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Winter Quarterly Luncheon
Save the Date for the Upcoming Winter Quarterly Luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, January 28th from Noon - 1:15 pm held at Borrell Creek Landing Restaurant. Information about the newly formed St. Marys SCORE Chapter will be discussed. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Call Piper to reserve your seat at 729-5840 or email at info@camdenchamber.com. |
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Welcome November & December New Members
Allen Land Group, Inc. - John Allen III
Fairfield Inn & Suites - Greg Reed
Rowland's Upholstery Plus - Arlene Rowland-Scott
Crooked Rivers Cultural Heritage Productions - Paul Kraack
Oasis Outsourcing - Susan Guy
Altamaha Technical College - Lorette Hoover
FRANNET - Cathey Petkash
Walgreens - Ron Dinkel
Calming Waters Spa - Pam Conlon
Ignite Church - Mike Raddy
Pet Supplies Plus - Scott Altman
Thank you November & December Renewing Members
Aaron's Sales and Leasing - Calvin Jackson (3 years)
Apartment Finder/Real Estate Book - Michael Osborne (12 years)
Gough Firm, P.C. Attorneys at Law - Kevin Gough (1 year)
Orange Hall Foundation - Keith Post (2 years)
Camden County Quarterback Club - Doug Cooper (2 years)
Camden's Office City - Jeff Harrison (18 years)
Tri-Lane Rentals, Inc. - Larry Singletary (3 years)
Advance Foot & Wound Care - Dr. Diadra M. Wright (2 years)
Hospice of Golden Isles - Karen Brubaker (6 years)
Southeast Spine & Rehabilitation, LLC - Dr. Nagula (3 years)
Terri Keller, M.A., Writing & Marketing Services - Terri Keller (1 year)
Wild Way - Thomas Schwarz (1 year)
L.J. Williams - (3 years)
Honey Creek Conference Center - Ellen Harry (2 years)
Brunswick Floors, Inc. - Mike White (1 year)
Rotary Club of Kings Bay - Paula Goodnow (2 years)
Pampered Pets Resort - H.C. Leigh (1 year)
AXA Advisors-LLC - Vincent Barone (2 years)
Morton Custom Homes, Inc. - Peggy Morton (1 year)
Reads Moving System - Bob Fuller (3 years)
Service Master of Camden-Charlton County - Randi Kramer (2 years)
C & L Lawncare - Larry Heavener (5 years)
Camden Newcomers' Club - Mary Smith (3 years)
Camden Oral Surgery PC - Diane Pennington (1 year)
ERA Kings Bay Realty - Joy Cooper, ASR, e-Pro, SHS, SRES (2 years)
TGC Properties - Terry Carter (1 year)
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage - Kim Morrison (3 years)
AT&T Global Solutions - Kenya Hunt (1 year)
Camden/Charlton Board of Realtors - Carley Moerman (19 years)
Century 21 Tri Realty - Deborah Jones (15 years)
Camden County Health Department - Janet Duffield (2 years)
Earth Care Products, Inc. - Grady Mayeaux, Ph.D. (1 year)
Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford and Martin PC - Pat Keene (19 years)
Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q - Joe Loomis (14 years)
Linda & Neal Moore - (1 year)
Advance for Kids, Inc. - Sarah Johnsen (1 year)
Aldrdige Insurance Agency - Clyde Aldridge (17 years)
College of Coastal Georgia, Camden Campus - Holly Christensen (15 years)
Kingsland Family Dental Associates - Dr. Linda Poloff (1 year)
Island Kitchen & Bath - Patrick J. Mooney (1 year)
Valdosta State University - Catherine Christie (1 year)
Once Upon a Bookseller - Louise Mancill (8 years)
Satilla Community Bank - Glenda Foddrell (6 years)
Congratulations!
20 Years of Continuous Chamber Membership
Citizens State Bank - Jimmy Whiddon
Lang's Seafood - Calvin Lang
Satilla Business Services - Mary Root
Southeast Georgia Health System, Camden Campus - Howard Sepp
Coastal Bank of Georgia - Jim Lomis
Georgia Power - Joel Hanner
Privett & Associates - Park D. Privett, Jr.
SONCEL, Inc. - Robbie Frye |
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Do You Have Health Insurance Coverage?
