Remembering Sally Daniels

Community, Gilmer County Chamber
The core values of the Gilmer Chamber are Integrity, Kindness, Collaboration, and Vision. Few who have joined our ranks have ever embodied these values so wholly and effortlessly as Sally Daniels.
Both in our Chamber and in our Community as a whole, Sally was always the first to offer friendship and a helping hand. When advice or correction was needed, Sally was steadfast yet gentle. When praise was warranted, Sally was lifegiving and uplifting. She led as a servant leads: with a quiet force that moves others to action.
In truth, it is hard to imagine all of the progress and innovation that has happened at the Gilmer Chamber without Sally’s service, passion, and distinct gift with words. A member since 1986, Sally has been invested in the Gilmer Chamber for almost four decades and in that time her dedication to our community has never waivered. When volunteers were needed for an event like Apple Festival or Taste of Ellijay, Sally was there early with a smile on her face. Whenever a new business was cutting their ribbon, Sally was there cheering them on. When Amazon Prime was first rising in the ranks, the Gilmer’s Got It campaign that renewed an interest in local shopping was Sally’s brainchild.
Sally was a standing Chamber Ambassador and served on the Chamber’s board several times. She never wanted credit for anything she did, but her monumental contributions to our community lead to Sally being named Member of the Year in 2018. Outside of her involvement in the Chamber, Sally was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club and Optimist Club where she served our community with equal integrity and found a million different ways to make Gilmer brighter day by day.
It is hard to imagine our community without Sally, her love, and her light. Please join us in lifting up thoughts and prayers for her husband Bill, their children, and their grandchildren as they navigate this exceptionally difficult time.
2021 Annual Meeting a Success
January 20, 2021
Thank You to everyone who sponsored and attended our 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting! Attendees were treated to an awesome Question and Answer Session with Mark Richt moderated by 2020 Chair Chris Wang.
To see video playback of your 2021 Board and Ambassadors along with the Passing of the Gavel and awarding of our 2020 Member of the Year, Business of the Year, and Community Champion awards, please check out the video at the left.
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
The Georgia Tech EDA University Center is conducting a survey to assess the impact that the coronavirus crisis has had in our region. Based on the information collected, the Georgia Tech team will provide participating communities with a tool for short-term recovery planning in order to build stronger, more resilient businesses for the long-term.
The survey will require less than 5 minutes of your time, depending upon your selections, but your insights will be enormously helpful. We ask that participants please respond to the survey by January 29, 2021.
Please click this link to begin the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NWGACovid19Survey
The mission of the Regional Commission is to improve the quality of life for every Northwest Georgia resident, through orderly growth, conservation of the region’s natural and historic resources, and care and development of the region’s human resources. Survey responses will help us to better understand the needs of our region and communities as recovery continues.
Membership Announcements
Salon and Day Spa
Ellijay, GA
Mushroom Farm
Ellijay, GA
Renewing Members
As of 1/25/2021
  • Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
  • Hometown Florist & Yesterday’s Decor
  • Open Arms of Blue Ridge
  • Isaiah House, Inc.
  • JF Maxwell Heating & Air
  • Mountain Maddie Homes / Ronald & Maxine Mullis
  • Sharp Mountain Vineyards
  • Circuit World / C & C TV, Inc
  • First Baptist Church of Ellijay
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/

