October 2009 ChamberLink (Page 1)

ChamberLink
We create the ‘link’ necessary to forge a model community.
Published for the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce by The Daily Citizen.
Local Leaders Share
Community Vision
MAY 2011
2. Chairman's Message
3-5. Feature Story
6. Emerging Leaders Institute
7. Membership Event/
Run for God in Varnell
8. National Manufacturing Summit
9. Chamber Connections
10. Economic Development
11. Leadership Dalton-Whitfield
12. Diplomat of the Month
13. Ribbon Cuttings
14. Morning Mixer
15. Trip to China
16. Member Mixer
17. Welcome Barbara Ward/
Wake Up...Whitfield
18. Spotlight on Business
19. New Members & Updates
CALENDAR
Manufacturing Summit
Thursday, May 19
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
NorthWest Georgia Trade & Convention Center
2211 Dug Gap Battle Road
Tickets to this event are free, but space is limited
Register at www.mfg2011summit.com
Registration is required
Member Mixer
Thursday, May 19
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Julian Peeples Funeral Home- Pleasant Grove Chapel
2801 Cleveland Highway
Free to attend
China Trip Pre-Tour Briefing
Monday, May 23
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn & Suites of Dalton
879 College Drive
Trip dates are October 30 to November 7
Chamber Connections
Friday, June 10
Outback Steakhouse
955 Market Street
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
$15.00 to attend - $65.00 for non-members
$50.00 to exhibit
Member Mixer
Thursday, June 16
Brandon Combs State Farm
236 N. Hamilton Street Unit 1
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Free to attend!
Business Expo & Cookout on the Hill
Tuesday, July 19
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cookout will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
NorthWest Georgia Trade & Convention Center
2211 Dug Gap Battle Road
Free to attend
$200 to Exhibit
Second Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament
Monday, August 8
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Farm Golf Club
187 S. Goose Hill Road
$200 for Individual Players
Sponsorships available!
For more information about the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce please visit our website at
www.daltonchamber.org
Thank you to our 2011 Chamber Program Year Sponsors who help make all of these events possible.
Chairman’s Message
Welcome to the May edition of ChamberLink.
Maybe spring is here at
last!
In this issue are some interesting interviews with our
local elected officials.
We are excited about a
summer of upcoming events
such as the Business Expo
on July 19th. The Expo
theme this year is all about
communications. We’re certain you will want to check
out all of the featured products and services.
The Chamber will also be offering our 2nd Annual
Chamber Golf Classic on August 8th at The Farm Golf
Club. It promises to be a spectacular day of golf and net-
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
890 College Drive, Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 278-7373
www.daltonchamber.org
Mission
To serve as the unified voice of business, to
promote the economic prosperity of the
region and to build partnerships and
leadership that improve the quality of life
while delivering superior member services.
Vision
The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
will provide the leadership necessary to
leverage community resources and build
partnerships that are focused on positive
community growth.
Organizational Priority
Strengthen our ability to marshal the
resources necessary to achieve positive
community growth by focusing on three core
areas: economic development, leadership
development and community development.
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Chamber Link
working, so you want to mark your calendars now to
attend. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the
Chamber Classic. Please call for more information.
As always, you can stay informed about our upcoming
events and purchase your tickets on our website at
www.daltonchamber.org.
Networking in these times is crucial. Chamber events are
great opportunities to make new business contacts and
grow your network. Plan to stay connected during the
summer as we offer you even more exposure opportunities. I strongly encourage you to get to know your fellow
business partners in your Greater Dalton community.
I hope to see you at some of our upcoming events.
Lynn Laughter, Chairman
Executive Board of Directors
Lynn Laughter, Chairman...................Laughter & Jones Financial Management
Joe Yarbrough, Chairman-Elect...........Mohawk Industries
Bryan McAllister, Treasurer-Chairman Elect Designate....Brown Industries
Brian Anderson, President & CEO.......Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
Don Adcock.....................................Adcock Financial Group
Carl Bouckaert.................................Beaulieu Group
Penny Carpenter...............................Morehouse Group
John Davis.......................................Peacock Alley
Kelly Fletcher....................................North Georgia Business Machines
David Gregg, Past Chairman.............Alliance National Bank
David Jolly.......................................J&J Industries
Jim Kortum.......................................Windstream Communications
David Morgan.................................Shaw Industries, Inc.
Jeff Myers........................................Hamilton Healthcare System, Inc.
Rhett Orr..........................................Allstate Insurance
Pablo Perez, M.D.............................Saint Joseph Clinic, P.C.
Dan Rogers.....................................OMNOVA Solutions
Robert H. Smalley III..................................McCamy, Phillips, Tuggle & Fordham, L.L.P.
Andy Walker.........................................Alliance National Bank
Staff
Brian Anderson......................President & CEO
Michelle Bartenfeld.................Membership Account Executive
Elyse Cochran………..............Senior Vice President of Economic Development
Sonya Maney.....………..........Executive Assistant
Beth Morrison……..................Vice President, Member Services
Maria Saldana.......................Administrative Assistant
Judy Sawyer….............……....Vice President, Finance & Administration
Alex Stall...............................Economic Development Senior Project Manager
Phyllis Stephens……................Senior Vice President
Barbara Ward…….................Director of Workforce Development
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
Feature Story
Local Leaders Share Community Vision
Mayor David Pennington:
Give us a snapshot of what’s changed over the past year in your community:
In Dalton we have reduced property taxes for the 3rd consecutive year. This is part of our plan
to make Dalton one of the most competitive places to do business in Georgia. We have started
the new Community Center which will help revitalize the east side of Dalton. We completed the
Hamilton House renovations and the Crown Garden & Archives which is part of the renovation
of the north side of Dalton’s Crown Mill area. We completed Brookwood Park for the west side
of Dalton and we have had a large donation of property which will become our south side
park. We also have started part of the Green Hat vision in the Crown Mill area at Mt. Rachel.
