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I S S U E N O . 1 3Q 1 | 2 0 2 4INSIDERINSIDERC O N N E C T | E N G A G E | I N S P I R E | E M P O W E RC O N N E C T | E N G A G E | I N S P I R E | E M P O W E RT H E O C O N E E C H A M B E R

INSIDERwww.oconeechamber.org55 Nancy Drive, Watkinsville Georgia 30677Chamber Executive BoardChairman of the BoardBrad Tucker, Look Ahead Business ConsultingChair ElectPaige Fuller, Mary Kay CosmeticsTreasurerMichael Gill, Michael Gill State FarmSecretaryLorie Petersen, BankSouthAt-LargeCharlie Upchurch, Coldwell Banker Upchurch RealtyImmediate Past ChairAmy Parrish, Highland Trust PartnersOconee Chamber of CommerceQ1 | Issue 13PresidentCourtney Bernardi

T A B L E O FCONTENTSGolf Tournament Preview5Word from our President7-911-14Mind Your Own Businessby Brad TuckerAnnual Meeting Re-Cap/ Highlight of Award Recipients30-3235-37Q&A with The Oconee Enterprise27-28Launch of New Programs and EventGet to know the ChamberStaff39Quarterly Award Recipients15-16

We are proud to have over 500 partners who arechoosing to invest into the Oconee Chamber, over500 partners who are pouring into our community,over 500 partners who are working to make ourcommunity better, together. When it comes tojoining together to make our neighborhoods, ourcities, and our world better, one of the mostimportant things we can do is to find out what wehave in common. When we share something with thepeople around us – no matter how small orinsignificant it seems – it can help us makeconnections we never realized we could. The OconeeChamber is the perfect place to connect with others,truly a vital part of bringing people together fromdifferent backgrounds and different fields ofexpertise who can benefit from sharing goals andideas - one of the most important pieces of building astronger community. We hope that you value your partnership with theChamber, but even more importantly, we hope thatthrough your partnership you are connecting withothers and finding commonalities that are aiding inyour business success and personal growth. Ourcommunity is better because of the effort and serviceof many! Why go it alone, when you can take thejourney with your fellow Oconee Chamber partners! Courtney Message from our Chamber President

NEW PROGRAMSNEW PROGRAMS NEW EVENTSNEW EVENTS NEW OPPORTUNITESNEW OPPORTUNITES SAME AMAZING CHAMBERSAME AMAZING CHAMBER

Connect with us NOW, if you and your team would liketo be featured in one of our Partner Broadcast videos!Check out more on our website at www.oconeechamber.org/partnerbroadcastBRAND NEWEXCITING new programming launching SOON! Check out our Partner Broadcast series!

A new an exciting avenue to highlight our partnersthrough the power of story telling. Have you everwondered why someone chose to open a certainbusiness or what keeps a small business owner up atnight? Well, these are the questions, and so many more,we’ll ask as we get real with Oconee Chamber partnersin our new Business Boost series! WHAT IS ....WHAT IS ....Real life examples of the value of an OconeeChamber partnership. How engaging in andconnecting with fellow Chamber partners buildsbusiness, empowers creative thought andencourages growth and innovation. A way to celebrate the WINS! Personal stories of partnerships and friendshipsand how Oconee Chamber connections havemade a difference in the lives of others.

JUSTKICKINITOCONEE CHAMBER KICKBALL EXHIBITIONKICK ITLET’S Get Excited!!!! We are launching a NEW event!! YOU will not want to miss out onthis one! Get ready to KICK IT, NETWORK and have FUN with the Oconee Chamberduring our first ever Oconee Chamber Kickball Tournament! Mark your calendars, get your sweatbands ready and plan to play! If you are moreof the supporting type, come with your pom poms and mega phones - there will be food, beverages and excitement for all! BRAND NEWREGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE LIVE VERY SOON!PROTION OF PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TOSEPTEMBER 13TH

Create aBusiness PlanBuilding PhaseBuilding PhaseCreateMarketingMaterialsBuild YourBudgetDetermineBusinessStructureEstablishYour BrandCreate Website &Social Media PagesDecide onBusiness Name01020304050607Find out more OnFind out more OnOur WebsiteOur Website atat www.oconeechamber.org/starting-a-business