There are approximately 24,000 uninsured working adults ages 18 to 64 residing in Coastal Georgia. Shocking but true!
The magnitude of this problem and the painful reality faced by those who are currently living without medical coverage motivated your Camden County Chamber of Commerce and The Cumberland Financial Group LLC to initiate a comprehensive search for a meaningful solution.
We are pleased to announce that our efforts have been successful. Effective 01/01/09 members of the Chamber, their employees and family members will be able to purchase a uniquely designed limited medical plan offering three levels of benefits. The plan is designed to meet basic medical needs that consumers use most.
The Plan is Guaranteed Issue...there are no health questions to answer. If you have a pre existing condition, it will be covered after you have been continuously enrolled in the plan for 13 months. You will not be declined.
The plan offers five areas of coverage.
(1) The Doctor/Hospital portion of the plan is offered through TransAmerica Life Insurance Company. As of August 2008, the AM Best Rating is A+ (Superior), the second highest rating out of 16 ratings.
TransChoice Plus provides specific coverage for: Outpatient Doctor Visits, Outpatient test (labs, screenings), Wellness Visits, Ambulance, Hospitalization (daily in hospital), Critical Illness, Anesthesia, Diagnostic tests, Physicals, Emergency room sickness Benefit and Scheduled Medical benefits.
(2) The Plan utilizes the Beech Street PPO Network, one of the largest networks in the Nation.
(3) Off the Job Accident Coverage is provided by The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company.
(4) The Prescription Discount Card provides deep discounts on prescription medications. You will save an average of 23% off brand name drugs and an average of 55% off generic drugs at more than 55,000 participating pharmacies Nationwide. No claim forms or co-pays.
(5) A one time $100 enrollment fee entitles you to participate in the Consumer Assistance Services Association which will give you access to savings and privileges including a 24 hour nurse hotline, discounts on chiropractic care, wellness discounts, online health programs, fitness club discounts, patient advocacy and telephone counseling.
This new health insurance program is administered through Access Health Partners. Your enrollment and satisfaction are guaranteed!
You can enroll online and select the coverage that is right for you. If you are not completely satisfied, simply request cancellation. Cancel within 30 days of your enrollment date without using your insurance benefits, and a refund of all charges will be made to your account or credit card.
Monthly premiums for an individual begin at $99.00 per month. Go to the Chamber Homepage and click on Affordable Healthcare for Chamber Members, follow the prompts and learn the in depth facts about the levels of coverage and costs.
Mary Smith at The Cumberland Financial Group LLC can be reached at 912-576-3700 to answer any questions you may have and/or to meet with you personally.
Please Note: This is not Major Medical Insurance nor is it meant to replace any existing major medical insurance that you currently have.
There are multiple health insurance related programs available to members of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce.
The Camden County Chamber of Commerce does not make health care plan recommendation for individuals. You are strongly encouraged to evaluate your needs and consult with an insurance agent before choosing a health care plan.
The Camden County Chamber of Commerce and its Affiliates are not insurance agencies or Carriers and do not employ or endorse individual agents.
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Camden County Chamber of Commerce
Gives Boost to Local Companies and
Business Start-Ups
Fostering new businesses is the most effective tool the government has to boost local economic growth (U.S. Small Business Administration February 2007). "We want to make Camden County a great place to start a new business," says Christine Daniel, President and CEO of Camden County Chamber of Commerce.
"We've added 'Tools for Business Success' to our website with a free tool to help entrepreneurs choose the type of business entity that meets their needs, a business start-up kit, sample business plans and small business certification information." The business start-up kit includes the forms needed to establish a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation.
But that's just the beginning.
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There's information on training provided by the regional Small Business Development Center and others, and over 75 online classes available to help start and grow your business.
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Whenever you're ready to hire staff, visit the Employer Assistance site for our free Employer's Kit and to see hourly pay information for 850+ different positions. You can also provide your new employees with a New Hire email that includes all the forms and required compliance notices.
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"If you still have questions after visiting our site, we have a Frequently Asked Questions feature where you can ask questions and experts will find resources to help you."