We are well on our way to becoming a more attractive City for young professionals.
What is your long term vision for your community?
Dalton will remain and grow as the center for industry, retail, financial services and education
for Northwest Georgia. We will move forward as a unified community with Dalton-Whitfield
unified as one government with one unified school system. We have the opportunity now, with
Georgia Northwestern Technical College locating a campus in our community, to create the
finest education system in the south if we act together. With the completion of the Community
Center we are planning services for at-risk children which will give them a better start before
they enter Pre-K . With a unified K-12 school system, Georgia Northwestern Technical College
and Dalton State College, we can build a seamless 16 year education system which will provide the finest education opportunities in Georgia.
David Pennington,
Mayor of Dalton
There’s been a lot of conversation around some complex issues such as LOST
funding and studying the idea of consolidated government. What are your
positions or thoughts on these issues?
It is a coincidence that the LOST agreement, which is the sales tax split amongst the governments, will be renegotiated in 2012 at the same time
the unified commission will be making their recommendations for a ballot initiative in November 2012. The combined city/county general fund
budget this year calls for $69 million in spending with $65 million in revenue. The city is running a small surplus while the county is running a
large deficit. After studying both budgets, I am confident we can reduce the spending in a unified government to under $65 million while improving services in all of Whitfield County without
a tax increase. With a unified government not only will we have the opportunity to be more
efficient, we can also have a common vision. If we move forward with a unified city/county
government, then the LOST Agreement will be much less contentious. If we don’t unify and we
use the same city/county ratio, which seems to be the standard throughout Georgia which is
based on population, the city would be receiving in excess of $5.5 million when at the present
time we are only receiving $2.5 million. This would mean the county stands to lose $3 million in
revenue while they are currently running a $4 million deficit. It seems to me that the community
is far better off working as one and not apart. Dalton-Whitfield has the opportunity to set the
standard for all of Georgia.
Whitfield County Commission
Chairman Mike Babb:
Give us a snapshot of what’s changed over the past year in your community:
County leadership has changed with the addition of two first time commissioners and a new
county administrator. The addition of Robby Staten and Gordon Morehouse to the commission
and Mark Gibson as county administrator has been a smooth transition. Commissioners have
been assigned as liaison to the different departments and will work with the county administrator for a more “hand’s on” approach to the county budget.
May 2011
www.daltonchamber.org
Mike Babb,
Whitfield County Commission Chairman
Chamber Link
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Feature Story
The commissioners remain united in the desire to work closely with the Joint Development Authority to keep established businesses here and draw
new businesses to the local community to create jobs for the citizens. The success of earlier cooperation can be seen today on the South Bypass
with the completion of the IVC project and the purchase of the first lot in the Carbondale Business Park by XL Brands. These types of recruitment
efforts are expected to increase over the coming year as Whitfield County and the JDA become more recognized as a place and people to do
business with.
The results of the 2010 Census (102,000 population) automatically puts our area on the radar for many companies planning expansions. The
legislation that has been passed to allow our community to vote to establish TAD’s (Tax Allocation Districts) will be a tremendous advantage for
our area in the recruitment of businesses, especially retail.
The lack of health insurance choices for local businesses and the issues it raises in trying to recruit new businesses has improved with the
Hamilton Medical Center and Physicians Health Services reaching an agreement with Cigna health insurance company to accept the Cigna PPO
plan. Hopefully this expansion of accepted insurance companies will continue and there will be more insurance choices for our citizens to use
locally. Continued expansion of accepted insurance providers will eliminate the healthcare insurance disadvantage that is presently faced in trying to recruit new business to our area.
What is your long term vision for your community?
It is the same as last year – I would like for our community to be a desirable place to live and do business, a place where businesses and individuals thrive and prosper, with a somewhat more diversified economic base and higher than average family incomes. I would like for our community to be known for the preservation of historic sites, as a place of biking and walking trails, outdoor activities, and a good location for young
families to live and work. A place where economic health, physical health, and healthcare are recognized as being the best in the state.
There’s been a lot of conversation around some complex issues such as LOST funding and studying the idea of consolidated government. What are your positions or thoughts on these issues?
Since well before my time as an elected person there have been discussions between the cities and county about the fair and equitable distribution of the Local Option Sales Tax collections. This same discussion takes place in every area of the state that has approved a LOST to reduce
property taxes. Determining what is fair and equitable is very dependent upon the guidelines a person thinks should be followed in distributing
the collections. Should it be based on where the tax is collected? Based on the population of the city/county? Based on the services delivered?
Distributed to give the most tax relief to the most people? Give the most tax relief to the largest property tax payers? Give tax relief on only state
mandated services? Etc.
All of these questions come up because there are advantages or disadvantages to the cities and county in each proposal listed. In our community there are four cities and the county talking about the distribution of the LOST. That is five groups of elected officials trying to come up with the
“fair and equitable” distribution of the LOST dollars to provide services and reduce property
taxes within five taxing districts. Consolidated government would at least get rid of this divisive
issue and at the same time streamline the delivery of services to the citizens.
