November 24, 2020

This Christmas, we are encouraging locals to shop Giftably Gilmer! Participating retailers are able to get listed on a shopping blog, receive a poster for their storefront, and receive a social media kit to help them promote their giftable items.

Additionally, we are encouraging participating retailers and nearby restaurants to participate in a Local Shopping Night on December 10th from 5-7 pm. This event is aimed at helping locals knock off their Christmas list and make it into stores after work.

Not a brick-and-mortar retailer? No worries! You can still advertise gift cards, bundles, and offerings. We will tell shoppers how to find you!

If you haven’t already signed up to participate in Giftably Gilmer, click the link below and let us know you’re in! We will reply to get your information.

Chamber SMART Plan for Your Employees

Chamber SMART Plan can help you and your employees get the healthcare and insurance benefits you need. Click the link below to get more details on the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan.

Small Business Owners: Small Business Saturday is this Saturday! To help set your business up for success on November 28th, here is a 48 hour communication plan for your business.

Thanksgiving Day

Morning: Make a post and let your followers know how thankful you are for their business. Think about sharing photos from the past year or photos of your team.

Evening: Make a post reminding your followers what you’re offering on Small Business Saturday. Advertise your hours and let them know what you are offering to make their shopping experience special on Small Business Saturday.

Friday, 11/27

Morning: If you have an email newsletter list, send a quick e-blast letting your list know what you are offering and that your sale is tomorrow. Consider offering something special to your e-list like 10% off or something only they can get.

Afternoon: Post a Facebook or Instagram story preview and show your followers what you have set up for Small Business Saturday.

Evening: Make a post reminding followers that you will be open and participating in Small Business Saturday. Remember: quick videos will reach more followers than a static post!

Small Business Saturday, 11/28

Morning: Make or pre-schedule a post showing shoppers that you are officially open. Consider making it more fun by sharing a Boomerang of your staff flipping the sign from Closed to Open.

Afternoon: Make several posts showing shoppers with their purchases and letting your followers know how many hours they have left to stop by before closing.

Evening: Make a “Thank You” post after closing thanking everyone who stopped by and shopped with you. Let people who missed out know when you will be open again so they can come in and shop.

Beau-tiful Creations Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to our friend  BEAU-tiful Creations  for cutting the ribbon on her gorgeous Paint Party location last Friday! If you’re looking for something for your kiddos to do over Thanksgiving break, you’ve got to get over to Beau’s and get them painting!

Berkshire Hathaway Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations Berkshire Hathaway Home Services for your ribbon cutting last Thursday! Our friends at Berkshire Hathaway have a beautiful facility in Downtown Ellijay where they are ready to greet you and help you find your dream home! Congratulations to Kim Southern – Sold with Southern Hospitality, Jenny J Janssen, and the rest of the Ellijay Berkshire Hathaway team on this beautiful facility!

Membership Announcements

Mexican Restaurant

Ellijay, GA

Mexican Restaurant & Takeout

East Ellijay, GA 30540

Gilmer Chamber Team Spotlight: Bobby McNeil

Bobby McNeil is your Gilmer Chamber Chair Elect and the owner of Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery.

Bobby moved to Gilmer full-time in 2012, but wishes he had moved here sooner. His favorite thing about Ellijay is the people and says that Ellijay is an example of everything that is good about life.

A true family man, Bobby’s favorite thing to do is hang out with his family and have family dinners. When asked who inspires him the most, Bobby said his biggest inspiration is his father in law:

“He was an entrepreneur at a very young age and worked his entire life owning several different businesses. He is 93 years old and still fearless. We love watching the old westerns and enjoying a glass of wine at the end of everyday when we are together.”

Giving Tuesday is Coming up on December 1st! Here are 3 last-minute tips to get your organization ready:

Stay tuned for campaign wrap-up ideas next week!

Don’t forget to advertise your job openings on the Gilmer Chamber website! Click here to get your opening in front of the right candidates.

Gilmer Chamber | 706-635-7400 | [email protected] | http://www.gilmerchamber.com/

The Gilmer Chamber is a 650+ member organization serving the North Georgia communities of Ellijay, East Ellijay, and Cherry Log. The Chamber serves as the destination marketing agency for the county and provides networking opportunities and business resources for its members. The mission of the Gilmer Chamber is to promote a strong business environment that enhances the quality of our community. The vision of the Gilmer Chamber is to be the leader in making Gilmer County the best place to visit, live, work, invest and play. For more information on joining the Chamber or getting involved, please call 706-635-7400 or e-mail [email protected].