Oct06

VOLUME 18 NO. 10 OCTOBER 2006

Gab-RRRDMA

Special thanks to Donny Phillips of Atlanta Flooring for donatinghis October annual host event for the DMA to GMC-Duluth.

DEAR DMA MEMBERS,

If you missed our September General Meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2006,at Century Security Bank, you will need to make a point of stopping by theirbrand new bank on State Bridge Rd. in Duluth. Not only a great location, butalso, Century Security has a beautiful, state of the art facility. Nancy Foo, VicePresident and Gary McClung, President, & staff presented to our members apleasant evening, including a tour, digital presentation on a flat screen, greatmunchies and drinks. Century Security Bank joined the DMA just two months agoand are already active in our association. Thank you so much.

We are proud to announce the www.duluthmerchants.com updated website.With gratitude and appreciation, Pam Adams, board director and web diva, isresponsible for the revisions, updates and maintenance of our website and wethank Pam sincerely.

It has been so amazing the consistency of visitors to monthly general meetingsthis year. Their feedback has been so positive that they become a member…andthat is a compliment to all of you who contribute, host, meet and greet at themeetings to grow our association and community. Lets keep the momentumgoing!!!!

The Fall Festival is upon us, September 30th - October 1st, an event you do notwant to miss!

The October General Meeting is being hosted by Gwinnett Medical Center. Pastboard member, Sunny Ramsay, is volunteer coordinator and will host themeeting. As you know, Donny Phillips, Atlanta Flooring, generally hosts theOctober meeting, and, graciously turned over their meeting, to GMC, tocelebrate the opening of this new hospital facility…please bring a guest and join us in this exciting evening.

Sincerely,Jennifer IngallsDMA President

2006 OFFICERS

JENNIFER INGALLSPresident

RICHARD DALUGAVice President

ALISA WILLIAMSSecretary

JOHN MONKTreasurer

Duluth MerchantsAssociationwww.duluthmerchants.com

2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pam Adams 770.564.0876Richard Daluga 770.366.4561Laura Heck 770.814.8984Jennifer Ingalls 770.490.0812Marion Maloof 770.923.1111John Monk 770.495.8900Thom Mash 770.689.2600Lois Martin 770.813.1033Joyce Mell 770.232.2987Frank O’Brien 678.542.2004Terry Palmer 404.502.5531Chitra Parikh 404.262-2600Chuck Raynor 770.418.4929Derek Whitesmith 678.957.8030 Alisa Williams 770.476.3434Mark Williams 770.441.0945

DMA-Gab-RRR OCTOBER 2006

from the desk of the

The Gab-RRR is a monthly publicationof the Duluth Merchants Association.Back issues are available atwww.Duluthmerchants.com

Database, Printing and Distribution:Dennis & Carol KellerAccent Mail Servicewww.accentmail.com678.473.4643

Photography:Laura HeckHeck Design GroupPhone/Fax [email protected]

Newsletter Design:Terry PalmerQuickCREATIVEwww.Quickcreative.net404.502.5531Gab-rrr@duluthmerchants.com

P r e s i d e n t

uluthAround

3DMA-Gab-RRR OCTOBER 2006

Movie begin at duskon the Town Green

Halloween on the GreenCASPER Saturday, October 28

Visit the city’s website at www.DuluthGa.net for more info onevents taking place in Duluth.

On SSale NNow“Educating Rita”

redclaytheatrearts.com

Red Clay opens its doorsOctober 10th, as thepreview performances atDuluth's newest venueget underway. AgnesHarty and Eric Brooks -two Atlanta favoriteswho will star in WillRussell's 'Educating Rita'will be the very firstprofessional actors totread the boards of thetheatre.

Box Office (at Main Street venue) (770) 622 1777.

Downloadable seasonticket forms are alsoavailable at the web siteand may be mailed orfaxed to the theatre -the fax number 770 6221799. Ticket Prices rangefrom $22.50 - $32.50.