Gilmer Chamber Selects New President and CEO

Community, Gilmer County Chamber
Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce leaders have selected an experienced chamber and tourism professional as the new president and chief executive officer of the business organization. Jennifer Grimmer was unanimously approved by the chamber’s board of directors on Friday, January 15 to lead the 650 member chamber which serves as the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for East Ellijay, Ellijay, and Gilmer County.
Grimmer previously served as the Executive Director of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau – Atlanta Regional Tourism from 2015 – 2018. She is currently the Marketing Manager/Digital Marketing Specialist for the Natural Resources and Wildlife Division with the State of Utah in Salt Lake City where she has created and implemented a marketing strategy for the Department of Wildlife Resources.
“The chamber’s search committee was very focused on the qualifications of the candidates we wanted to interview,” according to Chris Wang, 2020 Chair. “Chamber, tourism, and marketing experiences were dominant skill sets that are required of the president. Jennifer met all of those prerequisites on paper and in person.”
Originally from Oregon and a 2000 graduate of the University of Oregon, Grimmer grew up in a community that depended heavily on small businesses and tourism, similar to East Ellijay, Ellijay and Gilmer County. She has held chamber and tourism positions in Corvallis, Wilsonville, and Medford/Jackson County, all in Oregon, and Wahkiakum in Washington State. While in Wilsonville, Grimmer founded Oregon Horse Country (OHC) as an arm of the Wilsonville Chamber. The organization focuses on connecting, strengthening and representing the equine industry in the state. Lodging tax for Wilsonville increased by 30% following launch of OHC after its first year in operation.  Forming OHC garnered the Core Competency Award from the Western Chamber Executives Association in 2011 for the Wilsonville Chamber.
“The opportunity to return to Georgia and be a part of an organization like the Gilmer Chamber is a dream come true for me,” Grimmer said. “My husband and I are recently empty-nesters and I’m excited to find a position I can pour myself into, make a priority and make a difference. My first initiative will be to listen to the community and build upon the foundations that are already in place in terms of tourism and chamber programs.”
Grimmer’s successes in Peachtree City include the founding of the annual Hops and Props Georgia beer festival in partnership with the Commemorative Air Force as well as the Annual Wine and Warbirds Festival. She also served on the boards of the Fayette County Chamber and Arts Council of Fayette County. Other accomplishments include graduating from both Leadership Fayette and the Georgia Academy of Economic Development.
“The timing is right to bring Jennifer into the community as our new president,” said Wang. “Gilmer County was a great place for people to come spread out in throughout 2020, and we are excited to have a new president bringing fresh ideas for 2021 to continue to market our area as a perfect destination for all people to get away to. Jennifer’s expertise can play a large role in furthering the chamber’s core values of Integrity, Kindness, Collaboration, and Vision.”
Grimmer and her husband Ben, who served as a United States Marine, plan to move to Gilmer County in the next few weeks. Her first day at the chamber will be February 1.
Members of the search committee, in addition to Wang, included Amber Davenport, United Community Bank, past chamber chair; John Marshall, past chamber chair; Bobby McNeill, Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery, 2021 Chair of the chamber; Lex Rainey, past chamber Chair; Donna Reece, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, current chamber board member; and Jason Smith, ETC and ETC Security, Treasurer/Secretary of the chamber.
The president’s position became vacant in the fall of 2020 when Paige (Green) Hutto resigned her seat to move to Alabama. She had served the community for 12 years and grown the chamber in both influence and valuable programming.
The chamber board engaged The Chason Group to lead the executive search process. The firm, which is Georgia based, specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, foundations and other non-profits. The placement of Grimmer marks the third Gilmer Chamber president recruited by The Chason Group.

Start 2021 off Right

Gilmer County Chamber
Register Today 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting
This year, we’re bringing you all the fun of the Gilmer Chamber Annual Meeting from any destination you choose! You won’t want to miss our awesome guest speaker, Mark Richt, and the presentation of major awards like the Community Champion Award, Member of the Year, and Business of the Year. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here for sponsorship levels and benefits.
Membership Announcements
Renewing Members
As of 12/29/2020
  • State Farm Insurance – Candra Warren
  • Bank OZK
  • Squiggles
  • Piedmont Heart of Ellijay
  • Green Willow Soap
  • Live the Trail
  • Hootenanny’s Music
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 County Chamber: Year End Details

Gilmer County Chamber
Merry Christmas from your Gilmer Chamber family! Chamber Bytes will resume on January 4th!
2021 Virtual Annual Meeting
This year, we’re bringing you all the fun of the Gilmer Chamber Annual Meeting from any destination you choose! You won’t want to miss our awesome guest speaker, Mark Richt, and the presentation of major awards like the Community Champion Award, Member of the Year, and Business of the Year. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here for sponsorship levels and benefits.
MainStreet Family Care Breaks Ground on East Ellijay Location
Last week our friends at MainStreet Family Care broke ground on their new facility under construction in the Highland Crossing Shopping Area. This new office will include an Urgent Care facility and expects to be open by mid February. Congratulations to the whole MainStreet Family Care family and welcome to Gilmer!
Membership Announcements
Renewing Members
As of 12/18/2020
  • Warren’s Auto Sales, Inc.
  • Hillcrest Orchards
  • King of Kings Lutheran Church
  • Dogwood Apartments
  • Mountain Valley Farm
  • Woodmen Life, Julie Dermer
  • Covenant Community of Ellijay
  • Evergreen Life Services
  • Wisdom Construction
  • Autumn Ridge Community Church
  • Just a Step Away
  • NAPA / Automotive Services of Ellijay
  • Spivey’s Body Shop, Inc.
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/

Give a Little, Get a Little

Gilmer County Chamber

Gilmer Chamber Upcoming February 2018 Events on Karla’s Korner!

Community, Gilmer County Chamber

Brought to you by the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce, today in Karla’s Korner, BKP and Karla discuss upcoming events in February including: The Business Annual Meeting, Wine About Winter, Wine Tasting at Cartecay Vineyards, Dueling Pianos at River Street Tavern and the Basket Ball Tournament at Gilmer Parks and Recreation.

Karla’s Korner: GA Apple Festival, What You Need to Know!

Community, FYNTV, Gilmer County Chamber

There are six festivals going on along the 515 corridor this weekend! Get the inside scoop regarding all things Georgia Apple Festival and more from Karla!

The 2016 Apple Festival came close to breaking all time attendance records. People tend to complain about the “Apple Festival Traffic,” however it’s really the “Fall Festival” traffic. There has been a phenomenal plan in the last two or three years to improve the local traffic and keep it moving.

