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| Your Chamber News |
December 2009 |
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Greetings!
We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. This year has just flown by and in a few weeks it will be Christmas and everyone will be making their New Year's Resolution.
For those that may not know, the Chamber is in the process of going through the Work Ready Certification for Camden County. What this certification means to Camden is when the State Economic Developers are looking to bring prospects into a specific county, they will look first at the communities that are Work Ready Certified. There are 20 out of the 159 counties that are currently Work Ready certified. We want CAMDEN to be a part of this ELITE group so we are positioned for greater economic development. This certification will also be a huge asset to our Camden County Joint Development Authority when talking with prospects.
You may ask, "What does this have to do with me?" In order for us to be certified, we need private sector business owners, their employees or anyone who has a GED to sign up and take the Work Ready Assessments. The three assessments consist of Math, Reading and Locating Information. Each of the assessments are 55 minutes in length, are all business related assessments, and are FREE of charge. Once the assessments are taken you will earn a certificate that can be included with your resume and used as an employment tool.
If you or your employees are interested in taking the Work Ready Assessment, please contact the Chamber at 729-5840 and set up an appointment. If you have ten or more employees willing to take the test and have computer access at your office, we will set up a time that is convenient and proctor the tests at your location.
As an incentive, the first 30 people to earn a certificate from December 1st - December 18th will also receive a $15 Gift Card from Wal-Mart.
Congratulations to Advance Rehabilitation the December Chick-fil-A Business of the Month!
The Chamber of Commerce office will be closed for the Christmas Holiday's from December 24th - January 3rd, re-opening Monday, January 4, 2010.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Chris, Christi & Julie
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Welcome! New November Members
St. Marys Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Lee Spell
Special Deliveries by Carmella - Carmella Brown
Mainstreet Broadband - Robin Blackard
Aflac - Nancy Dervaes
The Mill Seafood Bar & Grill - Linda Cagle
Thank You! November Renewing Members
Christ Episcopal - Ed Haworth (9 years)
Garnett Harrison, Attorney at Law - Garnett Harrison (11 years)
Lil Seabag - Larry & Ann Wade (11 years)
Okefenokee Adventures - Joy Campbell (1 year)
Satilla Classic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. - Dr. Jannett Bradford (1 year)
Blackjack Asphalt, Inc. - Randy Maloy (1 year)
Greyfield Inn - Mary-Jo Ferguson (11 years)
Brock Landscaping & Irrigation - Chad Brock (1year)
Jim Lomis - (3 years)
Camden's Office City - Jeff Harrison (19 years)
St. Marys Kiwanis Club - Chuck Lanham (10 years)
Ashe Law Offices - William R. Ashe (1 year)
St. Marys United Methodist Church - Randy Mosley (12 years)
Brenau University - Robert North (10 years)
Camden Newcomers' Club - Mary Smith (4 years)
Krayons Academy & Krayons Academy 2 - Artie & Carolyn Jones (8 years)
Mews of St. Marys - Rosemary B. Matthews (8 years)
King of Peace Episcopal Church - Reverend Frank Logue (10 years)
Jack L. Gross, Sr. - Prudential Magnolia Realty (14 years)
The Blood Alliance - John Helgren (19 years)
Watson Realty Corporation - Lavonda Turner (14 years)
Baptist Primary Care - Dinshaw Sidhwa (3 years)
Coastal Camden Art League - Margie Rose (1 year)
Microtel Inn & Suites - Darshan Patel (3 years)
Coastal Mortgage Company - Kevin VanHorn (4 years)
Hospice of the Golden Isles - Karen Brubaker (7 years)
Bennett Chevrolet-Buick, Inc. - Eddie Bennett (19 years)
Fairfield Inn & Suites - Greg Reed (1 year)
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Joel Williams (3 years) Highlighted members are Milestone Members 10+ years as Chamber Members! |
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Thank You November Sponsors
Business After Hours
Camden County Clinic of Chiropractic
Rentz Family Dentistry
Business of the Month
Chick-fil-A
Small Business Development Series
Phyllis Keffer and Mark Crews, Camden County EMA
Non-Profit Leadership Meeting
Express Scripts
Volunteer Appreciation
Satilla Business Services
Borrell Creek Landing Restaurant
Door Prizes
Camden County Clinic of Chiropractic
Rentz Family Dentistry
Camden Charlton Board of Realtors United Way of Camden County
Chick-fil-A
Lil Seabag
NAMI
Restoration Hands of Aloha
H & R Block
TDS Telecom
St. Marys Kiwanis Club
Walgreen's
Miracle Home Care
Belks
LOWE'S Home Improvement
National Park Service
Cracker Barrel
Crooked Rivers
On The Green Salon & Day Spa
Tangled Threads
**Special Thank You to Jill Lange for taking pictures at our events!** |
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Pick 3 is Focus of the Small Business Committee
The Small Business Committee continues to work on educating the citizens of Camden County on the importance of Shopping Local. The PICK 3 Campaign, an extension of the Keep it in Camden "KIIC" Campaign is getting some buzz around town. "It is exciting to receive phone calls or email from local folks telling us their three picks they will support because they can't live without them in 2010," said Christine Daniel, president/CEO Camden County Chamber of Commerce. What is even more exciting is when a person asks if they can pick more than three!! We always say, "GO FOR IT!"
