Chamber Offers Flexible Space for Meetings and Internet Access
Announcements, Business, Fannin County Chamber, Featured News, Press Release July 12, 2021
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Chamber delivers tourism report to commissioners
Board of Commissioners, Fannin County Chamber May 13, 2020
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Since short-term rentals reopened on May 1, Chamber of Commerce President Jan Hackett affirmed that people are returning to the mountains, but numbers are down from previous years.
Hackett delivered an update on the economic status of tourism in Fannin since the shutdown. It included shops, restaurants, lodging, and attractions.
“According to the vacation rental people, people are definitely coming, and the first weekend was probably busier than the second,” stated Hackett. “The first weekend it seemed to be a whole lot of second homeowners coming to open up their cabins and check on them.
61 percent of the rentals are reportedly full next weekend and the visitors are supposedly bringing supplies with them.
However, it seems like people make the decision on a whim instead of planning the trips out well in advance.
“They are planning their trips late. It’s like they are planning to come to the mountains in a week,” relayed Hackett.
Memorial Day is currently 55 percent booked, but June and July rental remain predominately empty.
A statistics company, AirDNA shows 30 percent of rentals booked for May 30, 27 percent the weekend of June 6, and 24 percent for July 4.
Hotel/ motel tax was down $60,000 dollars in April collections, which is based on March business. The county and chamber split the tax in half. The county’s amount goes toward the operating budget, and the chamber uses the tax to market for the county.
Hackett expects April collections to be down as much as $100,000 since Gov. Kemp halted all rentals with his shelter in place order.
“Basically, that looks like $80,000 down for the two months that we’ve been closed at least part of the time,” explained Hackett.
She added that April and May are some of Fannin’s slowest months, but May could be interesting because it will probably see more business than normal as people can travel and telework.
Of the 52 restaurants listed on the chamber’s website, only 13 are open for inside dining – nine in Blue Ridge and three in McCaysville. Hackett said around 20 percent of the restaurants are open and some only on weekends. Most restaurants are only open for dinner as well.
“I don’t expect that we’re going to have a whole lot of more restaurants open up until the governor relaxes some of the restrictions because it’s very restrictive and it would be hard for some of them to do it,” the chamber president pondered.
Kemp did make a few changes to his restrictions on May 12. Now restaurants can have up to 10 patrons per 300 sq. ft. of public space and seat groups up to ten people.
However, she assessed that 90 percent of the shops are open at least part of the week, mainly weekends. McCaysville shops are around 50 percent.
Hackett also spoke with Cesar Martinez, Downtown Development Authority Chairman. He said that downtown Blue Ridge is busy on weekends but not as busy as last year at this time. During the week, all businesses are slow.
He also reported to Hackett that the businesses require social distancing and offer hand sanitizer. Not all require masks and some customers are resisting wearing masks.
“Mercier’s is open, and they are requiring people to wear masks and they’ve met with some resistance from customers who just will leave rather than wear a mask,” said Hackett.
The chamber has provided six masks for each of the members who have requested them and delivered masks to shops that are open in Blue Ridge and McCaysville.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is closed until June 1 at this time. The chamber’s visitor’s center is still closed until at least Memorial Day and the smaller centers will be closed even longer.
For those looking for more information and updates about businesses, visit blueridgemountains.com.
Feature image courtesy of Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce : A message for visitors and part-time residents
Community, News May 5, 2020
Blue Ridge, Ga. – With Blue Ridge and the rest of the State of Georgia slowly reopening, the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce released advice for visitors and part-time residents.
The Chamber states that vacation rentals in the area were closed for 5 weeks during Georgia’s statewide Shelter in Place Order. Governor Brian Kemp’s order expired on April 30, 2020, and was only extended for the medically fragile who remain under Shelter in Place until June 12.