WHO WE AREGet to know your Chamber Staff?Courtney Bernardi | Chamber President Caroline Middlebrooks | Manager of Partnerships & OperationsAndrea Reese | Director of Marketing and Events FOR MORE INFORMAITON VISIT OUR WEBSITE

CAROLINEManager of Memberships & OperationsThe Inside ScoopThe Inside ScoopPassions and GoalsI have a passion for serving others and helping people achieve their goals and dreams. As ayoung professional, I strive to be where my feet are and give 100%. I love spending time with my family, being outside in the sunshine, gardening, cooking andexploring new places!Skill Set and ExpertiseWith a background in marketing, I love to use my creative side when I get the opportunity. Ilove event coordinating, graphic design, community relations and website development!EducationBachelors in Marketing from University of North Georgia DahlonegaMy BackgroundDuring college I had a marketing internship at a golf course and a hospitality and marketing internshipat a boutique hotel. After graduation, I started my professional career working at a marketing firm,Greer Force Marketing, for almost 3 years. I learned a lot the marketing industry and how to marketyour business successfully. I worked in student housing in Athens for about a year where I gainedmanagement, marketing and leasing experience. Once, I saw the Oconee Chamber had an opening, Ijumped on the amazing opportunity! I have been at the Oconee Chamber for almost 2 years now.

COURTNEYChamber President & Director of Economic Development The Inside ScoopThe Inside ScoopPassions and GoalsI am passionate about people. I love my people BIG and love nothing more than to add to myamazing tribe. Life is about experiences and I want to experience it ALL! Give me all thetrips, sun and sand, sporting events, roller coasters, SCUBA dives - you name it, let’s do it!My goals are to live life to the fullest, to never give up and to do good things. Skill Set and ExpertiseImpacting my community in the best of ways is my jam. With a background in economicdevelopment, aiding in the success of the place I am lucky enough to work in and call home,is extra special. EducationBachelors of Political Science and Sociology fromPresbyterian Colleg and a Master of PublicAdministration from Kennesaw State University. My BackgroundAfter spending over 5 years working for the State of Georgia, I was able to transition tocommunity and economic development in local communities. I was lucky enough to workwith Jackson County, Newton County and the City of Johns Creek before coming back to myhometown, back to Oconee County, just over six years ago. There truly isn’t anywhere elseI’d rather be!

ANDREADirector of Marketing and EventsThe Inside ScoopThe Inside ScoopPassions and GoalsI am a high functioning anxious introverted-extrovert! I love to be around people but enjoy sittingquietly people watching. I tend to be overly critical of all aspects of my life and relationships. But Ifind that it makes me a detailed control seeking passionate person. I love to make people happy, Ilove surprises that I get to plan and are not planed for me, I want to be the best I can be for thosearound me so that I can better situations while constantly pushing the boundaries. A goal of mine isto find genuine happiness and acceptance of who I am and all that I can offer those around me! Skill Set and ExpertiseI have a background in Graphic Arts and Event Management and Planning. EducationBachelors of Arts Degree from Georgia State University where graduated with a DoubleMajor in Art History and Graphic DesignMy BackgroundAfter college I worked for Jim Ellis for 3 years photographing cars for their websites. After receiving anopportunity to work in Graphic Arts for a local florist rebranding I left there and moved in the Weddingand Event industry where I stayed for 7 years working for a florist and an event venue. When the job atthe chamber presented itself to me I felt I was not qualified for the position with no chamber experiencebut took a chance because of what other skills I hoped I could bring that would benefit the organization!4 Years Amazing years later here we are! I love my job and working with the amazing ladies I amprivileged to called co-workers and even more so friends!

