Chamber urges locals and visitors to leave no trace and recreate responsibly.
The good news:Business has never been better — it is booming!
The bad news: More visitors means more problems with all kinds of infrastructure, from downtown parking to forest trails.
The Chamber wants to encourage visitors and locals to take care of Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Fannin County. We have become community partners with Leave No Trace and Recreate Responsibly, and we have a campaign going that includes billboards and digital ads. We also have string backpacks being distributed by our lodging partners. The drawstring backpack would be great to take on the trail to carry out trash. We hope to provide enough packs to continue the campaign through October, so we may be reordering sooner than later. Find out more about The Leave No Trace Seven Principles on our website here.
Help us keep Fannin County beautiful by sharing this information with your guests and customers. Email [email protected] if you are a lodging provider and would like to participate.
Restaurants, please let us know if you are going to be open Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day so we can add you to the list. Email [email protected].
To be added to the Christmas Eve services list, please email [email protected] with information.
Chamber Member Ribbon Cuttings
North Georgia Farmer’s Market
December 9 was the ribbon cutting for North Georgia Farmers Market on Dunbarton Farm Rd., Blue Ridge. The Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. rain or shine and offers farm fresh produce, fruits, food and handmade arts & crafts by top notch local farmers and artisans. (706) 666-9030
December 11 was the ribbon cutting for BridgeHouse Interiors at 55 Mountain St., Ste. 3. BridgeHouse Interiors offers specially curated furnishings, lighting, tabletops accessories, gifts and custom design for your home. (770) 743-2633
Chamber has Opening for Full-time Administrative Assistant
The Fannin County Chamber & CVB has a full time opening for a responsible Administrative Assistant to perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. The position will provide support for Chamber and CVB operations, including member database management; accounts payable and receivable; record keeping; website events management; and staff support as needed for Chamber projects and events. The Administrative Assistant must have a high school diploma, have strong organizational skills and be proficient in use of the internet and Microsoft Office. Previous office experience, excellent communications skills and accounting experience would be preferred. The Chamber provides health insurance, life insurance and a retirement plan. To apply, submit a resume to [email protected].
Ambassador and Leads Group Members Needed
Now is the time to make a New Year’s resolution to do more networking, and the Chamber’s Ambassador and Leads Groups are a perfect way to meet more people while gaining exposure for your business. Both of these groups found a way to get together in 2020, even if it was on Zoom. Hopefully 2021 will be more normal than 2020! Ambassadors meet for lunch every month, attend Ribbon Cuttings and Chamber events, and represent the Chamber in the community. The Leads Group also meets monthly for lunch to network and exchange leads. If you are interested in joining one of these groups, contact Dianne Mallernee – [email protected] or call 706-632-5680.
Buy, Eat, Shop Local for the Holidays and All Year Long!
There are so many reasons to Buy Local! Buying local SUPPORTS COMMUNITY GROUPS! Local businesses are the cornerstone of many volunteer and charitable organizations. Businesses give freely to support the good deeds of others, and are also major contributors to schools and little league sports teams.
Buying local KEEPS OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE! Buying local provides businesses with the dollars to survive. Many local businesses are one-of-a-kind and target the community for success. They work to fill a niche that is unique to the people they serve.
Small Business Saturday is coming up November 28. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Buy, Eat, Shop Local for the Holidays and All Year Long!
There are so many reasons to Buy Local! Buying local STRENGHTENS OUR LOCAL ECONOMY! Did you know that when a dollar is spent locally, the biggest part of that dollar stays local?! Businesses use about 50 cents of every dollar for employee salaries and benefits. Much of the rest is invested in the business for inventory, expansion and operating costs. Only a few cents ever find their way out of town!
Buying local BUILDS LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS! When you shop locally you get to know the people you deal with and they know you. This develops Trust and a knowledge of each other that can only be found locally.
Small Business Saturday is coming up November 28. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Congratulations to 2021 Board Members!
The 2021 slate of new members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors includes:
Casey Eaton, The Sisson Company
Sandy Ott, UNGA Blue Ridge
Kevin Panter, Kevin Panter Insurance
Sarah Rigdon, Fannin County Board of Education
Troy Shirbroun, Anchor Brokerage
Serving a one-year term:
Tracie Griffith, First Community Mortgage
George Robinson, ETC Communications
Chamber Banquet Postponed until March 27
The Chamber’s Annual Banquet, held each year in January, will be postponed until March in hopes that Covid 19 will be diminished and more members will be able to attend. Currently attendance would be limited to 100. More information will be forthcoming.