The Apple Festival parking situation has gotten so much better too! The shuttle service from downtown to the fairgrounds is the way to go! Shuttle locations are all over town and can be found on the Chamber website or the Apple Festival site.

The food is the best part of the festival. Explore Georgia has ranked the Apple Festival one of the top food festivals in the state. We have four apple orchards that set up at the festival.

Info:
-Payment for the parking goes to a great cause ($5.00)
-The admission fee is only ($5.00) to the festival.
-There is no fee for the downtown festival.
-They DO NOT recommend bringing pets. But, there is a designated “doggie daycare” for $5.00.
-There are multiple kids activities: camel rides, pony rides, the train that goes around, face painting, bungee trampoline, etc.
-The 5k Race will be held Saturday morning. (Oct 14)
-The Apple Festival Parade will be held the following Sat. (Oct 21)

 

Special thanks to the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the segment!

Karla’s Korner – Halloween Spooktacular

Community, Gilmer County Chamber

Its Halloween ya’ll! As you can see we all got in the Halloween Spirit today for the show. We even had Trump visit the show. Come out to the downtown area tonight and get all the candy you can carry from the local businesses. There will be Trunk or Treat events as well. Thank you to the Gilmer Chamber for sponsoring this segment.

Karla’s Korner – Gilmer County’s Back to School Special

Community

It is that time again. The kids are heading back to school! While I am sure some would say it’s too soon, most parents and students are ready to be back into their routine. Gilmer County’s students go back to school on Friday, August 4th. Ninth grade orientation will be held on July 29th. There will be an open house held at all the schools on August 2nd. Times on these open houses vary depending on the school. To see these times, get school supply lists and all other back to school information check out the Gilmer Chamber’s “Let’s Go Back to School” page.

Karla’s Korner – March 21st

Community, Featured

Today Karla tells us about the following upcoming events in Gilmer County:
1) Business Connections at Chateau Meichtry
2) Spring Wine Highway Week
3) Ribbon Cutting for the new Gilmer Agricultural Center at Clear Creek Middle School

Karla's Korner (Event)

 

https://youtu.be/d6pWkIo2jcU

Gilmer Chamber of Commerce 6/28 Newsletter

Gilmer County Chamber
Chamber selects new President

Gilmer County Chamber Annual Banquet

Gilmer County Chamber

The 2016 Gilmer Chamber Annual Meeting was held at the First Baptist Church on January 14.  The member of the year passed from Barbara Barbara Simmons to Barbara Paris.  Beth Bennett  and Crystal Nadolski of H & R Block, recipients of the 2014 Business of the Year award, announced this year’s winner Ronnie Thompson Ford.

Ben Kiker 2014 Citizen of the Year announced this year’s Citizen of the Year, Mr. Sam Burrell.

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Following the announcement of the Citizen of the Year, the Chamber’s 2015 Chairman of the Board, Dave Richey, highlighted some of the successes of 2015.

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The Chamber also presented those directors leaving the board with a token of appreciation. Those board members who will be greatly missed are:

  • Abby Tredway
  • Jim Fox

The Chamber also recognized it’s 2016 Board of Directors:

  • Chair, Alan Davenport
  • Chair-elect/Vice Chair, Lex Rainey
  • Past Chair, Dave Richey
  • Secretary/Treasurer, Hubert Parker
  • Mario Benitez
  • Ellen Grant
  • Sandy Ott
  • Scott Chastain
  • Rachel Reece
  • Betsy Sheppard
  • Roy Smith
  • Hannah Towns
  • Trent Sanford
  • Penney Trentman
  • Russell Williams

The board of directors then took their oath of office before Dave passed the gavel to 2016 Chair Alan Davenport who spoke about the upcoming year before adjourning the meeting.

 

Gilmer County Chamber Welcomes University of North Georgia

Community

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The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce welcomes the University of North Georgia with a ribbon cutting at the newest Blue Ridge, GA location.  Check out the website at University of North Georgia for more information!

 

Gilmer Memorializes Soldiers

Featured Stories

Gilmer County, GA – Defying the 80 degree heat in Ellijay, local volunteers have banded together today to place memorial crosses on South Main Street. These crosses are set up for Memorial Day Monday. (more…)

Ribbon Cutting: Zamora Mexican Restaurant

Gilmer County Chamber

Gilmer County Chamber Of Commerce recently welcomed their newest member Zamora Mexican Restaurant located at 765 Maddox Dr. Suite 1 in East Ellijay. (more…)

Better Life Nutrition Ribbon Cutting

Gilmer County Chamber, Neighborhood Merchants

After several years of selling nutritional supplements at their Ellijay Fitness Center location, owners Mark and Amy Woodring decided to expand their nutritional supplements section and create a whole new business.

Located at 1036 S Main Street just south of Downtown Ellijay, Better Life Nutrition is dedicated to offering the highest quality vitamins, nutrition and bodybuilding supplements.

Not only does Better Life Nutrition support your athletic performance but also helping you with finding healthy living essentials.

Text BETTERLIFE to 41242 and receive an instant coupon just for registering!

(more…)

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