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Horizons A publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce September 2012 Heartbeat of the business sector t is a quiet, rainy afternoon. However, the Chamber of Commerce’s parking lot is filled to capacity with vehicles. Within the Chamber’s board room, a group of business executives from a Korean technology company listen attentively as the Chamber of Commerce’s eco- nomic development staff discusses the advantages of establishing the compa- ny’s U.S. headquarters and manufac- turing plant in Cumming. “Many regard our Chamber of Commerce as being the heartbeat of the business sector in one of the most affluent and fast-growing communi- ties in America,” said Randall Toussaint, the Chamber’s Vice President for Economic Development, as he addresses the group. “However, we ask that you simply view us as a one-stop resource to support the growth of your compa- ny.” The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s economic development program was established in 2005 through a partnership with both the City of Cumming and Forsyth County. Through this partnership the Chamber serves as the economic development agency for both jurisdic- tions. “Our economic development pro- gram strategically seeks to create new jobs and capital investment within the industries of health care, technology, green/ light manufacturing, data cen- ters, and international businesses,” stated Tim Perry, Chair of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee. “In doing so,” he said, “the Chamber’s staff works with a vast network of economic development partners to assist companies with iden- tifying locations for their new facili- ties, recruiting and screening new employees, training employees on new procedures and equipment, developing local supply chain networks, identify- ing strategies for reducing energy costs, exporting and importing goods and materials, and navigating our local permitting process.” I Prestige Members Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor Taubman Forsyth County Government Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Anchor Home Mortgage St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta jTech Networks The City of Cumming Georgia Power DeKalb Office See HEARTBEAT, page 2 Business executives meet for a recent Quarterly International Business Roundtable.

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HorizonsA publication of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

September 2012

Heartbeat of the business sectort is a quiet, rainy afternoon. However, the Chamber of Commerce’s parking lot is filled to capacity with vehicles. Within

the Chamber’s board room, a group of business executives from a Korean technology company listen attentively as the Chamber of Commerce’s eco-nomic development staff discusses the advantages of establishing the compa-ny’s U.S. headquarters and manufac-turing plant in Cumming.

“Many regard our Chamber of Commerce as being the heartbeat of the business sector in one of the most affluent and fast-growing communi-ties in America,” said Randall Toussaint, the Chamber’s Vice P r e s i d e n t f o r E c o n o m i c Development, as he addresses the group. “However, we ask that you simply view us as a one-stop resource to support the growth of your compa-ny.”

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s economic development program was established in 2005 through a partnership with both the City of Cumming and Forsyth

County. Through this partnership the Chamber serves as the economic development agency for both jurisdic-tions.

“Our economic development pro-gram strategically seeks to create new jobs and capital investment within the industries of health care, technology, green/ light manufacturing, data cen-ters, and international businesses,” stated Tim Perry, Chair of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee. “In doing so,” he said,

“the Chamber’s staff works with a vast network of economic development partners to assist companies with iden-tifying locations for their new facili-ties, recruiting and screening new employees, training employees on new procedures and equipment, developing local supply chain networks, identify-ing strategies for reducing energy costs, exporting and importing goods and materials, and navigating our local permitting process.”

I

Prestige Members

Northside Hospital-Forsyth Premier Corporate Sponsor

Taubman

Forsyth County Government

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Anchor Home Mortgage

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta

jTech Networks

The City of Cumming

Georgia Power

DeKalb Office

See HEARTBEAT, page 2

Business executives meet for a recent Quarterly International Business Roundtable.

2 HORIZONS September 2012

Economic Development

Seated adjacent to Toussaint are repre-sentatives from Sawnee EMC, Lanier Technical College, the Small Business Services Center, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “As you can see,” states Toussaint to the group of foreign business executives, “we are a team, and we are here to support the economic vitality of both your company and our community.”

