Monthly Archives: August 2014

Youth Leadership Union

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The kick off of our 2014 Youth Leadership Union program is just Youth Leadership 2014around the corner. The Blairsville-Union County Chamber is proud to present this incredible series in partnership with our sponsor, Community & Southern Bank.

Youth Leadership Union was established to develop the knowledge and skills of the participants to become our leaders of tomorrow. During the 9-week program, participants will better understand the foundations of leadership, develop a sense of community by touring many local government offices and business operations, and gain valuable lifelong skills such as interviewing and wardrobe, personality styles, basics of entrepreneurship, and public speaking. Most sessions will take place on Tuesday evenings at the Union County Community Center beginning September 23, and a meal will be provided.

Selection into the program will be based on a written application and interview process and will be limited to 20 students. Applicants must be in the 10th or 11th grade and attend school in Union County or live in Union County. They must demonstrate outstanding character and desire to make an impact in their community through involvement in business organizations, civic club, churches, and/or other extracurricular activities. We seek participates who are honest, have integrity, dependability and a concern for others. If selected, participation is expected by attending all sessions.

Applications and a complete class schedule can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce, Community & Southern Bank or the high school counselors. Many students will receive an application in the mail to their home address. Should you need additional information on Youth Leadership Union, please call 706-745-5789 or visit our website at www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com.

Five Reasons to Attend a Ribbon Cutting

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rcIf you have any connection with our Chamber at all, you have most likely seen an unbelievable amount of ribbon cuttings being posted over the summer. This is exciting for all of us. What it means is that business is thriving, jobs are being created, and new products and services are being offered here at home. Ok, but here is the question. Have you ever actually attended a ribbon cutting? Yes, I’m talking to YOU! Why not try a few? Here are five great reasons to join us at our next ceremony.

  1. You are invited. Contrary to some beliefs, ribbon cuttings are not just for chamber members, fellow business owners, or special invited guests. Ribbon cutting invitations extend to the entire community. Business owners are eager to meet you and learn about your needs as a customer. They want your ideas and they need your support. Showing up to wish them well in their endeavor is an amazing sign of local support and maybe just what they need to be successful in their journey.
  2. There is free stuff. Yes that usually includes food, and we all know everybody loves free food. Besides food though, new businesses will often offer special discounts to ribbon cutting attendees, free samples for you to take home and try, and door prizes that you have excellent odds of winning. Ribbon cutting attendees have a great time and likely leave with their hands full of goodies!
  3. You will meet new people. New to town? What a great way to meet a group of fun and active people. Looking to form a relationship with a potential client? Ribbon cuttings are the perfect scenario. Looking to rub elbows with community leaders? Here is where you will often find them. Want to build the foundation of a partnership with a local business? This is a great way to show your support and stand out from the crowd. Whatever your reason for wanting to meet new people, ribbon cuttings offer a comfortable setting to do just that.
  4. They are quick. No really, I promise. The ceremonial portion is usually complete within 15 minutes and it is up to you how much longer you wish to stay, browse, eat, and socialize.
  5. You will make people happy. If for no other reason, please know that if you decide to join us at an upcoming ribbon cutting, we will be very happy to see you. The business owners love new faces, the attendees love to meet people, and the Chamber staff loves to see the community come together to support small business.

If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications of our upcoming ribbon cuttings, you may do so online at www.VisitBlairsvilleGa.com or by calling our office at 706-745-5789.

Take 5 With Yvette Estevez-Hanson

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Yvette Estevez

Yvette Estevez

This week’s Take 5 is with Yvette Estevez-Hanson who is the Office Administrator at the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce. Yvette joined the Chamber team in May of 2014. She oversees office operations and leads our communication efforts.

  1. Tell us your favorite aspect of your position.

I would say there are two things that stand out for me. The comradery between the office staff is excellent and the support they extend to me makes me feel like a part of their family! Also, working for the community gives me a sense of accomplishment of doing something that can help and benefit others.

  1. Tell us a little bit about your background.  Where did you work before the Chamber?

As some may know, I am a new transplant to Blairsville. I previously worked for the City of Sunrise, a local municipality in south Florida for almost nine years. There I was the Work Control Clerk for the Public Works department. I assisted with inquires, requests, and afforded resolutions in various situations. I provided administrative support to the departmental Director as well as Division Directors. I also prepared requests for purchase orders, reconciled accounts, and assisted with the department’s annual budget.

  1. What is one of your favorite quotes?

It’s never too late to be who you might have been. ~George Eliot

  1. If you knew the world was ending in 2014, what would you do differently?

There really wouldn’t be too much I would change as I feel that my experiences have made me the person who I am today. Without the learning experiences I endured, I would not have grown as a person. If I did need to pick one thing though, I would say to listen and apply the advice my elders gave me when I was younger in life.

  1. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Margaret Thatcher. She was smart, driven, and accomplished. Need I say more? The knowledge and grace she had was immeasurable.

Yvette can be reached at the Chamber by calling 706-745-5789 or emailing her at admin@blairsvillechamber.com. The Chamber of Commerce is located in the Union County Community Center at 129 Union County Recreation Road.

Meet Wes Durham, the Voice of the Atlanta Falcons

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The Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce along with our wespartner Jeff Davis State Farm is thrilled to announce that Wes Durham, the “Voice of the Atlanta Falcons,” will be our guest speaker at our upcoming Power Breakfast. The event will be held on Tuesday, August 19 at 7:45am at the Union County Community Center. Registration is open, and the public is invited to attend.

Wes Durham has been the radio play-by-play voice of the Atlanta Falcons since 2004, and now enters his second year as one of the football and basketball play-by-play announcers for ACC football and basketball on Fox Sports South and Raycom Sports. This past January, he was selected as the “Georgia Sportscaster of the Year” by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Prior to joining the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network, Mr. Durham spent 18 years broadcasting more than 750 football and basketball games on radio for Georgia Tech, including trips to the Final Four and the Orange Bowl.

Legends of Loyalty will be the topic of this year’s event. From the sports world to the business world, loyalty is a key element of success. Mr. Durham will share stories from several of the Atlanta Falcons most popular players. This is sure to be a memorable breakfast experience.

The Chamber would like to express our sincere thanks to this year’s Power Breakfast sponsor, Jeff Davis State Farm. Located at 211B Cleveland Street, Blairsville, GA, Jeff and his team can take care of all of your insurance needs. Stop by or call them at 706-835-2886.

Please make plans to join us as we welcome Wes Durham to Union County. Due to limited seating, all reservations must be made on or before Friday, August 15 by contacting the Chamber office at 706-745-5789. The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for the general public. Attendees may also register and make payment online at www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com.