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| Your Chamber News |
September 2009 |
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Greetings!
It is already October! Where has the year gone? The Taste of Camden is only 10 days away and we are counting the days down. We hope you will support your local businesses and stop by and see "What's In Your Backyard?"
In an effort to keep the newsletters to a manageable length, we will only report on what our committees are doing and past and upcoming events. Well, we try to keep it at a manageable length, but there is so much going on!
We hope you continue to send information for the Weekly Updates and enjoy reading them. The updates will continue to have all member information included.
We do want to warn all our members that Elite Design is at it again with soliciting from our members. They state they are working with the CCHS wrestling/track/football/cheerleaders, etc. This is not the case. They do not provide any products to the school. Please beware when someone calls soliciting for funds. Always contact the club or group to determine if they are a legitimate company or not.
Congratulations to St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation the October Chick-fil-A Business of the Month.
Sincerely,
Chris, Christi & Julie
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Thank You September Sponsors
Business After Hours
Hippo Storage Center
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Murrell Custom Homes
Business of the Month
Chick-fil-A
Door Prizes
Belks
Camden County Clinic of Chiropractic
Chick-fil-A
Coastal Oaks Home Inspections
Crooked Rivers: Feeding the Tides of Change
Everybody Rents!
Fairway Framing
H&R Block
Hippo Storage Center
Jill Lange
Lil Stitches
Lowe's Home Improvement
Metabolic Research Center
Murrell Custom Homes
On the Green Salon & Spa
Restoration Hands of Aloha
St. Marys Kiwanis Club
Tangled Threads
TDS Telecom
The Light House 89.3
Turner Brothers Heating & Air
Turner Pest Control
Walgreen's
Special Thank You to Jill Lange for taking pictures at our events! |
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Welcome! New September Members
Silverton Mortgage - Kim Morrison
Cross Fit Camden - Mandy & David Schumacher
Vision Source! Partners - Dr. Ian Buchli
A1 Locksmith - Bill Turner
Travel 4 Fun - Sande Schmidt
KB Grill - George Lapierre
Harbor View Homeowners Association - Chuck Lanham
White House Seafood - Karen Sharpe
Razor-Pacetti, LLC - Charles Davis, Sr.
Thank You! September Renewing Members
Turner Brothers Heating and Air - Martin & Bill Turner (3 years)
Camden Party Rentals - Kathleen Pergola (4 years)
Chuck Lanham - Individual (9 years)
Cybertech Computers - Misty Spedaliere (4 years)
Habitat for Humanity - Christi Gallagher (8 years)
Larry's Giant Subs - Paul & Donna Hinch (1 year)
Marino's Bookkeeping Services - Lisa Marino (2 years)
WOWza Realty - Jeff McClintock (1 year)
American Red Cross - Marty Turner (12 years)
BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia - Lynn Zimmermann (3 years)
Paige Thomson Foundation - Scott & Tracy Thomson (2 years)
Jones Medical Equipment - Alan Jones (4 years)
Landscape Innovations - Josh Bishop (3 years)
Ranae' Travel - Donna Campbell (1 year)
Cal Duke Publishing - Cal Duke (4 years)
Classic Cleaners - Jonathon Blount (1 year)
St. Marys Magazine - Barbara Ryan (4 years)
Highlighted members are Milestone Members 10+ years as Chamber Members!
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September Business After Hours
Thank you to Hippo Storage Center & Murrell Custom Homes for co-sponsoring the September Business After Hours. It was a huge success and the food was outstanding. You can't go wrong with Low Country Boil! The storage facilities are absolutely beautiful and Corey did an outstanding job of renovating the building.
Our October 15th Taste of Camden - What's In Your Backyard replaces our Business After Hours this month? "Taste" the experience that Camden County has to offer and join us at the Camden County Rec Center from 3 pm - 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $6 and can be purchased at the Chamber, Tribune & Georgian, Dalton Signs and the Kingsland Welcome Center. Purchase the tickets early so you save money! You will not be disappointed. For more photos
Mike, Linda and Jim McClain - Hippo Storage
Corey Murrell - Murrell Custom Homes
The crowd enjoying the great Low Country Boil and networking!
