FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sara Ray
Director of Communications and Community Affairs
Douglas County Chamber of Commerce
770-942-5022 ext. 304
ray@douglascountygeorgia.com
DC Chamber Announces Top Ten Young Professionals of 2011
Douglasville, GA (January 27, 2012) – The Young Professionals Connection (YPC), a program of the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce its Top Ten Young Professionals of 2011. The Top Ten Young Professionals of 2011 is recognition of young professionals in Douglasville and Douglas County who embody YPC’s mission and vision. The awards were presented at the AT&T Business After Hours on January 26. These awards were sponsored by the Douglas County Chamber and Douglas County Sentinel.
The Young Professionals Connection was founded in 2008 and its mission is to provide opportunities for young professionals to connect with their peers, connect with their community, and connect with their future. YPC combines personal and professional development through social, community service and professional activities. YPC’s vision is to create an inclusive and collaborative network of resources that empowers talented individuals to achieve their goals for professional growth and success; provide employers with an engaged and competitive workforce; and propels Douglasville and Douglas County forward. More information about YPC can be found on their website, www.ypc-dville.com or by contacting Sara Ray at the DC Chamber, 770.942.5022.
Top Ten Young Professionals of 2011
Chad Benton, Gold’s Gym, age 36
Chad has been actively involved in the Douglas County community through the Chamber for eight years. Starting as a Diplomat in 2004 and serving as the 2008 and 2011 YPC Co-Chair, he has made a strong impact in the business community. Chad uses his leadership skills gained through the Leadership Douglas program to mentor a Youth Leadership Douglas student and help raise funds for various local charities. On a professional note, Chad is an integral part of the sales team that helped Gold’s Gym West Georgia receives the “Best Customer Service World-Wide” award out of over 600 locations.
Alicia Doherty, American Red Cross, age 33
As an employee of the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States, Alicia has a direct impact on the community blood supply in the metropolitan Atlanta area. In 2011, 7,037 pints of blood were collected in her territory which can help save up to 21,111 lives. In the past five months Alicia has received two promotions which demonstrate her genuine work ethic, integrity, passion and leadership abilities. When she isn’t helping save lives, Alicia is an active member of the community as a S.H.A.R.E. House Board Member, Co-Chair of the 2012 Leadership Douglas Class and 2010 graduate, former YPC Co-Chair, secret Santa for a child in the Douglas County DFACS and former Diplomat.
Kyle Gable, Ackerman & Co., age 29
Kyle’s commercial real estate career is soaring as he was selected one of the top “30 Under 30” for the National Association of Realtors out of 1.2 million members. His successes did not stop with this award and he has contributed to the community in assisting with various projects and purchases for Douglas County and DC Chamber members. Kyle is not only passionate about his career, but also about the community he grew up in. He is a student in Leadership Douglas, actively involved at his church with the young married class and youth program and football coach at his alma mater.
Philip Godfrey, Georgia Power Company, age 38
While Philip’s career is not what one would expect with his MBA and Business degree, he credits his success and career path in the Engineering field to dedication, hard work and establishing a network of mentors and colleagues. His professional successes have geared Georgia Power to being more efficient with their dollars and employee productivity. On the service front, Philip strives to help make Douglas County a better place to live, work and raise his family. His involvement in the Chamber’s Leadership Douglas program as a graduate in 2009 and 2012 Co-Chair, a Loaned Executive for the United Way in 2012 and softball coach for his daughters’ teams have demonstrated his commitment to the community.
Heather Ison, Morris | Hardwick | Schneider, age 36
Partner at the Douglasville location, Heathers successes with MHS are astounding. As the 2010 Associate of the Year, an award selected out of 200 attorneys and Chair of Managing Attorney Council, Heather is the first in her firm to receive both honors consecutively. While her professional career and successes occupy her days, she still finds time to give back to the community. A Chamber Diplomat, member of YPC, a current student in Leadership Douglas, Habitat for Humanity volunteer and Susan G. Komen 3-Day walker and advocate, Heather gives her all at anything she is involved in.