With all the business closings this year, the urgency is greater than ever to support our local businesses. When a business closes there is a tremendous domino effect and it isn't good. Employees end up losing their job, spending decreases, bills are late or can't get paid at all, health suffers due to added stress, so on and so forth. When money is tight our local businesses also suffer and in turn feel the same things.
It is the responsibility of all of us to help and support each other and ensure our economy thrives. It is as simple as buying that item at a local store instead of traveling some where else. You save on gas and your valuable time that could be spent with family and friends.
Get involved and PICK YOUR 3! Either email your three choices or call us at 729-5840 and tell us who you want to support. That $.99 sale could mean the difference to a shop owner. If you want to pick more, feel free! After we have your selections, we contact the shop owner and let them know you have chosen them to support. When you stop in to shop, you can also let them know that you have selected them. It will mean a great deal to many, and I'm sure they will be most grateful and give you a great big THANK YOU!
SHOP LOCAL AND PICK 3!
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Small Business Development Series
Are You Registered?
The Camden County Chamber of Commerce and the UGA Small Business Development Center are co-sponsoring "The Business Development Series".
The remaining four workshops are scheduled below:
We highly recommend that you make a commitment to attend the remaining workshops and call to RSVP at 729-5840 or email info@camdenchamber.com to reserve your seat. Cost for each seminar is $10 to cover lunch. Seating is limited, so please register early. There is only room for 30 seats and all seats were filled for the first seminar. |
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Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Please join us in celebrating the following Ribbon Cuttings during the month of December.
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
Friday, December 4th at 1 pm
St. Marys Senior Center
Behind The Heritage Bank at the Community Center
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Monday, December 14th at 5 pm
Totally Free Homeownership Center
Magnolia Crossing - 112 B Gross Road, Kingsland
Across from the Camden County Library
Enjoy live jazz and hors d'oeuvres
Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, December 15th at 4 pm
Centerpoint Tax Services
2475 Village Drive Suite 106, Kingsland
Next to Farmers & Builders
Hot Dogs will be served |
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18th Annual Coastal Georgia Economic Outlook Luncheon Scheduled
The Camden County Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to attend the 18th Annual Coastal Georgia Economic Outlook Luncheon on Friday, January 29th from 11 am - 2 pm held at the Sea Palms Resort, St. Simon's Island.
If you are interested in sitting at one of the Chamber's tables and representing Camden County, please RSVP to reserve your seat. Tickets are $65 payable to the Chamber prior to the event. Please call Christi at 729-5840 or email info@camdenchamber.com to reserve your seat.
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Business After Hours
The November Business After Hours was a huge success. Thank you to Camden County Clinic of Chiropractic and Rentz Family Dentistry for co-sponsoring & hosting the event. If you missed the event, you missed some great networking, wonderful food provided by KB Grill and our Mystery Chamber Member. Each month we will chose a new Mystery Chamber member and your job is to meet as many people as you can and give them your business card. This is a great way to meet new people and have an opportunity to win a great door prize. So remember to bring lots of business cards and give them to everyone you meet.
The December Holiday Business After Hours is sponsored and hosted by Sawyer & Associates. It will be held at Laurel Island Links Country Club on Thursday, December 17th from 5 pm - 8 pm. This is our annual silent auction, so come prepared to bid on wonderful auction items provided by your local businesses. See what they have to offer you and do some Christmas shopping for everyone on your list.