THANK YOU to Jill Lange for taking a fantastic assortment of pictures during our September Business After Hours!*** |
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Fall Quarterly Luncheon
The fall Quarterly Luncheon held at Borrell Creek was well attended. The Work Ready Certification process was the topic of discussion. Rachel Baldwin, CCHS Career Academy Instructional Specialist discussed the significance of the Work Ready Certification and the need for everyone in the private sector to take the three assessments. The assessments include: Reading, Math and Locating Information. Once scored, the test taker earns a certificate stating what level they are certified at. When a potential employee shows an employer they are Work Ready, it helps the employer know that they are trainable or the right fit for a specific position.
Hank Martin, Director of Economic Development for Altamaha Technical College explained the importance of Camden County earning the Work Ready Certification. The certification will place Camden County in a higher bracket when potential business prospects are looking to move to a specific area. Camden County is very close to earning the designation and has led the way in the Southeast region.
If you are interested in having your employees or yourself tested, please contact the Chamber at 729-5840. For more photos...
 Janice Britton, Keith Post and Sheila McNeill networking prior to the luncheon
 Networking prior to program
 Program |
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Ribbon Cuttings
Metabolic Research Center
Kevin VanHorn-Ambassador, Kevin Dalton-Board Chair, Doug Cooper-Ambassador, Genia Roddy-Metabolic, Kristin Summers-Metabolic, Janice Britton-Metabolic, Vernice Bowren-Metabolic, Chris Daniel-Chamber, Julie McCullough-Chamber
Camden County Clinic of Chiropractic
Kevin VanHorn-Ambassador, Dr. Jon & Terri Shiels, Chris Daniel-Chamber, Nadine Black, Kevin Dalton-Chamber Board - Back Row Julie McCullough-Chamber, Kristina Cook, Paul & Vicki Hafer-The Lighthouse, Genia Roddy-Metabolic, Janice Britton-Metabolic
***A Special THANK YOU to Jill Lange for taking a fantastic assortment of pictures during our Ribbon Cutting!*** |
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Speed Networking Luncheon
The Chamber held its first Speed Networking Luncheon at Aunt B's. The attendance at the first luncheon was small, but quaint and allowed for everyone to really get to know each person and their business. Those in attendance were: Carol Lanham - WKBX KBAY 106.3 FM, Damian Gonzalez - Caring Hearts Inc., Deborah Stalcop - On the Green Salon & Day Spa, John Allen - The Blood Alliance, Chuck Casey - Living Waters Christian Book, Gretchen Kelley - G.K. Brantley Law, P.C.
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2009-2010 Leadership Camden Hits the Road & Lands in Jail
The Leadership Camden class hit the road in September to tour Camden County. Royal Weaver, 2008 graduate facilitated the Camden County Road Trip. Their tour began at the Chamber highlighting the following areas: St. Marys Pauper Cemetery, Starship Farragut Sound Stage, Kinlaw School, Jefferson, Woodbine Theater, Possible Airport Location, Woodbine Park, White Oak Inn, Honey Creek, Gas Station, Salter Plantation Cemetery & Oak Tree, Providence Church/Well, Bailey Mill, Burnt Fort Church/Schoolhouse, Hog Pen Bluff, Oak Grove Church, Kingsland North Center, Mural/Depot and back to the Chamber. Thanks Royal, for taking your time to educate our new class on the history of Camden County. For more Road Trip photos...
Leadership Camden Class of 2010
This month the class learned all about the Law Enforcement and Judicial System facilitated by Magistrate Judge Jennifer Lewis. Some of the comments from the class were: "Eye Opening" and "Enlightening". The class received an overview of the Georgia judicial system, law enforcement investigation, arrest and warrant procedures, corrections booking and tour of jail, first appearance and bonding, update from the Sheriff's Office, overview of prosecution and defense attorney procedures, and a look at the juvenile court system. The class was able to get a first hand look at the issues facing the Law Enforcement and Judicial System in Camden County.
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Small Business Success Strategies in Tough Economic Times Seminar
In today's uncertain economy, small business owners are challenged with not only how to maintain revenues; they are struggling with credit issues, and how to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers, vendors, and employees.
The Camden County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Small Business Development Center is hosting and sponsoring the Small Business Success Strategies in Tough Economic Times Seminar on Wednesday, October 7th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm held at the new Emergency Management Agency located at 131 N Lee Street, Kingsland (Old Kingsland Post Office). There is no charge for the seminar and all you need to do is call us at the Chamber and reserve your seat at 729-5840 or email us at info@camdenchamber.com.
