On the Inside…November Breakfast Recap ... 2A Note from the President ...... 3E-Friendly Update .................. 3Calendar of Events ................. 4Youth Leadership Update ...... 5Welcome New Members ...........6Big Canoe Tops for Retirees ...7Ambassador of the Month ...... 7Board Spotlight ..................... 8Business Spotlight ..................8

Chamber E-NewsA monthly publication of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce

December 2007

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Tourism Around Town

Monthly BreakfastTuesday, Dec. 11th

Guest SpeakerSanta’s Helpers

from Pickens County

Doors open at 7:00am for CoffeeR.S.V.P. by December 7th(See Page 4 for Details)

Tourism Committee meets.

The Tourism Committee met on November 27 with an increase in attendance and new ideas for promotion of tourism brought to the table. The Tourism Committee will be

attending Tourism Day at the Capitol on January 29, 2008 to promote tourism in Pickens County among our legislators. Due to Tourism Day falling on the same day as our regularly scheduled meetings, the next tourism meet-ing will be held on February 5, 2008.

At the Tourism Meeting, John Ed-wards was representing the Mountain Stew-ards. Promotion of passive recreation and self-directed activities was discussed at the meeting. Birdwatch-ing, hiking and bike riding trails along with other outdoor activities are different attractions that Pickens County and other surround-ing counties offer as passive recreation to tourists. MiMi Jo Butler with the Marble Valley Historical Society also added that the walking tours of downtown Jasper are also a newly promoted, self-directed activity for tourists. Representatives from businesses and organizations such as Knowpick-ens.com, Jasper Church of God, and Earl Whiteley and Ardis McCain representing multiple organizations were present supporting tourism.

It was also announced that there is to be a program on the Tate House which will broad-cast on Georgia Public Television on January 4th and 5th.

Sherstin Batista, who recently moved to Pickens County, brought new ideas to the table regarding the promotion of tourism among the Latin community. She will continue to assist the Tourism Committee, so that Pickens County can move forward in that direction in a posi-tive way.

We always look forward to any new and refreshing ideas in regards to promotion of tourism and invite anyone to come to the meetings. Tourism promotion is a community project. We would like everyone in the community to be involved. If you are interested in promoting tourism or have ideas you wish to share we want to hear from you. Please attend the meetings or e-mail your ideas and thoughts to karla.pickenschamber@yahoo.com.

Citizen of the Year AnnouncedCongratulations to Regina Camp who was voted by the citizens of Pickens County to be

the “2007 Pickens County Citizen of the Year.” Each of the five nominees were recognized during the banquet and given an engraved key chain. The evening was sponsored by ETC, Pisconeri Studios, and Bojangles, who provided the meal for all in attendance. A portrait will be made of Regina by Pisconeri Studios and put onto canvas. The unveiling of the portrait will be at the Annual Dinner on January 11th, 2008.

Citizen of the Year presentation

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Those members displaying their ban-ners at this month’s breakfast were:

Bent Tree CommunityChestatee State BankCommunity Bank of Pickens CountyCrescent BankETCGhostNet, Inc.Grizzle Insurance AgencyING Financial ServicesJordan’s CrossingNorth Georgia Living MagazinePickens Today.comPied Piper Pest ControlR&R Trikes and BikesRick Steiner/Keller Williams RealtySeventy-Four RanchSlater Floors & Design CenterStoneledgeTDS TelecomThe Edge GroupThe UPS Store of JasperUnited Community Bank

Thank you for your participation

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Banner Program

The Pickens County Chamber of Commerce held their monthly break-fast meeting on November 13, 2007. The breakfast was sponsored by ETC Communications and catered by The Carriage House.

The morning started off with an exciting announcement from Jerrold Young, Board Chairman. The Chamber reached the goal of 600 members over a month early! Next, Ambassador Susan Wright announced the new members for Septem-ber and October. There were 13 new members in September and 12 new members in October. She then turned over the program to the Hope House.