This resource-oriented approach to eco-nomic development has allowed the Chamber of Commerce to attract over 13,000 new jobs to our community since 2005, while generating a projected total of $1.8 billion in new capital investment. “Since 2005 our chamber’s economic development program has successfully brought new jobs and capital investment to our community,” stated Chamber President and CEO, James McCoy. “However, these are simply short term benefits. To see the true value of our pro-gram one must consider the fact that each new job we create provides a local resi-dent with an opportunity to work within our community as opposed to working elsewhere. Additionally, each new dollar that is brought to our community by a company helps to balance our communi-ty’s tax digest.”

“The Chamber actively competes against other communities throughout the world to attract new companies to our area,” Toussaint said after the meeting. “We live in a global age and we must compete internationally for every new lead that we generate.”

The Chamber of Commerce’s economic development staff secures new leads by proactively working with real estate agents, brokers, corporate database sys-tems, international consulate offices, law firms, multinational chambers of com-merce, site selectors, utility companies, and economic development agencies such as the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

“We are constantly scouting for new leads, and we are very innovative about how we do it,” exclaimed Toussaint. “Our International Engagement Staff includes several German-speaking volunteers who regularly contact companies in Germany to recruit them to our community.”

In 2011 and 2012 the Chamber part-nered with the Development Authority of Forsyth County to recruit international health care companies at the world’s larg-est biotechnology conference — The BIO International Convention.

“Each lead is qualified in terms of each company’s likelihood to bring new jobs and capital investment to our community” explains Toussaint. Since January of 2012 the Chamber’s economic development team has generated an average of four new leads per month; and they have success-fully closed an average of one out of every four new leads.

The Chamber of Commerce’s economic development staff also generates new leads through its Business Retention and Expansion Program. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the program strives to retain our community’s businesses, while removing the road blocks that commonly prevent local companies from expanding.

“Each month our Chamber partners with representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Department of Labor, and Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute to visit local companies in the City of Cumming and Forsyth County,” Toussaint said.

During every site visit each member of the group shares their organization’s resources with local companies in an attempt to help companies resolve such challenges as limited access to capital; a lack of up-to-date market data; and a low

level of sales. “Resources such as the State of

Georgia’s Job Tax Credit Program and our technical school’s Quick Start Training Program can often be combined in unique ways to generate significant levels of savings for a company,” Toussaint said. “However, these pro-grams are not commonly known to most business leaders. During our business retention and expansion visits our team is able to expose local companies to these resources.”

When asked about the value of this program McCoy responded, “The pro-gram is unquestionably one of the most unique resources in the State of Georgia.” Since January 2012 the Business Retention and Expansion Program has conducted 89 business retention meetings and site visits. Additionally, in 2012 the program has produced four expansion projects that are projected to collectively bring 151 new jobs to our community.

“Our economic development program is a shining testament to the valuable role that Chambers of Commerce can play in fostering economic growth within a com-munity,” McCoy said.

According to a recent analysis, since 2005 the total number of people (both residents and non-residents) employed within Forsyth County’s businesses has increased and decreased simultaneously with the number of jobs generated from the Chamber of Commerce’s economic development activities.

The Chamber’s economic development staff has recently assisted with such retail projects as Academy Sports’ new 72,000-square-foot facility; and the new Carrabba’s Italian Grill at The Avenue-Forsyth.

At the time that this article was submit-ted, the Korean company had confiden-tially selected an undisclosed location in Forsyth County as the home of their new U.S. headquarters and manufacturing plant. The project is forecasted to gener-ate approximately 80 new jobs and near-ly $3 million in new capital investment.

HeartbeatSince the creation of the Chamber’s economic development program in 2005:

• The Chamber’s economic development projects generated approx-imately $1.8 billion in new capital investment

• The Chamber’s economic development projects generated approx-imately 13,464 new jobs

• The total number of people employed in Forsyth County’s busi-nesses increased by 10.9%*

After the economic crisis of 2008:• The total number of jobs generated from economic development

projects increased by 383.8%, increasing from 210 new jobs in 2009 to 1,016 new jobs in 2011

• The total amount of capital investment generated from economic

development projects increased by 28.53%, increasing from $34 mil-lion in 2009 to $43.7 million in 2011

• The total number of people employed in Forsyth County’s busi-

nesses increased by 2.4%, increasing from 53,667 people in 2009 to 54,963 people in 2010*