To use these tools, visit http://www.camden.toolsforbusiness.info. |
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Ribbon Cuttings
Calming Waters Spa
From Back Left: Emily Kellar, Ambassador, Marty Klumpp, Ambassador, Jennifer Anderson, Ambassador, Chris Daniel, Chamber, Laurie Wilson-Rose, Mary Dennis, Ann Abell, Pam Conlon, Bree Berry, Victoria Trott - Calming Waters Spa Team Members, and Lisa Marino right front
Kountry Kickin Boots
Karen Beck, Ambassador, Kevin VanHorn, Ambassador, Juanita Carter, Owner, Chris Daniel, Chamber, Marty Klumpp, Ambassador and Doug Cooper Ambassador |
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Thank You to Our December Sponsors
Business After Hours
Sawyer & Associates
Silent Auction Donations
Coastal Oaks Home Inspection
Charlie Smith, Jr.
Home-Towne Suites
Calming Waters Spa
Cumberland Inn & Suites
Greyfield Inn
College of Coastal Georgia
Sheila's Hallmark
ERA Kings Bay Realty
The Beacon Lighting Company
Marianne's Sterling's Southern Cafe
Once Upon a Bookseller
Sleep Inn & Suites
Rowland's Upholstery Plus
City of St. Marys Tourism
Laurel Island Links
St. Marys United Methodist Church
Magistrate Court
The Cumberland Financial Group, LLC
Anytime Fitness
Satilla Community Bank
State Farm Insurance - Jane Brown
Salon Ella Par
Classic Cleaners
Laurel Oaks Animal Hospital
Curves for Women
VISTA Outdoor Advertising
Satilla Temps
Osprey Cove Golf & Residential Community
LOWE'S Home Improvement
Dalton Signs
Studio S
WKBK-FM K-Bay 106.3
Coastal Design & Interior's, Inc.
Simonida
Sharron Mosley
Calico's Eatery
Business of the Month
Chick-fil-A
Marine of the Month Door Prizes
TDS Telecom
Camden County Quarterback Club
Restoration Hands of Aloha
Lil Stitches
Studio S
Chick-fil-A
St. Mary Submarine Museum |
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December Business After Hours
Our December Business After Hours was sponsored by Sawyer & Associates. As always, the event was a great success and very festive. Thank you to Ron and Amanda for hosting the BAH again this year! The January 15th Business After Hours is sponsored by Comfort Inn & Suites in Kingsland. Please join us for great networking opporutunities, food and fun. Remember to smile, you may see a camera flash!
Catching up with some old friends
Pat Lee & Mary Louise Glass |
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Planning for Success Seminars
Thank you to Ken Boden for his time, talents and conducting the training for the Planning for Success Seminars. The seminar was initially scheduled as a one time only, but we had an overwhelming response that he graciously added two additional sessions. The sessions were held at the St. Marys Economic Development Building and the Camden/Charlton Board of Realtors Office. Thank you to Alyce and Carley for allowing us the use of your conference rooms and a big thank you to Ken for his time and talents!
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CCHS Entrepreneurship Class
Business Plan Competition Winners
The Camden County High School Entrepreneurship Class held its 3rd Annual Business Plan Competition. The students again proved to several Camden County business leaders that they are capable and ready to become successful business owners. Tom Schwarz the Entrepreneurship class teacher has taught the students how to successfully prepare and present their business plans to a panel of six local community or business leaders.
The panel included Debbie Graham, Small Business Development Coordinator with UGA; Christine Daniel, President Camden County Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Kilner, Dalton Signs; Hal Weathers, Edward Jones; John McNeil, The Heritage Bank and Rachel Baldwin, Career Academy Instructional Specialist.
The business plans presented were the final step of a class project. The students conducted extensive research of their business proposals, wrote a comprehensive business plan, put that plan into action and opened the business.
The winners of the competition were Crystal Clean and Wildcat Spirit. Each student on the first and second place team were awarded cash prizes provided by John McNeil, The Heritage Bank.
