Volume 12, Issue 2 February 2012

Offi cial Newslett er of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce

T HE C HAMBER C ORNER

Follow us:

/epchamber

Your business can Spon-sor T-Shirt Friday sim-ply by donating three of your company logo shirts for our staff to wear on a Friday rotation. We will take a fun photo and share it on Facebook and in our weekly email. If you do not receive the weekly email and would like to be added to the list, please email becky@eatonton.com and we will happy to add you! Thank you so much to Allgood Pest Solutions, Putnam Gen-eral Hospital, Pinnacle Credit Union, Saltamac-chio’s Tang Soo Do Kara-te School and Gatewood Schools for bringing us shirts to showcase your business / organization!

We are currently accepting Chamber members to advertise in the award winning Chamber Business Report. The Chamber keeps our citizens informed about what is happening in the Business Community through this quarterly publication dis-tributed through the Eatonton Messenger and Lake Oconee News. The deadline to adver-tise in the Spring Issue is Feb. 1.

Advertise in the Chamber Business Report

Calling All T-Shirts!

“The Most Won-derful Time of the Year” will be back in Eatonton for two nights only on March 2 and 3 for the Chamber’s highly anticipated annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: Ho, Ho, Homicide! Tick-ets go on sale on Wednesday, Feb. 1

at the Chamber office. Major and minor tickets are available for all the famous North Pole characters from the Clause fam-ily, elves, reindeer to snowmen, and even a few surprises! The event will take place at The Plaza Arts Center starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 a person and includes dinner.

The Murder Mystery is sponsored by Putnam County Charter School System, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, Smith Communi-cations, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Putnam General Hospital and The Peoples Bank.

Despite the efforts of the arctic inhabitants, productivity is at an all-time low causing much frustration around the pole while putting San-ta’s legacy at stake. Desperate for a change, there are many who are willing to do almost anything to increase effi ciency and restore peace at the North Pole. But only one will go too far and commit a murderous act in this winter wonderland. Will it be the audacious elf who believes he could run the workshop better? Perhaps the remorseful reindeer, anx-ious to hide his secret, has one more to add to the naughty list? Or could it be the unwavering queen of Christmas, Mrs. Clause, who will do anything to protect her family through this ordeal?

Leadership Putnam, our community devel-opment program, is off to a great start! The class kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 12, with the first class Understanding Leadership at The Plaza Arts Center. On Thursday, Jan. 19, the class learned how to run an Effec-tive Meeting. On Saturday, Jan. 21, the Class learned how to work as a team on the Low Ropes Course at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

How Satisfied are Your Employees?

Leadership Putnam is off to a great start!

Happy employees stay longer and work a lot harder! When asked the question, how satisfied are your employees, can you an-swer the question honestly? Join the Cham-ber on Feb. 15 for our Lunch-N-Learn on Employee Satisfaction. We have the plea-sure of learning from Marilu Cowan with the Georgia Employers’ Association. For more information, view page two under the RSVP section or view the enclosed insert.

Tickets on Sale Feb. 1Ho, Ho, Homicide!

RSVP For Events!

February 2012 / Page 2

441 Fitness and FunDonna and James Bolan

(706) 623-17891001 N. Milledgeville, RD, Suite N.

Eatonton, GA 31024Fitness / Zumba Dance Studio

China YuanLi

(706) 485-3399651 Old Phoenix RoadEatonton, GA 31024Chinese Restaurant

Lake Oconee LivingAndrea Gable

(706) 342-7440235 S. Main St.

Madison, GA 30650

Magazine / Publication

Main Street Home Loans, LLCJoe Kurelic

(706) 485-8177115 Meadow Ct.

Eatonton, GA 31024Reverse Mortgages

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLCGreg Covington(478) 452-0262

127 Executive ParkwayMilledgeville, GA 31061

Financial Advisors / Investments

Thursday, Feb. 2, 5 to 7 p.m. 105 Harmony Crossing, Suite 3

Eatonton, GA 31024Enjoy networking, refreshments and a 50/50 cash raffl e!

