Horizons January 2014

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Horizons A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce January 2014 Looking Forward in 2014 I am proud and honored to serve as the Chamber Chair for 2014. As a small business owner for the past 18 years, I know first-hand the struggles and challenges of owning your own business. These experiences have given me the opportunity to understand what businesses need from their local Chamber and the support necessary to succeed. As 2013 comes to a close we see the signs of economic recovery continue to grow into a strengthening economy. In Forsyth County our unemployment rate has declined to 6.1 percent. We saw 19 new and existing companies create 624 new jobs and invest $58.9 million dollars in new capital. With the economy in a steady upward turn, now is the time to seize the opportunities that recovery will bring. With your support, we will expand the reach of our economic development efforts. We will provide additional support to the fastest growing industry in our community – health care. Now is the time to make additional investments in resources to encourage more visitors to our community by targeting the lucrative amateur sports market. We have made important strides in this area, but there is more work to do and expanding those efforts will yield real economic opportunity for our retail and hospitality industries. Economies are built on relationships and leadership. We are blessed to have both of these in Cumming and Forsyth County. e Chamber is an integral part of facilitating those relationships and fostering strong leaders. Your Chamber is the sole economic development entity in our community. is streamlined approach to serving the needs of business clients gives us a competitive advantage. Our partnership with the City, County and School System makes us a strong player on a global stage. e Chamber will continue to work with leaders in Cumming and Forsyth County to streamline the process of business interaction with our local government to ensure it is clear to the region and the nation we have the most business-friendly community in the country. Cumming and Forsyth County have already taken strong steps in that direction and I thank them for their continued support. We have opportunities for growth in 2014. While the Chamber is on sound financial footing, the new services will require greater resources. While our membership numbers have recovered from the impact of the recession, we still have opportunities for growth and increasing our market share, especially in health care, international business and small business. e Chamber is our venue to channel the incredible collective resources of great business people to create economic opportunity for everyone. e opportunity is what makes us remarkable and sets us apart from so many places around the world. As incoming Chair, I look forward to working with each of you to expand that opportunity for everyone in our community to reach their potential and achieve more than we could imagine. Prestige Members Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor Taubman Forsyth County Government Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Anchor Home Mortgage 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

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Transcript of Horizons January 2014

Page 1: Horizons January 2014

HorizonsA publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

January 2014

Looking Forward in 2014I am proud and honored to serve as the Chamber Chair

for 2014. As a small business owner for the past 18 years, I know first-hand the struggles and challenges of owning your own business. These experiences have given me the opportunity to understand what businesses need from their local Chamber and the support necessary to succeed.

As 2013 comes to a close we see the signs of economic recovery continue to grow into a strengthening economy. In Forsyth County our unemployment rate has declined to 6.1 percent. We saw 19 new and existing companies create 624 new jobs and invest $58.9 million dollars in new capital.

With the economy in a steady upward turn, now is the time to seize the opportunities that recovery will bring. With your support, we will expand the reach of our economic development efforts. We will provide additional support to the fastest growing industry in our community – health care. Now is the time to make additional investments in resources to encourage more visitors to our community by targeting the lucrative amateur sports market. We have made important strides in this area, but there is more work to do and expanding those efforts will yield real economic opportunity for our retail and hospitality industries.

Economies are built on relationships and leadership. We are blessed to have both of these in Cumming and Forsyth County. The Chamber is an integral part of facilitating those relationships and fostering strong leaders. Your Chamber is the sole economic development entity in our community. This streamlined approach to serving the

needs of business clients gives us a competitive advantage. Our partnership with the City, County and School System makes us a strong player on a global stage. The Chamber will continue to work with leaders in Cumming and Forsyth County to streamline the process of business interaction with our local government to ensure it is clear to the region and the nation we have the most business-friendly community in the country. Cumming and Forsyth County have already taken strong steps in that direction and I thank them for their continued support.