*Source: U.S. Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application and LEHD Origin-Destination Employment Statistics (Beginning of Quarter Employment, 2nd Quarter of 2002-2010)

HORIZONS September 2012 3

or the second year in a row, Costco in Alpharetta donated back packs to

Forsyth County Schools. This year they gave back packs to M i d w a y, C u m m i n g a n d Chestatee Elementary Schools. Costco continues to be very involved, participating in a plethora of Forsyth County Schools events throughout the year. They have been the main sponsor for the Leadership Retreat for the past four years which is held at the end of the school year for all administra-

tors. They have donated many items, including furniture, refrigerators, generators, pastry items, soft drinks and numerous other items over the years. Costco is a past Silver Partner Recipient for Forsyth County Schools, bestowed on them due to their willingness to help with any project or event. Forsyth County schools value their part-nership with Costco and can cer-tainly put the back packs to good use . Thank you to Stephanie Nelson, Simon Villanacci and Costco.

Costco again donates backpacks to schoolsF

Partners in Education

From left are: Todd Smith, Midway Elementary School principal; Stephanie Nelson, market-ing director, Costco Alpharetta; and Simon Villanacci, marketing repre-sentative.

4 HORIZONS September 2012

Small Business Services Tourism

he Chamber is exci ted to announce the opening of a new hotel this fall. Value Place

Alpharetta will be located on McFarland Boulevard and is owned and operated by Value Place, whose corporate headquar-ters is located in Wichita, Kansas. The Value Place brand comes from the man-agement team that created and devel-oped lodging brands such as Residence Inn (Marriott), Summerfield Suites (Hyatt) and Candlewood Suites (Intercontinental). We are very excited to welcome them as Chamber members and to the hotel family in Forsyth County.

This will be the first hotel to open in the county since 2008. Value Place will open in October 2012 and will provide

short term lodging, designed with busi-ness travelers and consultants in mind. Rooms will be booked on a weekly basis instead of by the night. All rooms consist of a fully furnished studio with a kitchen that includes a full size refriger-ator and freezer, a microwave, a two burner stove and plenty of cabinet space. This hotel will be brand new from the ground up and will serve those guest who need a long term place to stay in our area.

Value Place Alpharetta’s new home is 860 McFarland Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga 30004. They have 178 locations span-ning 31 states. Value Place provides its guests with the convenience of a hotel yet with all the essentials of an apart-ment.

T

Hotel will allow for long term stays

Thank you to all our sponsors and vendors for making the 2012 Business

Expo a success. We had over 900 attend this year’s event.

Expo a big hit!

HORIZONS September 2012 5

When looking for a doctor to help treat your vein condition, experience matters. You need a physician who understands that vein disease can be very complex and each patient is unique. Offering state of the art treatment techniques, our clinical team is headed by a local physician, Dr. Peter Wrobel. He is extensively trained in phlebology

(vein medicine) and has performed thousands of procedures. He is assisted by a registered ultrasound tech with vascular expertise. A licensed nurse practitioner is also part of our vein services team. In addition, licensed nurses and certified medical assistants lend support and complete our team.

6 HORIZONS September 2012

Month in Review

Much success

Samantha Polk, left, and Pamela Culberson show their team spirit at Bank of North Georgia’s booth. Left, Attendees could grab for cash in Georgia United Credit Union’s booth.

Participants gather information at the 2012 Business Expo.Wendy Brant of Anchor Home Mortgage serves up fresh-baked cook-ies to Expo patrons.

From left, award winners are: Pamela Culberson of Bank of North Georgia for Most Enthusiastic; Krista Rolleri of RBM of Atlanta-North for Best New Exhibitor; Jay Ryerse of Jtech Networks for Best of Show; Jeff Mason of Jeff Mason Advertising and Design for People’s Choice and Jack O’Malley of NCRSilver for Best Use of Technology.

HORIZONS September 2012 7

Month in Review

at 2012 Expo!

From left are James McCoy, David Seago, Victoria Colligan and Chris Moreira. Colligan, founder of Ladies Who Launch, speaks to Expo Working Lunch attendees below.

Guests attend the first-ever Expo Working Lunch.

