Better Hometown Eatonton
Better Hometown Eatonton celebrated a ribbon cutting and open house on May 7. Attendees were able to see the new office space located at 111 South Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA and meet the new Director Katie Smith. For more information, call (706) 749-9150.
Archived Press Releases
Putnam County Board of Commissioners
Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam
Saltamacchio's Tang Soo Do Karate
Eyewear Gallery of Lake Oconee LLC
Lake Oconee Area Builders Association
Your Extra Attic / Lake Oconee Self Storage
Cowles Clinic Pediatrics & Family Eye Care Associates of Cowles Clinic
Eatonton Early Childhood Development Center
Lakeside Computers Radio Shack & Sears
Habitat For Humanity of Putnam County Store
Georgia Heart and Vascular Center, P.C.
ASP Pool and Spa
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for ASP Pool & Spa on April 23, celebrating the new location at Lake Oconee. ASP Pool and Spa Co., the Southeast's largest swimming pool maintenance and repair company provides professional service, with a reputation for excellence in the industry. Since 2001, ASP has been dedicated to changing the way homeowners view the swimming pool industry through dependable, quality service, fair prices and a high level of professionalism. Each ASP service representative is fully trained as a certified pool operator to handle all swimming pool needs. ASP has opened 28 locations in the Southeast. The company’s slogan says it all, “We Work so that you can play.”
Jessie Brooks is the owner of the new ASP store in Lake Oconee and along with his family, operates two branches within his franchise.
ASP Pool and Spa is a family operation, with the trusting reputation of a franchise. “We offer all the benefits and knowledge of a corporation while having the ‘Mom & Pop’ neighborhood atmosphere and pricing. We treat customers how we want to be treated,” explains Brooks.
As a previous self employer of a flooring business, Brooks decided to open an ASP franchise himself after being persuaded by company owner Stewart Vernon, his neighboring business at the time. Through their business relationship and Brooks’ experience as a customer of ASP with his own pool, Brooks and his son knew that opening a franchise was a wonderful opportunity too good to pass up. Brooks opened a franchise for ASP in Gray, GA in March 2008. After a year of success at the Gray store and a visible demand for a pool service and maintenance location in the Lake Oconee area, Brooks decided to open a second location.
At the Lake Oconee branch, ASP offers full service and maintenance for pools and spas, including the sale of chemical / pool products, pool enclosures and pool heating-solar systems. ASP also fulfills pool renovation needs such as replacing vinyl liners, re-decking around pools, re-plastering pools and installing safety covers. The company offers flat rate pricing and a “No Green Guaranty.” ASP Pool and Spa is proudly a Polaris repair center, where customers can bring in Polaris items and receive a complimentary inspection and labor on all repairs are FREE, all you pay for are the parts.
Brooks invites customers to allow ASP to bring their level of service to excellence, since “most people are dissatisfied with their pool’s current maintenance” according to Brooks.
Pool and spa owners are encouraged to drop by the store to receive a complimentary water test, or call the store to schedule a pool assessment, where an employee will come to your home and test your water to determine what steps are required to purify your pool or spa. If service work is performed, the pool assessment charge is applied towards the service provided. As certified pool professionals, each test whether did in the office or at your home, will be thoroughly analyzed by asking questions to determine each pool / spa’s unique environment such as what trees are around or how many people are swimming.
Brooks joined the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce because, “It works,” he says. “Every aspect of the Chamber works for businesses. There are great networking opportunities. The Chamber brings diverse businesses to our community so that citizens do not have to drive out of the county to shop, instead they can shop local and support the community.” Brooks is also an active member of the Jones County Chamber of Commerce.
ASP Pool & Spa’s excellence in service is evident in the fact that during the ribbon cutting ceremony, The Chief Operating Officer, of ASP Franchise, Tomas Swift, Jr. presented Brooks and his employees with the Central Georgia’s #1 Best in Business Award for his quality of work in the Gray store.
“We are very proud that Eatonton-Putnam County is home to a company that has received the Best in Business Award and look forward to the same excellence being served to our community,” says Becky Needham, membership manager for the Chamber.
The entire community is invited to the stores grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. – until. The Brooks family invites your whole family to come and introduce yourselves. There will be a drawing for a “FREE” Polaris 280 and everyone that signs up for a six month service contract will get one month FREE. Enjoy hotdogs and jump zones for the family while celebrating the new business in our community.