The Hope House Board of Directors and the City of Jasper were recognized and plaques presented to the Mayor and City Council members. Hope House President Jim Milton stated, “Mayor John Weaver and the City Council have always been available to help when called upon over the last 10 years.” Milton said that almost 300 abused children have stayed at the Hope House and the

house parents try to stabilize their young lives by giving a lot of love and structure. He also reminded the attendees that Hope House pays no salaries and depends totally on the generosity and support of the community.

The meeting was then turned over to the Executive President, Denise Duncan, who gave announcements and updates on existing programs of the Chamber.

Ambassador Carrie McKinney introduced the speaker, State Senator Chip Pearson. Senator Pearson started with an overview on many crises facing the state of Georgia. The first being the water crisis and he suggested different ways to conserve and alleviate the problem. The second crisis is oil and its distributors, the rising prices and draining pockets. The third crisis within the state of Georgia is the funding of transportation. A phrase that the Senator repeated frequently, “Love, hate and fear are the emotions which drive us. We have lost our American resolve.”

November Breakfast Recap

(L-R): Board Chairman Jerrold Young; State Senator Chip Pearson; and Chamber Presi-dent Denise Duncan

Chamber President Denise Duncan with Will Beattie, Lisa Waddell and Dale Cochran breakfast sponsor ETC.

Build a Relationship with your…

Hometown Bank

(706) 253-9600www.cbopc.com

15 Sammy McGhee Blvd.Jasper, GA 30143

“We can make a difference”

State Farm®

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Home Of�ce, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Parish Lowrie CPCU, Agent746 W Church Street, Suite AJasper, GA 30143-1410Bus 706 692 6920www.parishlowrie.com

24 Hour Good Neighbor Service®

Executive President .... Denise M. Duncan

Administrative Assistant ..... Candy Mullis

Membership Coordinator Cassie Chastain

Information Specialist ....... Karla Howard

Drugs Don’t Work .................Vicky Miller

Denise M. DuncanExecutive President

Jerrold Young, ChairmanETC

Jeff Downing, Chairman-ElectFoothills IGA

Paul Kiker, Immediate Past ChairmanKiker Investment Services

Charlie Messner, SecretarySheryl Messner, CPA

Beverly Skelton, TreasurerCitizens Bank of Forsyth County

Mike BallewPickens County Schools

Dr. Sanford ChandlerAppalachian Technical College

Marty CallahanMarty Callahan State Farm

Mary GhorleyPiedmont Mountainside Hospital

Angie JonesCrescent Bank

Ed LovernPiedmont Mountainside Hospital

Rhoda NeighborsUnited Country Realty–Talking Rock

Dawn PopadicsCarriage House Coffee Shop

Donna TorresRegions Bank

Earl WhiteleyIndividual Member

Our Chamber Staff

Board of Directors

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A Note from Our President…

Chamber E-news is a monthly publication of the Pickens County Cham-ber of Commerce. All efforts have been made to check the accuracy of the information included in this newsletter. The Chamber, its employees or subcontractors shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions contained within.

The year is quickly coming to an end. As we start the holiday season, I would like to take a moment to thank all our Chamber members, especially our board members and

ambassadors for their time and effort to help make Pickens County a better place to live. We continue to improve sponsored events which take a lot of planning and time from our board members and many other people in the community. Thanks for your help.

I hope you are able to join us at the 2008 Annual Dinner. We are so excited to be holding the event at Appalachian Technical College, allowing us to increase the number in attendance! Tickets are available now!

E-Friendly UpdateThe Pickens E-Friendly Steering Committee and Volunteers have brought the in-

terview phase of the designation process to a close with the deadline for surveys being November 30th. The Steering Committee would like to thank each of you who took the time to complete the on-line survey or participated in the face-to-face interview. Both the online survey and face-to-face interview collected information including: How you started your business here in Pickens County; what your experience was like; some statistics about your business; and some important skill-sets you might like to improve on. Now that the data has been collected, it will be reviewed and compiled statistically so that new and existing businesses in Pickens County will find more resources to help them in their entrepreneurial adventure.