8 HORIZONS September 2012

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HORIZONS September 2012 9

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By Mark McGrawSandler Training

Your strategies for interacting with prospects from the time you first meet them to the time you make a presen-tation can have a greater impact on your likelihood of closing a sale than the actual aspects of the product or service you have to offer.

Following are three unproductive strategies that are so commonplace in the sales arena that they’ve become accepted as the norm.

Failing to provide valueDuring initial meetings with pro-

spective clients, some salespeople, whether by design or lack of proper preparation, don’t communicate any-thing of real value. Sure, they talk about their company’s capabilities. They talk about their products and ser-vices…and the associated features, functions, benefits, and advantages. But they don’t convey any knowledge or insight about the prospects’ chal-lenges or goals that the prospects didn’t already possess.

These salespeople are afraid that if they give away too much information, prospects will use it against them. They believe that prospects, armed with the knowledge, will figure out ways to accomplish the outcomes they desire without the salesperson’s prod-uct or service.

What they fail to recognize is the difference between discussing con-cepts and revealing the specifics of implementing those concepts. It’s OK

to discuss concepts. In fact, it’s desir-able, especially if it helps prospects develop new perspectives on their challenges. After all, prospects must buy into the concept before they’ll buy the product or service to implement it.

If prospects don’t learn anything new by meeting with you, are you contributing any real value to the meeting? No. And, if you’re not con-tributing any real value to the meeting, will prospects have compelling rea-sons to do business with you? Again, the answer is “No.”

Focusing presentations on “what” rather than on “how”

For some salespeople, the vagueness of their initial prospect meetings car-ries through to their eventual presenta-tions. They fail to establish clear con-necting links between the elements of their proposed offer and the specific aspects of the prospect’s requirements. Instead, their presentations focus too narrowly on their product or service, their company’s capabilities, and in some cases, on themselves. Much like the magician who waves a magic

wand in the air and then, with a puff of smoke, produces a rabbit, the sales-person “waves” a rhetorical magic wand (a long list of features and advantages) and then, with some ver-bal smoke, produces a solution.

On the surface, those sorts of pre-sentations are impressive. They typi-cally include lengthy proposal docu-ments which are often accompanied by a host of multimedia presentations filled not only with charts and graphs, but also illustrations and animations—all designed to support that which is being presented. But on closer exami-nation, they fall apart. Prospects not only want to know what you are going to do, but more importantly, they want to know how you are going to do it. You must be crystal clear about how you are going to accomplish the out-come the prospect desires. If you don’t establish a clear and unambigu-ous connection between the “what” and the “how” during your presenta-tion, you’ll lose the opportunity to the salesperson who does.

Failing to present “elegant” solutions

Some salespeople have a tendency to overcomplicate their offers. This occurs primarily for one of two rea-sons. Some salespeople believe that they must present complex solutions in order to establish intrinsic value.

That is, they believe that the greater the number of elements to the offer, the greater will be its perceived effec-tiveness…and the more readily it will be accepted by the prospect.

Other salespeople overcomplicate their offers to establish financial value—to justify the attached “price tag.” They include a number of “value

added” elements which may be help-ful, but are not essential to addressing the prospect’s needs. They are includ-ed for no other reason than to bolster the perceived value of the offer and thereby substantiate the required investment.

What these salespeople fail to rec-ognize is that prospects actually appreciate “elegant” solutions. Elegant in that they are well-ordered, simple, and concise. Elegant solutions make it easy for prospects to connect your product or service to the outcomes they are after. The easier you make it for them to establish that connection, the more likely you are to make the sale.

If you find yourself engaging in one or more of these “commonplace” strategies, consider this: commonplace strategies are for commonplace sales-people who are satisfied with com-monplace results. If your results have been all too commonplace, perhaps it’s time to change your strategies.

Need help with avoiding any of these common pitfalls?

Download the free eBook Why Salespeople Fail…And What to do About It at www.salesengine.sandler.com/whysalespeoplefail.

