It's December!

December 2022

‌

December 2022

Today, Tuesday December 6, is the runoff election.

Don't Forget to Vote!!

Candidate Forum, Special Election

More information forthcoming.

Suzanne Stepp Davenport will be Chairman 2023 Chamber Board

Suzanne Stepp Davenport will serve as the Chamber's Chairman in 2023. She is the co-owner and pharmacy manager of Southern Drug Company, where she works hard to serve her patients and community. Suzanne is a Fannin County native. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Mercer University in 2011. In 2017, she became a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. Suzanne is married to John Davenport, and they have four children.

Manda Gwatney is Vice Chairman and Chairman Elect

Manda Gwatney will serve as the Vice Chairman for the Chamber Board of Directors during 2023 and Chairman in 2024. Manda is a Fannin County native. She has been an area attorney since 2007, when she opened The Law Office of Manda C. Gwatney. She is currently serving as a Special Assistant Attorney General, representing the Department of Family and Children Services in Fannin, Gilmer, and Pickens Counties. Manda is a mediator and arbitrator, as well. She graduated from North Georgia College with a Bachelor's degree in English, The University of Georgia with Master's and Specialist's Degrees in Instructional Technology, and Georgia State with a Juris Doctor.

Troy Shirbroun is Secretary

Troy Shirbroun will serve as the Secretary for the Chamber Board of Directors during 2023. Over the years he has been extremely active in the Chamber's ambassador program and served as Chairman in 2022. Troy and his wife Erica have been long-time residents of North Georgia. After a successful hospitality industry career, Troy and Erica began their exciting journey as real estate investors and property managers in 2008. Troy is currently Team Leader for Blue Ridge Vibe realty group at the Century 21 Results office in Blue Ridge.

2023 Chamber Board of Directors

Suzanne Stepp Davenport, Southern Drug Co., Chairman

Mandy Gwatney, Vice-Chair, Chairman Elect

Rene Bidez CPA, Treasurer

Troy Shirbroun, Secretary, Century 21 Results Blue Ridge Vibe, 2023

Richard York, Woodmen Life, Past Chairman

Doug Miracle, Escape to Blue Ridge, 2025

Brandon Holloway, Mountain Valley Community Bank, 2024

Casey Eaton, The Sisson Company, 2023

Sandy Ott, UNGA Blue Ridge, 2023

Kevin Panter, Kevin Panter Insurance, 2023

George Robinson, ETC Communications, 2024

AJ Petrillo, RE/MAX Town & Country, 2025

Dustin Queen, Abernathy's Complete Home Furnishings, 2025

Greg Owenby, Noontootla Creek Farms, 2025

Tammie Mason, Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours, 2025

Candace Youngberg, Crawford Collections, 2023

Betsy Hyde, Fannin County Board of Education, 2023

Angie Callahan, United Community Bank, 2024

Banquet invitations are in the mail and space is limited! Reserve your seat today by email or phone to: Kim Foster - KimFoster@BlueRidgeMountains.com, or (706) 632-5680

2023 Cooperative Marketing Grants

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and CVB, the designated destination marketing organization for the City of Blue Ridge and Fannin County, announces the availability of 2023 funds for the purpose of supporting tourism marketing projects that provide economic benefits to Fannin County and attract out-of-area visitors. The full application can be found here. The deadline for applications is January 31st, 2023. If you have a question, reach out to Christie Gribble at president@blueridgemountains.com.

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Barkada Cabin

Blue Ridge Beauty

Blue Ridge Safe Rides

Copper Spring Cabin

K&K Lawn and Land Care

Mad Hatter Cottage GA

Mountain Mama's Coffee Lounge

Ocoee Coffee Joint

Panel Built Blue Ridge

Shepherd's Loft

Chamber Member Anniversaries

10 Years

WoodmenLife

5 Years

gather

Mustang Sally Clothing & Jewelry

Sandy's North Georgia Cabins

November 2022 Member Renewals

Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears
Blanche Manor Bunkhouse
Blanche Manor Cottage
Blanche Manor Horseback Riding
Blue Ridge Adventure Park
Blue Ridge Medical Group - Dr. Hamidreza Doroodchi,Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Cartecay Vineyards
Company House
FLAG Adult Education
Freedom for Fido, Inc.
Harbor Ministries
J & M Trash -B- Gone

Jasper Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
M-Design
Mickey's Appalachian Electronics & Signs
Mustang Sally Clothing & Jewelry
North Georgia Equestrian Tours
Pic N Vine
RCR, Inc.
Scenic City Hemp Company
St. Anthony's Catholic Church
Teresa Bidez, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
The Law Office of Manda C. Gwatney
Waterside at Blue Ridge

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. 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 Meagan Gourley at MeaganGourley@BlueRidgeMountains.com or call 706-632-5680.

News & Updates for our Tourism Partners

November was another busy month, loved seeing all the visitors in our downtowns, shopping, eating in our restaurants and especially enjoying all of the great events.

Our new downtown location is doing great, we were excited to host Santa for his breaks during Light Up Blue Ridge and visit with all of the kids that came in. We are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we have restrooms including a handicap / family restroom that includes a baby changing station, free WiFi, places to sit and lots of great information. Be sure to keep us stocked with your rack cards.

Download Our App, it is a great way for you and your staff to keep updated with events so you can pass on the information to your customers. You can also visit our website to view events. Here are the Holiday & Seasonal events we have on the calendar right now, we would love to add more.

We are getting calls and emails about where families can see Santa, if your business is hosting Santa Clause this month, please let us know and we will be sure to spread the word. If you are having any other Christmas and/or New Years activities please send the information to; jodemull@blueridgemountains.com or tammystafford@blueridgemountains.com