You are cordially invited to attend the

28th Annual Dinnerof the

Pickens County Chamber of Commercepresenting

??? Mystery Dinner Theater???“The Last Laugh”

presented by the Tater Patch PlayersFriday January 11, 2008, 7:00pm

at theAppalachian Technical College Education Center

$50.00 per ticketSemi-formal/Black Tie Optional

Calendar of EventsDecember, 2007Date & Time ............... Event Location4th9am .................................. Ambassador’s Meeting ...................... Chamber Board Room11am ................................ Ribbon Cutting .................................... Habitat for Humanity4pm ................................. Ribbon Cutting .............................. artsmith: a pottery studio6th7am .................................. Optimist Club of Jasper .............................Savor Bar & Grill12noon............................. PWPC Meeting .........................Chamber Community Room6:30pm ............................ Marble Valley Friends .................... Tate Community Center7th4:30pm ............................ Ribbon Cutting .................................... Sharp Mountain Grill11th7am .................................. Monthly Chamber Breakfast ....Chamber Community Room13th11:30am ........................... Family Connection Appreciation Luncheon....Chamber C.R.7pm ................................. Lions Club Meeting ..................................Dunn’s Restaurant14th7pm ................................. Board & Staff Appreciation Dinner ..... Sharp Mountain Grill19th2pm ................................. Ribbon Cutting ...........................Phenix Home Source, LLC20th7am .................................. Optimist Club of Jasper .............................Savor Bar & Grill21st12noon............................. Anti-Drug Coalition .................Chamber Community Room24th-25thAll Day ............................ Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.................Chamber Closed27th7pm ................................. Lions Club Meeting ..................................Dunn’s RestaurantWednesdays - 12noon ..... Rotary Club Meeting ................Chamber Community RoomWednesdays - 5:30pm ..... Intenders Circle .....................................A Touch for Healing

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 7:00amChamber Community Room

Doors Open & Breakfast Line Begins at 7:00am7:15 - Invocation and Pledge

7:30 - Program Begins

Sponsored byNorth Georgia Living Magazine

Speaker:Santa’s Helpers from Pickens County

Catered by: Mustard Seed Café

If you are paid for the year,call ONLY if you do not plan to attend

All others be sure to RSVPby 5:00 pm Friday, December 7th

Cost is $5.00Click here to R.S.V.P. online

ORCall (706) 692-5600 or

e-mail: candy@pickenschamber.com

DecemberMembership

Breakfast

Click here to see any calendar updates on our Website!

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Please Bring anUnwrapped Toy!

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Youth Leadership Update

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All South Copiers, Inc.Appalachian Design & DevelopmentCommunity Bank of Pickens CountyCrescent Bank & Trust CompanyDaisy BoutiqueMatt & Lori DelongJudge Harry DossEpiscopal Church of the Holy Family1st Franklin FinancialStephen & Nancy HammerHinton Milling CompanyKnowPickens.comLiquid Code DesignsArdis & Charles McCainCharles & Sheryl MessnerMountain Christian Book StorePickens County Builders AssociationPickens County Juvenile FundPickens County Reading CouncilPickens County Republicans

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Piedmont Mountainside HospitalPickens ProgressRoystonShaklee & The Natural Health AlternativeState Farm – Parish Lowrie, CPCUDonna & Alberto TorresTorrey Mtn. Properties, Inc. – Don MartinTrevi PizzeriaUnited Community Bank

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The first session of Youth Leadership was held on Monday, Oc-tober 29th at the Chamber. Robert Mein and Michele Craw-ford, Steering Committee Members, conducted the session

on Understanding Leadership & Teambuilding. Don Russell was the guest speaker.