Blue Ridge Welcomes You Back
We are so happy to be welcoming visitors and part time residents back to Blue Ridge and the Copper Basin. Spring in the mountains is good for the soul, and a recovery getaway can help you restore balance, refresh yourself and clear your mind. It’s nature’s remedy for the quarantine blues.But although Georgia’s Governor has reopened the state, here are some things you need to know. Measures are still in place to help discourage the spread of Covid-19, and the health and well being of our visitors and residents are top priority. Social distancing is still very much in place in Blue Ridge, and we encourage you to wear a mask in public places for your own safety and as a courtesy to others. Following are some basic things you need to know before you come back to Blue Ridge for a recovery getaway.Groceries and SuppliesIt is a good idea for you to bring your own groceries and supplies to be sure you have what you need for your second home or vacation rental. The availability of meat, poultry and fresh vegetables is sometimes hit or miss. Also bring your own cleaning and sanitizing supplies, hand sanitizer, face masks and paper products.Restaurants and ShopsGovernor Kemp allowed the reopening of most businesses on May 1, but many restaurants and shops are still closed. We will update the listings below of restaurants, shops and attractions daily, but a good practice is to call before you go. Even if they are not open for inside dining, some restaurants are offering carry out options and other special services. The restaurant list is long, so be sure to scroll to the bottom to find shops and attractions.Local AttractionsThe Blue Ridge Scenic Railway will not be in operation until June 1. Some other local attractions, like Mercier Orchards, horseback riding, kayak and canoe rentals, guided fishing and others are perfect for social distancing in the great outdoors. Georgia State Parks are open. Currently all of the Chattahoochee National Forest trailheads, recreation areas and waterfalls remain closed, as is the Ocoee Whitewater Center.When you come back to Blue Ridge, you find yourself. Even though things are not quite normal, the magic of Blue Ridge is still the same. You can get away completely … again.
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Chamber of Commerce releases Coronavirus policy update
Business, Fannin County Chamber March 13, 2020
“The Chamber is closely monitoring the Coronavirus pandemic as it relates to Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton and all of Fannin County. Our top priority is the health and well being of our community, its residents and visitors. This is a situation that changes rapidly from day to day, and there is a lot of uncertainty. We are basing our decisions about Chamber events and functions day by day as they arise, based on the current situation and guided by concern for the vulnerable in our community.As of the writing of this update, there are no known cases in Fannin County. We do have visitors here for spring break over the next two weeks, with 50%+ of cabins booked over both weekends. There have been some cancellations but also some new bookings by people who want to escape to the mountains.It is unknown how much time visitors will spend shopping, playing and eating out during their visit here. We have not prepared or issued advice to our visitors at this time. The best advice is to follow guidelines for self-care just as they would if they were at home.At the current time, our main offices and visitor centers in downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville are open.Blue Ridge – Fannin County Updates
Fannin County SchoolsThe Fannin County Schools will be closed next week and re-evaluate at that time.UNG and State CollegesUNG and other state colleges and universities will extend spring break for two weeks.Blue Ridge Local EventsThe Blue Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been canceled. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is continuing to run.Chamber Upcoming Event Changes
Business After Hours Tuesday, March 17 – INOLABusiness After Hours at INOLA has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date.Leadership Fannin Health Care Program, March 19Leadership Fannin’s Health Care program, scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at Fannin Regional Hospital, has been postponed. The new date will be announced later.Links with State and Federal Updates
The Georgia Department of Public Health website has up to date information with details on all COVID-19 cases reported in the state.Governor Kemp’s website has current information here.The CDC Website has detailed information on keeping workplaces, schools and commercial establishments safe.For information about impact on travel, the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division has current information.Information for Businesses & Accommodations
Best practices are to protect your employees and customers by maintaining stringent cleaning practices. The CDC offers specific instructions for cleaning and disinfecting on their website at this link.AccommodationsCDC offers specific guidance here.Air B&B advice for hosts link is here.Ensure you clean items including (but not limited to): door handles, telephones, toilets, light switches, remote controls, blowdryers, HVAC controls, faucet handles, and other surfaces frequently.RestaurantsA link to ServSafe’s Coronavirus information is located here.Information on Coronavirus is also available on the National Restaurant Assn. website.Posters & HandoutsThe CDC has some great posters and handouts you can download here.”
Celebration of the Copper Basin. The tri-cities work together for a common goal.
Community, News July 2, 2019
Blue Ridge, Ga. – A celebration of the progress made and a look at future plans for the tri-cities of McCaysville, Ga., Copperhill and Ducktown, Tn. was recently held at the Burra Burra Seafood restaurant. The Copper Basin RSVP Reveal gave the public a look at what can be accomplished when multiple agencies work together for one common goal.
Crowd gathered at Burra Burra Seafood to discuss the future of the Copper Basin.
Zachary Welch, Chairman of the Revitalization Committee and member of the Renaissance Steering Committee, gave thanks to the numerous individuals, businesses and organizations involved in the process. Welch enthusiastically declared, “It’s a very exciting time for our area.”
Citizens and visitors are already noticing a more welcoming feel to the towns. Streetscapes have begun in several areas, flower pots have been placed and filled, hanging floral baskets now adorn the iconic bridges, and the McCaysville mall has seen a complete makeover with numerous businesses spriningup to fill vacant spots.