Sponsored by Lake Oconee Urgent & Specialty Care Center

Employee SatisfactionWednesday, Feb. 15 / $15 Includes Lunch

Lunch served at 11:45 a.m.Program begins at Noon

Located at the Lodge on Lake Oconee930 Lake Oconee Parkway

Eatonton, GA 31024

Seminar will cover: Factors which influence employee satisfaction; Basic theories of employee satisfaction including motivation & reward; Causes of employee dis-satisfaction; How do you know whether your employ-ees are satisfied?; Analyzing satisfaction problems; and Designing target

programs to improve employee satisfaction.

The seminar will be taught by Marilu Cowan from the Georgia Employ-ers Association. Marilu has over 30 years experience in the field of hu-

man resources and employee / career development.

Sponsored by: Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, Smith Communications, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Putnam General Hospital, The Peoples Bank

and Putnam County Charter School System.

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.Located at The Plaza Arts Center

305 N. Madison Ave. Eatonton, GA 31024

Connect over coffee with a representative of the Chamber board and staff along with fellow members. This month meet with: Board Member

Cynthia Wallace & Membership Manager Becky Needham.

Sponsored by: Farmers & Merchants Bank, Putnam General Hospital, The Peoples Bank, Putnam County Charter School System, Cuscowilla on

Lake Oconee and Smith Communications.

New Chamber Members!Welcome!

Save the Date: Wednesday, March 21 Sponsored by Piedmont Financial Partners

News for your business!

The Georgia New Hire Reporting Program assists employ-ers with federal and state new hire reporting requirements on behalf of the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services. New hire reporting offers the following benefi ts: Speeds up the child support income withholding order process; Expedites the collec-tion of child support from parents who change jobs fre-quently; Quickly locates non-custodial parents to help in establishing paternity and child support orders; Helps pre-vent fraudulent payments to recipients of unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and welfare benefi ts. For more information, visit www.ga-newhire.com or call the Georgia New Hire Reporting Program at (888) 541-0469.

Georgia New Hire Reporting ProgramMandatory Employer Reporting Requirements

110719_GA_nh_ELECbro_v02.indd 1 7/19/2011 9:56:40 AM

February 2012 / Page 3

-Month in Review-

995 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton, GA 31024 | (706) 485-1324

The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony with Sin-clair Oconee Mortgage on Thursday, Jan. 5 to celebrate the new location at the intersection of Harmony Road and Highway 44 in the former Peoples Bank building. Sinclair Oconee Mortgage originally opened for business in 2004 and relocated to the current office in No-vember 2011. Services range from refinance programs saving hundreds of dollars a month, to programs that offer a variety of incentives such as 100 percent financing, no down pay-ments, no appraisals and no mortgage insurance. Loans are offered for multiple property ownership as well as Conventional, FHA, USDA and HomePath Mortgage financing, and Manufactured and Mobile Home financing. The mortgage team at Sinclair Oconee includes Tammy Smith, director of business development, Paula Farlow, president/broker, and Jan Long, processor, together offering over 60 years of mortgage and real estate experience.

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Chamber held a New Member Reception. New Members in attendance included Harmony Crossing Foods, PeachState Cleaning and Restoration, and Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Staff, Board, Ambassadors and Sponsors were present to give our new members a warm welcome to the Business Community. The New Member Recep-tion is sponsored by Pinnacle Credit Union, Smith Communications, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Putnam General Hospital, The Peoples Bank, Putnam County Charter School System and Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee.

Chamber celebrates Sinclair-Oconee Mortgage’s New Location

Gatewood Schools Sponsors Networking @ Noon

The Chamber is proud to announce that Donnan Oyler, R&R Insurance Group, and Heather Thrift, Putnam Gen-eral Hospital, have joined the Chamber A m b a s s a d o r Program, our group of of-ficial volun-teers! Ambassadors attend Ribbon Cuttings and events, volunteer in the office and at fund-raisers; and help recruit and retain Chamber members. Thank you Donnan and Heather for your commitment to serving your Business Community! Anyone interested in becoming an Ambassador may request an application. We will be accepting new Ambassadors in May.

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Gatewood Schools spon-sored the first Networking @ Noon of 2012. Over thirty Chamber members attended the event to en-gage in networking over lunch. Headmaster Chris Charles gave the sponsor presentation, where he shared with the group the details on the merger with Redeemer Episcopal Acad-emy. For more informa-tion, visit http://gatewoodschool.com.