Randi Miles, City of Douglasville, age 28
As our youngest Top Ten Young Professional to date, Randi has several major accomplishments. Professionally Randi is a graduate of the three year Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College, AMTA Board Member and Membership Chair, GACVB Benchmark Leadership Program participant and constantly executes successful community events for Douglasville including the West Georgia Quad, Bridal and Family Reunion Workshops and more. Randi’s professional successes do not stop her from giving back to the community. She is a current student of the Leadership Douglas class, 2012 YPC Co-Chair, Youth Leadership Douglas Mentor, and Chamber Diplomat. Randi is also an advocate for the Boys & Girls Club, United Way, Herobox, an active member of her church and much more!
Michael Miller, Miller & Hightower- Attorneys at Law, age 39
Mike began his own law firm in 2005 and due to rapid growth, relocated his business to downtown Douglasville in 2006. While his list of successful cases is impressive, his involvement in the community is top notch. As a member of the School Board, founder of the West Metro Young Republican Organization, Boy Scout Advocate and 2011 Fundraising Chair, Leadership Douglas graduate and much more, he is also running for State House Representative this year.
Tiffany Smith, United Community Bank, age 32
As the Branch Manager at United Community Bank in Douglasville, Tiffany received the Golden Spike Award for Superior Customer Service and Leadership and her branch has been recognized for consistently being a Top Performer in Customer Service. Tiffany’s leadership skills shine through her service to the community as a Board Member for S.H.A.R.E House, Partner in Education, Women’s Bible Study leader for several years at her church, softball coach for her daughter’s team, and PTA member at her children’s school. Tiffany is active in the Chamber as a 2011 Leadership Douglas Graduate, member of YPC, Douglas County Chamber Diplomat, and Youth Leadership Douglas mentor. She is the epitome in creating a balance between a professional career and family.
Breezy Straton, Mercer University, age 29
Breezy is passionate about all she does. Whether she is promoting and encouraging students to attend Mercer University as part of her career, striving towards her Masters in Public Administraton or participating in one of the many committees and organizations she is a member of, Breezy gives 100% each day. Her hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. Breezy is a current student in Leadership Douglas, member of YPC and Chamber Diplomats as well as the founder of both the Student Advisory Council and Reservation for College programs, and United Way advocate. She currently has two policy recommendations up for the 2012 state legislative session.
Fhonda Strong, Douglas County School System, age 38
As a native of Douglas County and a product of the Douglas County School System, Fhonda has a personal commitment to this county. Coming from a family line of successful educators in the Douglas County School System, her vested interest is in the future of the students and this community. She has proudly served in various leadership capacities such as teacher leader, math department chair, and Instructional Coach for the school system. She is currently the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction for New Manchester High School. Fhonda’s commitment to the community doesn’t stop at the school doors; she is also an active member of New Mountain Top Baptist Church, DC Character Coalition, United Way, and Relay for Life, and Partners in Education.
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Chamber Intern: Douglas County Chamber of Commerce
6658 Church Street
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
Phone: 770-942-5022
Fax: 770-942-5876
www.douglascountygeorgia.com
For further information, contact: Janice Johnson, at 770-942-5022, ext. 303, by phone or via e-mail at: johnson@douglascountygeorgia.com.
Business Description: Organized in 1945, the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest representation of business in Douglas County. It is a non-profit organization funded by membership dues, sponsorships and donations. The Chamber currently serves approximately 750 members. The Chamber operates under the direction of a twenty-member board of directors.
Staff Members: The Chamber has four full-time employees that include the President and CEO, Kali Boatright; Director of Membership and Events, Kimberly Weaver; Director of Finance and Administration, Janice Johnson; Director of Communications and Community Affairs, Sara Ray.
Operations of the Chamber: The Chamber’s Program of Work is carried out through the efforts of member volunteers serving on committees that are chaired by board members. Each staff member is responsible for one or more committees and any duties relating to their program area. The staff works together to maintain the day-to-day operation of the Chamber office, including answering the telephone and greeting visitors. Staff members attend all membership events, and provide assistance as needed. The staff works as a team, providing support and assistance to one another whenever needed.