We are still accepting (and greatly appreciative) donations for our silent auction, your donations will help keep the YOUR Chamber vital and working for you! Read More... 
Congratulations to Sailor of the Month Sam Moore & his wife Piper
For more photos from the Business After Hours go to the Chamber's Photo Gallery.
THANK YOU to Jill Lange for taking a fantastic assortment of pictures during our November Business After Hours!*** |
Chamber Volunteers
Appreciated at Wine & Cheese Reception
The Borrell Creek Landing Restaurant was the backdrop for the Camden County Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer Appreciation Wine & Cheese Reception co-sponsored and hosted by Satilla Business Services & Borrell Creek Landing Restaurant. There were over 50+ volunteers present and joined in the celebration of thanking and recognizing all our volunteers for all the help and support they provide the Chamber and it's members.
Christine Daniel, president/CEO of the Chamber stated, "This night is for you and we appreciate all you do for the Chamber and its members. With 2 1/3 staff members we could not possibly help and support our over 450 members. The strength and voice of our Chamber is strong because of all of you. Thank you for all you do!"
Special thanks to Satilla Business Services and Borrell Creek for sponsoring and hosting the 2nd Annual Appreciation. Everyone in attendance was recognized for their time, commitment and support for all they do.
If anyone is interested in participating on any of the Chamber Committees, please do not hesitate to contact us. There is a place for everyone no matter how much time you may have. 
Devon Brown, CCHS Intern for the Chamber
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Chamber Staff GOT MOTIVATED!
The Camden County Chamber of Commerce was fortunate enough to attend the GET Motivated Seminar in Jacksonville on November 2nd. The speakers were outstanding and everyone was thrilled to have the opportunity to hear speakers such as Rudy Giuliani, Gen. Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw and First Lady, Laura Bush.
Special thanks to Marty Klumpp for "covering" the Chamber office so all the staff could attend. We appreciate your time and support.
 
General Colin Powell First Lady, Laura Bush
Terry Bradshaw |
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Government Procurement Workshop Well Attended
The Small Business Committee was thrilled with the turnout for the Government Procurement Workshop held on November 19th. There were over 40+ people in attendance. The focus of the workshop was to educate and inform small business owners how they could do business with military installations (Federal) or other state governments.
The speaker for the Workshop was Tony Blige, Procurement Counselor from Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute. Tony presented the class with 2 hours of very informative information and answered many questions from those in attendance.
This seminar is the second in a series of workshops to assist our local businesses to branch out and have a broader base to do business. It has also helped us to educate the federal and state government businesses what they can do to be more supportive of the local businesses in their communities. It is a win-win for everyone. |
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Chamber Member Milestones,
Congratulations & Welcome to Camden County!
Congratulations to Southeast Georgia Health System for being selected as the 2009 Hospital of the Year
Advance Rehabilitation wins one of the nine national Outstanding Employee Partnership Award from Press Ganey
Advance Rehabilitation is proud to announce that Press Ganey Associates, Inc. has named Advance a 2009 Distinctive Workplace Award Winner. Advance Rehabilitation is one of nine, out of over 10,000 Press Ganey clients nationally to receive this prestigious award in 2009. Advance Rehabilitation is the first Physical Therapy practice in history to win this award.
Congratulations to our CCHS DECA Students
Ashley and Caitlyn placed 1st in the Sports and Entertainment role play at the Southern Region Leadership Conference
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2010 Chick-fil-A Leadercast Coming to Camden County
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 7th for the Chick-fil-A Leadercast. The Camden County Chamber of Commerce will be selling tickets to this most worthwhile event. Scheduled to appear are: John Maxwell, Jim Collins, Tony Dungy, Ed Bastian, Jim Goodnight, Connie Podesta, Steve Uzzell, Ben Carson, Chip Heath, and Mark Sandborn.
This is an educational and motivational event that will allow you to build relationships and participate in an unforgettable experience. Anyone interested in attending and would like to reserve a seat, please call the Chamber at 729-5840 or email us at info@camdenchamber.com.
This is an event you will not want to miss. |
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Leadership Alumni "Success Series"
This year the Leadership Alumni Group has been very active recruiting new members and developing and implementing opportunities for further Leadership development such as the Alumni Breakfast and the Success Series which are both offered twice a year.