D M A M E M B E RS p o t l i g h tCongratulations to Ron Harris, owner of The SodaShop Deli and Dairy Bar on completing his firstOlympic distance triathlon. This was Ron's thirdtriathlon this summer, but the longest distance hehas completed to date. The race started with a 2/3mile swim, followed by a 24 mile bike, and finishedwith a 6.2 mile run. Ron's final time was 2 hours and18 minutes and he finished in the top half of allcompetitors.

Ron started training for triathlons last Decemberwhen he was looking for an outlet to relieve stressfrom the long hours he puts in at The Soda Shop,and after loosing interest in skydiving after his twindaughters were born. Having a hobby that you are

really proud of gives you a since of pride and allowsyou to enjoy your life and going to work each day. Ron has two more races planned this summer beforeattempting a half marathon this October and hopesto complete an Ironman Triathlon within two years.That's a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.4mile marathon.



MarketplaceLet us Help You Beautify

Your SurroundingsAt BIG JIM’S, we not only cut your grass, prune yourshrubs and make your lawn weed-free — we are alsoable to provide that beautiful plant for your home,

patio, deck, office, waiting room, foyer, etc. — in fact,for any place you want to beautify and make more

attractive and healthier. (Plants give off oxygen andare very beneficial to your environment — where you

live, sleep &/or work.)

Come visit BIG JIM’S GARDEN CENTER, 3209 MainStreet, Duluth — just down the street from Taylor Park.We have many plants for you to choose from, and, of

course, trees & shrubs for your yard.

We are running a special sale this week where you cansave money, as well as enrich your environment and

make your life more satisfying!!

COME VISIT BIG JIM'S and SEE FOR YOURSELF

We’re here to help you

M e m b e r t o M e m b e r

Landscape & Garden Services LaCazuela Mexican Restaurant

BIG JIM'S LANDSCAPE & LAWN SERVICE, INC. BIG JIM’S GARDEN CENTER

3209 MAIN STREETDULUTH, GA 30096

(770) 476-0816

In order to encourage DMA members to get to knowother DMA Members and their businesses, we havecreated this special member offer section. If you are amember and can make a special offer for othermembers, you may submit it to [email protected]. Questions? Call Gab-rrr Editor TerryPalmer @ (404) 502-5531.

Linking Technology to Business Growth

BizLynks' mission is to help businesses realize significant profit growth by empowering them with the knowledge needed toincrease their productivity through the effective use of technology. In addition to our professional web design and hostingservices, we provide high-quality technical education through one-on-one and group coaching, teleseminars, workshops,and instructor-lead software training. Contact Pamela Adams, your Technology Coach, to schedule a technology analysis foryour home office or business today.

DMA All-in-One Web Site Plan Only $300 during the month of OctoberRegular price $575. Save $275 when you mention the DMA Gab-rrr

It's no longer enough to have a business card and brochure. You must have a website. Why, because your clients expect it!

Special offer includes a 3-page web site with text navigation and 1 logo or graphic.Also includes 1 year domain name, 1 year hosting, and 1 25MB email account

La Cazuela Mexican Restaurants a known “good old”favorite of Duluth residents is approaching 20 yearsof life. We are pleased to inform our customers thatwe remain committed to you as it was on the firstday. Best fajitas, best margaritas, best value foryour dollar is only a few titles that we have earnedover the years.

Check our website www.lacazuela.com to get anupdate on us, and don’t forget that we can come toyou for small gatherings, luncheons, social or anyevent.

Please contact Mr. Richard Daluga at (770) 366-4561for any event that we can book for you at ourrestaurants or at your place (AYP). It will beenjoyable!

Coming soon we will be presenting our new menuand Gift Cards all focused on taking better care ofour customer needs, and all lovers of Great MexicanFood.

Carlos Rodriguez Richard DalugaOwner Retail Catering

Manager

Contact your Digital Diva today!Pamela Adams, (770) [email protected]

Visit all of our great sites:www.BizLynks.comwww.BizSiteNames.comwww.DIYeNews.comwww.AskTheDigitalDiva.com

Gift certificates

are available for

the holidays.


NN ee ww MM ee mm bb ee rr ss

Welcome Have You Recently Joined the DMA?