Intern Responsibilities to include: The responsibilities and duties of the intern are to assist in all program areas, as needed. This would include but would not be limited to, helping to promote, market, prepare for, and carry to fruition all Chamber events, functions, programs, and other actions relating to member services. Interns would assist staff members with the execution of program of work items. This would include attending meetings (as schedules permit), working with volunteers and staff to plan and organize various events, promote events to Chamber members, and provide clerical support and labor as necessary to prepare for and carry the event to completion.
Other duties may include updating materials, preparing mailings, creating brochures / guides / event programs / flyers, etc., making phone calls, assisting visitors, setting up for meetings, research for information, data compilation, typing, filing, organizing and maintaining welcome center materials, etc. and various other office/clerical related duties.
Program Areas: Membership, Government Affairs, Events, Marketing, Workforce Development.
We are confident that participation in the Internship Program will provide an opportunity that will be beneficial to all involved. The scope of work of a Chamber of Commerce is very broad and requires involvement from nearly every segment of a community; this provides an opportunity to learn from a very diverse group of people, representing businesses and organizations on every level. It also presents the intern with exposure to some of the top business executives in the area.
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Douglasville, GA (January 20, 2011) – H&R Block, located at 2685 Lee Road in Lithia Springs celebrated their re-grand opening and kick off to tax season on January 18. District Manager, Gregory Waldrop and Senior Tax Advisor, Kathleen Dean officiated the occasion with a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting.
H&R Block has prepared more than 575 million tax returns worldwide since 1955, making it the country’s largest tax services provider. In fiscal 2011, H&R Block had annual revenues of $3.8 billion and prepared more than 24.5 million tax returns worldwide, including Canada and Australia. Tax return preparation services are provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by more than 100,000 professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block At Home™ digital products. The H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services.
Currently H&R Block is offering the 1040EZ form for free until Feb. 28, 2012. The Refund Anticipation Check fee is also free if tax returns are completed before Feb. 4, 2012. H&R Block offers second looks at tax information for free on any competitor’s tax return for a limited time.
“On behalf of the DC Chamber I would like to thank you for your continued support and participation in the DC Chamber, Douglasville and Douglas County! Your faces and company are always well represented at our events and I am happy to be here today to celebrate the kick-off to tax season with you all!” commented former Chamber Chairman, Julian Carter.
For more information on H&R Block in Douglas County, contact Kathleen Dean at 770 712-2590, email her at kathleen.dean@tax.hrblock.com or visit their website, www.hrblock.com.
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Highway 5 Beverage Center, owned by Larry Jackson, celebrated their recent opening with a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on December 6th. Highway 5 Beverage Center is located 9079 Highway 5 in Douglasville.
Highway 5 Beverage Center prides themselves on being the only American owned store in Douglas County. Jackson is a Vietnam Veteran, born and raised in Douglas County and prides Highway 5 Beverage on providing local favorite wines, spirits and craft beers.
They are open for business Monday through Thursday 9:00am until 10:00pm, and Friday through Saturday 9:00am to 11:45pm. Hwy 5 Beverage Center is holding their Open House on Saturday, December 10, from 11a.m. – 4p.m. They will offer a 5% discount on all purchases and free hot dogs and hamburgers
Chamber Chairman, Steve Morgan, offered his welcoming remarks. “On behalf of the Chamber we are very excited that you chose to locate your business in our community.”
For more information, contact Larry a call at 770-206-0849.
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Hungry Howie’s Pizza brings new flavor to Douglasville
Douglasville, GA (December 8, 2011) – Hungry Howie’s Pizza, led by owner Sabrina Starr, opened its doors and celebrated with a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting to commemorate their Grand Opening at their new location on December 8th. Hungry Howie’s is located at 2987 Chapel Hill Road in Douglasville.
