Tallulah Falls School. Provided Senior Valedictorian recognitions and scholarships at Habersham Central High School, Tallulah Falls School and Mountain Education Charter High School. Sponsored GOAL Awards for finalists at North Georgia Technical College. Leadership Co-sponsored Youth Leadership at Habersham Central High School. Provided annual graduation banquet and awarded completion certificates. Doubled size of the Chamber Junior Board to 24 to give more students at both Habersham Central High School and Tallulah Falls School the opportunity for this leadership training and career awareness with Habersham companies. Graduated the class of Leadership Habersham and kicked off the 2017/2018 class year of Leadership Habersham with 24 members. 2017/2018 Leadership Habersham (pictured above): Kevin Addis, Heath Barrett, Tim Lee, Tricia Hise, Melany Ward, Abby Jackson, LaQuilla Porter, Scott Smith, Lisa Downs-Smith, Greg Reabold, Richard Funderburk, Shelby Ward, Amy Brown, Craig Beatty, Sherri Whiten, Matt Hayes, Justin Williams, Cameron Lopez, Greg Sprayberry, Vonda Brown, Barbara Kesler and Robb Kiker. Not pictured: Caitlin Woodall, Lindsay Underwood, Donna Meeks, Rick Salemi and Beverly Lucas. Sponsored Habersham County Day at the Capitol. Over 50 Habersham Countians, including Leadership Habersham participants, were recognized in the Senate and House during a legislative session in February. Attendees heard from and interacted with state-wide elected officials during a catered lunch.

7 2017 Directors and President President Chairman Past Chairman Chairman Elect Chairman Elect-Designee Treasurer Agribusiness/Tourism Community Dev./Health/Wellness Exist. Bus.find. Support/Economic Development Entrepreneurship/Small Business Development Finance Governmental Affairs Membership Committee Special Events/ Fundraising Workforce Development/Education Board Advisors Dr. Judy Taylor Larry Peevy Tallulah Falls School David C. Foster Habersham EMC Philip Smith Compass Pest Management Amy Higgins Hulsey North Georgia Technical College Joey Duncan Duncan & Kitchens, LLC Wendy Behrens North GA Shutters & Blinds John Jackson Fieldale Ivy Hall Hall & Co. Amy Higgins Hulsey North Georgia Technical College Brent Edwards GA Power Brian Horton South State Bank Wade Rhodes Norton Agency Sidney Roland Southern Bank & Trust Jack Keener United Community Bank Mike Franklin The Torch Worship Center Myra Chandler Mountain Education Charter High School Judy Forbes Consultant Mike Franklin The Torch Worship Center Wade Rhodes Norton Agency Kelly Woodall Tallulah Falls School Richard Hagler Robert Nichols Guy Rechtoris

8 Habersham Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement Be vital to existing businesses, promote economic development, and enhance the quality of life in Habersham County. The third annual Lake Russell 5K & Fun Run was rebranded to Habersham Freedom Lake Russell. The Chamber developed, marketed and hosted the race at Lake Russell in the Chattahoochee- Oconee National Forest to recognize, honor and pay tribute to the veterans who have given so much for so many. This event raised funds for the Habersham Veteran s Wall of Honor and the Chamber s educational and community projects. Larry A. Peevy, chairman of the Chamber Board, presents the Wall of Honor Board a check for $3,000 from the Chamber from proceeds of the 2017 Run. This was the third annual donation to the Wall of Honor. Habersham Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 366 Cornelia, GA