Mayor Dan Peeples:
Give us a snapshot of what’s changed over the past year in your community:
If I had to give a snapshot over what changed in our community over the past year is that the
Varnell Community is really developing a strong bond. It was great to see the hundreds of toys
and canned foods that were raised at our Varnell Christmas event, where we donated items for
needy kids in our community. The response was also overwhelming at our first “Varnell Family
Fun Day”, in which over one thousand people came to enjoy our car show, great music and
tasty food. There is also much anticipation over our soon-to-be-built Varnell Community Center.
Our City is truly coming together!
Dan Peeples,
Mayor of Varnell
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Chamber Link
What is your long term vision for your community?
In February, I laid out a plan called “ Varnell’s 2020 Vision” of where I want our City to be by
the year 2020. We have a plan to develop our downtown area, bring in businesses to our
Cleveland Hwy Commerce area, and improve our Parks & Recreation. When completed, this
detailed plan will make Varnell the best small city to live in North Georgia.
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
Feature Story
The Cleveland Hwy Commerce is where we desire to have the hustle & bustle of restaurants and other self-sustaining necessities. With the large
population of people that now live in the Northern part of Whitfield County, and with the addition of the new Coahulla Creek High School, we
are very confident that our community needs a small insurance agent, a veterinarian’s clinic, a dental office, a Mexican restaurant, and a sports
grill. We also will welcome any national chain restaurants. I am often amazed that there are 5 to 10 businesses of each that I just named, all
clustered together in downtown Dalton, when just one of these could move to Varnell and be very successful; because they would be the only
one!
Moving to our downtown area…… We desire for our downtown to replicate a calm, quaint atmosphere with sidewalks and street lights to help
echo a small town feel. We also hope that a small bed & breakfast and a small café will add to the ambiance to our soon to be built
Community Center and new City Hall.
Lastly, when it comes to our Parks & Recreation, we want a place where families can enjoy life and make memories together. Whether you are
talking about adult basketball leagues to co-ed softball tournaments, many plans are being made to help Varnell Citizens stay active and healthy.
We also hope the County Commissioners will soon partner with us in paving our new walking track. Our vision for the walking track includes
safety decorative lights at night, sidewalks, new trees, and soccer goals to be placed inside the track.
There’s been a lot of conversation around some complex issues such as LOST funding and studying the idea of consolidated government. What are your positions or thoughts on these issues?
As you can see, with all of these plans that the Varnell City Council has for the near future in Varnell, consolidation does NOT seem to have a
role in this vision. It would break the heart of so many long-term Varnell residents who helped make the City of Varnell into what it is today; and
to have our City Charter ripped up and thrown away and tear down our City, would just be devastating.
If I understand it correctly, it would also be devastating for the City of Varnell to vote “NO” to this consolidation, but the County residents vote
“YES”, because we would then be locked in to our City borders forever, with no chance of expanding, much like an island in the middle of the
ocean. Our plans, which were listed above, along with many other plans, in fact do depend on our small City budget increasing; and the main
way our City would increase our budget would be increased growth and annexation. So at this time, I would absolutely vote “NO” to consolidation and encourage other Varnell Community residents to do the same.
Mayor Kenny Gowin:
Give us a snapshot of what’s changed over the past year in your community:
The biggest change is that we now have sewer lines running up Hwy 41 and to the I-75 interstate exchange. That’s something we’ve needed for years to spur growth, especially along the
Interstate. A smaller, yet very important change for us, is the addition of a Part Time Park
Director. We’ve been able to do more for our youth programs and also make some enhancements to our park that we’re very happy with. It’s injected some much needed energy.
What is your long term vision for your community?
We’ll continue to be (basically) a bedroom community. I want to continually improve upon our
Park, Tunnel, and Depot areas. I want to ensure we keep doing a better job at beautification.
We’re going to experience some growth. With that growth, we must be able to control the
appearance and feel of our small city.
There’s been a lot of conversation around some complex issues such as LOST
funding and studying the idea of consolidated government. What are your
positions or thoughts on these issues?
The LOST tax is integral to our budget and every other budget in the County. We’re a small
piece of that pie. Our needs can’t hurt the process. It’s important to all of us that the City of
Dalton and Whitfield County fairly negotiate with one another. They’re the drivers of the
process.
Kenny Gowin,
Mayor of Tunnel Hill
As far as consolidating government, it’s always wise to consider anything that makes us more efficient and saves money. However, finding efficiency and saving money is easier said than done. I don’t know who all the participants will be on the commission studying the merger, but the
work is going to be exhaustive. I look forward to the discussion. Whether we merge governments or not, we’ll learn a lot about our community.
A tough challenge will be engaging and educating the public. In the end, it’ll be the publics’ decision.
May 2011
www.daltonchamber.org
Chamber Link
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Emerging Leaders Institute
Emerging Leaders Institute
The fourth session was held at The Emery Center, the African American Heritage Center. The topics included Group
Dynamics facilitated by Vicki Warren (Mohawk Industries) and Joe Bolduc (Shaw Industries). The topic of Valuing
Community Diversity was facilitated by Jessica Oliva Calderin (Calderin & Oliva) and Kandi Edwards (Whitfield County
Extension Service).