G O L FT O U R N A M E N T2 0 2 4A N N U A L18 APRIL 2024UGA Golf Course 2600 Riverbend RdAthens, GA PRESENTED BY8:45 Shot Gun Start

R A F F L E SN E T W O R K I N G& F U NPRESENTED BYHouseman Pest ServicesArch Legacy Firm United Community Bank Milestone ConstructionThe Classic Center Highland Trust Partners Classic City OrthodonticsOconee Construction ServicesOconee State Bank Kevin Price ConstructionPinnacle Bank Peachstate Federal Credit Union T H A N K Y O U T O O U R S P O N S O R SLangscapes Michael Gill State FarmFoskey Turf FarmB E V E R A G E C A R T S E X C L U S I V E H O L E SPeyton Pettus State Farm Smile Doctors by WaughG O L F B A L L Oconee County Economic DevelopmentA W A R D SFoskey Turf FarmT R A N S P O R A T I O N White's Pools P U T T I N G G R E E NPresbyterian VillageJ A V AGrahl ConstructionB R E A K F A S T Golden Pantry1 9 T H H O L E IDA CaterpillarAthens Ford LAD Trucking L O N G E S T D R I V E A N DC L O S E T T O T H E P I N

Imagination Creation StationOh the places you will go... as we bring all the bestchildren’s books to life! We can’t wait to watch you allsoar into the world of imagination! JUNE 20, 2024

athensseedlawnandgarden@gmail.comAthens Seed Lawn and Garden, locally owned and operated since 1929, is a retail store devoted to servicing the needs of allhomeowners, gardeners, farmers, pet owners, hunters, landscapers, and contractors, far and wide. Come on by and see us!http://www.athensseed.com/Serving Oconee Countyfor 95 YearsStore HoursMonday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm54 Greensboro Hwy, Watkinsville, GA 30677Check Out Place Your Order Online Now

Your Partnership with the chamber is like a gym Membership;You have to be Present to see Results!Chamber 101Know Your Chamber BenefitsAs a partner of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce wewant you to know the benefits available to you!A Social PlatformA Voice A NetworkFree Networking OpportunitiesPowerHour, The Lunch Bunch, After Hours,8 AM Coffee and Chamber Connect Exclusive BenefitsSMART Insurance,Drugs Don't Work, Partner BroadcastChamber EventsGolf Tournament, Fall Festival,SummerFest, New Events in 2024The BIG THREEWho We Are At The ChamberJoin The Chamber NowLEARN MORE

WE DO IT RIGHT, SO YOUCAN SLEEP TIGHT!At Dream Heating & Cooling, we want ourneighbors to feel confident they will havereliable air conditioning all season long. Letus help prevent problems by schedulingregular maintenance to ensure everything isin good shape before the weather heats up.If your AC fails, you can feel confident callingus for help. When you need AC repair inWatkinsville, GA, you can count on Dream!Give us a call at 706-202-9684.w w w . c o u n t o n d r e a m . c o minfo@countondream.comBUSINESS SPOTLIGHTBUSINESS SPOTLIGHTBUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

As business owners, operators, and team members, we are often so busy doing our jobs that wedon’t take time to think about the big picture items that drive success. In order for yourbusiness to be durable, profitable, and growing, someone has to think about these things. Itmight as well be you! Here are three foundational activities successful companies embrace and execute onconsistently. If you’re already doing these things, terrific! If not, a little time and focus will getyou on the path to a more successful business.Understand and Live Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)Almost every business exists in a crowded field of competitors. Creating a distinct space foryour business is key to cutting through the clutter. What sets your company apart? Is itquality, delivery speed, a lifetime warranty? What is the unique way you and your team serveand satisfy your customers? Take the time to clearly identify your Unique Value Proposition.Remember to focus on why your UVP benefits your customers (after all, they are the reasonyou are in business). Once you have a clearly defined UVP, make it the centerpiece of yourcommunications with clients and employees alike. Before long, everyone who hears yourcompany’s name should connect it with your UVP.M i n d Y o u r O w n B u s i n e s sBy: Brad TuckerIf you don’t have a UVP, the only basis upon whichyou compete is price, and we all know where thatrace to the bottom ends up!In order for your business to bedurable, profitable, and growing,someone has to think about thesethings. It might as well be you!