10 HORIZONS September 2012

Common sales strategies to avoid

In-Depth

HORIZONS September 2012 11

Chamber Golf Tournament

radition is important at all levels whether at the international

l e v e l a s i n t h e 3 0 t h Olympic games in London or at the local level in the 25 th annua l Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber o f C o m m e r c e G o l f Tournament. At any level is the opportunity to par-t icipate in tradit ion and leave your mark on a peri-od in time. The Chamber is thr i l led to provide th is opportunity to the citizens of our community with the silver anniversary of our Gol f Tournament . Th i s year’s tournament will take p l a c e o n M o n d a y , S e p t e m b e r 2 4 t h . Appropriately this event will be held at the site of so many pas t Chamber Golf Tournaments, Polo Golf and Country Club.

A part of this tradition is in the fierce competition th is once a year event develops in its participants. For example, in 1993 win-n e r s D av i d S i m m o n s , J i m m y H a r p e r , Va n Middleton and Alf Salter came out on top of 150 players in the net score cat-egory with a score of 42. However, they were fol-lowed by stiff competition as one team scored 42 but carded fours instead of threes and another team scored 42.25.

A second, more l ight-

hearted portion of this tra-dition is the golf tourna-ment’s ever-present focus on fun. In 2001 this was exemplified with a helicop-

t e r b a l l d r o p c o n t e s t . Players could purchase golf balls for $5 each. The balls were then dropped from a helicopter hovering over a particular hole. The closest to the pin received a cash p r ize . The winner was David Westbrook.

In 1993 a Chamber staff member commented, “Part of the reason for the tour-nament is to let our mem-bers get together and learn more about each other.” Now, 19 years later, the purpose has not changed. Members can still use the day to their full advantage by networking and putting their brand front and center through sponsorship oppor-

tun i t i es . Al ready many Chamber members have taken this opportunity to highlight their business t h r o u g h o n e o f t h e Chamber’s longest running and most successful events. If you are interested in joining them contact the M e m b e r S e r v i c e s Department at (770) 887-6461.

Of course so many years of tournaments would not be possible without the wondrous assistance of car-ing Chamber members . While so many will lend a hand in making the 25th Anniversary Tournament a success , our 2012 Golf To u r n a m e n t A d v i s o r y

Commit tee has a l ready been hard at work nailing down the details. Thank you to committee members: David Seago, John Rasper and Jay Ryerse and of course a big thank you to our tournament title spon-sor, Northside Hospital.

Plan to join us Monday, September 24th at Polo Golf and Country Club, 6300 Polo Club Drive Cumming, Ga 30040. Regis t ra t ion begins at 9 a.m. with a 10 a.m. start time. Entry fees are $175 per player and $600 for a four-person team. If you are interested in being a part of this local landmark event please con-tact the Chamber at (77) 887-6461. As summer slips into fall the 25th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament is a great way to get back to business.

Event celebrates 25th anniversaryT

Photos courtesy the Forsyth County News

Participants drop golf balls from a helicopter during a “closest to the pin” competition at the 2001 chamber golf tournament.

Ken Martasin tees off dur-ing the 2010 chamber golf tournament.

12 HORIZONS September 2012

Member Info

Welcome New Members

Member Thank Yous

• Accel HR, Inc.• Arnold Gallivan Levesque P.C.• Coastal Health & Wealth, LLC/ Colonial Life• Country Financial • Electo Optic US, Inc.• ExpandaBrand• Good For You Vending, LLC

• Health Gate, LLC• Infintech, LLC• Law Offices of Steven Liebel• Mercer• North Georgia Institute for WoundCare• Russell Medical• Rewarding Minds, Inc.• Solid Source

• Alexander Printing and Promotions• All American Specialties• Anchor Home Mortgage• BJ’s Wholesale Club• Colonial Life• Community and Southern Bank• ExpandaBrand• Express Employment Professionals• Forsyth County News• Ga 400 Storage

• Gwinnett Braves• Hansgrohe• Jtech Networks• Lenny’s Sub Shop• Longhorn Steakhouse• NCR Silver• Nationwide• Norman’s Landing• Priority Payment Systems• Stars & Strikes• Tam’s Backstage• Tyson Foods, Inc.• The Wright Import

HORIZONS September 2012 13

Membership Information

Member News

he Web site Msn.com recently set out to find the safest banks in America. They did so using a metric called the Texas Ratio.