Session five was held at Dalton Utilities and included the topic of Building Communities through Collaboration and Leading
Community Change facilitated by Kellie Smith (Kellie Smith Design Studio) and Miguel Triviño (Shaw Industries). The topic
of Leading Community Change was held in the afternoon and it was facilitated by Kym Stutzman (Alliant Health Plans), Vicki
Warren (Mohawk Industries) and Becca Bolden (Mohawk Industries).
Pictured are facilitators Jessica Oliva Calderin (Calderin &
Oliva) (left) and Kandi Edwards (Whitfield County Extension
Service) (right), facilitating discussion on the topic of Valuing
Community Diversity.
Andrew Parker (City of Dalton) (left) explains his group’s activity during the Building Communities through Collaboration. The
facilitators Kellie Smith (Kellie Smith Design Studio) and Miguel
Triviño (Shaw Industries) are pictured listening to the dynamics
of the group activity.
Standing is Joe Bolduc (Shaw Industries) with Vicki Warren
(Mohawk Industries) facilitating discussion on the topic of
Group Dynamics.
This group poses for a photo after their community building
activity. Pictured left to right are Wesley Bullock (Mohawk
Industries), Brad Bartenfeld (Shaw Industries), Steven Jones
(Shaw Industries), Ashlee Swilling (Whitfield County Emergency
Services) and Carmela Capistran (BB&T).
This group proudly displays the result of their community activity.
Pictured left to right are Tom Arnold (J & J Industries), Cynthia
Wilson (Murray/Whitfield System of Care), Andrew Parker (City
of Dalton), Lacey Bennett (Servpro of N. Whitfield, Catoosa & E.
Walker), and Blanca Cardona (City of Dalton).
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Chamber Link
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
Membership Event/Run for God in Varnell
Membership Event
The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce will host a
“Membership Event” that is like none other this summer. For two
and a half days, over 100 volunteers will work against the clock
and against each other to sign up new Chamber members and
create a greater community awareness of the important role of the
Chamber of Commerce. The event is organized by the group Your Chamber Connection. A high energy membership campaign
that allows volunteers to conduct out of the box membership fun
while building the membership base.
The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber’s goal is to become a 1,000 member chamber. The Membership Event begins on June 28 through
June 30. For more information on how you can be involved, call
the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce at (706) 278-7373.
Dan Rogers (OMNOVA Solutions), Lynn Laughter (Laughter & Jones
Financial Management), Carolyn Roan (Coldwell Banker, Kinard Realty)
and Chamber President Brian Anderson prepare for this fun “celebration”.
May 2011
Run for God in Varnell
The Run for God recently held a half marathon road race in
the City of Varnell. Run at the Mill was well attended and several Chamber Members participated.
Pictured here are Mitchell Hollis (Run for God Founder),
Ginger Luna (Sophie’s Place), Ali Donahue (Northwest Georgia
Healthcare Partnership), April Hall (Peak Fitness), Karah Smith
(Carter Hope Center), Dan Peeples (Mayor of Varnell), Gregg
Ellis (Carter Hope Center) and Brandon Combs (Brandon
Combs State Farm).
www.daltonchamber.org
Chamber Link
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National Manufacturing Summit
2011 National Manufacturing Summit
The 2011 Manufacturing Summit will take place Thursday, May 19th, at the
NorthWest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia.
Manufacturing Summit… What's this all about?
The 2011 National Manufacturing Summit is based on the idea that manufacturing is the lifeblood of the United States' economy and a driving factor
behind its position as a dominant force in the global marketplace.
At the summit, prominent speakers from private sector, manufacturing, education and government will share their views on what manufacturing needs in
order to reclaim its former prominence as an economic engine and the
embodiment of American ingenuity. Most of all, the Manufacturing Summit is
about sharing the collective vision that WE CAN MAKE IT IN AMERICA.
“The National Manufacturing Summit is being held to highlight the importance of the manufacturing sector to our overall economy. It provides the best jobs with the best benefits, to the most Americans.” states Mayor Pennington.
The summit will feature leaders from private sector, manufacturing, education, and the government. Speakers will
address how these sectors can positively affect manufacturing. Rep. Tom Graves will discuss proposed legislation that
supports manufacturing. “It’s time to start talking about U.S. manufacturing seriously; to begin the dialogue of where
we are and how we can create growth again,” Rep. Graves says. “Let’s use the entrepreneurial, free-market solutions
that made us great.”
This event will act as an educational event designed to inspire and motivate attendees. U.S. manufacturing is under
attack by a growing government, high taxes, increasing regulations, rising energy costs, and a new global climate that
is making it easier for companies to do business overseas. Event organizers believe we must educate ourselves about
the current state of U.S. manufacturing, understand the
challenges that manufacturers are facing, and discuss how
America can retain her manufacturing strength by learning
to strengthen and grow business at home.
The National Manufacturing Summit is an event open to
senior-level manufacturing executives. If you are a CEO,
COO, CTO, CIO, CFO, President, Owner, Division
President, Division Director, Managing Director or Partner
you are encouraged to attend. If you cannot attend in person, you may send a designated representative from your
company in your place.
Space is limited to the first 1000 people who register.
You Must Register!
Admittance to the National Manufacturing
Summit is by ticket only, you will receive it upon
pre-registering for the event. Unfortunately, no
registration will take place the day of the event.
The event is FREE!
The 2011 National Manufacturing Summit
will take place Thursday, May 19, 2011 @
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the NorthWest Georgia
Trade & Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia.