Hungry Howie’s is home of the Flavored Crust Pizza. Their dough is made fresh daily. When ordering pizzas, customers will have the choice of eight different flavored crusts to choose from at no additional charge! Hungry Howie’s also has a full menu including oven baked calzone style subs, fresh salads, chicken tenders and buffalo wings, bread, soda and delicious cinnamon bread for dessert! They are open daily from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and offer takeout services and delivery to certain areas.
Chamber President & CEO, Kali Boatright, offered her welcoming remarks. “On behalf of the Chamber we are very excited that you chose to locate your business in our community. The food is delicious and reasonably priced and we are already big fans in our office! It is wonderful to hear about your business and I look forward to seeing your business grow.”
For more information on Hungry Howie’s Pizza, contact Sabrina or any staff at 678.838.8300 or visit their website, www.hungryhowies.com.
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Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt Partners Larry Davis, Jyoti Bhalla and Joey O’Bryant celebrated the opening of their newest location, 3000 Chapel Hill Road, with a grand opening celebration last weekend that kicked off with a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on November 18.
Yogli Mogli is a premium self-serve frozen yogurt shop which offers 16 different flavors and over 40 different toppings in a clean and fun environment. The options at Yogli Mogli are endless. Offering flavors from vanilla to holiday specials such as gingerbread and peppermint with toppings ranging from gummy bears and graham crackers to kiwi fruit and cashews, each delicious yogurt creation is unique. Everything is self-serve, and is priced by the weight, so you get exactly how much of a treat you want at the price that you want.
“On behalf of the DC Chamber we would like to welcome you to Douglasville and appreciate you selecting Douglas County as the home of your newest location,” commented Chamber President & CEO, Kali Boatright. “Specialty frozen yogurt is something that is growing in popularity and we are excited to have our own ‘fro-yo’ location in our backyard. I can be sure that our Chamber staff will be frequenting Yogli Mogli regularly!”
For more information on Yogli Mogli, contact Larry at 678.838.9000 or visit their website, www.yoglimogli.com .
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Comfort Inn, located at 5487 Westmoreland Plaza, celebrated the reopening of their hotel and completion of 1.7 million dollar renovations with a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on November 17.
Franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., the newly renovated/re-modeled Comfort Inn hotel provides guests with a warm atmosphere and personal, helpful service with all the essentials and accommodations guests value and enjoy. Owned by Jagirdar Inc. and operated by Evon Allen Hospitality Management of Charlotte, North Carolina the re-modeled Comfort Inn hotel is conveniently located near popular business such as, Dawn Foods, Fastenal, WellStar Hospital, and many more.
Renovations to the facility were extensive. The property now hosts a high speed internet circuit which dedicates 1 MEG download speed per guest. The lobby has been completely redesigned; from chandelier to drapes including high and low seating marble top table options to facilitate that relaxed, welcomed feeling while guests enjoy their morning meal. No expense was spared as the guest bathrooms are now exquisitely done over with real marble top counter and a 21st century bathroom package for holding towels as well as the mirror. The Fitness Center includes new equipment; elliptical machines, weights and treadmill.
“The renovations to the hotel are simply amazing,” commented Chamber President & CEO Kali Boatright. “The dedication to the community is visible through your efforts to make Douglasville not only more visually appealing but also provide visitors to Douglas County an excellent representation of our community.”
For more information on Comfort Inn, contact Evon Allen at (678) 504-2000 or visit their website,www.choicehotels.com.
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Partners Art Hansen & Carla Pierce celebrated the opening of their new business, Hansen & Pierce, LLC at the GreyStone Power Luncheon with a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on November 15. Hansen & Pierce is a Human Resources Consulting Business located in Villa Rica.
Hansen & Pierce offers human resource consultation and services. They provide a variety of human resources services designed to improve a company’s productivity, labor law compliance, efficiency, administrative, and strategic capability. H&P’s services will promote positive communication and employee morale while reducing employment related risks. Their clients benefit from hands on personal experience in designing, developing, customizing and comprehensive programming that displays a thorough understanding of all aspects of the human resources.