ASP is located at 170 Scott Road, Suite “6” Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information, call (706) 485-0010 or visit www.asppoolandspa.com.
Club 24/7 Fitness
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Club 24/7 Fitness in conjunction with the Business After Hours on April 7. The facility offers customers over 30 pieces of cardiovascular equipment and circuit training equipment by Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, a world class aerobics program and a Dry Sauna to relax after your workout. Club 24/7 Fitness is located at 1027 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton. For more information, call (706) 485-2968 or visit www.club247fitness.com.
Putnam County Board of Commissioners
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners celebrated a ribbon cutting and dedication for the new Southshore Road (formerly known as the Bluegill Connector) in southern Putnam County on March 13. New road serves as an additional exit/entry to area to enhance ability for emergency vehicles to respond.
Chamber Check URGENT UPDATE
CertifiChecks, Inc., the company which administers the "Shop Local" program, Chamber Checks, has terminated operations and is in the process of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
According to the official CertifiChecks company statement, any CertifiChecks gift certificates that are deposited as checks by participating merchants will be returned. This includes those issued in Eatonton-Putnam County.
To protect your company from loss, we'd ask that all businesses that accept CertifiChecks immediately remove all related door and register decals indicating that you accept these gift certificates. All businesses should refuse to accept any CertifiChecks presented by customers.
If you are currently holding any unredeemed CertifiChecks please report them to the Chamber office by calling (706) 485-7701 by March 20, 2009 . The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce will work on behalf of customers to secure reimbursement from CertifiChecks.
For more information, visit www.certifichecks.com
Nationwide Insurance Company
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Nationwide Insurance Company on Thursday, November 6 to celebrate the new satellite office of the Nationwide Insurance in Cumming Georgia.
Nationwide Insurance offers a wide variety of insurance coverage, ranging from automobile, home, life and health insurances. Rob Hutchinson, agent in charge, is excited about the new location. “Our new office is lake front as well as convenient to both Putnam and Greene counties,” he describes. Hutchinson is also looking forward to working with his brother, Dan Connor who is responsible for the new satellite location. “I have always wanted to be in business with my brother and that is why we opened the satellite office under his name,” he explains.
The new satellite location for Nationwide Insurance Company is 1129 Lake Oconee parkway, Suite 104 in Eatonton, Georgia. The office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For insurance quotes, stop in the office or call during regular business hours.
Hutchinson is proud to be a member of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce because “he is excited to be involved with the community and show support for both the Putnam and Greene counties.”
For more information on Nationwide Insurance, stop by the office at 1129 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suite 104 in Eatonton or call (706) 991-9933.
Burns Gore Realty
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Burns Gore Realty on Tuesday, October 14 for the new location.
Burns Gore Realty is a family owned business striving to bring Real Estate education to the Milledgeville and Eatonton areas. The company’s mission is “to be honest and fair in all dealings and to serve our customers' and clients' needs first.”
Burns Gore Realty is a full Real Estate company as well as a School of Real Estate. Classes offered include pre-license, post-license and continued education classes for all Real Estate professionals. Classes can be attended at the School of Real Estate housed within the Burns Gore Realty office or owner, Mary Burns, will come to your Real Estate office to teach.
Burns Gore Realty has been in business since September 2007 and the previous location was in Milledgeville. The new location, off of Highway 441, is an exciting business enterprise as it will help Burns Gore Realty to better serve both the Milledgeville and the Eatonton areas. “Not only does our new location put us directly between both Milledgeville and Eatonton, but the road frontage it offers is key to maximum exposure,” further explains Mary Burns of the new office’s home. Burns Gore Realty became a member of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce to network with other business owners in the area.
The new office is located at 1001 Milledgeville Road, Suite E in Milledgeville. The office hours for Burns Gore Realty are from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The School of Real Estate offers classes from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. Appointments are suggested but not required.
For a full schedule of classes offered or further information on Burns Gore Realty, visit the Web site at http://www.burnsgorerealty.com or call (478) 454-0077 or (706) 484-2153.
Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam
The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties officially launched its Food Rescue Program on September 29. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation had the distinction of being the first food donor and provided a number of aluminum pans of “left over’s” for distribution to a local non-profit agency. Second Harvest Inc., The Rotary Food Rescue Program, serves the disadvantaged in our community and will be run by volunteers. Rotary is collecting surplus prepared foods, including meats, soups and vegetables, as well as bread, cakes, dairy, deli, fresh fruits and vegetables. Donors are supplied with covered aluminum pans, in which they store and freeze food awaiting pickup. All donors are fully protected from liability by State and Federal Good Samaritan Laws. (706) 923-0404.
The Eatonton-Putnam and Greene County chambers of commerce celebrated a joint ribbon cutting ceremony with Bella Maria on September 18.
Bella Maria opened in 1995 in Athens, Georgia. Named after the owners mother, Maria, who passed away in 1992. This family business holds a higher standard for craftsmanship, customer service and quality products from all over the world. “We wanted to build a business where people could depend on the family name.”
In 1997 they became a state-of-the-art facility through the purchase of additional new fabrication equipment, allowing them to expand into the production of natural stone solid services. A new warehouse/production plant was built as well as a new five thousand square foot showroom which you can still visit on Mill Center Boulevard in Bogart, Georgia.
By 2002 the demand for Bella Maria’s products and services had grown to the point that a new showroom was needed. The demand has only increased since then. In 2007 they began construction on a new and larger grand showroom at Lake Oconee, which will be completed and opened on July 17, 2008. This location will give total accessibility to builders and contractors to bring their customers in to view and purchase material, design boards at no additional cost for homeowners to help customers with their selections and customized designs, whether in house or customized material, Bella Maria can provide it.
Bella Maria has become one of the most respected names in the tile and granite fabrication business over the past decade. The growing reputation of the company has been a success story based upon the pride they take on the quality of our products, dependable service and fast, on-time installation. Bella Maria has one of the largest selections of tile anywhere in the region, stocking thousands of square feet of natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles. Some distributors include Marazzi Tile & Akdo, decorative tiles from Stone Art, floor warming systems from Suntouch, as well as tile related products like Tec & Noble Company materials. They offer natural stones for countertops such as Granite, Marble, Limestone and Travertine from distributors such as G&L Marble, Classic Granite & Marble plus many more, as well as engineered products such as Zodiaq by Dupont and Ceaserstone Quartz Surfaces. Cabinetry has become an expression of lifestyle and taste. Let Bella Maria, Inc. help you make your dream a reality with crafted custom cabinets by making an appointment with their cabinet expert today.
With over 20 employees, the team at Bella Maria is excited about the expansion, which gives them the opportunity to become more equipped and ready to service individuals, commercial businesses and industries as well. Bella Maria is opened Monday through Friday from 7:30 – 5:00 p.m.for contractor sales and the showroom hours are from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Please join us at Bella Maria, Inc. For more information call (706) 485-4299.
Baldwin County and Putnam County joined together over ten years ago to plan for the new membrane filtration water plant located at 126 Cay Drive in Putnam County. The plant operates under the direction of the Sinclair Water Authority. The success of this project is the product of years of effort on the part of the community leaders, state and federal officials, and the members of the Sinclair Water Authority. The $16,621,320 project was funded by a grant and loan from USDA. The plant will produce four million gallons per day and is expandable to eight million gallons per day in the future. The plant is the latest technology in water treatment. For more information, contact (706) 485-5252.
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting with Putnam Christian Outreach on Wednesday, September 10 in honor of the new location.
Putnam Christian Outreach was formed and incorporated in 1987 through the joining of thirteen local churches and in 1992 purchased a building in downtown Eatonton, the organization’s previous location. In the beginning, Putnam Christian Outreach was primarily a food and clothing bank but has since grown to include a thrift store where families on a budget can shop.
The Putnam Christian Outreach’s mission “is that no elderly person should have to choose between food on the table or the prescription drugs they need. That no one should be cold in the winter because they couldn’t afford the heat/gas bill. That no one should face cold weather without warm clothes and that no child should have to attend school without decent clothing.” In fact, every month the PCO delivers food to almost 100 families who would run short without it and helps to pay prescription, power or gas bills when possible.
Putnam Christian Outreach reopened at the new building May 2008. The thrift store offers three levels of merchandise and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on the first Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Donations are welcomed at anytime during the normal business hours, or there is a drop-off box to the right of the building just off the road for anyone choosing to give. The thrift store includes used clothing, furniture and household items that have been donated and are sold at a fraction of the price the items would bring in a retail store.