New Member Reception Welcome New Ambassadors!

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDEatonton, GAPermit No. 6

Contact Us:305 N. Madison AvenueP.O. Box 4088, Eatonton, GA 31024(706) 485-7701(706) 485-3277 (F)epchamber@eatonton.comVisit www.EatontonChamber.com!

Advertise in this newsletter: Reach over 600 contacts with a newsletter insert for only $50. Submission deadline is the 20th of each month. Supply 250 copies and an electronic fi le.

Thank you to our 2012 Chamber Champions!Chamber Staff

Roddie Anne Blackwell, PresidentBecky Needham, Membership Manager

Bonnie Simmons, Tourism ManagerChairman:

Mike RowlandVice Chair:

Laura Gailey, The Gailey Law Firm, LLCTreasurer:

Jon Butler, The Peoples BankTerri Camp, Rock Eagle 4-H Center

Rita Daniel, Eatonton Chiropractic CenterBernard Holston, Bernard’s Family Funeral Care

Joe Hudson, Farmers & Merchants BankWes Lewis, Georgia Power Company Land Department

Marty Phillips, Techknow GurusGene Thurston, Neighborhood Cleaners

Cynthia Wallace, Sycamore Oconee Real EstateLowell White, III, Calvert & White Custom Homes

www.facebook.com/epchamber

Murder Mystery Tickets on Sale Feb. 1

February 2012 / Page 4

Feb. 6: Pathways to Healing presents Free Movie Night: InGREEDi-ents, 7 p.m. at Spotlight Theatres. The move follows registered nurse and filmmaker David Burton as they take a journey through the history of human food consumption and finds an alarming connection between diet and illness while investigating trans fats and hydrogenated oils in America’s food supply.

Feb. 7: OPAS Presents Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway at The Plaza Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Recreate the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century. For more information, please call (877) 725-8849 or visit www.OPAS.org.

Feb. 7: Bodyplex Fitness Adventure of Lake Oconee Free Infor-mational Seminar at 7 p.m. on the new Ideal Protein Nutrition Clinic. Lose 3-7 Pounds per week. Natural and effective weight-loss method with long-lasting results. Doctor Recommended, 4 easy phases. Supports cellulite Reduction. For more information, contact Jennette Snider (706) 986-9376 at jennettesnider@gmail.com.

Feb. 9: Lake Oconee Living Magazine invites you to Come “Boogie with the Best” of Lake Oconee, 6 p.m. at The Plaza Arts Center Cel-ebrate the winners of Lake Oconee Living’s third annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This free event will include food and beverages from our “Best of Food & Dining” following the awards ceremony. A silent auction will showcase items from other winners with all proceeds benefiting winners of our “Best Volunteer Organization.” Hit the red carpet in style! Event is black tie optional. For more information, http://www.lakeoconeeliv-ingmag.com.

Feb. 10 & 11: Little Cupids Camp hosted by Crooked Pines Farm. While the parents are dining out at their favorite restaurant or spending an evening alone, their children ages 5 to 12 are invited for dinner and fun from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Little Cupids evening will include a hayride, craft activity, games and dinner for your child. The cost of Little Cupids is $25 for the first child per family and $15 each additional sibling. Space is limited; please call Crooked Pines Farm at (706) 347-0274 to get registration information or download the registration form at www.crookedpinesfarm.com.

Feb. 11: Steffen Thomas Museum of Art Family Workshop “Making a Memory Box,” 10 a.m. to Noon. Create a family treasure by making a Memory Box covered and filled with your personal memorabilia from your family, taught by Yvonne Studevan. Adults $10, children $8. Lim-ited seating, call (706) 342-7557 or visit www.steffenthomas.org.

Member News & Events

Infinity Network Solutions is proud to announce TechTartare.com, the online home of the Infinity Learning Series - a monthly events series whose mission it is to provide I.T. food for thought to the Middle Georgia community. Each event will focus on a current I.T. topic or trend crucial to success in business.

Crooked Pines Farm is calling all vendors for its Multi-booth Yard Sale on March 3 to benefit a wildlife rehabilitation program on the farm, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Booth fees, of $25, will go towards de-veloping a wildlife rehabilitation program at Crooked Pines Farm. Sellers keep proceeds from their sales. For more information call (706) 347-0274 or visit www.crookedpinesfarm.com for a booth application.