We have opportunities for growth in 2014. While the Chamber is on sound financial footing, the new services will require greater resources. While our membership numbers have recovered from the impact of the recession, we still have opportunities for growth and increasing our market share, especially in health care, international business and small business. The Chamber is our venue to channel the incredible collective resources of great business people to create economic opportunity for everyone. The opportunity is what makes us remarkable and sets us apart from so many places around the world. As incoming Chair, I look forward to working with each of you to expand that opportunity for everyone in our community to reach their potential and achieve more than we could imagine.

Prestige Members

Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor

Taubman

Forsyth County Government

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Anchor Home Mortgage

Inspiring Smiles

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry

Kaiser Permanente

jTech NetworksThe City of Cumming

Georgia PowerDeKalb Office

Smithfield Farmland

Michael Williams

Lou Sobh Honda

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Q & A with the Chair

In addition to the 2014 Chair, what other roles have you held on the Chamber Board of Directors?

For many years I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as Secretary/Treasurer. I have also been on the Nominating Committee and recently on the Leadership Team for the Business First campaign.What do you do professionally?

I have always been in the accounting field and 18 years ago began my own CPA firm in the basement of my house. Since then, the business has grown tremendously and we have a wonderful building right off of Browns Bridge Road. Our firm takes pride in giving our clients the personal attention that people deserve in this busy world.

Along with being a CPA and a business-owner you are also an author…Years ago my husband took me to Las Vegas and I fell in love with playing poker.

Since I knew I had better not quit my day job and play, I decided to write a book called How To Turn Your Poker Playing Into a Business. I self-published it and sent a copy to Barnes and Noble in New York and they immediately accepted it. From there, I have acquired more than 250 professional poker players as clients that are located all over the US. I write for poker magazines and do interviews with sites as different poker/tax related issues arise. The poker community dubs me as the “PokerCPA!”What other organizations are you involved in?

I have been a Rotarian now for more than 17 years, have been the Treasurer for many years, and was President of the Lanier/Forsyth Rotary club from 2011-2012. In addition, I have always had a passion for animal advocacy, and am on the Georgia State Council of the Humane Society of the US (HSUS). Last year with HSUS I participated in a large puppy mill raid in South Carolina. I am also the Treasurer of the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. Being a private pilot, I decided to take my passion for animals and fly animal rescues for “Pilots N Paws” when I am able to.What do you do in your spare time?

I confess I still love to play poker and play whenever I can! I love to travel and scuba dive, as well as play piano and collect wine. I am working on obtaining my Instrument Rating as a Private Pilot so hopefully I can squeeze it in during 2014 in my “spare time!”

Ann-Margaret Johnston,

Johnston & Associates

Johnston after participating in a lab rescue with Pilots N Paws.

Johnston winning third place in a poker tournament in the Bahamas.

Johnston’s “children,” her West Highland Terriers, Madison and Morgan.

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Partners in Education

Partners Support BYOT Initiative

W hat started over a game of gin rummy i n 2 0 1 2 c u l m i n a t e d i n t h e

presentation of a check for almost $30,000 to the Forsyth County BYOT, or Bring Your Own Technolog, initiative. Peggie and Jim Morrow, of Morrow Family Medicine in Cumming, decided a year ago to give back to the community and they did that in a big way. Putting on a golf tournament and conducting a raffle in participating schools, they raised money to provide in home internet for families without it and also provided a method for schools to enhance their own BYOT agendas. Georgia United Credit Union was recognized as a Gold Level Sponsor for the First Annual Forsyth PTA Golf Benefit for Forsyth County School’s “Bring Your Own Technology”

Initiative at a sponsor appreciation luncheon at the Forsyth Conference Center. Dr. and Mrs. Morrow took the opportunity to recognize and thank the event sponsors, present the check to the Forsyth County PTA, and to kick off the campaign for next year. Tim Clark, Coordinator of Institutional Technology for Forsyth County schools and senior Vasishta Manavarty from South Forsyth High School told the attendees how BYOT had changed and could change the lives of all students in the county. Forsyth County is nationally recognized as the leader in BYOT and encourages all students to bring not only their own technology, but to “bring your own thinking” to school every day.