New Plan for Leadership Fannin 2021
The Leadership Fannin Steering Committee has made the decision to complete the program for 2020 participants before moving on to a new class in 2021. Last year, only three programs were completed before the quarantine for Covid-19. The committee plans to begin in February and graduate the 2020 class in May. If you have any questions, contact Shannon York at [email protected].
Last week Rytech of the Tri-State celebrated Chamber membership with a Ribbon Cutting event. Rytech of the Tri-State is a water damage specialist offering 24/7/365 availability and reliable, knowledgeable and professional service. 100 Sky Valley, Blairsville. (954) 368-7035
Many thanks to ETC3 TV for televising our Candidate Forum for the Board of Commissioners Post One and Fannin County School Board Seats. Also thanks to Governmental Committee members Teresa Bidez, chairperson, Manda Gwatney and Steven Miracle, moderators, CJ Green, Frankie Rigdon and Brandon Holloway. Thanks to candidates Chad Galloway, Theresa Dillard, Dixie Carter and Kathy Smyth for participating. Early voting began yesterday at the Fannin County Courthouse.
Halloween Drive-Thru Replaces Safe Zone:
Space is Available at Blue Ridge United Methodist Church
Halloween Drive-Thru will take the place of the Blue Ridge Safe Zone for this year’s Trick-or-Treaters . The Blue Ridge United Methodist Church would like to invite businesses to set up in their church parking lot for a drive-through trunk-or-treat event for kids. There is also an opportunity to set up a tent. There is space for 40 vehicles. If you have interest in taking one of the spaces available, please contact the church by email or phone (706) 632-2327.
Businesses offering a drive-thru trick-or-treat event include:
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, 152 A Orvin Lance Drive
Blue Ridge United Community Methodist Church& Blue Ridge Business Association, 235 Orvin Lance Dr.
Kevin Panter Insurance, 95 Progress Circle
Dairy Queen, 380 Progress Circle
Papa’s Pizza To=-Go, 140 Progress Circle
Home Depot, 10012 Blue Ridge Dr.
Blue Ridge Pharmacy, 6020 Appalachian Hwy.
United Community Bank, 4000 Appalachian Hwy.
Mountain Valley Community Bank, 11 Collins Ave.
Town & Country Furniture, 266 Orvin Lance Dr.
Ace Hardware, 4344 Old Hwy. 76
**If you are offering a drive-thru event for Halloween, let us know and we will add you to the list**
The Safe Zone in the Copper Basin is scheduled for October 31 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. in downtown McCaysville/Copperhill. Local merchants will be handing out candy.
Nominations Needed for Leadership Fannin 2021!
Leadership Fannin 2020 was postponed to resume in 2021 because of the Coronavirus, but there is still room for more participants to apply. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone, contact Shannon York at [email protected]. She will need the name, company and contact information for your nominee. We will send out applications containing the dates of next year’s classes.
Leading the way to economic vitality and quality of life in Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton and all of beautiful Fannin County, Georgia.
There are a few seats left for the banquet!
If you are interested in coming to the banquet this Saturday, January 26, contact Kim Foster at 706-632-5680 by tomorrow, Wednesday January 23 at noon to reserve a seat.
Ribbon Cuttings – Congratulations!
Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Specialist has been serving North Georgia for over 20 years and provide a range of services; General ENT, Sinusitis & Balloon Sinuplasty, Allergy Testing & Treatment, Hearing Aids & more. 101 Riverstone Vista, Ste. 212, Blue Ridge. (770) 345-6600
January 23 – Board Retreat, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
January 24 – Ambassador Lunch, Masseria, 67 Roberts Way, Blue Ridge
12:00 p.m.
January 26 – 35th Annual Chamber Banquet, Brasstown Valley Resort
6:00 p.m.
January 28 – Tourism Meeting, Fannin County Chamber Meeting Room
12:00 p.m.
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Member Events
The mission of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is to provide services to members, support existing business and promote economic development and tourism, while preserving and enhancing our community’s character, natural resources and quality of life.