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Chamber Link
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
Chamber Connections
Chamber Connections at
Next Chamber Connections
Friday, June 10
Outback Steakhouse
955 Market Street 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
$15.00 members $65 non-members
Rogers Trotter (NovaCopy), Damon Walker (Office of
Congressman Tom Graves), Hugh Kemp (L. Hugh Kemp A
Tradition of Excellence) and Keith Campbell (Novacopy) enjoy
getting to know each other during the lunch meeting.
May 2011
David Cook (Starr-Mathews Agency ), Andrea Gravitt (Select
Leasing and Management) Brandon Jones and Lacey Bennett
(Servpro of N. Whitfield, Catoosa and E. Walker), Meagen
Morrison (Tease Salon) and Bob Sheth (Super 8 North) have a
good time at Chamber Connections.
www.daltonchamber.org
Chamber Link
9
Economic Development
A look back over the last 10 years
The Mission of the
Dalton - Whitfield County Joint
Development Authority is to facilitate the long-term, positive economic growth of the community
by attracting new, diversified
investments while supporting
existing businesses.
The Development Authority represents a public-private partnership
funded by Whitfield County,
City of Dalton and Grow
Greater Dalton.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair: Andy Walker - Alliance
National Bank
Vice Chair: Bill Davies – BB&T
Secretary-Treasurer:
Kevin Harris – Arrowstar, L.L.C.
Dan Combs - State Farm
Insurance-Dan Combs
Bob Kinard - Kinard Realty, Inc.
Frank Robertson – Robertson
and Company
Dawn Sanders – Regions Bank
Elyse Cochran, CCE
Chamber-Senior Vice President of
Economic Development
Alex Stall
Economic Development
Senior Project Manager
Barbara Ward
Director of Workforce
Development
Sonya Maney
Executive Assistant
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Chamber Link
One quick look around the community and it’s obvious that the greater Dalton
area has changed significantly. The economy may have slowed down over
the past few years, but that’s not stopping companies such as XL Brands LLC,
Expert DIE Inc. and MFG Chemical Inc. from expanding their businesses and
hiring new employees. Each of these companies announced expansion plans
over the past few months, a positive sign during this economic downturn.
The National Establishment Time Series database by Walls & Associates provides data on how the local economy has fared over time. Examining this
data for Whitfield County from 2000 to 2008 (the last available year), shows
an increase in number of businesses but a decrease in the number of jobs. In
fact, it shows a 69.0% increase in the number of businesses over this eight
year period, an addition of 3,049 new businesses. All of the business growth
came in businesses with less than ten employees.
This is important because over 10,000 jobs were shed from companies with
100 employees or more during this same time period. Even with so many
new small businesses, 5,029 jobs were lost during these eight years in
Whitfield County. Obviously the Joint Development Authority is in the business
of helping businesses create jobs which is why 2011 has created optimism
for a good economic recovery. The county unemployment rate has decreased
over the last two months and now stands at 11.3% for March. This is a figure
that has only been seen once since 2008.
The 2010 Census brought along more exciting news, with the county breaking the 100,000 residents mark. Compare the 2010 population figure of
102,599 to the year 2000 which had 83,525 residents. This 22.8% population increase put us ahead of our neighbors in Catoosa, Murray and Walker,
but trailed Gordon. This growth should continue as the economy picks up and
the Chattanooga/Cleveland Tennessee areas continue to grow.
Much has changed in Dalton since the Joint Development Authority was created in September 2005, and the Authority continues to work vigorously promoting Dalton
and Whitfield as
a good place to
do business. We
look forward to
working with our
citizens and business community
as we continue to
grow in greater
Dalton.
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Medical Services Session
The Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Class program topic for the
month of April was on medical services. The session began
with an overview of the Whitfield County Health Department
by Chairman of the Board Bruce Broadrick and staff from the
Whitfield County Health Department. The class enjoyed a
tour of the facility before they departed and conducted the
remainder of the session at Hamilton Medical Center.
Session Chairman Jeff Myers (Hamilton Health Care System)
reported on trends in health care delivery and gave an
overview of Hamilton Health Care System. The session also
included a presentation by Dr. Steven Rohn on the topic of
Evidence Based Medicine. Sandy McKenzie (Hamilton
Medical Center) facilitated a panel discussion entitled “The
Patient Tracer”. The panelists included Rick Cobb (Hamilton
Emergency Services), Cathy Ferguson (Hamilton Emergency
Care), Terri Brown (Medical, Endoscopy and Brochoscopy
Services for Hamilton Medical Center) and Pam Sanders
(Case Management for Hamilton Medical Center).
After lunch, the class shared their homework assignments
which included a ride in an ambulance, emergency room
observation, spending time with a school nurse and observation of outpatient surgery.
The afternoon included department tours of Radiology,
Emergency Room, Laboratory Services, Judd Cancer
Treatment Center, Pharmacy, the Ambulatory Surgery Center,
and Labor and Delivery. Once back at the Brown Conference
Center, the class determined how healthy they were through
participation in a health fair.
The session concluded with a tour of Ross Woods Adult Day
Services.
Special thanks to Jeff Myers for serving as Session Chair of the Medical Services Session.
Pictured are members of “The Patient Tracer” panel which was
facilitated by Sandy McKenzie (Hamilton Medical Center)
(standing). Panelists seated at the table are Rick Cobb
(Hamilton Emergency Services), Cathy Ferguson (Hamilton
Emergency Care), Terri Brown (Medical, Endoscopy and
Brochoscopy Services for Hamilton Medical Center) and Pam
Sanders (Case Management for Hamilton Medical Center).