Set Regular Performance GoalsWe have all heard many times about the value of setting goals, aswell as stories of success as the result of achieving goals. In spite ofthat, many of us still struggle to set goals on a regular basis. Thesimple truth is this: you are unlikely to arrive at your destination ifyou don’t know where you’re going! Start with big ones, like a salesgrowth goal or a top line sales dollar goal for the upcoming year.After you have determined that goal, get together with your teamand discuss what you need to do to achieve that goal. Write it downand display it where you and your team can see it. Create relevantincentives for hitting the goal. Review your progress monthly. Beforeyou know it, you will have achieved and even exceeded your goal.Brad TuckerIdentify and Track Your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Every business and industry recognizes key metrics that drive profitability. Consistentlytracking those metrics will allow you to optimize profitability and identify problem areasquickly. Unfortunately, many of us still operate on the notion that “if I have more money comingin than is going out, everything is fine.” Take the time to identify the key drivers of profitability.Some examples include gross profit margin, cost of labor or materials, and overhead as apercentage of sales. If you’re having trouble identifying them, industry trade groups, youraccountant, or our good friend the internet can help. Once you have these metrics, understandwhat the “magic” numbers are for your company and stay on top of them. You will be surprisedat how quickly your results improve.One Last Thing: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!No matter how much you think you communicate your UVP, goals, and KPI targets to therelevant people, trust me, it’s not enough. Constantly reinforce these messages and theirimportance. As everyone unites behind these items, your customers will be happier, youremployees will be energized, and your company will grow and prosper. So, don’t wait! Get startedtoday!Mind Your Own BusinessBrad TuckerLook Ahead Business Consultingbrad@lookaheadbc.coml o o k a h e a d b c . c o mLOOK AHEAD.PLAN AHEADGET AHEAD.

2023 was an amazing year! The Oconee Chamber welcomedover 85 partners to the Chamber family - we remain over 500partners strong! Our amazing partners continued to takeadvantage of the opportunity to build and foster meaningfulrelationships, proving that those who choose the OconeeChamber do so because they believe showing up and leaningin truly makes a difference in their overall personal andprofessional success. In 2023, the Oconee Chamber saw attendance to major eventsand networking opportunities soar. A record number ofpartners engaged in activities taking advantage of the abilityto learn from one another, celebrate one another andempower one another. 2023 truly was a fantastic year! 2024 is already proving to be another record year, one thatwill offer new opportunities and programming - make sure tojoin in on all the excitement! celebrated 25+ businesseswith ribbon cuttings& Grand openingsHosted 50+ Events andNetworking OpportunitiesHosted 50+ Events andNetworking Opportunities85+ New Chamber Partners85+ New Chamber Partners2023 Was Amazing!Reached over 1 million throughdigital and social media efforts$10,000 in Mini grants$10,000 in Mini grantsto our amazing oconee county teacherssold outGolf Tournament -summerfest - Fall Festival - all women in business events

THANK YOU TO OUR Annual Meeting SPONSORS

Ambassador of the YearChamber ChampionBusiness of the YearAlthough they are in thereal estate business,Georgia Home Partnersfocuses on positivelyimpacting the lives ofothers in more ways thanhelping to buy or sell ahome. In 2023, Danielle andher team organized both a5k race and a golftournament raising over$60,000 for our localheroes – police, fire, EMS,and our school system. From attending nearlyevery one of our Chamberprograms, to serving oncommittees, tovolunteering with a smileat each chamber event - theBrooke serves ourorganization so well! She is faithful in herparticipation andintentionally impacts thelives of others in the mostmeaningful ways. Paige is a willing volunteer,committee member andoverall Chamber supporter. No matter the ask, she isalways one of the first toraise her hand to help -something she doeswithout hesitation. HerChamber spirit is trulycontagious!Danielle Grier, ownerBrooke Waters, OSBPaige Mitchell, Piedmont OHC

Q&ATHE OCONEE ENTERPRISERe-Writing HistoryThe Oconee Enterprise was founded as a weekly newspaper by L. Shackelford in 1884. Being just a few years younger than OconeeCounty, The Oconee Enterprise has been on the front lines of history.We are the oldest business in Oconee that was founded in Oconee.We are also one of the few remaining locally owned and operatednewspapers in the state of Georgia.Tell us a little bit about the history of The Oconee Enterprise.In a time where reliable printed news seems to harder to come by, TheOconee Enterprise remains a consistent source of information andstories while continuing to break the odds against digital news outlets.The long standing history of the paper is a congratulatory feat withinitself, but now under new ownership and a dedicated eager staff TheOconee Enterprise begins to re-write history building new bridges andrestoring long standing relationships within Oconee County. We sat down with Co-Publisher, Amanda Prochaska, to learn more aboutthe history behind the paper, but also the excitement around theirnewest chapter.Amanda and Michael Prochaska, Georgia Press AssociationHow has the paper evolved over the years?Being 140 years old, the paper has had its ups and downs. Survivingworld wars, a depression, multiple recessions, and constantlychanging demographics, we have always been a major part of thecommunity. Because we are community focused and communitydriven, we are able to adapt to the needs of Oconee as they change.