The Plaza Arts Center announces its Amateur Photography Show and Contest. Entries will be accepted Feb. 20-27. This contest is for anyone who qualifies as an amateur as defined in the Contest Rules. The contest is not limited to Putnam County residents. For entry rules, visit www.theplazaartscenter.com. If you have ques-tions, please contact putnamsnapper@gmail.com or call The Plaza Arts Center at 706-923-1655.

FERST Foundation for Childhood Literacy is calling all ven-dors for the Marketday & Yard Sale at The Plaza on Sat. April 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Sell your household items, antiques, collectibles, plants, jewelry, handmade crafts) for ONLY $25.00 a space. Call: Linda at (706) 473-2256 or Gail at (770) 286-2174.

Exchange Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Hope Hines to Vice President - Mortgage Lending. Hope has been a part of the Exchange Bank organization since 1993. Chris Jacobs has been promoted to the position of Branch Manager of the Exchange Bank Lake Oconee Office. Chris joined Exchange Bank in 2008. For more information, email tkennedy@exchangebankshares.com.

Bodyplex Lake Oconee has opened an Ideal Protein Nutrition Clinic. Lose 3-7 Pounds per week. Natural and effective weight-loss method with long-lasting results. Doctor Recommended, 4 easy phases. Supports cellulite Reduction. For more information, con-tact Jennette Snider (706) 986-9376 jennettesnider@gmail.com.

Lake Oconee Area Builder’s Association is accepting vendors for The Big Event on Saturday, March 19 at Lake Oconee Village, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.LOBALive.com.

Please remember to submit your Member to Member News & Events formatted to 50 words or less to becky@eatonton.com by the 20th of each month to be included in the following month’s newsletter.

Visit eatonton.com for a full calendar of community events.

-‘M2M’ Events--‘M2M’ News-

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Member News & EventsFeb. 11-19: The Plaza Arts Center presents a juried fine art show and contest for amateur artists. The exhibit is free to the public and is open from Saturday, February 11 through Sunday, February 19; Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. Entries for the exhibit will be accepted from Tuesday, January 3, through Friday, January 20, 2012. For show rules, requirements and entry application forms visit www.ThePlazaArtsCenter.com or call (706) 923-1655.

February 11: The Plaza Arts Center presents the Oyster Roast at 5:30 p.m., at the Haley’s Cabin on Wild Turkey Lane. All you can eat’ Oysters, Chicken Gumbo, Dessert and ‘all you can drink’ beer and wine! Enjoy your feast while the Tim Cadiere Band entertains throughout the evening with their musical talents. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at The Plaza Arts Center or The Peo-ples Bank Town and Lake Oconee Branches. For more information, call (706) 923-1655 or visit www.theplazaartscenter.com

February 12: The Plaza Arts Center presents The Amazing Kre-skin, world famous mentalist, who is ready to read your mind, 3 p.m. Tickets on sale for the Sunday Matinee at only $20 per person! For more information, visit theplazaartscenter.com.

Feb. 20-27: The Plaza Arts Center will be accepting entries for the Amateur Photography Show and Contest. This contest is for any-one who qualifies as an amateur as defined in the Contest Rules. The contest is not limited to Putnam County residents. For entry rules, visit www.theplazaartscenter.com. If you have questions, please contact putnamsnapper@gmail.com or call The Plaza Arts Center at 706-923-1655.

March 3: Crooked Pines Farm will be hosting a Multi-booth Yard Sale to benefit a wildlife rehabilitation program on the farm, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a rain or shine event. No gate fees apply. Hayrides and petting farm will be available during the event. Booth fees, of $25.00, will go towards developing a wildlife rehabilitation program at Crooked Pines Farm. Sellers keep proceeds from their sales. For more information call (706) 347-0274 or visit www.crookedpines-farm.com for a booth application.

March 16, 17 & 18: The Plaza Arts Center presents Night Watch by Lucille Fletcher. March 16 and 17 at 8:00 p.m. March, 18 at 3:00 p.m. A good old “who done it” drama that steadily builds suspense, beginning with the first blood-curdling scream to the final, breath-stopping moment of its unexpected “twist” ending. For more informa-tion contact The Plaza Arts Center at (706) 923-1655 or visit www.ThePlazaArtsCenter.com.