Crystal Clear
Front left: Thomas Schwarz, Teacher, Hillary Hunter, Casey Nuttle, Lexi Zampogna, Christine Daniel, Chamber, John McNeil, The Heritage Bank Back Row: Derrick Saulsberry
Wildcat Spirit
Thomas Schwarz, Alyson Geedy, Brittany Herrera, Chungfar Ha, Christine Daniel, John McNeill
Entrepreneur Presenters Front: Casey Nuttle, Brittany Herrera, Jordan Seay, Alyson Geedy, Middle: Joshua Holmes, Chungfar Ha, Hillary Hunter, Lexi Zampogna, Christine Daniel Back: Thomas Schwarz, Josh Hiers, Hunter Whitetree, Derrick James, Daieo Leiwalo, Robert Williams, Derrick Saulsberry, John McNeill
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Beware of Fraudulent Advertisers
Recently, Tricey Godfrey, owner of Discovery Maps was made aware of a company fraudulently trying to take renewals by phone for the Discovery Map.
PLEASE do not give any type of information, money, etc to this person. His name is Henry Simmons (or Timmons) and his number he is using is 309-343-3328. Tricey has not contracted with or approved anyone to work with her. If you have been approached or received any paper work from this person, please contact Tricey immediately as she has filed a police report. Tricey can be contacted at (904) 415-6706.
Josh Bishop, owner Landscape Innovations also made the Chamber aware of another scam with advertising on T-shirts for High School football games. The Company is JAM Sports Marketing, LTD from Mansfield, TX. The contact phone number is 817-405-0957 and you will most likely only get an answer machine. The sales rep states for $406 the company can have their logo on the shirts thrown at the football games. If this price is too high, they will lower the cost until you commit. Beware, this is a scam and you will not receive any product.
Remember to call first if you are approached by any sales advertising agency, even if they say they are working on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will always send a written letter with my signature if we are working with any advertising agency!!! |
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Printer Trains Staff with International Industry Organization
Joseph Talley, Production Manager at Camden Printing in St. Marys, has taken part in an elite production management training course for printers. Talley trained with CPrint®, Certified Printers International at its World Headquarters in Charleston, West Virginia. This training is only available to companies which qualify for participation in CPrint®'s program by demonstrating exceptional quality and service, maintaining standards in operations, training, equipment and software as well as worker benefits and working conditions.
"Through our affiliation with CPrint® we are kept up to date with the latest innovations in the printing industry and our management structure is based on a tried and tested model," commented Greg Lockhart, owner of Camden Printing, "We consider the production management training course to be a crucial aspect of our staff training program boosting both technical knowledge and management skills."
CPrint®, Certified Printers International, is an elite organization of independently owned family-based printing businesses that strive for professionalism and performance. Companies throughout North America participate in the program which requires annual onsite recertification as well as participation in continuing education programs.
"By investing in this level of training the company is showing an ongoing commitment to both its customers and its staff," stated Tom Crouser, president, CPrint®, Certified Printers International, "Being a CPrint® participant is a significant investment of time, energy and resources to assure that high standards are maintained for the local business community and training is part of that."
Camden Printing is located at 2402 Osborne Rd in St. Marys, GA. For more information about the company call 912-882-4731.
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Dalton Signs Featured in Sign Builder Illustrated
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Locally Grown Food Meeting for Producers and Consumers in Camden County
The Camden County Extension Office will be hosting a meeting designed to connect local agriculture producers (fruit, vegetable, meats etc) with the growing market in Camden County. Anyone interested in producing, purchasing or promoting locally grown food in Camden County should attend this meeting.
A presentation will be given regarding the benefits of local agricultural commodities that are currently produced in Camden County. Producers that desire a display table for consumers to view at this event should contact the Extension Office as soon as possible. Individuals interested in growing agricultural products, regardless of size, are also welcome to attend this workshop.
The event will be held at the Recreation Department on February 9th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please contact the Camden County Extension Office for registration at 912-576-3219. |
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Broadband gets bigger and broader in 2008 and beyond
Economic impacts of TDS high speed connectivity ripple through area
It's a positive ripple affect we should all pay attention to in these challenging economic times -- broadband Internet. It leads to increased productivity, spurs business development, and provides job growth in the all-important small business segment. For counties like Camden, focused on stimulating economic growth, having the ability to demonstrate local investment in technical and telecommunications infrastructure is a strong business attraction strategy.
In light of the current economic climate, TDS is leading the way, helping communities turn the productivity corner. A look back at the past 12 months reveals TDS Telecom® has invested locally, as well as nationally, in significant network upgrades and enhancements, exciting new product launches, and growing number of broadband deployments.