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
152 Orvin Lance Drive, Blue Ridge GA 30513
706-632-5680
Leading the way to economic vitality and quality of life in Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton and all of beautiful Fannin County, Georgia.
Frankie Rigdon is 2019 Chairperson
Frankie Rigdon, Vice President of operations for ETC Communications, will serve as Chairman of the Chamber’s 2019 Board of Directors.
Frankie is married to Sarah Finch Rigdon and together they have 7 children and 5 grandchildren. He graduated from Fannin County High School in 1984 and began his career in Telecommunications later that same year working for Hoke Jones and Voncel Gregory at the then privately owned Blue Ridge Telephone Company. Frankie was hired in 1986 by General Telephone (GTE) which later became Alltel and worked there until 1999. It was in 1999 that Frankie began his employment with ETC.
In addition to serving on the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce board of Directors, Frankie has served or is serving in many volunteer positions including President of the Mountaintown Community fire department organizing committee, Captain of Mountaintown Fire Station #8, Sunday School Director and Vacation Bible School Director of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Georgia 811 Board of Directors and past Chairman, Fannin County Development Authority and the City of Jasper “Perrow Property” steering committee.
Congratulations New Board Members!
Three Year Term:
Suzanne Stepp Davenport, Southern Drug Company;
C.J. Green, Terminator Pest Control;
Susan Kiker, Fannin Regional Hospital;
Cindy Stone, United Community Bank
One Year Term:
Bill Banzhaf, Harry Norman REALTORS;
Steve Smith, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
Invitations will be on the way next week!
Ribbon Cutting – Congratulations!
Congratulations to Amanda Payne, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones on her new location! Visit her at 3798 East 1st St., Blue Ridge. (706) 632-8118
The Chamber is looking for ten members to sponsor the quarterly Business After Hours Cash Drawing. The cost to sponsor for the year is $100.00. Business sponsor names will be listed on ads for the events and other mentions building up to the event, as well as announced at the event. If you are interested in being a cash drawing sponsor, contact Dianne Mallernee at [email protected]
or (706) 632-5680.
____________________________________________
Become a Chamber Ambassador or
Join the Chamber Leads Group in 2019!
Ambassadors represent the Chamber throughout Fannin County at community events and improve relations with members and non-members. Ambassadors have a monthly meeting at a member restaurant to discuss upcoming events and networking opportunities.
Lunch N Leads is a referral group that meets monthly sharing leads, referrals, best practices and common experiences, building a network of trust and confidence that helps its members thrive.
If you have any interest in participating in Ambassadors or Lunch N Leads, contact Dianne Mallernee for more information or to sign up!
Welcome New Members!!
Appalachian Home Renovations
(706) 889-1945
Bill Scutt
Appalachian Home Renovations offer complete remodeling services; basement build-outs, kitchens, baths, decks, porches, garages, sheds and siding. Master carpenter father and son team. Fully licensed and insured.
Fly Fish North Georgia offers guided wading and drift boat trips on several private trophy streams and public rivers. Whether you are looking for an instructional trip for beginners, or access to north Georgia’s finest trophy trout streams for experienced anglers, Fly Fishing North Georgia has you covered.
Everyone is invited to join them at Harbor Ministries! The church services are casual dress and worship style is blended. Anchor groups, bible study groups for all ages, meet at varying times during the week in addition to Sunday morning worship service.
Highlightz Hair Salon
5764 Appalachian Hwy.
Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
(706) 946-2887
Megan Stiles
Hair Salon. Highlightz Hair Salon also has a cosmetic line available.
Chamber Member Anniversaries!
Melwood Springs Water Company
Milestones Learning Center & Childcare
Willow Creek Falls & Vineyard
Winkler & Winkler
Brotherhood Oil Quick Lube & Tire Center
S & S Painting & Pressure Wash
Community & Local Events Calendar
November 17 – Janurary 4 – Holiday Show & Sale, Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Associaton
December 5 – Lunch N Leads at Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta Factory
12:00 p.m.
December 5 – Ribbon Cutting for Fly Fishing North Georgia, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
3:00 p.m.
December 6 – Ribbon Cutting for ATA Controls, 931 East Main St., Blue Ridge
10:00 a.m.
December 11 – Ribbon Cutting for Highlightz Hair Salon, 5764 Appalachian Hwy., Blue Ridge
11:00 a.m.