Jeff Myers, President and CEO of
Hamilton Health Care System welcomes
the class to the Medical Services Session.
May 2011
The class began their Medical Services Session at the Whitfield
County Health Department.
The class poses for a photo in the courtyard gardens at Ross Woods Adult Day
Services.
www.daltonchamber.org
Chamber Link
11
Diplomat of the Month
Shane Wilson
Shane Wilson is one of the founders of Edgepoint Web
Design and Online Marketing. Our company was created in
November 2010 to offer a unique web design and marketing solution to our clients. Our websites are not only beautiful and elegantly designed, but they are also built with a
particular emphasis on putting cash in your pocket.
Our fully staffed web company consist of 2 programmers, 1
designer, 1 SEO expert, and 1 Social Media expert in addition to 2 assistants. Our focus is to make what seems to be
a complex process and simplify it down so any business
owner can understand how and why their website is going
to draw a large number of visitors but also convert those visitors into paying customers.
I invite you to compare the services and expertise with those
of any of our competitors. Let Edgepoint Website
Designers, SEO Services, Pay Per Click services and Social
Media Marketing help you and your business today.
Call us at 706-529-5363 or visit our website at
www.edgepointdesign.com
12
Chamber Link
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon Cuttings
Cooked Sushi
Ethan
816 Walnut Square Blvd. #37
(706) 461-0499
O’Gwin Investment Planning, Inc.
Tate O’Gwin
110 N. Hamilton Street
(706) 226-5795
MEDNOW, Inc.
Miranda Hunt
2705 Airport Road Suite 101
(706) 275-4444
Three Guys Garage
Junior Lumpkin
1818 Chattanooga Road
(706) 259-9474
Tony’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza
Joyce Vaccaro
933 Market Street Suite 14
(706) 275-0253
May 2011
www.daltonchamber.org
Brandon Combs
State Farm
Insurance
Brandon Combs
236 N. Hamilton
Street Unit 1
(706) 529-2273
Chamber Link
13
Morning Mixer
Morning Mixer at Massage Associates of Dalton
Massage Associates of Dalton owner, Linda Summer chats
with Chamber President Brian Anderson.
Michelle Bartenfeld (Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of
Commerce), Linden Stricker (NW Georgia Financial
Solutions/Compound Profit) and Connie Carter (Dynamic
Displays & Graphics) catch up at the Morning Mixer.
Hugh Kemp (L. Hugh Kemp “A Tradition of Excellence”) and
Vanessa Cole (Coffee News) visit during the event.
Bob Sheth (Super 8 North), Andrea Gravitt (Edgepoint Web
Design) and Damon Walker (Congressman Tom Graves
Office) enjoy the Morning Mixer at Massage Associates of
Dalton.
Next Morning Mixer:
Thursday, June 23
A Total Resource
511 Benjamin Way Suite 104
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Free to attend
14
Chamber Link
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
41"2 ,#& !/&0,&/ %05,12 '#03-&/ 1$ '133&/*& $1/ 02 0()&2,+/& ,1.
$2,049
The Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host a memorable 9 -day journey to China October 30 to November 7, 2011, thr ough Citslinc International. This is a costst effective opportu
tun
nity to become familiar with some of the leading cities in China and to experience their centuries old customs
and history, while witnessing first -hand their ra
rap
pidly changing economy. We invite you to join us ffo
or this unique im
imm
mersion in Chinese culture, free from
the rigors of business travel.
Your Trip Includes:
)0#2%"593! 3%5;9%,53#%,- ,39:,9; (does not include travel to and from JF
JFK)
)1#29 ,%" 13/; 75,9 6#5;- ,$$#''#",53#%7
).69;; ';,-7 ;,$6 ",&
)*;-2(; +27 5#297
)1-2;%5 4%8-376-speaking tour guides
Day 1, Sun., Oct. 30-JFK/Beijing
Check in at JFK International Airport for an afternoon flight.
Your adventure begins as you fly trans-Pacif
ific
ic aboard a wide cabin jetliner.
Day 2, Mon., Oct. 31-Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the Ca
Cap
pital of China at 6:00 p.m. You will be
met by your tour guide and transf
sfeerred to the hotel after din
inn
ner.
Day 3, Tues., Nov. 1-Beijing
Visit the Tian An Men Square, the largest square in the world,
and the Temple of Heaven, built in 1420 A.D., where the emperors
pra
ray
yed to the heaven for a good harvest. Sightseeing also includes
the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, home of
24 emperors with a total space of 9,999 rooms, and the Summer Palace,
featuring the Long Corridor with painted gallery, Kunming Lake and
Longevity Hill, Seventeen- Arch Bridge and Marble Boat.
Day 4, Weds., Nov. 2-B
Beijing
Tour bus excursion to the Great Wall, the 4,000- mile long and
2,000 year old construction is said to be the only man -made structure
visible by the naked eye from the moon. Visit to the Ming Tombs, one of
13 Ming Emperors' Tombs is fully excavated and open for explora
rattion.
Then enjoy a roasted Beijing Duck dinner.
Total price $2,049* per person
*Double occupancy required, add $450 for single occupancy.
An upgrade to fl
flyy Business Class is $6,000.
Additional tours are available.
A valid pass
ssp
port and Chinese Visa are required. You ma
mayy
obtain your own Visa or you can have the Chamber/Cit
r/Citslin
slinc
handle the application for $160.