(L toR) Dr. Jim Morrow, Peggie Morrow and Tim Clark, Coordinator of Instructional Technology for Forsyth County Schools.

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In-Depth

‘Tis the season of New Year’s resolut ions . Al l through January gyms will be crowded but Chamber events should be too because, as I tell many new Chamber members, your Chamber membership is very similar to a gym membership- the value you get is a result of the effort you put in. I frequently tell people that if y o u v i s i t y o u r g y m sporadically you most likely

come out feeling tired and frustrated. The same situation is true when utilizing your Chamber membership. You cannot see results until you consistently make the Chamber a part of your business operations. Similar to a personal trainer, each Chamber member has a personal Membership Services Executive dedicated to helping you reach your professional goals. So this season, along with your other resolutions, resolve to get the most out of your Chamber membership. The first step is to spend some time with your Membership Services Executive putting together a 90-Day Game Plan. This plan will decide how you can best use your budget and time to receive the most value from your membership.Perhaps the most unique opportunity the Chamber offers is for businesses to participate in distinct, community-wide events. Sponsoring these once a year, locally-focused events is a marketing tactic that can set your business apart from the rest. While there are multiple exciting options from the Celebration of Excellence Luncheon highlighting Forsyth County Schools to the City of Cumming Christmas Parade and Jingle Jog, our team regularly advises businesses to focus on the community members each event attracts. Are these people your target audience? Are the other sponsors organizations you want your business to be associated with? A great way to network is to show

other Chamber members that your business aligns behind the same causes they do. Reach out to your Membership Services Executive right away about what event sponsorships could best benefit your business. By the end of February eighty percent of Chamber sponsorship opportunities are sold out for the entire year!Your Membership Service Executive can also put you in touch with additional Chamber resources to meet your specific needs. Seeking more one on one networking opportunities? Make a consistent commitment to attend the Chamber’s weekly Power Networking Lunches or monthly Business After Hours and Women Who Mean Business events. Looking to expand your business or obtain free consulting on your business plan? Schedule time with the Chamber’s Small Business Services Center. Interested in becoming involved with county economic development efforts? Consider j o i n i n g o u r C h a i r m a n ’ s C a b i n e t . Resources are available for you to accomplish your professional goals. Dedicate the time and put in the effort to make the most of them.Finally, let it be known that your business is a part of the Chamber! A great deal of credibility comes with promoting your Chamber m e m b e r s h i p .

Consumers know that you are serious about doing business and supporting our great community. We focus on helping our members to build, grow and succeed. Make that your goal in 2014 and contact us at 770-887-6461!

Resolve to Get the Most Out of Your MembershipBy Jimmy Lane, Director of Membership Services at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber members join Chairman of the Board of Commissioners R.J. “Pete” Amos and the Chamber ’s Director of Small Business Services Jason Mock at the UGA Terry College of Business 2014 Georgia Economic Outlook.

Jared Jones shares about his company at the weekly Power Networking Lunch.

Paul Chambers of AT&T moderates the legislative events AT&T sponsors during the year.

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Month in Review

(L to R) Gail Ramey, Richard Steverand Michael Smallwood

(L to R) Doug Clayton and Scott Hansard (L to R) Bruce Longmore, Gordon Lowe and Jared Jones

(L to R) Chuck Welch and Shawn Brown

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Month in Review

Kathy Galbraith chats with representatives from Atlanta Gastroenterology at the HCA’s Annual Mingle Jingle.

Pre Legislative Session Luncheon

(L to R) Crystal Johnson, Anna Harrison, Napolean Foster, JD Dickerson and Beth Odonoghue

The event was moderated by Paul Chambers, NE Georgia Regional Director of External Affairs of AT&T.

