AdvocateVol. 17, Issue 10 White County, GA • Gateway to the Mountains November 2014

White County neWsThursday, Oct. 30, 2014 Page 11B

www.whitecountychamber.org

Board of Directors

Chamber Staff

122 N. Main St.Cleveland, GA 30528

(706) 865-5356

Executive BoardTim Hunt, Chair

Russ Spangler, Chair-ElectDonna Clark, TreasurerKaren Ball, Secretary

Dr. Stacy Hall, Past Chair

Judy BarberJosh BarrettBlake BoggsBilly Chism

Carl DannSteve DuBoisJim MatthewsJoely Mixon

Tom O’BryantBill Owen

Steve Patton

President Cindy BaileyManager of Community Development

Vicky FrankumMembership Coordinator Stacy Gable

Administrative Assistant Tracy Pato

Make plans to join the White County Chamber of Commerce for their next webinar on Friday, October 31, from 9 to 10 a.m. for “Unemployment Insur-ance: What Every Employer Should Know” presented by Cherry Rizer, employment and training consultant with the Georgia Department of Labor and sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America – Emily Gerrell.

 The benefits paid to jobless workers are financed through federal and state unemployment taxes paid by employers like you.

How your business prepares for and manages unemployment claims can have a major effect on your operating budget and bot-

tom line. This seminar will focus on some of the most frequently asked questions about the unemployment insurance program

As a special bonus, attendees will receive free 30-day access to the Georgia Chamber’s Human Resources Library, which includes the Georgia Hu-man Resources Manual and Model Policies and Forms for Georgia Employers.

The seminar is for business owners, human resource managers, supervi-

sors, and entrepreneurs. Register today by con-

tacting the White County Chamber of Commerce at 706-865-5356.

Chamber members registration fee is $5, non-members is $10.

Light breakfast refresh-ments will be served.

Youth Leadership White kicks off with a retreat at Strong Rock

Ten White County juniors and seniors were selected to participate in this year’s Youth Leadership White Class. Students kicked off the program with an over-night retreat at Strong Rock Camp in Cleveland.

The class participated in several different team-building activities during the retreat along with leadership instruction presented by Patrick Ballington. Over the next eight months, students will take part in sessions that will help prepare them for future leadership roles.

Some of the key points they will focus on are emergency services, tour-ism/agriculture, government, education, economic devel-opment and etiquette. Pat-rick Ballington and Brenda Helton are helping with this year’s Youth Leadership group. The class is looking forward to an exciting and very informative year.

The Youth Leadership group gathered for a group photo in front of their cabin at Strong Rock Camp. Front row, from left, are Stephen Jones, Cheyenne Smith, Madaline Bryson and William Berry. Second row are Mathew Marciano, Sarah Bell and Chandler Miller. Third row are Jaycee Dykes, Chamber president Cindy Bailey and Sinead O’Bryant. Not pictured is Laura Hewell.

Second annual Unicoi Wine

Festival Saturday, Nov. 1You don’t want to miss

the second annual Unicoi Wine Festival, to be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the His-toric Hardman Farm on Ga. 17 across from the Indian Mound.

The event will feature wine tastings, gourmet food, live music and artisan booths. The picturesque, historic Hardman Farm will come alive for the day promising fantastic live entertainment, local artists, gourmet selections from local restaurants, and, of course, incredible wines produced within the county. Handicap drop off will be available on Ga. 75.

Free parking, which includes shuttle service, will be located on Ga. 17 (follow the signs).

Admission is $30 per person, which includes 12 wine tastings and a souvenir glass (must be over the age

of 21). Additional tickets for tastings will be available for purchase.

We would like to thank the sponsors who are help-ing to make this a great event: Atlanta Magazine, White County Board of Commissioners, Adams Foods IGA, United Com-munity Bank, Sautee Na-coochee Center, Advanced Pools & Spas, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Springer Mountain Farms, Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals, CeNita Winery, Mountain Valley Community Bank, Chase Sanitation, VIP Southern Tours, Clayton Printing, and South State Bank.

For more information, contact the White County Chamber of Commerce at 706-865-5356 or visit the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/unicoiwine-festival and www.unicoi-winefestival.com.

Warrior TV wins videography awardWinners were announced for this year’s Industrial Summit at North Georgia Technical College and White County’s very own Warrior TV received the “Outstanding Videography Award.” The subject was “What’s so Cool about Manufacturing” and the video featured Cleveland Tool & Design. Congratulations to Warrior TV students Tyler Dorsey, Ryan Stewart and Francesco Mion. Pictured from left are Jeff Gooch, Tim Messer, Tyler Dorsey, Ryan Stewart and Dr. Gail Thaxton, president of North Georgia Tech.

Farm-City Breakfast Thursday, Nov. 20The White County Chamber of

Commerce will be hosting the 12th annual Farm-City Breakfast on Thurs-day, Nov. 20, in appreciation of the vital farm-city partnerships that have contributed so much to improving the quality of our lives.

The President of the United States annually proclaims the week leading up to and including Thanksgiving Day

as National Farm-City Week. This breakfast will recognize and

honor the top revenue producing in-dustry in our county--agriculture.

The annual Farm-City Breakfast for White County will be held at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Agri-Science Center.

All farmers and agriculture-related businesses are invited to attend this

free breakfast and should R.S.V.P. to the Chamber office at 706-865-5356. 

During the breakfast, the Chamber will be recognizing the Conservation Family Award Recipient and induct two individuals into the White County Chamber of Commerce’s Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Call the Chamber office for more information at 706-865-5356.

