New chamber president aims to attract tourism
By KATHLEEN MCKEVITT Sentinel Writer

Sentinel photo/Kathleen McKevitt Cindy Williams, President, Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

On July 31, 2006, Cindy Williams became the new President of the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce. Her resume' includes a BBA from Piedmont College with a concentration in marketing, and an MBA from Auburn University but she quickly points out that it is her enthusiasm for interacting with the people of the Union County community that drew her to this position. Said Williams, "I have fallen in love with the job. It is always different, I am learning and challenged, and can see that it will continue to cause me to grow."

Her goals include attracting tourism year round, focusing on opening the communication with members and assisting them in getting the most out of their membership.

William's first month concentrated on meeting members and listening to feedback to learn what Chamber members want, while making every effort to communicate the charter of this Chamber of Commerce. As part of her goal to attract tourism, Williams is already working to make sure the information available to prospective tourists, through avenues such as websites, publications, quarterly reports, and the Georgia, National and International Chambers of Commerce, is up-to-date and accurate.

Cindy Williams wants people to be aware of the focus and parameters of what the Chamber of Commerce offers. The present list of member benefits includes: 1) first referrals 2) group health insurance eligibility 3) internet listing on Chamber website 4) a web link, 5) placement of your cards and brochures in the Chamber office 6) your listing in the Membership Directory, 7) the opportunity to have a banner ad on the website

8) attendance or hosting of Business After Hours,9) Ribbon cuttings for new businesses 10) a monthly newsletter 11) festivals and events ,12) placement of your information in relocation packets 13) the annual banquet 14) spring and fall membership meetings, 15) benefits of Chamber advertising to increase tourism and business in the area.

The Fall membership meeting is scheduled for September 22 at the North Georgia Technical College. It is set to start at noon, with guest speakers from the U.S. Forest Service and the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The next Business After Hours will be held at Dr. Tidwell's Chiropractic Health Center located at 3454 Gainesville Hwy, starting at 5:00 pm. Twenty new businesses joined the Chamber of Commerce last month. Business After Hours is an opportunity for new business owners to speak about their enterprise, and network.

The Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce is located just across from the Park &

Ride at the corner of Old Blue Ridge, and Hwy. 515. They can also be reached at 706-745-5789.