One of the most notable figures that has pushed forward the revitalization of the area is McCaysville resident Mike Galinski of Galinski Enterprises.
“Just a super guy,” Welch said introducing Galinski to the crowd. “I am so thankful to be blessed with having him come into our community, invest his time and his resources and really help kick off revitalization of our town.”
Phase One of Galinski’s vision included restoring buildings in the area both structurally and aesthetically, in his words he wanted to “bring the buildings back to life”.
“We’ve been listening to the people and what they want,” Galinski said of the direction his projects have taken, adding that he has plans to begin an ice cream parlor in the mall.
Mike Galinski and Zachary Welch discussing the progress made and the future of area.
“I want to make it family friendly,” Galinski said of the initially named ‘Happy Bear’ ice cream parlor. “If you take your kid to the Happy Bear Ice Cream, how could they not be happy?”
Also slated for the town of McCaysville is a 12,000 square foot McCaysville Event Center and music venue. This project, still in its design phase, will need to meet state approval before construction can begin.
Galinski said of the proposed event center, “It should be able to hold a pretty large amount, but also do small parties.”
Of those on hand to celebrate the success and direction of the Copper Basin district was Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston.
“What a great day to be in the Copper Basin,” Ralston spoke with the excitement shared by all involved. “I can’t tell you what it means to see the enthusiasm and pride that this community has.”
Ralston gave personal thanks to the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a branch of the University of Georgia, who has worked with the citizens of Copper Basin to brand the area and give direction to several projects. Ralston also gave thanks to the Lyndhurst Foundation of Tennessee who funded the planning.
Ralston then addressed Galinski, who he feels has spearheaded the revitalization in the area, “Mike, thank you for your passion for this community, and your vision, and your investment, of not only your time and resources, but your creativity. You have truly been a transformative leader here.”
Senior Public Service Associate with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Danny Bevins, spoke of future goals for the tri-cities and the unification through branding that his team was able to create.
Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston celebrates the success of the area.
Details to the branding and future plans where scrutinized and thoughtfully presented in order to “tell the story” of the people and the land. The Copper Basin logos and designs are free for all to use.
Bevins said of his team’s work and the over 600 survey responses received concerning the course of the Copper Basin area, “This planning process is not our plan, it’s all your all’s plan.”
“We heard a lot about a riverwalk,” Bevins spoke of the citizens’ input and added that plans have been made to incorporate the river into the plans for McCaysville and Copperhill. The future of the river in the twin towns will host “small gathering and sitting areas that are connected from both sides of the river, up and down”.
Other plans include a new park added as a continuation of the existing park in McCaysville, Wayfinding Signs, street and sidewalk improvements, benches and connecting walkways, and public art to enhance the feel in the area
Revitalization is undeniable in the area, and it is the hope of all involved to turn the Copper Basin district into a destination that is “Too Great For One State”.
McCaysville Mayor, Thomas Seabolt, being presented with a plan of the area.
Copperhill Mayor, Kathy Stewart, was also presented with a framed plan of the area.
Jan Hackett and David Ralston pose with a framed plan, that Ralston said would hang at the state capital.
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New Fannin Youth Initiative
Community, News January 12, 2019
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Life and career skills are something that all youth need when moving into adulthood, and thanks to a new innovative program some of the youth of Fannin County will have an opportunity to have a jump start on these skills as they work their way through high school.
Executive Director of the Development Authority, Christie Gribble, unveiled a new program aimed at garnering knowledge of real world situations and providing high school age children with an in-depth look at our local community.
“A function of economic development is workforce and community development,” Gribble spoke of the new project and the inspiration she received from attending the Leadership Fannin program, “As a local to Fannin County I learned a lot about the community.”
Leadership Fannin is an annual program hosted by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce in which community members are nominated to participate in. Each yearly group is exposed to an indepth look at Fannin County through site visits and speakers on a variety of topics.
Gribble’s youth program dubbed the Fannin Youth Initiative (FYI), will be based on the Leadership Fannin program but geared toward a younger audience.
Executive Director Christie Gribble tells the Board of Commissioners about the new Fannin Youth Initiative.
Students at Fannin County High School, grades 10 and 11, are eligible to apply. In its inaugural year FYI had 13 applicants.
The program itself is a partnership between the Fannin County School System, the Chamber of Commerce, the Development Authority, and a network of volunteers.
“This is a free program for students. It’s paid for by sponsorships,” Gribble said of the no cost opportunity, “We had sponsorships from TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC this year.”