Modern Woodmen of America to sponsor Chamber webinar

Welcome New Members

Chamber MembershipTotal 439

Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings

Peer-to-Peer Award

Congratulations for being a Chamber Business of the Month

Pictured L-R: Chamber Director, Blake Boggs; Misty London; Candice Grizzle; Jordan Blocker; Donna Blocker; Sonya Fuller and Chamber Membership Director, Stacy Gable.

2109 Hwy. 129 South Suite A, Cleveland, GA 30528

(706) 865-1072

If your company has an interesting story you would like to share or an upcoming event you would like everyone to know about, please e-mail your information to vicky@whitecountychamber.org. Publication of information is at the sole discretion of the Chamber. You must be a member of the White County Chamber of Commerce to have your information publicized in the Chamber newsletter.

Notices

White County neWs Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014Page 12B

The Festival of Trees is one of White County’s pre-mier events and a holiday tradition for some.

Free admission for all begins Wednesday, Nov. 26, and continues through 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Unicoi State Park & Lodge.

The Festival of Trees is

not only a great way to get in to the holiday spirit, but it also serves as a fundraiser for the United Way of White County.

Although the event is free to anyone wishing to walk through to view the 39 decorated trees and 24 wreaths, each display is

sponsored by local business-es, churches and nonprofit agencies and is available for purchase through the silent auction.

This is the 12th year that the Festival of Trees has taken place.

The event is presented by the United Way of White

County. Contact United Way of

White County by calling Carol Powell at 706-892-4779 or Matt Adams at (706) 865-3177 to learn more about becoming a part of this wonderful holiday activity.

Sautee GunsMadhatter Screen PrintingLiving Waters Productions

Beth T’Filah Ve ShalomAutumn Breeze Senior Care

The White County Chamber of Commerce office will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day and Nov.

27-28 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Just a Jumpin’Thursday, Nov 6, at 11:30 a.m.

82 Technology Drive, Cleveland(At the front of the Industrial Park on U.S. 129 S.)

Call (706) 219-1004 for more information

Sherry Franklin & AssociatesThursday, Nov. 20, at 11:30 a.m.44 Woodlawn Drive, Cleveland

(Behind Walmart in the lower level of Amy Harbst Attorney at Law Office)

Call (706) 963-1465 for more information

South State Bank to host November Business After Hours networking event

Business After HoursHost: South State Bank

Thursday, Nov. 205:30 p.m.

South State Bank has had roots in Cleveland since 1997 and this past year changed its name to increase its access to 135 banking locations throughout Georgia, North Carolina and South Caro-lina. With a new name and larger footprint, South State Bank still maintains the community-banking feel by taking a personal approach to banking.

South State’s dedicated team of bankers offers a variety of products and ser-vices for both personal and business banking customers, in addition to private and investment banking services through its South State Wealth division.

Committed to the com-munities it serves, South State holds a deep respon-

sibility to the places its bankers live and work. South State participates in local events, contributes to nonprofit programs and volunteers, taking an active

role in the community.On Thursday, Nov. 20,

South State Bank, located on U.S. 129 just south of the Cleveland square, will host Business After Hours.

Chamber Members are encouraged to drop by the branch for fellowship, bar-becue and cake.

South State Bank employees at Cleveland location are, seated from left, Barbara Mitchell, Michelle Shook and Heather Hunter. Standing are, from left, Betty Owenby, Lynn Hogan, Melissa Brown, Lisa Vandiver, Linda Davis, Tammy Bowden, Amanda Nix and Nichole Greene.

Our October Peer-to-Peer recipient is Margo Allison. Fellow

Ambassador Patricia Ful-mer selected Margo based upon all of her involvement and working diligently as the chairper-son for the Ambassador committee. The meeting was held at Tim’s Back-yard Grill.

Margo is employed by United Com-munity Bank as the assistant vice president, lending of-ficer. 

The chamber is very appreciative to Margo for her as-sistance and efforts on the Ambassador committee and her involvement with the community.

In addition to volunteering with the chamber, Margo is a member of the Optimist Club and Board of Realtors. Margo is an outstanding individual who is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.

When she is not busy volunteering with the Chamber, she enjoys camping, shopping and spending time with her family and animals.

Thank you so much, Margo, for all your help in making the Chamber the best it can be.

Congratulations.

Margo Allison receives Peer-to-Peer Awards

Margo Allison

Time for the Lighted Christmas Parade

The White County School System bus drivers get creative for the Lighted Parade. Last year, the Elvis Blue Christmas float was a crowd-pleaser.

Planning is under way for this year’s Christmas in the Mountains celebration on the square in downtown Cleve-land. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, with an entire evening of activities planned.

The annual Lighted Christmas Parade will make its way through downtown Cleveland at 7 p.m. The theme will be “Holiday Songs & Movies” and all businesses, nonprofits, churches and other groups are encouraged to par-ticipate. The application fee is only $10, which goes towards purchasing trophies and advertising for the event.

The Chamber will be judging the floats and presenting plaques in three different categories: Best in Theme, Most Creative Design and Best in Original-ity. Get your creative juices flowing. 

Simply drop by the Chamber office to fill out the application, call 706-865-5356 to have one mailed to you or visit our website at www.whitecoun-tychamber.org.

Applications need to be returned by

Tuesday, Nov. 25, to reserve your spot in this year’s event.

Christmas parade in HelenThe Helen parade will take place at

2 p.m. Saturday, Dec 6. All participants in the Chamber’s

lighted parade are invited and encour-aged to participate in the Helen parade as well. You must notify the Helen CVB at 706-878-2181 if you would like to be in their parade.

Festival of Trees opens day before Thanksgiving