March 17: Steffen Thomas Museum of Art Family Workshop “Pysanky - Eggs with Pizazz!,” 10 a.m. to Noon. Just in time for Eas-

ter, Ingrid Bolton, master Pysanky painter introduces you to the beautiful art of patterned Ukranian eggs. All supplies provided. Adults $10, children $8. Limited seating, call (706) 342-7557 or visit www.steffenthomas.org.

March 17-25: The Plaza Arts Center presents Amateur Pho-tography Show and Contest Exhibit open to the public at The Plaza Arts Center. The exhibit is free to the public and open Monday-Friday from 10:00-5:00, Saturday from 10:00-4:00 and Sunday from 2:00-4:00.

March 19: Lake Oconee Area Builder’s Association pres-ents The Big Event at Lake Oconee Village, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the LOABA office at (706) 999-1591 or info@loabaemail.com.

March 23 & 24: The Plaza Arts Center presents Night Watch by Lucille Fletcher. March 23 & 24 at 8:00 p.m. A good old “who done it” drama that steadily builds suspense, beginningwith the first blood-curdling scream to the final, breath-stopping moment of its unexpected “twist” ending. For more information contact The Plaza Arts Center at (706) 923-1655 or visit www.The-PlazaArtsCenter.com.

March 24: Crooked Pines Farm Second Annual Easter Egg launch and lunch from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come to the farm and enjoy a lunch with fresh ham and all the fixings. After lunch, test your skill at launching eggs into the pasture using our huge sling shot! For more information, please call Crooked Pines Farm at (706) 347-0274 or visit www.crookedpinesfarm.com.

March 29: Infinity Network Solutions presents Sushi & Se-cure Networks at Taki Japanese, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Securing your computer network isn’t a “set it and forget it” activity, nor does it have to be overly complex. Learn how security of your organiza-tion’s data and network assets plays a key role in ongoing success. Visit www.techtartare.com.

Continued from front...

Please remember to submit your Member to Mem-ber News & Events formatted to 50 words or less to becky@eatonton.com by the 20th of each month to

be included in the following month’s newsletter. Visit eatonton.com for a full calendar of community events.

Thursday, Feb. 2, From 5 to 7 p.m.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS will be held at 

Lake Oconee Urgent & Specialty Care Center 

105 Harmony Crossing Suite 3 

Eatonton, GA 31024   

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to pass out to

contacts that you meet!

Please RSVP to Becky@eatonton.com

or (706) 485-7701.

BUSINESS After Hours

Come enjoy food, drink

and the opportunity to network! Remember, this is your chance to meet other contacts in the

business community.

Networking Activities

Cash Raffle

People do business with those that they know, like and trust! Business After Hours creates

relationships that will last a lifetime!

Sponsored by

Lunch-N-Learn:

Wednesday, February 15 $15, Includes Lunch

Lunch Served at 11:45 a.m. | Program Begins at NoonLocated at The Lodge on Lake Oconee

930 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton, GA 31024Please RSVP: (706) 485-7701 | Becky@eatonton.com

Seminar will cover the following: Factors which influence employee satisfaction; Basic theories of employee

satisfaction including motivation & reward; Causes of employee dis-satisfaction; How do you know whether your employees are satisfied?; Analyzing satisfaction

problems; and Designing target programs to improve employee satisfaction.

About the Speaker: The Lunch-N-Learn will be taught by Marilu Cowan from the Georgia Employers’ Association. Marilu has over 30 years experience in the field of human resources and employee / career development. She has worked in various industries, and her career focused on assisting organizations with strategic change. She has taught in the business schools at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Georgia College and State University, Wesleyan College, as well as a variety of human resources classes and seminars around the country. She holds a Master of Education in Occupational Education from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Augusta State College. She has done doctoral work at Duke University.

Lunch-N-Learn series is Sponsored by:

The Peoples Bank, Putnam County Charter School System, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, Smith Communications, Farmers & Merchants Bank and Putnam General Hospital.

Employee Satisfaction