Students will be paired with a mentor for guidance and will get firsthand knowledge of economic development, entrepreneurship, small business, and tourism in our community.
According to Gribble one of the goals is to “help these students understand what you can do in the community if you do decide to stay and build a career here, or if you go off to college and want to come back. I want to show some success stories.”
Beyond being able to get out and meet with local workers, students will also be shown a variety of life skills needed to function as adults.
“We will show these students where you go to vote, jury duty, where you go to pay taxes, building permits,” Gribble spoke of students visiting the Fannin County Courthouse during the program. “These are things that not a lot of high school students know about.”
Participants will also get a firsthand look into state government with a trip to the Georgia State Capitol building.
Gribble noted that there will be school visits as well, and volunteers in the group will teach students about career building skills: “We will go into the school on a occasion and do some professional development such as communication skills, resume building, and interviewing skills.”
The program is set to begin Jan. 25 and run through April or May of this year. If all goes well with the inaugural “test run” of FYI, both the school and partnerships are open to expansion and possibly offering the program twice a year.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Rotary Blue Ridge guest speakers of the week – Fannin Literacy Action Group
Community February 12, 2019
Rotary of Blue Ridge recently met in the Chamber of Commerce’s meeting room with special guests Donna Earl and Teresa Ross from the Fannin Literacy Action Group (FLAG).
FLAG offers “To promote and foster increased education in Fannin County and contiguous areas primarily through volunteer teaching of and aid to:”
1- The illiterate and semi-literate. Reading, writing and mathematics skills are improved with the helpful guidance of FLAG staff.
2- Those persons for whom English is a second language (ESL). Dictionaries donated by Rotary Club of Blue Ridge have been especially helpful to these students learning the English language in order to effectively communicate.
3-Encourage individuals, groups and other organizations desiring to increase education through their own volunteer programs.
4- To acquire basic computer and Smartphone skills. This is geared toward older citizens who need to have a better understanding of technology surrounding their lives.
5- Help prepare teenagers/or older adults who may have dropped out of high school take and pass the GED exam. Ross pointed out the organization is also partnering with Fannin County Senior Center to help attain their GED or other literacy skills as well.
To date, FLAG’s accomplishments include:
1- 13 new graduates of the GED program.
2- Helping students complete college preparation courses in mathematics and writing skills.
3- Four students are currently enrolled at Georgia Tech after obtaining GED.
4- Assisting students find better employment after graduating from the Center.
5- Course Completion has helped graduates obtain higher pay. Some students who finished the required courses received advancements in their current employment.
FLAG Adult Education is located at 71 Overview Dr., Blue Ridge, GA 31503. Hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Donna Earl at [email protected] or Teresa Ross [email protected].
Rotary Blue Ridge meets Tuesdays, 12 p.m. at 152 Orvin Lance Dr, Blue Ridge, GA. “Chamber parking is limited so please park in Town and Country’s parking lot closest to the Chamber and not in front of Town and Country’s front door.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Community August 1, 2018
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News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Community July 25, 2018
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News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Community July 6, 2018
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News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Community August 8, 2018
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News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Community July 11, 2018
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News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Community June 20, 2018
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Clay Co. Lion’s Club Dancing Through The Decades Fundraiser
Community August 21, 2018
The Clay County Lions Club is hosting a Fundraiser on Saturday evening, September 22, 2018, from 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm in the beautifully renovated Fellowship Hall of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located at 1433 US Hwy 64, Hayesville, NC.
The Fundraiser will be an evening of great music from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s with a live DJ, a spectacular dance, a fabulous dinner by Amazing Grace Caterers, dozens of door prizes, and an available cash bar.
Tickets are $60 per person and are available at the Historic Hayesville Centennial Exhibit, Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Tiger’s Department Store and Bella Boutique in Downtown Hayesville.
Tickets are also available from any Clay County Lions Club Member, and at the Towns County Chamber of Commerce and Monte Alban Restaurant in Hiawassee. A portion of each ticket may be tax deductible.
100% of the net proceeds will go to further the Lions Club’s charitable activities in Clay County, including the providing of free eye exams and eyeglasses to residents in need; donations to local charities such as Clay County Community for Students, Christmas Care of Clay County, the VFW and Shop with a Hero all to help children in need in Clay County; support of Historic Hayesville, Inc.; and recent work to rehab the covered Lions Pavilion at the Clay County Recreation Park that is used by so many residents and visitors to Clay County. For further information, contact Neil Kaplan at (703) 725-9819