What should your business be doing right now to be in a position to survive and even thrive in the coming months and years? This seminar will provide recommendations for specific strategies for your business that address the current business climate with managing your cash flow, human resources, and marketing in the tough times of an economic downturn, while also providing guidance on how to plan and implement such changes. The program presents examples of companies which have used these strategies effectively to improve their revenue and profitability during tough times.
Christine Daniel, President/CEO of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce states, "The business community is struggling all over Camden County and the Chamber, SBDC, SCORE, DDA's and JDA are all working diligently to help all businesses during these very hard times." |
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If you have never attended the Taste of Camden, this is the year to do so. Join us on Thursday, October 15th from 3 - 7 pm at the Camden County Rec Center located at 1050 Wildcat Drive (next to Chris Gilman Stadium). Advance tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the Chamber, Tribune & Georgian, Dalton Signs and the Kingsland Welcome Center. If you wait to purchase your tickets at the door you will pay $8. Buy early and save.
Anyone who registered to be in the Taste of Camden, please stop by the Chamber to pick up your packets. You will need this information prior to setting up the day of the Expo. Also please don't forget to register for the Business 2 Business Event. ALL VENDORS must register even if you receive a ticket with your registration packet because of space limitations and lunch. This is an outstanding networking and educational opportunity, so don't miss out. To RSVP for the B2B email Christi at admin@camdenchamber.com or call the Chamber at 729-5840.
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New Member Welcome Sponsored by Dalton Signs
The New Member Welcome Open House sponsored by Dalton Signs was a great success. The new members in attendance met the Board, Staff, Ambassadors and the other members of the Chamber. They also learned a how to get the most from their Chamber membership. Watch the upcoming newsletters for the next New Member Welcome. Everyone is invited to attend. Additional photos...
Getting to know the new members
Getting information on Chamber Member Benefits
Sponsor Kevin Dalton with Dalton Signs and Alex Blount Chamber Board Chair
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Chamber Member Milestones,
Congratulations & Welcome to Camden County!
Congratulations to Matthew & Jennifer Anderson
Introducing their new addition to the family
Isaac Lars Anderson
September 14, 2009
2:05 pm
5 lbs 11 oz
18 1/2 inches 
City of Kingsland Earns Designation
City of Kingsland received their Main Street Designation from Commissioner Beatty on Thursday, September 24, 2009.
Marty Turner is the New American Red Cross Service Center Manager
Marty is a long-time resident of Camden County. Former team member of Turner Brothers Heating and Air, Inc. He graduated from Leadership Camden in 2007. Marty is excited about joining the Red Cross team as the Service Center Manager for the Camden, Charlton, Kings Bay Service Center. A family man with a lovely wife and two beautiful girls, Marty is excited to be in this position and is proud to serve Camden County and give back some of what Camden has given to him.
Emily Kellar, the former Service Center Manager is remaining in Camden County and will participate with Red Cross on a part time basis while she is pursuing a degree in nursing with the College of Coastal GA.
Dee Price Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary at Satilla Temps
Dee joined the in-house staff of Satilla Temps in 1989 after completing a short temp assignment at Kings Bay Naval Base. Dee and her husband Ken and their two sons, Jason and Justin, moved to Camden from the Atlanta area.
Dee began as a Receptionist/Clerk and was promoted twice, ultimately serving as Human Resources Manager. Dee is responsible for the overall hiring process for Satilla, which includes screening, interviewing and testing an average of 2500 applicants each year. "Dee is the best of the best", says Mary Root, Satilla's owner. "She is an integral part of this organization, and I am forever grateful for her diligence, loyalty and leadership".
Satilla Temps has been a Chamber member since 1986, and Dee is a regular attendee at Business After Hours, New Member Breakfasts, and other Chamber functions. |
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Leadership Alumni
Current Projects:
Leadership Alumni Breakfast
Date October 29, 2009
Time: 8 AM
Cost: $10.00
Location: Aunt B's
Speaker: David Keating, focus on how to maintain and grow your business in these economic times...what the Joint Development Authority can do for you... Purpose of this breakfast is to engage Leadership Alumni in a thinking process and to promote friendships with past class members. To RSVP call the Chamber at 729-5840 or email info@camdenchamber.com.
