March 9, 2010

6199 Hickory Flat Highway

Suite 122

Canton, GA 30115

http://www.JasonDavidson.org

Insurance Agency

www.CherokeeChamber.com

Another Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building is coming to Cherokee County, part of what industry experts see as a growing “green” trend.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners this month was presented with LEED Silver Certification for its new Administration Building and Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center facility at The Bluffs in Canton.

And in Woodstock, construction is set to begin on what will be the first LEED-certified medical facility, the new offices of Woodstock ENT.

The LEED “green” environmentally sensitive building rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and provides standards for environm entally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings.

Areas that qualify the county government’s building for certification include: indoor environmental air quality, reduced heat island effect, water efficiency, materials and resources, alternative transportation and green building education. The features that accomplish this include: a white roof that reflects sunlight to reduce energy use, landscaping with native plants that require little or no watering, low-flow water fixtures, use of recycled content, an on-site recycling program and priority parking spots for energy efficient vehicles and carpoolers.

County Manager Jerry Cooper said the total annual savings because of the LEED features is estimated at $75,000. The 20-year savings will reach an estimated $1.5 million.

The new building for Woodstock ENT should open by November, according to Mark Wilde, a partner with CKW and Associates, the design and construction firm d eveloping the facility.

The groundbreaking for the 4,600-square-foot private ear, nose and throat practice on Highway 92 between Interstate 575 and downtown Woodstock is scheduled for May 1.

The building will use heating, air-conditioning and mechanical systems and lighting packages with high energy efficiency ratings. Recycled products will also be incorporated in construction.

Wilde said Dr. Michael Pratt, owner of the practice, was interested in LEED certification because it would be a “really good thing for his practice and the community.

“Being a good steward of my property and my medical practice building is an extension of my commitment to this community and my patients,” Pratt said.

Wilde said more clients are considering LEED certification.

Five years ago, he said, governments and universities were the only entities eyeing LEED certification, which also is an option for everything from private busin esses to residences.

“I have really started to see it trickle down to the small business person,” he said, adding it makes practical sense from an ownership standpoint due to the energy cost savings. “I think you will start to see a little bit of a trend.”

Did You Know?

…being green isn’t just about recycling, it’s about nurturing, growing things, instead of just using them. In fact, being green has as much to do with purpose and people as it does plastic and paper.

Companies that want to lean on their greenness as a marketing advantage need to do three things, in this order:

1. Grow and nurture their people – hire people who think green, empower and inspire them to make wise choices.
2. Grow and nurture their community – involve the purpose of the business in the local community.
3. Grow and nurture their planet – only now does recycling and carbon exchanging make a true difference.
4. The beauty of this somewhat expanded view is that even the smallest business can do this and make a meaningful difference.

Tim Sanders, Saving the World at Work

Visit CherokeeChamber.com/green.htm for more useful links & resources!

February 25, 2010

230 Sexton Drive
Ball Ground, GA 30107-4889

http://www.servicemasterbcol.com

Commercial Cleaning – Janitorial Services

www.CherokeeChamber.com

February 24, 2010

8014 Cumming Hwy
Suite 403-214
Canton, GA 30115-9339

http://www.PracticalUSA.com

Copywriter

www.CherokeeChamber.com

This workshop will provide you with the tips and
techniques to introduce the right approach to be more
confident, poised and in control when you are in front of
any group. You will also learn how to gain the listeners
attention and how to establish an even more credible
and professional public image.

Speaker: Julianne Rivera, Dale Carnegie of Georgia
Cost: $30 Members; $55 Non-Members

Email Stefanie@CherokeeChamber.com  for more information.

Register Online!

Learn the difference between Marketing vs. Sales, as
well as the steps it will take get new customers in the
door while retaining existing customers.

Speaker: Twanna Woods, Icebreakers Unlimited
Cost: $30 Members; $55 Non-Members

Email Stefanie@CherokeeChamber.com  for more information.

Register Online!

Learn how to use the various aspects of Facebook from
initial setup to Fan Pages and more. This class will go
in depth on the why, when, where, what and how of
Facebook.

Speaker: Brodie Brown, Social CPR
Cost: $30 for members; $55 for non-members

Email Stefanie@CherokeeChamber.com  for more information.

Register Online!

Learn how to overcome objections; From Setting
Appointments to Closing the Deal. Activate your
selling power!

Speaker: Twanna Woods, Icebreakers Unlimited
Cost: $30 Members; $55 Non-Members

Email Stefanie@CherokeeChamber.com  for more information.

Register Online!

First impressions are crucial when trying to market your
business, its services and products. Join us to learn how
you can make the most of every networking opportunity!

Speaker: Kennesaw State University Small Business
Development Center Representative
Cost: $30 Members; $55 Non-Members

Email Stefanie@CherokeeChamber.com  for more information.

Register Online!