Based on this system the closer a bank’s ratio gets to zero the lower its

risk of failure. 7,300 banks were test-ed throughout the country and just 359 received a perfect ratio of 0.0. Community Business Bank was one of the six banks in Georgia to achieve a 0.0 ratio.

s part of Georgia United Credit Union’s commitment to stronger schools and commu-nities, they are teaming up

with Star94 to reward teachers who make a difference in the lives of stu-dents and their parents. Any teacher can be nominated as long as they are still teaching full-time at an accredit-ed public or private school in the state of Georgia.

One winner a week will be select-ed for four weeks. Winners will receive a $500 cash prize and a $250 prize for their school. From these four winners, one Grand Prize win-

ner will be selected. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $2,000 scholar-ship towards his/her Continuing Education studies. Additionally, weekly winners will be recognized with an award and lunch for the entire school staff at a recognition ceremony at their school.

To nominate a teacher download the form located on Georgia United’s web site and mail it to: Star94 ATTN: Teacher Nominations, 3350 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1800, Atlanta, GA 30326. Nominations must be received by September 21, 2012.

n August 4, 2012, the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta began a $3 million renovation which

includes cutting edge guest rooms and suites, vibrant guest room corri-dors, revitalized concierge lounge and new indoor and outdoor pool furni ture . New amenit ies wil l include Plug-In Technology, 37” flat

screen HD televisions, flexible workspaces, delicious culinary treats, refreshing beverages and even more personalized service. As the hotel undergoes this guest room transformation, their dedication to making guests stay enjoyable and comfortable is still of utmost priori-ty.

he Special Olympics of Forsyth County will host its fourth annual Battle of the

Ba ts sof tba l l inv i ta t iona l on September 22, 2012 at Central Park in

Cumming. Come out to see over 22 softball teams compete for gold and get the chance to win various raffle prizes. For more information visit www.soforsyth.com.

on’t let what happened in the D.C. area happen to you and your family! Join Solar

Energy USA for a free Prep Fest to learn about options for emer-gency preparedness. The session will be held at Solar Energy’s headquarters at 7565 Industrial Court Alpharetta, GA 30004 on

Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 10 a.m. Topics will include emer-gency food and power systems, solar energy with battery back-up, container homes, water reclama-tion, home defense, off-grid living and more! Register for this free event at www.facebook.com/solar-energyusa/events.

Community Business Bank receives perfect ratio in test

Georgia United Credit Union kicks off teacher program

Marriott begins renovation

Battle of the Bats coming

Attend disaster prep event

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14 HORIZONS September 2012

Bareback Riding • Steer Wrestling Saddle Bronc RidingBarrel Racing • Calf Roping Team Roping • Bull Riding

ADMISSION13 & Up $15.00 • 5-12 $10.00

4 & Under FREE • Seniors 65+ $12.00

Upcoming EventsAug. 28Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Castleberry Ale House

Sept. 4Women Who Mean Business — 7:30 a.m., Chamber Events Facility

Sept. 11Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Dickey’s Barbecue

Sept. 13Business After Hours — 5 p.m., Renasant Bank

Sept. 18Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, The Foster House

Sept. 2425th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament— 9 a.m., Polo Golf & Country Club

Sept. 25Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Mia Ristorante

Oct. 2Women Who Mean Business — 7:30 a.m., Chamber Events Facility

Oct. 2Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, Jim N’ Nicks

Oct. 9Member Power Networking Lunch — Noon, TBD

• Please visit our Event’s Calendar at www.cummingforsythchamber.org to see a full list of events, more information and registration.

Key to the eventsMember Power Networking Lunch — Meets every Tuesday at noon at a different location and includes casual net-working 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 loca-tion every month. The pur-pose 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 special-ized networking group of over 50 female business professionals. Join them for breakfast.

HORIZONS September 2012 15

Professional Training in Forsyth this FallProfessional Training in Forsyth this FallRegister Soon! Classes Starting in September!