December 13 – Ribbon Cutting for Fat Raccoon Gallery, 121 Ocoee St., Ste. 2, Copperhill, TN
37317
11:00 a.m.
December 18 – Business After Hours at Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main St., Blue Ridge
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
December 19 – 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 20 – Ambassador Lunch at Treo Blue Ridge, 588 East Main St., Blue Ridge
12:00 p.m.
December 25 – Welcome Centers Closed in Observance of Christmas
______________
Member Renewals –
Thanks!
A2B Transit (L&M Transit)
Anchor Brokerage
Appalachian Country Living Magazine
Blue Ridge Dental
Blue Ridge Lodge & RV Park
Blue Ridge Motorsports Park
Booking.com
BR Main
Brotherhood Oil Quick Lube and Tire Center
Cabin Rentals of Georgia
Cameron Hall of Ellijay-Five Star Senior Living
Cantaberry Restaurant
Cartecay Vineyards
Comfort Inn & Suites
Distinctive Developers
FLAG Adult Education
Home Town Insurance
Johnson Paving
McCaysville Properties
Mountain Place Home Management
North Georgia Paper & Specialty
Painted Pony Trading Co.
Recon Investment Strategies
Ridge Chiropractic
S & S Painting & Pressure Wash
Serenity Luxury Suites
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
Taste of Amish & General Store
Temple Baptist Church
Winkler & Winkler
WoodmenLife
________
Member Events
The mission of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is to provide services to members, support existing business and promote economic development and tourism, while preserving and enhancing our community’s character, natural resources and quality of life.
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
152 Orvin Lance Drive, Blue Ridge GA 30513
706-632-5680
Leading the way to economic vitality and quality of life in Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton and all of beautiful Fannin County, Georgia.
Shop Small and Buy Local
For the Holidays!
Small Business Saturday is coming up November 24. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Keep an eye out for Chamber staff members making deliveries of Small Business Saturday promotional items.
Chamber 2018 Award Nominations
Please take the time to nominate a special person or business for a 2018 Chamber Award, to be presented at the Annual Banquet on January 26. Following are the categories. To nominate someone, write a short summary of the reasons why you think they deserve to be recognized and send it to Jan Hackett at [email protected].
1.Chamber Member of the Year:
The Chamber Member of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to Fannin County through community service and volunteerism. The recipient must be a chamber member or employee of a Chamber member business.
2. Community Service Award
The Community Service Award is presented to a Chamber member business which has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
3. Lifetime Chamber Membership:
Honorary membership is presented to retired or retiring members who have demonstrated long term service to teh Chamber and/or the community.
For the annual banquet
January 26
at Brasstown Valley
Become a Chamber Ambassador or
Join the Chamber Leads Group in 2019!
Ambassadors represent the Chamber throughout Fannin County at community events and improve relations with members and non-members. Ambassadors have a monthly meeting at a member restaurant to discuss upcoming events and networking opportunities.
Lunch N Leads is a referral committee that meets monthly sharing leads, referrals, best practices and common experiences, building a network of trust and confidence that helps its members thrive.
If you have any interest in participating in Ambassadors or Lunch N Leads, contact Dianne Mallernee for more information or to sign up!
Ribbon Cuttings – Congratulations!
November 7 was the ribbon cutting for US Lawns. US Lawns offers lawn care, landscape and snow removal services. Veteran owned and operated.
November 14 – 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.
November 15 – Ambassador Lunch, Blue Ridge Brewery
12:00 p.m.
November 22 – Welcome Centers Closed in Observation of Thanksgiving
November 23 – Main Welcome Center Closed
November 26 – Tourism Committee Meeting, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room
12:00 p.m.
November 29 – Ribbon Cutting for Amanda Payne, Edward Jones
3798 East 1st St., Ste. A, Blue Ridge
2:30 p.m.
________________
Member Events
The mission of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is to provide services to members, support existing business and promote economic development and tourism, while preserving and enhancing our community’s character, natural resources and quality of life.
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
152 Orvin Lance Drive, Blue Ridge GA 30513 706-632-5680
The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Leadership Fannin Class of 2019, which will begin in February of 2019. Leadership Fannin is an extremely rewarding experience designed to educate and develop local community leaders. Participants learn about community leadership, gain a greater understanding of issues in Fannin County and network with people from all walks of life and geographic areas of our community.