We’d like to get to know more about youand your business!

Consider being the focus of our New MemberSection in the Gab-rrr.

If interested, send a short article about yourbusiness to [email protected]

and we’ll publish it in the next newsletter!

JANUARY 10: Enhancing Health

FEBRUARY 7: Maloof Chiropractic

MARCH 7: Gwinnett Community Bank

APRIL 4: Accent Mail

MAY 2: Gwinnett Nissan

JUNE 6: Duluth Fine Wine & Spirit Superstore

JULY 11: The Printing Trade Co.

AUGUST 1: Duluth Fall Festival

SEPTEMBER 12: Century Security Bank

OCTOBER 3: Gwinnett Medical Center- Duluth

NOVEMBER 7: Houston &Company, CPAs

DECEMBER 5: Red Clay Theatre

Calendar Most Meetings begin at 6:00pm on the firstTuesday of each month (although this can

vary). Locations vary monthly. Dates subject to change.

2 0 0 6 DMA meet ings

Fine Art FramesFine Art Frames is celebrating 10 years as a Duluth merchant! They are located inDuluth Station between Publix and Pepperoni's. Fine Art Frames is your art andcustom framing solution. They offer complete custom framing, design and artprocurement services for your business and home. They are recognized forexcellence in custom framing, conservation, design, selection and craftsmanship.Over the last year they have converted the shop to a state-of-the-art framingfacility.

Their expert staff can help you design the appropriate framing for your piecewhether it is art, a document, diploma, or media article about your business. Inaddition to traditional custom framing they can plaque items for durability and theyoffer hinged frames that can be used for items that need to be changed out often.

Their state-of-the-art Picture It First visualization software can help you visualizewhat your final piece will look like. By viewing the design-using Picture it First youcan feel confident in your final design choice. This system also allows them todesign at their site and email you the design choices so you can view them at yourconvenience.

In addition they have also acquired a state of the art computerized mat cutter thatallows them to cut virtually unlimited shapes and designs!

Let them find the best solution to fill your art and framing requirements!

Duluth Merchants Association members receive 20% off their custom framing order.

As some of you may know,DMA Board Member andfrequent Gab-rrr contributor,Chitra Parikh was in a caraccident on her way to theDMA meeting at CenturySecurity Bank. She had somescrapes and bumps but isrecovering well we’re happyto say. Chitra - we lookforward to seeing you againsoon!


Dear Digital Diva: Last monthyou answered a question aboutexporting your addresses fromYahoo and importing them intoOutlook. I have been using myAOL email for my business foryears. I finally have a web sitebut I don't see why I shouldchange my email address now.What's the big deal? -- It Ain'tBroke

Dear It Ain't Broke: I've said itbefore, and I'll say it again….why would you want to advertisefor someone else! Using an AOL email address is just as crediblefor your business as a BizLynks email address (but if you want toadvertise for me instead, I'd be glad to provide you with anemail). Basically, you are missing out on possible revenue bynot using one of the most economical advertising methodsavailable for your company. You should work towards gettingthe word out about your web site in every way that you canand your email address is the most viral way to do it. What do Imean by viral? When you send someone an email from theemail address that is provided through your web host, everyoneknows that the information after the @ is a website. Manypeople are apt to just go check out your site from seeing youremail address. This may be the first time that some evenrealize that you finally have a web site. Our email addressesare everywhere. Listed on other sites, forwarded to otherpeople, etc. Remember the commercial, you tell two peopleand they tell two people and so on. That's viral marketing.

If missing out on revenue or the possibility of generating morerevenue doesn't compel you, how about the improved businesscredibility? Using your custom email address says that you haveinvested in yourself and your business and that you are takingadvantage of the tools utilized by serious businesses. Whether it istrue or not, it gives the impression that you are not a fly by nightbusiness and that you will be in it for the long haul; at leastcompared to a company that uses the free or ISP email accounts.

Lastly there are all other sorts of benefits that I've provided inpast articles about how creating multiple email accounts withyour domain can give your business even more credibility andthe illusion of being a much larger company. It's all in how youmanage it.