There is no where else that you can find local news about Oconee County. Atlanta and Athens news outletsoccasionally dip in for a story, but we are at government meetings, sporting events, fundraisers, and everythingin between. Studies have shown that a lack of local news is not only detrimental to accountability ofgovernment, but also detrimental to the health and well-being of a community. While online blogs andadvertising focused publications can provide some connection, they do not provide the breadth of coveragefound in a newspaper. The newspaper is the first draft of history. It serves as a record of the community. Why is a community newspaper like The Oconee Enterprise so important?Tell us about the team behind The Oconee Enterprise. We have a wonderful team at The OE. Our editor and Co-Publisher Michael Prochaska oversees all of the editorialcontent of the newspaper alongside our reporter CaitlinFarmer. You'll find our Sports Editor Stuart Steel andsports intern John James running around every sportingcomplex in the area covering our 5 high schools. AveryMoon and Tia Bauer run our Marketing both internallyand externally. They spend their time connecting withour business community. George Windate is our GraphicDesigner. He is the longest running employee at The OEand he keeps us all in check. We also have more than adozen community members who write columns andstories for us throughout the month. It takes a ton ofcollaboration to put a newspaper together. And finallythere is myself and I’m the jack of all trades, master ofnone. I do a little bit of everything from coordinating theprinting and circulation of the newspaper to managingthe office and our staff.How do you plan to keep evolving as technology continues to put pressure onprinted media?It's interesting, there is a perception that print media is dying or dead. We don't find that to be true here at TheOE. 90% of our subscribers have the print edition as a part of their subscription. People like to slow down andread from a printed page. They also love to cut out articles and pictures to share with friends or tack on thefridge. The feedback we receive is that most of our readers read our newspaper cover to cover. That being said,we have a large social media presence that is only rivaled by The Oconee County Sheriffs Office and OconeeCounty Schools. We believe digital engagement is important to keeping up with the latest news in Oconee. Wehave also just launched a daily micro-podcast called "The Main Street Minute" that gives a 1-2 minute snippet ofnews each day. We think there is plenty of room for print media and digital connection.Michael Prochaska, Co-Publisher, Editor, Amanda Prochaska, Co-Publisher, Stuart Steele, Sports Editor, George Windate, GraphicDesigner, Caitlin Farmer, News Reporter, Tia Bauer, Marketing Coordinator, Avery Moon, Marketing Coordinator

One thing that works well for us is that we have very different jobs at thenewspaper. While we have plenty of opportunity to collaborate, our day today tasks rarely overlap. But of course, we are human and have our flaws.Michael loves to shout out questions or ideas across the hall. I liken it to myyounger brothers calling for our mom across the house instead of walkingto her room to talk to her. Thankfully, I've taught him how to page peopleon our phone system which has made a big difference. I suspect hisbiggest pet peeve about me is that I can't ever manage to clear off mydesk. Every time I finish one project, there is another one behind it. Thegood news is, we are pretty good at leaving work at the office so that wecan enjoy our family so any annoying habits don't harbor resentment. You and Michael live together, raise a childtogether, and work together - what is the best partof doing ALL THE THINGS as a team? People tell us all the time that they could never work with their partner. Forus, working together has been the perfect way for us to sync ourschedules. As you can imagine, running a newspaper is not a 9-5 job.Before we worked together, there were weeks when we rarely saw eachother. Now we have offices across from each other! Our daughter, MaryLouise even has her own little office space to join in on the familybusiness. And...be honest, you guys share the same officespace, any pet peeves you have about the workhabits of one another you can share?! For Oconee County Chamber Partners, weare offering 15% off of any of our print ordigital advertising. We do not requirecontracts and our marketing team ishappy to help develop ads or brainstormideas. We believe our biggest gift isbringing the community together and wecan't do that without our local businesses.I'd also love to offer a free monthsubscription to anyone who might want totry out The Oconee Enterprise and learnmore about who we are.

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2024