The second session was held on Monday, November 26th at The Carriage House. Evelyn Matthews and Stephanie Matthews with The Etiquette Company conducted the session on proper etiquette at din-ner. A special thank you to The Carriage House staff for volunteering to work!

The Pickens County Chamber of Commerce continues to solicit donations to fund the 2007-08 Youth Leadership Council. We have received donations from 28 sponsors varying from $10-$250. We are very excited to announce a $3,000 donation from the Pickens County Builders Association, in addition to their $250 donation, bringing our total donations to $5,215.00! The Pickens County Builders Association will receive special recognition in the Pickens County Progress for their sizeable donation.

A special thank you goes to ALL the businesses and individuals for supporting the Youth Leadership Council. We are continuing to accept donations, please contact the Chamber if you would like to make a contribution. Below is a list of our contributors to date.

NextAfter-Hours Mixer

Tuesday, January 22nd5:00–7:00pm

ChamberCommunity Room

Space is Limited!If you would like to reserve a table,

please contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Ed Jenkins pictured with Chamber Executive President Denise Duncan, Pickens County Sole Commissioner Robert Jones, Jasper Mayor John Weaver and Chamber Chairman of the Board Jerrold Young.

Congratulations to Ed Jenkins, winner of Pickens County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Truck Raffle. Thanks to all who bought tickets and at-tended the barbeque dinner, catered by Tommy Shaw & Family. Door prizes were in abundance and the Chamber truly appreciates all donations by member businesses. We look forward to seeing you at the 2008 Truck Raffle, which will be held in August, the usual time slot for this event.

Truck Raffle Winner

Welcome Our New Members for November

Keep your directory up to date. Just print this page out and place in your directory to keep all member’s in-formation close at hand.

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Advanced Computing TechnologiesJoanne Taylor2760-B Peachtree Industrial Blvd.Duluth, GA 30097(770) 935-0300 • Fax: (770) 935-0303joanne.taylor@actcorporate.comwww.chamberexpress.comCOMPUTER/INTERNET/WEBSITE SERVICESContent and management systems.Appalachian Country MagazineJodi WilliamsP. O. Box 1668Ellijay, GA 30540(706) 698-5634acmagazine@hotmail.comPUBLISHINGMagazine publishing/advertising.Appalachia GrillKristeen FittsP. O. Box 662Jasper, GA 30143(770) 893-3389 • Fax: (770) 893-4098appalachiagrill@yahoo.comwww.appalachiagrill.comRESTAURANTRestaurant.Appalachian Home Furnishings, Inc.Mearle & Judy Beaver25 H. Mullins CourtJasper, GA 30143(706) 692-3283 • Fax: (706) 253-3773ahfinc@ellijay.comwww.appalachianhomefurnishings.comRETAIL BUSINESSRetail furniture store.artsmith: a pottery studioJanet Smith635 Crippled Oak Trail, #20525Jasper, GA 30143(770) 595-1977 or (770) 894-4915jksmith635@tds.netwww.axcentspottery.comART/CLASSES/GALLERIES/FRAMINGTeach pottery.Fatz CafeBrad Bonamico800 Noah DriveJasper, GA 30143(706) 692-0003jasper@cafeenterprises.comwww.fatzcafe.comRESTAURANTRestaurant.Georgia Mountain Dermatology, LLCStacy Adams & Carlton Faulk150 Interstate South Dr., Suite 100Jasper, GA 30143(706) 253-3376 • Fax: (706) 253-3223cfaulk@mindspring.comPHYSICIANSDermatology.