You're absolutely correct, it ain't broke, but…it could run moreefficiently and get your further. The transition is not a difficultone, you just have to stop and do it. After you do, you'llwonder what took you so long.

Dear Digital Diva: I just wanted to drop you a line to saythank you for the redesigned website. I love the new lookand the page links that pop-out make it easier for me to getto the past Gab-rrrs online. I'm probably one of the few

people that is still on dial-up so it saves me time from havingto open other pages first. I'm a little web-challenged too so Inever knew where to find stuff, now it all seems right therein my face. Oh, and the new directory listing. What can I say,it ROCKS! (Do they still say that?) - Lovin' the Site

Dear Lovin' the Site: Thank you for the compliment. I am gladthat you are enjoying the fruits of my labor. My websites aretruly my children and I take pride in each and every one ofthem. And like kids, some take a little longer to develop thanothers. I have wanted to redesign the site for about a year butnever had the spare time. The new logo (Thanks Laura andTerry) finally pushed me to make it happen. In addition to thenew look and navigation, I especially wanted to convert themember directory page to a searchable database. In the pastwe have been very out of sync with the master database that ismaintained by Accent Mail. Old members were still listed and alot of new members were not. Now, the online directory issolely based on the master database. With this change,everyone will need to provide their update [email protected] to update their listing. Iwill obtain updates from the master database every month orso. We are actually working on providing a more aestheticallypleasing view of the directory as well so that the informationdoes not wrap as it does in the current table format. My firstgoal was to get the new information and design live. Keep aneye out for the new directory display to change in the nextmonth or so.

We often receive emails requesting more information about theDMA. These inquires were usually generated from the web sitecontact form so it dawned on me that we needed to providemore general information. I added the Our Purpose page andincluded more content on the Membership Info page. You'll alsonotice the Gab-rrr Archives at the bottom of the Gab-rrr Onlinepage. For those of you that lost a past Gab-rrr or gave it awayto a friend, you can now view and print issues as far back asJanuary 2004.

One last thing, don't forget to add the new logo to your websiteand link back to us. Instead of having to copy and save thegraphic first, you only have to copy and paste the HTML codethat is provided at the bottom on the home page now. Or copyand paste the text in an email to the webmaster of your site. Ifyou'd like a smaller or larger version of the logo, just contactme at [email protected].

Happy browsing!!

Ask the Digital Diva is brought to you by our webmaster,Pamela Adams, 770-564-0876. Send your questions [email protected]

www.BizLynks.comwww.AskTheDigitalDiva.com

IS YOUR COMPANY MAKINGNEWS?If it is, we want to spotlight you in

the DMA Gab-RRR. If youhave any significantnews about yourbusiness: awards, big

wins, new expansions, relocating, please e-mail

them to Terry Palmer at [email protected]

ARE YOU NEXT?We want to showcase our DMAmembers in our meetings. If youwould like to host a meeting or ifyou have an educational 30 minutepresentation that you believe wouldbe of benefit to our members, please

call Jennifer Ingalls at770.490.0812.

ARE YOU USING YOURASSOCIATION’S WEBSITE TOTHE FULLEST?Add your web address and a business description to your entry in the online membership directory.Send an e-mail to [email protected] with your updates

CHANGE OFADDRESS Please e-mailaddress changes

to Dennis Keller at

[email protected] or callhim at 678.473.4643

ALL NEWSLETTER ENTRIESmust be submitted by the 12th ofeach month for the next issue.

THE NETWORK TABLE ISAVAILABLE!Yes, we want to invite all of you tobring your literature (in smallquantities) about your products andservices to our DMA meetings sofellow members can learn moreabout you. BUT, FAIR WARNING: atthe end of the evening, you musttake your literature with you, or it will bethrown away.

Duluth Merchants Association

Welcome to The Duluth Merchants Association! The DMA was conceived with the idea that as business people we can best accomplish together

what no one could do alone.

It is an association for members to participate in and improve the Duluth Community.

Duluth Merchants AssociationP.O. Box 559Duluth GA 30096

Documents

Oct06