| | Leading the way to economic vitality and quality of life in Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton and all of beautiful Fannin County, Georgia. |
Manda Gwatney is 2018 Chairperson
Manda Gwatney will serve as Chair of the Chamber’s 2018 Board of Directors. Manda has been a solo practitioner at her own law firm since 2007. Her primary area of practice is as a Special Assistant Attorney General, representing state agencies in the area. She earned a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University of Law. Manda is in her second term as a member of the Chamber Board. She and her husband Michael have a daughter, Lora, who is a student at Fannin High School. OTHER OFFICERS FOR 2018 INCLUDE:
Vice Chairman – Chairman Elect: Frankie Rigdon, ETC Communications
Secretary: Lisa Vest, Hometown Foods IGA
Treasurer: Rene’ Bidez, C.P.A.
Past Chairman: Paul Gribble, Georgia Mountain Cabin Rentals Newly Elected 2018 Board Members — Congratulations! Three Year Term: Betsy Hyde, Fannin County School System; Dr. Jennifer Jabaley, Jabaley Eye Care; David Lillard, Mercier Orchards; Sandy Ott, University of North Georgia at Blue Ridge; Shannen Oyster, Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods One Year Term: Jenny Mundy, Dickey McCay Insurance; Brandon Holloway, Mountain Valley Community Bank |
| Invitations will be on the way soon! |
$418.76 Savings to Every Fannin County Household
Georgia Tech Economic Impact Study Says Every Fannin County household saved $418.76 in 2016 property tax because of tourism, according to the Georgia Tech Economic Impact Study commissioned by the Chamber. Tourism generated more than $7 million in local and state tax revenues. Direct visitor spending in 2016 reached $150 million:
$34.2 million in Lodging
$25.4 million in Transportation
$61.5 million in Food Service $17.6 million in Shopping $11.7 million in Entertainment In addition, one of every three jobs in Fannin County are supported by visitor spending, with a payroll of $24.5 million. On an average day in 2016: $93,150 was spent on lodging. $410,960 was spent by visitors. $19,178 in local and state tax revenues. |
| Ribbon Cuttings – Congratulations! December 1 was the ribbon cutting for Blue Ridge Variety Mall. Located at 4177 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge Variety Mall is a charity thrift store offering a variety of items from clothing to furniture. |
| Welcome New Members! John E. Foster Realty & Appraisal P.O. Box 310 Morganton, GA, 30560 John E. Foster John E. Foster Realty is Fannin’s oldest real estate company, offering professional service since 1978. Blue Ridge Georgia, where art, culture and convenience is right around the corner, but solitude is at your doorstep. Mountain Heaven Cabin
P.O. Box 72 Cherry Log, GA, 30522 Sandra Parrish Rink or Doug Rink Mountain Heaven Cabin is a beautifully decorated 2 bed 1 bath cabin on 2+ acres with views of the Rich Mountain Wilderness from the front door and offers a king-sized bed in the master bedroom and a daybed/trundle in the guest bedroom. Relax at the end of the day in the hot tub! Less than 10 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge, GA. Painted Pony Trading Co.
Mary Kirkconnell Painted Pony Trading Company offers turquoise jewelry, unique clothing, arts and primitive crafts, along with home goods and wellness gifts. Recon Investment Strategies James Oliver Cox IV Recon Investment Strategies is a wealth management and retirement solutions firm. From investments to retirement to insurance, the decisions can be overwhelming. Whether you have significant assets to manage-or if you are just starting to accumulate wealth-they have the tools and background to provide the services that may fit your needs. |
| December Community Events Calendar December 23-24 – Live Nativity, Seventh-day Adventist Church in Morganton Recurring Events * Trivia Tuesdays, Fightingtown Tavern * Bingo, Kiwanis Fairgrounds * Trivia Night! Fannin Brewing Company | | | |
| Chamber Events Calendar 10:00 a.m. December 6 – Lunch N Leads at Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta Factory 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. December 20 – Board of Directors Meeting, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room, Executive Board Meeting at 11:00 a.m., Board Meeting at 12:00 p.m. December 25 – Christmas Day, Welcome Centers Closed _________________ Member Renewals Thank you! Appalachian Electronics, LLC/Steren Electronics Solutions Appalachian Physicians Group -Dr. Hamidreza Doroodchi,Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Benchmark Physical Therapy Better Home and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers Blue Ridge Dental Blue Ridge Knife Company Blue Ridge Lodge & RV Park Bridgestreet Lending Brotherhood Oil Quick Lube and Tire Center Calvary Chapel Blue Ridge Comfort Inn & Suites Fishbone Studio G & N Iron Getaway Valet Johnson Paving, LLC Miller Well Drilling Mountain Area Recommended Contractors & Provdiers Mountain Place Home Management Pezrok Serenity Luxury Suites Temple Baptist Church Teresa Bidez, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty The Track Shack Toccoa House Properties, LLC Turning Leaf – A Fine Art Gallery Winkler & Winkler WoodmenLife _______________ Member Ads | |