Global Employment SolutionsBart Markley/Debbie Underkoffler586 Church StreetJasper, GA 30143(706) 692-0066 • Fax: (706) 692-0194bmarkley@gesnetwork.com or dunderkoffler@gestnetwork.comwww.gesnetwork.comRETAILTemporary staffing.Gold Star Construction Services, LLCJeremy RothP. O. Box 28Jasper, GA 30143(770) 401-9773 • Fax: (706) 692-0866goldstargeorgia@yahoo.comwww.goldstargeorgia.comCONSTRUCTIONRenovations, finished basements, addi-tions, home repair.Harmony Computing Services, Inc.Susan VanHemert1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Suite 200Kennesaw, GA 30144(678) 222-2970susan@harmonycomputing.comwww.harmonycomputing.comCOMPUTER/INTERNET/ WEBSITE SERVICESIT services.Jasper Finance and Tax Service, LLCJohnny McEntyre586 East Church StreetJasper, GA 30143(706) 253-1481 • Fax: (706) 253-1483jasperfinance@yahoo.comFINANCIAL SERVICESPersonal loans and tax preparation.Keepsakes By Me, Inc.Katherine Olsen35 S. Main StreetJasper, GA 30143(706) 692-3501 • Fax: (706) 692-3501keepsakesbyme@windstream.netRETAIL SERVICESRetail, gifts and home decor.Mustard Seed CaféLauri GrizzleP. O. Box 764Ball Ground, GA 30107(770) 735-7000lucybug62@gmail.comRESTAURANTCatering/special events/café.Neighbors Pump Service, Inc.Jon Neighbors254 West Creekview DriveJasper, GA 30143(770) 893-8987 • Fax: (770) 735-1376caitlinsa@ellijay.comWATER WELL SERVICEWater well pump installation &service.

Nortech EnterprisesJames and Darlene Crowe325 South Woods CourtJasper, GA 30143(678) 910-9090 • Fax: (678) 454-0046croweman2@aol.comELECTRONICS/REPAIRSElectronics repairs.LCP GraniteLuis Giraldo18 McKinzie Blvd.Jasper, GA 30143(678) 755-5011 • Fax: (706) 253-0480lcpgranite@bellsouth.netwww.lcpgranite.comSUBCONTRACTORGranite countertops.Roland TireMark Roland820 South Main StreetJasper, GA 30143(706) 692-5900 • Fax: (706) 692-1169roltire@alltel.netAUTOMOTIVE SALES/SERVICE/PARTSComplete auto repair.WYYZ RadioTonia ClarkP. O. Box 1390Jasper, GA 30143(706) 692-4100 • Fax: (706) 692-4012wyyz_1490am@yahoo.comRADIO STATIONRadio station.X-Cel Supply, Inc.Kevin RoperP. O. Box 990Jasper, GA 30143(678) 451-2441 • Fax: (706) 253-0040xcelsupply@ellijay.comCLEANING SERVICES/SUPPLIESJanitorial & cleaning chemical supply.Yard ArtDavid Harmon186 Grandview RdJasper, GA 30143(770) 364-5604d.harmon22@tds.netRETAIL SPECIALTYYard art.

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Ambassador of the Monthfor November

The Chamber hopes you will join us in congratulating our Ambassador of the Month for November. Mike Young with Image-works has been in business for three years in Pickens County. Image-works is a family owned and operated business providing corporate and industry apparel embroi-dery. Mike, a graduate of Florida State University, has over 30 years business experience in corporate and industry services. Mike has been an ambassador since May of 07, and he is on the Entre-preneur Friendly Committee as well as the Marketing and PR committee with the Chamber. He and his family are also actively involved in their church, Living Word Church.

Thank you, Mike, for all your hard work on behalf of the Chamber of Com-merce.

Any member of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce who would like to become an ambassador, please call the Chamber at (706) 692-5600.

Mike Young

Retire in Georgia Magazine Names “The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia”

Big Canoe makes the top 10!!!

Retire in Georgia magazine, a publication of Georgia Lifestyles Publishing Inc., announces “The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia.” Retire in Georgia re-ceived nominations from more than 30 cities and counties spanning the entire

state. The editorial staff compared criteria such as climate, travel and tourism assets, cost of living, healthcare infrastructure, housing, population dynamics, community commitment, state and local parks systems and lifelong learning opportunities when making their decision. Each community is profiled in the Fall/Winter issue of Retire in Georgia magazine, which is available at www.retireingeorgia.com.

