Fannin Chamber Monthly Newsletter

March 2012 eNewsletter

March Business After Hours
March 27, 2012
Design Re-Find & Trimble Kelly Studios
Suite 1, 146 Depot Street, Blue Ridge
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Please note: The Chamber will not mail out reminder postcards for Business After Hours this year, so please watch your e-News for dates and reminders.

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MARCH 12TH WORKSHOPS
Welcome Back Rita Suiter!
Welcome back Rita Suiter, our favorite tourism, hospitality and customer service trainer extraordinnaire! Rita will be presenting two different workshops on Monday, March 12th at Community & Southern Bank. Rita's program is sponsored by the Chamber, the City of Blue Ridge and the Blue Ridge Lodging Association.

A Lunch & Learn presentation and workshop will take place from 12 noon to 3 p.m.; cost for lunch is $10. An evening program especially for employees of lodging companies will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. To make reservations, call us at 706-632-5680.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Entrepreneurs Forum March 16
The Southeast Industrial Development Association, in conjunction with Fannin, Towns, and Union Counties, offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn about business resources at a free interactive workshop on Friday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Georgia Tech in Blairsville. Reservations are required for this free event, which will feature products and resources available for small businesses in the north Georgia area. Register online at brmemc.com or contact Stephanie Scearce.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOURISM
Spring Break Starts Next Week!
It appears that Spring will arrive early in more ways than one this year. Florida and Georgia spring break dates begin around March 16th and run through April 14th. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway starts back on weekends beginning March 17th, as does whitewater rafting season. Easter is early this year, on April 8th. The Chamber's spring tourist e-news contains information on 12 special experiences for spring, and our great new spring video reinforces the beauty of a Blue Ridge spring. Feel free to share both on your website or Facebook page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Save These Dates for SCORE*
Growing Your Business on the Internet:
April 5 - Getting Started with an Internet Presence
April 12 - Growing your Business on Google
April 19 - Facebook & Social Media 101
Business Start-up 101
May 10 - Business Plan 101
May 17 - Assessing Your Company's Financial Needs
May 24 - Getting Started with an Internet Presence
*All seminars are from 6 to 8 p.m.

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The new 2012-13 Fannin County Magazine has been delivered. It is a beautiful publication which we mail in every relocation and economic development package.
Cabin Rental Companies are invited to pick up enough magazines to place in each of their vacation rentals.

Leadership Fannin's Class of 2012 had a great trip to the Georgia Capitol last week, along with some one-on-one time with Speaker David Ralston and Senator Steve Gooch. In addition The Sweet Shoppe's Susan Catron, Nicki and Paul Gribble and Kay Leach were recognized for winning second place on "Cupcake Wars."

The International Bluegrass Music Association has selected Lisa Jacobi, of Steel String Session, to be a part of its prestigious Leadership Bluegrass class of 2012. Lisa is also owner of www.LisaWebsites.com.

The Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast in downtown Blue Ridge is hosting a Meet and Greet for new owners Rick and Monica Watts on Saturday, March 10th, from 5 to 7 p.m. RSVP at 706-632-0222.

Send us your news! We would like to include more business news in the e-letter. Send us your news and special events.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members!

Allen Construction
Morganton
Tim Allen
706-374-5838

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Artful Path LLC
Ellijay
Joan Hawkins
706-455-1763

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Brasstown Manor
Hiawassee
Lori McClure
706-896-4285
www.brasstownmanor.com

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Firefly Fishing Lodge & Retreat
Mineral Bluff
Kevin McCreary
706-374-4489

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Global Energy LLC
Norcross
Paul Syiek
770-310-1912

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Iron Bridge Cafe and General Store
8436 Aska Road
Blue Ridge
Mary Delaney
706-632-5060
www.facebook.com/IronBridgeCafe

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River Birch Research Alliance LLC
101 Riverstone Vista
Suite 201-B
Maxwell Eblaghie PhD
706-258-4112
www.riverbirchresearch.com

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Sandy Wilbanks
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
Blue Ridge
706-333-7907

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Suzie Soave
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
Blue Ridge
706-455-1195
www.affordableblueridge.com

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Todd Blalock
Individual Member
Jonesboro
770-603-0829

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U.S. Only, LLC
11 Mountain St.
Blue Ridge
Robyn Posey
706-946-4USA

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--Use our Self Guided Tour Maps on the website
for great info and directions on hiking, waterfalls, restaurants, shopping, scenic drives and history.

--Help us promote Buy Local! Look for a mailing in early August containing Buy Local marketing materials, including poster, window decal, flier and more. Support your neighbors, your community and yourself.

"Buy Local" artwork offered
Download and display the Buy Local campaign artwork from the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. The program is co-sponsored by the News Observer.

Buy Local Poster small
Buy local Final