A deposit of $200 per person is required (non-re
refu
fundable) to
hold reservations. Balance is due in full by July 20, 2011.
Note: there is a $500 cancellation fee after tickets are
purchased, im
imp
posed by the airlines. You ma
mayy want to consider
acquiring travel insurance to cover this potential loss.
This tri
trip
p is open to all members of the public!!
Day 5, Thurs., Nov. 3-Beijing/Shanghai/Suzhou
Fly to Shanghai, then take the tour bus trip to Suzhou. Afternoon sightseeing to the centuries old Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill and Hanshan
Temple. Visit the National Embroidery Institute to see silk embroidery,
an important local craft with 1,000 years history. En
Enjo
joy an evening din
inn
ner
show of traditional Chinese Music.
Day 6, Fri., Nov. 4-Suzhou/Hangzhou
Morning tour bus journey to Hangzhou for a visit to the Economic
Development Zone. Visit to the centuries old Lingyin Temple, featuring a
64.3 ft-high camphor-wood carved Buddha.
Day 7, Sat., Nov. 5-Hangzhou/Shanghai
Morning boat cruise on West Lake with relaxing stopover at jewel-like
pagodas and tea houses. Afternoon tour bus trip to Shanghai.
Day 8, Sun., Nov 6-Shanghai
Visit to the Yu Garden, a maze of marvelous pavilions, ponds, rocky
works and over arching trees. Visit to the Bund, a famous water
waterfront park.
Tour the Pudong Economic Development Zone.
e
Day 9, Mon., Nov. 7-Shanghai/Beijing/JKF
Morning flight to Beijing. The afternoon flight will depart by 1:00 p.m. for
JFK wh
where you will arrive at 1:30 p.m. on the sa
sam
me day.
Pre-Tour Brief
iefin
ing
Monday, May 23
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn
Tipping? Customs? Weather? Luggage?
Must-brings?
There will be a pre-tour brief
iefiing on May 23 to
help you make the most of your trip. Citslinc
International, the sponsoring tour operator, will
answer all of your questions and familiarize you
with the details. They have 30 years of
experience in the China tour business.
For additional information contact Phyllis Stephens at the Greater Dalton Chamber of
Commerce, 706-278-7373, stephens@daltonchamber.org, www.daltonchamber.org.
Member Mixer
Member Mixer at Peak Fitness
Shelby Smith (Peak Fitness) offers some free body fat analysis to April Hall (Peak Fitness) gives a tour to L to R: Tate O’ Gwin
attendees. Cathy “C.C.” Carter (North Georgia Yoga) volun- (O’ Gwin Investment Planning, Inc.), Frank Hutcheson (Arrow
Exterminators), Vanessa Cole (Coffee News) and Ann Seay
teers.
(Trevitt Hall).
Connie Carter (Dynamic Displays & Graphics) and Kevin
Sexton (Sexton’s Creations) get to know each other at the
Mixer.
Linda Summer (Massage Associates of Dalton) and Linden
Stricker (NW Georgia Financial Solutions/Compound
Profit) have fun during the event.
Next Member Mixer:
Julian Peeples Funeral Home - Pleasant Grove Chapel
Thursday, May 19
2801 Cleveland Highway
5:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m.
Free to attend!
16
Chamber Link
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
Welcome Barbara Ward/Wake Up...Whitfield
Welcome Barbara Ward
Barbara Ward, Director of Workforce Development, is a graduate of
the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a BS in Home
Economics. She also earned a Masters in Education Degree from Berry
College. Barbara retired from Dalton Public Schools in May of 2010,
completing 22 years of service at Dalton High School.
While at Dalton High, Barbara taught Home Economics classes, Intro to
Teaching and coordinated Work-based Learning Programs including
Job Shadow Experiences, Internships and Apprenticeships. She also
served as Division Chair for Career Technology Education. In 1999,
Barbara was named Dalton High School Teacher of the Year. She was
a member of the Georgia Association of Career Technical Educators
and the American Association of Career Technical Educators.
Barbara has been a member of the Rotary Club of Dalton for 11 years.
She has served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of
Northwest Georgia for six years and was a member and past chair of
the Chamber of Commerce Education is Essential Committee.
Barbara is married to Allen Ward. They have two children, Catherine
and Tripp and three grandchildren. The Wards are members of First
United Methodist Church in Dalton.
Wake Up…Whitfield
Legislative Assistant, Tyler Thompson from Senator Johnny
Isakson’s office and Mark Mixer, Vice President of Marketing
with Alliant Health Plans, tell the audience about upcoming
ways to prepare for Health Care Reform.
Chris Blevins, Jim Kortum and Tiffany Petty with Windstream
Communications attend the Wake Up…Whitfield event.
Windsteam Communications is proud to be the
2011 Green Sponsor
May 2011
www.daltonchamber.org
Chamber Link
17
Spotlight on Business
Arrow Exterminators
3333 South Dixie Highway • Dalton, GA 30720
706-226-5455
www.arrowexterminators.com
Family owned since 1964, Arrow Exterminators goes Beyond
the Call to protect our customers’ health and property while
caring for our environment. We have always believed you
don’t have to be tough on the planet to be tough on bugs and
that belief is the foundation for our STEPS® Total Protection
System™. With STEPS, we control pests in the most effective
and environmentally friendly manner available today. From
termites and common household pests like mice, ants and
cockroaches, to mosquitoes and fire ants, we mean it when
we say Total Protection. We also offer additional home services like wildlife control and exclusion, removal and reinstallation of damaged insulation and handyman services. Our
licensed and experienced service professionals can take care
of your home, small business or even a large commercial
enterprise.