The Success Series
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 6 to 8 PM
Cost: $25.00 per person
Location: Home of Charlie and Tricia Smith
The Success Series was created for members of Alumni as both a social and fundraising opportunity. The purpose of each series is to present our group with a "living bibliography" of the host/hostess. Charlie and Tricia Smith are opening their home to members of the Alumni for an evening of sharing... The evening begins with desert and networking. After desert, Charlie and Tricia are looking forward to sharing some of their unique and life long histories together. There will be time for questions and answers afterward. We limit this to 25 participants to keep it intimate. Leadership Alumnus RSVP to the Chamber at 729-5840 or info@camdenchamber.com. Committee Chair, Mary Smith @ Cumberland Financial Services. |
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Administrative Commitee Update
The administrative committee is ad hock in nature as it does not meet until there is an issue needing it's attention. It's scope of responsibility is wide which makes its makeup unique. Depending on the issue, members who have a particular expertise or experience, may be called to serve. We have recently, addressed issues such as bylaws review, employee policy handbook, acceptable advertising methods, and cost containment. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Committee Chair, David Brown at Georgia Power.
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Government Community Affairs Committee Update
Atlanta Fly-In
The Committee is deeply engaged in planning the Chamber's first Atlanta
Fly-In. Using the Chamber's highly successful annual Washington Fly-In as a model, the committee launched its planning process by interviewing each of the county's top elected leaders seeking their input and counsel for the Project.
Several consistent issues emerged in our conversations with over 10 city and county officials. We plan to meet as a group shortly to finalize our list of "focus issues" and to discuss our strategy for making this Fly-In a high impact, collaborative effort for all of Camden County. The date for the Fly-In will be determined shortly.
Why this matters:
It is vitally important that various legal entities in Camden County work collaboratively on state-wide issues that impact our County and our Cities. As the JDA revitalizes its efforts to bring new development to Camden County, the Chamber is working to unify public and private sectors to advance issues common to all of us. There are significant steps we can and should be taking at this time to bring needed resources to our county.
Legislative Spot Light
Each month the Committee prepares a list of all relevant legislation pending or being considered in Congress that could impact Camden County business owners. In addition to information provided daily by the Georgia and U.S. Chambers of Commerce, the committee participates in frequent conference calls with elected officials and prominent experts on topics that require attention. We also attend regional meetings to learn more about details of proposed legislation. On the state level, the Georgia House and Senate are not in session until January 2010. Our goal is to remain fully abreast of proposed and pending legislation that could affect our members and citizens. We are currently following five major pieces of legislation moving through Congress. With the permission of our Board of Directors we make every effort to communicate our thoughts and comments to appropriate members of Congress. We encourage all our members to utilize these important legislative channels to let their thoughts be known.
Being informed and engaged in the governmental process is a fundamental responsibility of all citizens. The Chamber works diligently to make this process simple and user friendly for its members. We speak with one influential voice and remain abreast of all vital issues. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20th at 8:00 AM in the Chamber Conference Room. Committee Chair, Charlie Smith @ Cumberland Financial Services |
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Leadership Camden Committee Update
Leadership Camden is an eleven session leadership curriculum designed for locally recognized, emerging and potential community leaders. The Leadership Camden committee works closely with current and past graduates to ensure that the curriculum design meets the needs of the participants. The program runs 10 months with the focus on professional leadership development and insight on how Camden County operates. Committee members work to identify community leaders for each monthly program to ensure that the class participants have the ability and opportunity to learn from the best. |
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Ambassador Committee Update
The Ambassadors continue to assist the Chamber staff in any way needed. We have had great attendance at recent ribbon cutting ceremonies and business after hours events. We are always looking to build our group with new, energetic members and are excited about our newest members, Jill Lange with Watson Realty and Michael Harrington with Turner Pest Control.
The Ambassadors can be found 'Popping In' to Chamber member businesses throughout the county just to remind everyone that the Chamber is here to help in these economic times and that now, maybe more than ever, is a good time to renew your Chamber membership and help our community continue to grow.
The Ambassadors are currently working on support for the Taste of Camden. To become an Ambassador contact Co Chairs for the Ambassador Committee Doug Cooper at (912) 674-9317 or Kevin Van Horn at (912) 729-5626. |
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Sponsorship Opportunity
The Chamber is offering another sponsorship opportunity. Sponsorship of the weekly updates will give your business more exposure to the members and others that have joined our mailing list. Your logo and 5 lines of ad space will be the first thing everyone will see when they recieve the weekly update for a full four weeks. Call or email the Chamber for more information at 912-729-5840 or info@camdenchamber.com. | |
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