Log on Now to Learn More and Register:www.northgeorgia.edu/ce

Computer Basics ........................................................... Sept. 10 - 19 5:30pm - 7:30pm German for Beginners .................................................. Sept. 10 - Oct. 29 6:00pm - 8:00pmPharmacy Technician Program...................................... Sept. 11 - Dec. 13 6:30pm - 9:30pm Chinese for Beginners ................................................... Sept. 11 - Oct. 30 6:00pm - 8:00pmSpanish for Beginners ................................................... Sept. 12 - Oct. 31 6:00pm - 8:00pmEnglish as a Second Language (ESOL)........................ Sept. 13 - Nov. 1 6:00pm - 8:00pmFundamentals of Leadership ......................................... Sept. 13 9:00am - 1:00pmCPR/First Aid for the Community................................... Sept. 19 9:30am - 12:30pm Basics of Human Resources ......................................... Sept. 20 & 27 9:00am - 1:00pmAdvanced Microsoft Excel 2010 .................................... Sept. 24 & 26 5:30pm - 8:30pmPhlebotomy Technician Program................................... Sept. 24 - Jan. 9 6:30pm - 9:30pmIntro to Microsoft Excel 2010......................................... Oct. 1 & 3 5:30pm - 8:00pmFinancial Workshop for Retirees ................................... Oct. 2 - 23 6:00pm - 8:00pm

10% Discount! On these Fall Classes.

Call to Register by Sept. 10.Use code HORIZONS

706-864-1918

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 BrostromDirector of Tourism Development

Jimmy Lane, Jeremiah DickersonSales Executives

Maggie Schmitz, Sherri KlugAdministrative Assistants

2012 Officers Board of Directors

Jerry BowmanCardinal Logistics Management

Cris BurgumThe Avenue-Forsyth

Drew WalkerAlliance National Bank

Chuck ButtonJacobs Engineering Group

Mike CasparWalmart

John DerukiDeruki Construction

Rick O’Brien

Bruce LongmoreLenny’s Sub Shop

Tim HopkinsKeller Williams Community Partners

Lynn JacksonNorthside Hospital-Forsyth

Shawn LaFaveNorth Georgia Promotions

Scott JordanBB&T

Kevin GarmonBank of North Georgia

Cindy MillsBryan Properties

Billy WellsNorth Georgia College & State University

Tracy MoonFisher & Phillips LLP

Todd MoranConservation Resource Solutions

Royce OwensMimms Enterprises

Bruce HagenauMetcam

John RasperDekalb Office

Tim PerryCitizen’s Bank

Bob RussellRussell Landscape

Terry SmithA.C. Smith Poultry Co.

Scott KuhnWells Fargo

Bert DurandUnited Community Bank

Ethan UnderwoodLipscomb, Johnson, Sleister, Dailey, & Smith LLP

Jim BoffChairman, Forsyth CountyBoard of Commissioners

Paul ChambersAT&T

Bill CuppAGL Resources

Tom ClevelandChair, Forsyth County Board of Education

Dr. Buster EvansSuperintendent,Forsyth County Schools

Mary TransueGainesville State College

Fran ForehandGeorgia Power

Stan VangilderGeorgia Power Dept. of Economic Development

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

John HallForsyth County News

Dr. Joanne TollesonLanier Technical College

Rep. Mark Hamilton

Rep. Mike Dudgeon

Sen. Jack Murphy

Sen. Steve Gooch

Rep. Amos Amerson

David Seago, ChairGeorgia Power - retired

John Kieffer, Past-ChairCumming Station LLC

Russ Wheeler, First Chair-ElectHansgrohe

Linda Cole, Second Chair-Elect,Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Ann-Margaret Johnston, Secretary/TreasurerJohnston & Associates, Inc.

Ex-Officio Chamber Staff

Horizons

16 HORIZONS September 2012

Georgia’s most trusted hands behind every surgery

The latest diagnostic services and treatments are only as good as the team performing them. At Northside, our skilled doctors and nurses

perform more surgeries than any other hospital in Georgia. We provide a level of experience, knowledge and compassionate care

you won’t find anywhere else. Visit us online at www.northside.com.