With Arrow, you will have peace of mind knowing your home
or business is protected by the best in the business with the
experience necessary to solve even the most challenging pest
18
Chamber Link
problem. The Dalton Team has a combined, 97 years of
experience in the pest control industry and is led by Service
Center Manager, Terry Cross. Terry has been with Arrow
Exterminators for over 14 years and has 23 years of experience. “Taking care of our customers is our number one priority” said Cross, “and we back up all our services with our
100% satisfaction guarantee.”
At Arrow, we are also proud to support the Dalton community.
We are active members of the Greater Dalton Chamber of
Commerce and our team members are involved in youth
sports as well as numerous local charities. We believe in giving back and making a difference in the towns where we
work and live.
To learn more about the STEPS Total Protection System from
Arrow Exterminators and how we can protect your home or
business, visit www.arrowexterminators.com or give us a call
at 706-226-5455.
www.daltonchamber.org
May 2011
New Members & Updates
NEW MEMBERS
1st Franklin Financial Corp.
Mandy McClain
601 A Fleming St.
Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 226-7417
Toll Free: (800) 282-0709
Fax: (706) 226-6829
www.1ffc.com
Auto Loans
Finance Companies
Loans
A Peace of Mind In-Home Care,
Inc.
Kimberly Nix
3456 Misty Meadows Drive
Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 278-4637
Fax: (706) 278-4637
www.apeaceofmindinhomecare.com
Elder Care
Senior Services
Capitol Carpet
David Owens
414 D North Park Drive
P.O. Box 1192
Dalton, GA 30722-1192
Phone: (706) 279-1820
Toll Free: (800) 462-1277
Fax: (706) 279-1821
www.capitolcarpet.org
Carpet & Rug Wholesale
Carpet Brokers
Floor Covering Outlets
Ellis, Buddy M. CPA
Buddy Ellis
710 S. Thornton Ave., Suite F
P. O. Box 2413
Dalton, GA 30722-2413
Phone: (706) 529-3843
Accountants
Tax Service
Georgia Northwestern Technical
College
Patty Hart
2300 Maddox Chapel Rd NE
Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 996-4420
www.gntc.edu
Schools
May 2011
Iron Gate Pizzeria
Rusty Davis
239 N. Hamilton St.
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 529-3736
www.irongatepizzeria.com
Restaurants
JMW Inc.
Michael Wise
124 Coahulla Creek Rd.
Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 226-4043
Manufacturing
KMT Creative Group, Inc.
Teiya Eubanks
402 Riverside Ave.
P. O. Box 4286
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: (423) 634-9070
Fax: (423) 634-9074
www.kmtcreative.com
Advertising & Marketing Services
Business Development
Internet Website Design & Development
Mountain Creek Harley Davidson
Shop
Kevin Sewell
1001 Market St.
Suite 37
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 370-7433
www.thecreekhd.com
Retailers
Clothing
Motorcycles Sales & Service
MW5 Lawn Care
Debi Blevins
4301 Cohutta Varnell Road
Cohutta, GA 30710
Phone: (706) 694-0056
Fax: (706) 277-5412
http://mw5lawncareservice.services.offi
celive.com
Cleaning & Janitorial Services/Supplies
Lawn Care
Tax Service
North Georgia Environmental
Services
Steve Hall
2870 Five Spring Road
Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 275-8635
Toll Free: (877) 879-1683
Fax: (706) 226-9433
www.nges.net
Environmental Services
Industrial Cleaning
Sexton Creations
Kevin Sexton
313 E. Morris. St.
Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 209-9699
Art Galleries
Three Guys Garage, L.L.C
Junior Lumpkin
1818 Chattanooga Road
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 259-9474
Fax: (706) 529-9474
www.3guysgarage.com
Car Wash
Auto Repair & Service
Tire Dealers
Tony's Italian Restaurant & Pizza
Tony Vaccaro
933 Market St., Suite 14
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 275-0253
Fax: (706) 275-0254
Catering Services
Corporate Meetings/Events
Restaurants
MEMBER UPDATES
• Welcome to Alex Pacheco with
Studio 360.
• Welcome to Dionna Reynolds with the
Emery Center.
• Krazy Knits has changed names to
The Yarn Shop. Welcome to the new
owner Erin Hankins.
Do you have changes at your company?
E-mail Maria Saldana at
saldana@daltonchamber.org
to have them featured in the next ChamberLink.
www.daltonchamber.org
Chamber Link
19
PRST. STD.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Dalton, GA
Permit #502
Measure of Success:
Having a commercial banker who is a partner and a friend
Discover how successful your company can be when you have a personal
relationship with a commercial banker you can count on and trust, day in
and day out.
> Commercial Lending
> Business Internet Banking
> Business Online Library
> Commercial Deposit Products
and Services
Return Service Requested
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
890 College Drive
Dalton, GA 30720
Cohutta Banking Company commercial bankers work with you to help
achieve your company’s financial goals. We offer the sophisticated
products you need, including enhanced Business Internet Banking and
our Business Online Library, paired with commercial banking expertise
and local decision making to build powerful business banking solutions
that are ready to work for you.
> Treasury Services
> Payment Services
> 0.(2).*%&.*# "2)'$-2!
> 3/,#&422 +2.21(!
> Corporate Investments*
cohuttabank.com | 706-695-9431
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