Hansen & Pierce provide clients with customized, human resource management and training solutions through project based arrangements, hourly/monthly/block rates, or complete outsourcing of the human resource function. They partner with businesses to establish the right solutions for each company. They take pride in providing fast, practical, pragmatic and cost effective solutions to support the success of your organization.
Mayor Mickey Thompson commended Hansen & Pierce for their decision to do business in Douglasville. “Our community is growing rapidly and many new businesses are opening that can benefit from the services your company offers. I am pleased to welcome you on behalf of the City of Douglasville.”
For more information on Hansen & Pierce, LLC or to schedule a business consultation, contact Carla Pierce at 404.732.5823 or visit their website, www.hansen-pierce.com .
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Autobuffs Express celebrated the recent opening of their new Emissions Center with a DC Chamber Ribbon Cutting on November 10. They are located at 6984 Douglas Boulevard in Douglasville.
AutoBuffs Express started out as AutoBuffs “The Car Wash Co.” in 1999 and was located in Kennesaw, Georgia. They were a full service carwash offering detailing, paint-less dent removal and windshield repair. In 2004 they opened the first AutoBuffs Express in Hiram, Georgia. Due to the overwhelming success of this location they decided to sell the full service operation in Kennesaw and concentrate on opening more stores featuring our express model.
AutoBuffs Express is a “3” minute car wash that completely washes the exterior of your vehicle, including applying tire shine, without you ever having to leave the driver’s seat. With the state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable staff, AutoBuffs provide the consumer with an unparalleled car washing experience. From the moment you pull up to the touch-screen auto cashier, you will realize this isn’t your average car wash. Their environmentally friendly facilities that utilize recycled water and micro-fiber cloth will leave your car sparkling. In addition, they provide “free of charge” 20 or more generous vacuum spaces that feature an underground system that is very quiet and utilizes the most powerful vacuum motors the industry has to offer. Their goal is to exceed your expectations and to ensure that AutoBuffs Express is synonymous with exceptional value.
For more information on AutoBuffs Express, contact them at 678.213.2285, www.autobuffsexpress.com or visit their location today!
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It’s an exciting time to be in the chamber industry and to be a chamber in Georgia. The quality of leadership, programs and services that define the over 150 chambers statewide continues to increase. Many chambers have risen to the challenge during these tough economic times to provide unparralled leadership and direction, helping their members and communities thrive. This type of performance is a reflection of the solid organizational infrastructure built through much hard work and diligence.
Earlier this year, the GACCE Board of Directors sought a way to recognize chambers in the state that have focused internally on their operations to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to create efficient, effective organizations positioned to deliver great value. Thus the Georgia Certified Chamber program was created.
The program is modeled after the U.S. Chamber’s accreditation program. The purpose of the program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across the State of Georgia. Chambers must meet standards in organization, service intent and capacity, professional administration, financial management, communications, and advocacy in order to achieve the Georgia Certified Chamber designation.
With over 150 chambers in the State of Georgia, the 25 chambers that were recognized during the 2011 GACCE Leadership Conference as Georgia Certified Chambers received a prestigious honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership displayed by accredited chambers.
The following chambers make up the first class of Georgia Certified Chambers:
1. Albany Area Chamber
2. Berrien County Chamber
3. Blairsville-Union County Chamber
4. Blakely-Early County Chamber
5. Camden County Chamber
6. Carroll County Chamber
7. Catoosa County Chamber
8. Cherokee County Chamber
9. Columbia County Chamber
10. Conyers-Rockdale Chamber
11. Darien-McIntosh County Chamber
12. Douglas County Chamber
13. Dublin-Laurens County Chamber
14. Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber
15. Gilmer County Chamber
16. Lee County Chamber
17. Newnan-Coweta Chamber
18. Paulding Chamber
19. Pickens County Chamber
20. Robins Regional Chamber
21. Tifton-Tift County Chamber
22. Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber
23. Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber
24. Walton County Chamber
25. Wilkinson County Chamber
GACCE congratulates these chambers for their accomplishment!
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