In the Camden County area, specifically, TDS has:
· Invested 1.8 million dollars in local infrastructure and service
improvements;
· Introduced 10 Mbps high speed DSL services;
· Completed more than 70 large construction projects placing fiber optic
cabling to new; and existing developments;
· Built a new regional Data Center in Kingsland, GA for business
customers;
· Provided a Wide Area Network to the schools garnering multi-
megabit speeds.
"We understand the important community benefits broadband connectivity affords our commercial and residential customers," states Dave Wittwer, president and CEO of TDS Telecommunications Corp. "High speed broadband Internet connections level the business playing field and enable anyone, anywhere to start, grow and evolve a successful and healthy small business. Our top corporate goal at TDS is to empower individuals and businesses with the power of broadband and the limitless capabilities it brings to our valued customers."
Recently, the company started building a multi-million dollar 10Gigabit (10G) Ethernet network connecting its locations in 30 states. The project will provide up to 1000X more bandwidth capacity. The network's impact to businesses in the TDS footprint will be significant according to TDS.
"The 10G network will provide our markets enough bandwidth to last the next 15 years and we'll be able to scale it much larger, as needed. That's an enormous amount of reliable connectivity for customers and a clear broadband-focused roadmap for the future," states Wittwer.
According to TDS, existing technology is also advancing quickly, enabling network engineers to maximize Internet speeds over existing landlines (copper). "Five years ago, TDS could not move Internet traffic over landlines (copper) at dynamic speeds of up to 10 mbps, but new technology advances in network electronics at each end of our copper lines are increasing broadband speeds exponentially. We are reaching out further into rural areas; areas we couldn't previously serve without these technology upgrades," states Wittwer.
Currently 95 percent of customers in Camden County have access to TDS Broadband. Nationwide, TDS has about 86 percent of its markets deployed with high speed Internet and is aggressively pursuing opportunities to offer the remaining 14 percent access. "Just like the landline, full rural deployment of broadband should be a national priority and expanding the federal universal service fund to include broadband technologies as a supported service is in the best interest of our customers and the nation," states Frank Holcomb, TDS local Market Manager.
In addition to network and technical investments locally, TDS has actively supported local efforts in 2008 to help build a stronger community through the use of charitable investments and volunteerism. And with the company's recent announcement to roll out a new volunteerism program starting Jan. 1, 2009, TDS full-time employees will be getting involved in the community (the company is offering employees 16 hours per year paid time off to volunteer).
"TDS remains a strong community advocate. It's at the core of our corporate vision and is unwavering. We understand how important it is to support the people who we live, serve and work with each day in this community," added Holcomb. "I'm pleased to report TDS invested more than $28,000 back into the community this year. Some of the highlights included:
Awarded "business partner of the year" distinction from Camden County Habitat for Humanity;
- Gold sponsor at the Camden Chamber of Commerce Taste of Camden;
- Sponsored the Annual Saint Mary's Live Nativity;
- Donated phone lines and telephones for the Camden County Chamber of Commerce annual Membership drive;
- Donated the high speed connection for the live Camden County election results coverage by T.V. Camden;
- Supporting the Camden Rotary Club through donations for the Annual Duck Race;
- Supporting the Boy Scouts, youth camps, and Camden County Schools.
As 2008 comes to a close and 2009 quickly builds steam, one thing is certain -- technology will be an important piece of the productivity puzzle that can help to solve many of the economic woes of our current economy.
TDS Telecommunications Corp. markets communications services to business and residential customers in 30 states through its brands TDS Telecom® and TDS Metrocom®. With nearly 1.2 million access line equivalents in service, TDS Telecommunications Corp. connects customers to phone, broadband, and digital television service in hundreds of rural, suburban, and small metropolitan communities. TDS Telecommunications Corp. employs approximately 2,700 people and is headquartered in Madison, Wis.
Visit www.tdstelecom.com and www.tdsbusiness.com for more information.
TDS Telecommunications Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems™ (NYSE: TDS, TDS.S) headquartered in Chicago. A Fortune 500® company, Telephone and Data Systems' strategic business units, TDS Telecommunications Corp. and United States Cellular (NYSE: USM) operate primarily by providing wireless, local telephone and broadband services. As of June 2008, the TDS™ family of companies employs approximately 11,800 people and serves approximately 7.4 million customers in 36 states. Visit www.teldta.com for more information. | |