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10 HORIZONS January 2014

Principal for a Day Tourism

Another Successful Year of Holiday Cheer

T he Cumming Annual Christmas Parade was held on December 7,

2013 at 10:30 a.m., the first time for an early morning start . The parade consisted of 65 floats including bands, scout troops, local organizations, City of Cumming Mayor Ford Gravitt and Santa. The parade’s presenting sponsor was once again Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta- Forsyth. CHOA’s mascots, Will and Hope , and the Chi ld ren’s Ambulance were there to lead the parade down Marketplace Boulevard. We were also honored to have the 116th Army National Guard Band and Color Guard in the parade this year. The parade went very smoothly with the help of the Cumming Police Department

and all parade volunteers and the merchants on Marketplace Boulevard. Several floats came away as winners with the Forsyth County Family YMCA taking “Best Float Overall,” the Humane Society of Forsyth County taking the “Most Creative” award, Cub Scout Pack 62 taking the “Most Original” award, and Sawnee Ballet being awarded for “Best Use of Christmas Theme.” The 116th Georgia Army National Guard Band and Color Guard took home the “Judges’ Award.” Thank you to all parade sponsors for making this Christmas tradition possible. Mark your calendars to take part in next year’s festivities on December 6, 2014.

Business Relationships are Principle for Principals

O n Monday, December 9, 2013 the community’s business and

educational leaders gathered for the second Annual Principal for a Day Luncheon. The event was presented by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, with support from Snap Technology and Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ. During the month of November Forsyth County Schools’ principals provided community leaders with a unique opportunity to serve as a principal in their schools for one day. Th e Principal for a Day Luncheon allowed each of the principals and community leaders to reunite and refl ect on their experiences.“At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,

pediatrics is such a passion,” stated Linda Cole, Senior Vice President of Operations at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “Th e opportunity to get to go into where they are doing their work every day was such a unique and exciting opportunity.”In February of 2014 Forsyth County Schools and the Chamber of Commerce will launch the fi rst Annual CEO for a Day Program. Th e initiative will provide local principals with an opportunity to serve as a business leader in a local company for one day. For more information about either initiative, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (770) 887-6461.

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P lease join the SBSC for the first Lunch & Learn for the 2014 year. The

SBSC has invited Becky Brown the president and founder of North Georgia Accounting Consultants, Inc. to speak on the topic of tax audits and how small business owners can avoid getting one in 2014.Becky’s varied experience includes more than 15 yea r s o f work ing wi th QuickBooks, and more than twenty years of working with small businesses, builders and contractors. Additionally she teaches QuickBooks classes for the University of North Georgia. Becky is also the author of A QuickBooks Guide For Accountants, a book on the ins and outs of using QuickBooks at the accountant level. She is currently working on A QuickBooks Guide For Beginners.The Lunch & Learn will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the University of North Georgia – Cumming Campus and is sponsored by BB&T. Registration will start at 11:30 a.m. with the class beginning at 11:45 a.m.To register for this event please visit the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce website or call the Chamber at 770-887-6461.

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12 HORIZONS January 2014

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HORIZONS January 2014 13

Member NewsScientifi c Games HostsTechnology Association of Georgia

J eff Mason Advert is ing and Design, Inc. has expanded its

client services, added to the team and re-branded all together as Ignite Creative Group. With seasoned and talented marketing professionals at the helm, Ignite is a full-service, boutique marketing firm that provides creative, branding and interactive solutions to organizat ions with out-sourced

marketing needs. Ignite’s new services will run the gamut from developing soup-to-nuts creative marketing campaigns, producing TV commercials and designing product packaging to giving existing websites a face-lift, creating print materials and executing online advertising. Check them out at www.ignitecreativegrp.com.