The first Leadership Alumni breakfast was held March 2009, with over 40 Leadership graduates attending and learning about the Alumni program as well as the Success Series. Our second breakfast was held at Aunt B's October 28th with John McDill, Chairman of the Camden County Joint Development Authority (JDA) presenting their strategic plan.
The Success Series was started as our 'Signature" fundraising event. Our inaugural event kicked off in June of this year with Dink NeSmith, founder of the Tribune & Georgian, presenting and hosting 25 alumni members and their spouse/guests at the Tribune. Dink NeSmith talked about the very same principles and lessons that we learned from our parents. His story energized everyone in attendance and helped everyone to see that a life centered within the cornerstone of ethics, dignity and honor, dreams will become a reality.
Our second Success Series will be hosted at the home of Charlie and Tricia Smith, long-time leaders in Camden County on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Those registered for the event are very excited to hear Charlie and Tricia share their personal stories. Any Leadership Alumni that would like to attend please RSVP to the Chamber at 729-5840 or info@camdenchamber.com. Five spots remain open. All Leadership Camden graduates are invited to become a member of the Leadership Alumni and join our 39 current members. |
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Government Community Affairs Committee Update
November has been a very busy month for the Chamber's Government Community Affairs Committee. We have held two special meetings and one regular meeting to solidify our plans for the Chamber's first Atlanta Fly-In.
On November 17th the GCAC reviewed and refined the content of the four issue papers that include an Altamaha Technical College Site in Camden, Funding for Camden County Schools, Colerain Road Evacuation Route and Missions for Growth on Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay.
On November 18th we gave a full report to the Board of Directors and gained their input.
On November 23rd we hosted our second meeting with elected and volunteer leaders. Two of the issue papers are essentially completed while two required further work. The group selected January 11-12 for the inaugural Fly-In.
Through the collaborative efforts of the entire group, we intend to make our case to a short list of "decision makers" in Atlanta who can help advance our needs in Camden County. |
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Leadership Camden Class Progress
The 2009-2010 Leadership Class has just reached the halfway point of the program and they have been exposed to a variety of different things within the County. Their experience began with a Meet and Greet breakfast hosted by the Leadership Alumni, followed by the annual two day Retreat held at Cabin Bluff. Next, the class took a look at various parts of the county on the County Road Trip. These experiences were followed by a Judicial/Law Enforcement Day, Economic Development Day and Invest in Your Local Community Day.
Participation in the Leadership Camden program is a great way to meet with area leaders and to explore major issues and challenges facing Camden County. Applications for the 2010-2011 class will be available in May. |
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Workforce Development Committee Needs You!
The Workforce Development committee is currently involved in addressing Goal #9 of the 2005 Workforce Diversification study completed by Georgia Tech: [to] Join forces to ensure that workforce development is demonstrably excellent at all levels, from early childhood through adulthood. This means:
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Creating a "one-stop "consortium for workforce development issues
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Conducting an extensive inventory of local workforce related talent
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Continuing to raise awareness about hazards putting young people at risk
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Expanding training for current and potential entrepreneurs
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Fostering greater coordination with the Navy College Program
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Preparing students to fill "creative class" occupations
The committee is in the process of refining a strategic plan to accomplish these initiatives. The Camden Workforce team visited the 21st Century Partnership of Middle Georgia (Warner Robins Air Force Base) which resulted in an extended invitation to Director, Mary Therese Tibbe to speak at the "Community that Cares" Breakfast in October.
Modeling after the 21st Century Partnership which parallels the Camden County community in several ways, provides vision and an example for Camden County to replicate specific to local workforce needs. The committee is anxious to promote assets that are currently available to create a strong and viable workforce: through a strong K-12 education system, viable postsecondary community that includes four institutions, a well trained workforce through exiting and retiring military personnel, and geographic benefits that include location between two major ports and direct access to a major interstate.
How can Chamber members help the Workforce Committee and strengthen the local workforce?
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Join our effort (committee meets the last Monday of each month) and become a committee member
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Take the Georgia Work Ready Assessment
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Help align all organizations and agencies in providing a comprehensive workforce development support system to local businesses and industries as well as entrepreneurs |
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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 receive 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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