“Narrowing our list to only 10 was difficult, given all the great communities that were nominated,” said Rick Duke, co-founder and editor of Retire in Georgia. “We are lucky to live in a state with such diverse options. The recipients of this year’s awards are not ranked, but rather they stand together as a representation of the rural, urban, coastal and mountain communities that draw retirees to Georgia. This wide spectrum of options adds to Georgia’s appeal as a retirement destination for everyone.”

The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia are:Albany - Dougherty CountyCity of AtlantaBig Canoe in Pickens and Dawson CountiesDouglas - Coffee CountyGainesville - Hall CountyMorgan, Greene, Putnam & Baldwin CountiesLowndes, Brooks and Lanier CountiesMcDuffie and Columbia CountiesSt. MarysThomasville - Thomas County

For a complete list of finalists, as well as thos receiving honorable mention and Georgia communities on the rise for future consideration, please visit the website at www.retireingeorgia.com/TheTenBest.aspx.

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Dr. Sanford ChandlerDirector

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Board SpotlightEach month we will be spotlighting a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, giving the membership a more personal look at the people representing them on the Board.

This month’s spotlight – Dr. Sanford Chandler – Director

Below is list of businesses who have notified the Chamber they would not be renewing their membership or have gone out of business. Please make note in your directory of this information.

Non-Renewing MembersFloral PleasuresJames Thomas AirKernel Kob Corn MazeLive Well CounselingMauldin Trash ServiceOprandi & Associates, RealtorsThe Pawn Shop

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Non-Renewals forNovember, 2007

A native of Kilpatrick, Alabama, Dr. Sanford Chandler received his baccalaureate and master degrees from Auburn University and his doctoral degree from the

School of Leadership and Lifelong Learning at the University of Georgia. Dr. Chandler has spent more than 28 years in the education arena, and his experience includes teach-ing as well as administrative duties. He currently serves as President of Appalachian Technical College.

Prior to Dr. Chandler’s career in education, he spent five years operating his own business as a landscape architect. He has served on numerous board and advisory coun-cils regionally and nationally. In addition to serving as a member of the Pickens County Chamber Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Council on Occupational Edu-cation.

Dr. Chandler and his wife, Desiree, reside in Jasper and have four children and five grandchildren.

D&L Enterprises

Business Spotlight on…potlight on…

C. Larry Wilson started his sole proprietorship, D & L Enterprises, in March of this year. D & L Enterprises is a consulting firm. Mr. Wilson consults with developers

and citizens; as well as consulting with governments during development projects. He has 35 years experience in planning and development with public and private sectors.

Mr. Wilson retired from the City of Canton Streets, Parks and Transportation and served as Director of Planning and Zoning Development and Code Enforcement. He was instrumental in developing the comprehensive plan for the City of Canton and re-writing their zoning and development codes.

Mr. Wilson later worked for Gilmer County as Director of Public Works and was involved in developing a plan that resulted in a $30 million General Obligation Bond, of which $16 million was set for roads and improvements.

In the private sector, he successfully obtained rezoning approval for several com-mercial developments. He also obtained variance appeals for many developments.

Mr. Wilson adds, “With my 35-plus years experience in the public and private sec-tors, I can provide my clients with a wide range of expertise from design, to negotia-tions/representation, to construction and to the final product.”

These are the members who renewed in the month of November.

Affordable Home InspectionsJasper Montessori School, INCJ & J AdamsPickens County Certified Literate ProgramPiedmont Physicians at Tate ClinicR & B LocksmithRiskmasters, LLCSave-A-Lot The Hot Dog WagonUnited Community Bank

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November Renewals

Thank you for your continued support!