S cientific Games Corporation recently hosted more than 100 members from the Technology

Association of Georgia (TAG) at an exclusive visit to the Company’s Global Lottery Center of Excellence in Forsyth County. One of TAG’s quarterly Field Trips to technology businesses in the state, the visit offered members a rare, behind-the-scenes view of Scientific Games’ highly secure global lottery technology and game design operation. “This fiscal year, the Georgia Lottery celebrated a record-breaking $2.6 billion in instant game sales and $927 million in contributions to education in the state. We are proud to partner with a global company that has operations right here in Georgia,” said Tom Schroeder, Senior Attorney for the Georgia Lottery. Since introducing the world’s first secure instant scratch lottery game in 1974, Scientific Games has created innovative technology to drive performance for regulated gaming organizations around the world, increasing returns for their government beneficiaries such as the Georgia Lottery’s HOPE Scholarship and Georgia Pre-K Program.

(L to R) Jason Prentice, Tom Schroeder, Senior Attorney for the Georgia Lottery and Emily Campbell of Scientific Games, helped welcome guests to Scientific Games’ Global Lottery Center of Excellence.

Red|Clay Communications named to Bulldog 100

R ed|Clay™ Communications, Inc. will be honored January

25th when The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognizes the 2014 Bulldog 100: Fastest Growing Bulldog Businesses. The program recognizes the fastest-growing businesses regardless of size by focusing on a three-year growth rate average. Red|Clay, founded in 2008 by UGA graduate Joshua W. Jones has

provided strategic counsel to some of the world’s leading corporations, political candidates and associations.  As a public relations practitioner, it is an exci t ing t ime to work in communications. “Being named to the 2014 Class of the Bulldog 100 is a proud moment for Red|Clay,” said Jones. “It’s a testament to our commitment to always putting our clients’ interests firsts.”

Solar Energy USA Installs Solar Power System at National Guard Facility

S olar Energy USA is proud to announce that they have been

selected by the Department of Defense to install a 106 kW photovoltaic solar energy system at a military base in Savannah, Georgia.The roof-mounted PV system will be installed on the GA National Guard Hunter AASF building and will generate more than 161,000 kWh of power annually. The 403 solar panels to be installed are made by Suniva, another Georgia based company.

“The United States is currently experiencing a very strong period of solar growth,” said Perry Bell , President and CEO of Solar Energy USA. “Thanks to decreasing costs and impressive long-term savings, over 5.3 gigawatts (GW) of new American solar electric capacity is projected to come online in 2013. Solar Energy USA is proud to offer our line of Affordable Solar Solutions to the Department of Defense at the Georgia National Guard facility in Savannah.”

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14 HORIZONS January 2014

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.

January 7Women Who Mean Business-7:30 a.m., Panera Bread

January 16Business After Hours-5 p.m., The Villas at Canterfi eld

January 28Member Power Networking Lunch-Noon, Quanto Basta

January 30SBSC Lunch n’ Learn-11:30 a.m., University of North Georgia – Cumming Campus

February 4Economic Outlook Breakfast-7:30 a.m., Forsyth Conference Center

February 4Member Power Networking Lunch-Noon, TBA

February 11Member Power Networking Lunch-Noon, Good Grub Subs

February 14Celebration of Excellence-11:30 a.m., Forsyth Conference Center

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HORIZONS January 2014 15

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

2013 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

Royce OwensMimms Enterprises

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

Bobby ThomasChair, 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 WaltherKaiser Permanente

Thom SmithBB&T

Matt McClureBank of North Georgia

Carter BarrettCommunity Business Bank

Kevin GarmonBannister Creek, LLC

Drew WalkerAlliance National Bank

Mike CasparWalmart

Rep. Mark Hamilton

Rep. Mike Dudgeon

Sen. Jack Murphy

Sen. Steve Gooch

Rep. Geoff Duncan

Ann-Margaret Johnston, Chair,Johnston & Associates

Linda Cole, Past-ChairCHOA

John Hall, First Chair-Elect,Forsyth County News

Fran Forehand, Second Chair-Elect,GA Power

Chris Ethridge, Secretary/TreasurerFrazier & Deeter, LLC

Ex-Officio Chamber Staff

Horizons

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16 HORIZONS January 2014

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