Coordinating the program for the Chamber is Shannon York, and the 2019 Chair is Chris Hall. If you are interested in applying or know someone who would benefit from the program, please contact Jan Hackett at [email protected] or call the Chamber at 706-632-5680, with the applicant’s name and contact information. The deadline for nominations is November 15. Nominees will receive applications and a schedule of programs in December and the class will be approved in early January, 2019.
Leadership Fannin was established in 1999 in cooperation with the Fannin Cooperative Extension. The Chamber program consists of 14 classes since 2004. Nominees should have lived in Fannin County for more than two years. Tuition is $200 however scholarships are available for representatives of non-profit organizations.
Leading the way to economic vitality and quality of life in Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton and all of beautiful Fannin County, Georgia. Together we prosper.
Two Great Business After Hours
Networking Events in May!
All are welcome to a drop-in open house meeting at Blue Ridge City Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday May 18, hosted by the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission.
Come by and see what stakeholders, managers, and elected officials have accomplished so far, including planned projects in all areas of government and maps of future development. An opportunity to comment will be provided.
Information Please Coming on May 24 The Chamber’s annual Business Directory will be published in the May 24thedition of The News Observer Information Please. Pick one up at the Chamber if you don’t have a subscription.
Swinging Bridge Closed During the Week
The Forest Service will be conducting maintenance on the Swinging Bridge road for the next two to three weeks, from May 8 to May 26. Signs have been placed on Highway 60 and Rock Creek. Hikers will still be able to use the bridge if needed, but they may be asked to wait a few minutes until the contractor determines it is safe to cross. Work will be Monday – Friday of those weeks and the bridge will be accessible on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations!
May 2 was the ribbon cutting for Marnie Mashburn, agent, with Mountain Place Realty. Marnie chose a career in real estate because it satisfied her passion to grow and to help others. She is interested in clients, both their histories and their futures and wants to understand their dreams to help find buyers find their ideal homes.
May 10 – Ribbon Cutting for Treo Blue Ridge, 588 East Main St., Blue Ridge
3:00 p.m.
May 11 – Ribbon Cutting for Morganton Point Bed and Breakfast Inn, 77 Lakeshore Cir., Morganton
11:00 a.m.
May 15 – Tourism Meeting, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
12:00 p.m.
May 16– Business After Hours at Riverstone hosted by Fannin Regional Hospital
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
May 17 – Ribbon Cutting for Cloud Hopper Aerial, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
10:00 a.m.
May 18– Leadership Fannin, Wrap up & Graduation, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
9:00 a.m.
May 18 – Ribbon Cutting for ServiceMaster, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
10:00 a.m.
May 24 – Board of Directors Meeting, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room, Executive Committee Meeting at 11:00 a.m., Board Meeting at 12:00 p.m.
May 25– Ambassador Lunch, Location TBD
_____________
Member to Member Ads
The mission of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is to provide services to members, support existing business and promote economic development and tourism, while preserving and enhancing our community’s character, natural resources and quality of life.
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
152 Orvin Lance Drive, Blue Ridge GA 30513 706-632-5680
Congratulations to Smooch Pooch Dog Wash! Fannin County Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Smooch Pooch and all enjoyed visiting with the staff and furry friends! Check out Smooch Pooch for all your grooming needs!
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Self-Serve, Full Service Bathing & Trims
You Wash “Self-Service Bathing”
includes: a refreshing self-serve bathing station equipped with an apron, shampoo, combs, brushes, face towel and drying towel.
under 15 lbs – $12.00
over 15 lbs – $17.00
We Wash (Drop Off Service)
Bathing by our PAWsome specialists by appointment or walk-ins. We wash includes: bath, ears, towel dry, bandana and doggy cologne.
under 15 lbs – $18.00
over 15 lbs – $24.00
Dryer Rooms: equipped with professional grooming table, burshes, combs, high powered dryer and blow dryer – $5 for 20 minutes
Add-Ons
Nails $8.00
Pad Trim $5.00
Nails & Pad Trim $12.00
Ears $5.00
Sanitary Clean $8.00
Face Trim $10.00
Blueberry facial (whitening shampo) $2.00
Flea Shampoo $3.00
Conditioner $2.00
Dryer (20 minutes) $5.00
