Chamber e-News August 2008

It’s hard to believe that summer’s almost over and fall is on the way. The Chamber Welcome Center has been “covered up” with families visiting this summer, and we look forward to an equally busy apple and leaf season this fall. Fannin schools start back Thursday, August 7. RiverStone Medical Campus will be showing off their brand new addition at our August Business After Hours on August 26. We welcome Rita Suiter to Blue Ridge for our Hospitality Training workshops on Wednesday, August 27th. Following are more details on August and fall events.

Hospitality Training August 27 Register Today!
Don’t miss the chance to sign up for the Chamber’s Hospitality Training workshops on Wednesday, August 27th at Appalachian Community Bank. The first session, Customer Service – More than Smile Training, is from from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; the afternoon session, Achieving FiveStar Customer Service, is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. You and/or members of your staff can attend one or both sessions at a cost of $10 (each session) for the first person, $8 for the second person and $6 for the third person.

Rita Suiter, our guest speaker, has made presentations in nine states working with over 200 clients. She is a regular instructor for the Southeastern Tourism Society’s annual Marketing College. Rita has produced hospitality and customer service programs for Callaway Gardens, the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Savannah Hospitality Association, Tennessee Aquarium and many more. You can find out more about her dynamic programs at www.fivestarcustomerservice.com. To register, call our office today, 706-632-5680.

Member/Board Lunch September 24
“Economics of Education” is the topic for our fall Member/Board Lunch on September 24th, to be presented by Diane Hopkins, Vice President of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. The presentation will emphasize the role quality education plays in building a strong economic climate. New data will point to where regions in the state stand in their ability to compete in the economic development arena based on their education rankings. A guide for action will provide the essential next steps for making measurable improvements in school achievement. Cost of the lunch is $12. Register by calling us at 706-632-5680.

Help Clean Up the Toccoa
Mike Maginn is chairman of this year’s Rivers Alive Clean-up on Saturday, September 27th. Volunteers can help at one of two locations, Shallowford Bridge on Aska Road or Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Meet at 9 a.m. in either location. Participants receive a free t-shirt and lunch. Last year, 86 Rivers Alive volunteers worked 516 hours and collected 1.65 tons of trash from the area in and around the river. For more information, call Elaine Dilbeck, 706-632-5680.

16th Annual Golf Tournament
The Chamber’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, October 13th, at the Ridges Resort, Hayesville, N.C. Our tournament has gained a reputation as the best tournament in the mountains, with good reason. Our title sponsor is Blue Ridge Golf and River Club, and our tournament director, Clark Spratlin, does a great job. TDS Telecom is once again our Flag Sponsor. The entry fee for corporate sponsor teams is $500; individuals can play for $125. Entry fee includes tee gift from Blue Ridge Golf and River Club, two mulligans per golfer, goodie bag, breakfast and box lunch. In addition, Corporate Teams receive a Hole Sponsorship (available for those who don’t play at a cost of $100).

Short Subjects
* It’s time for nominating new members to the Chamber’s board of directors. You will receive a postcard in the mail soon. We will elect five new board members for a three-year term beginning in January, 2009. The annual banquet, customarily held in October, will be held on January 24th at Brasstown Valley Resort.
* Plans are finalizing for the USARA National Adventure Racing Championships on November 7th here in Blue Ridge. 60 teams have already signed up, according to USARA officials. Check out their website to find out more: www.usara.com