For more information on Putnam Christian Outreach, call (706) 485-4066 or stop by the new building at 151 Industrial Boulevard in Eatonton, across from Haband.
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a plaque presentation with Eenoco Japanese Steak and Sushi on Friday, September 5 announcing the new Chamber membership.
Eenoco offers hibachi style dining where the chef prepares chicken, steak or seafood in front of customers, as well as a large sushi bar serving the freshest and highest grade fish and seafood available. In addition to great food, there is a full bar with extensive sake selection. Eenoco also caters events and allows use of the restaurant for different parties.
Owners Heath and Vanessa Burton decided to open the restaurant because of their “love of Japanese food and the atmosphere that hibachi style cooking creates.” It was also important to the Burtons to open the restaurant in the Lake Oconee area.
The plaque presentation offered the opportunity for the Chamber to welcome the restaurant as a new member. The Burtons decided to join the Chamber in order to “network, gain knowledge from experienced business owners and become more involved with community events.”
Eenoco is located inside Harmony Crossing shopping center, Suite 5, off of Hwy. 44. The restaurant is open for lunch Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are not required and are only taken for parties of eight or larger. Coming soon, the Burton’s will be introducing “Eenoco After Dark,” where the restaurant will be open until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday with sushi until midnight and weekly drink specials after 10:00 p.m.
The Burton’s and their three month old son, Evan, are making Lake Oconee home this week after moving from the Locust Grove area.
For more information on Eenoco, call (706) 485-7377 or visit the Web site at www.eenoco.com.
Artistic Tile & Stone
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Artistic Tile and Stone on Thursday, September 4 for the new location and showroom on Harmony Road.
Owners Jerard and Linda Walker opened Artistic Tile and Stone in 2003 and recently expanded into a new location and showroom. “Lake Oconee is growing rapidly with additions of new buildings and homes daily. Giving a small family owned company, like ours, many opportunities to expand and prosper,” explains Walker.
Artistic Tile and Stone is a full-service flooring company that specializes in the sales and installation of interior flooring – hard wood, tile, stone, linoleum and carpet as well as exterior stone work - outdoor kitchens, indoor/outdoor fireplaces and pool decks.
“Jerard has been working in the flooring industry since he was 15 years old. He wanted to expand in this field and offer customers exquisite craftsmanship and design showcasing his attention to detail and unique talent,” says co-owner and wife Linda Walker.
Artistic Tile and Stone’s new showroom is located at 876 Harmony Road in Eatonton. The hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Saturday by appointment only.
“We encourage our customers to visit our showroom and speak with our design staff where they may choose from a wide variety of flooring materials to install in their home,” expresses Walker.
Artistic Tile & Stone is a new member of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. “We enjoy being active in our community and utilizing the array of benefits offered with our membership,” Walker explains.
For more information on Artistic Tile and Stone please call (706) 485-0719 or email the showroom at artistictile@bellsouth.net .
Plumbing Distributors Inc.
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a plaque presentation with Plumbing Distributors, Inc. on Thursday, August 28 announcing the new Chamber membership.
PDI offers premium, quality kitchen and bath fixtures and supplies from the industry’s leading manufactures for the homeowner and professional. The Lake Oconee branch also offers a vast selection of innovative lighting products for your home. The knowledgeable showroom consultants are committed to meeting your project needs with quality products for any budget.
PDI’s Lake Oconee showroom, on Harmony Road, has been open since August 2007 but the company has been in business for 35 years. On June 1, 1973, Gladston Mealor and his son, Sid, established Plumbing Distributors, Inc. in Lawrenceville. Thirty five years later, the duo still owns and operates eight branches with six showrooms.
“Eatonton, GA is an area that sees continued growth and holds many second homes to people throughout the country. PDI opened this location to give Lake Oconee residents a great choice of plumbing and lighting products to help customize their homes,” says Adrienne Wilkes, PDI Marking Coordinator.
PDI’s Lake Oconee showroom is located at 869 Harmony Road in Eatonton. The showroom hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the counter sales hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PDI customers may drop in anytime or set up an appointment with one of the showroom consultants for larger projects.
“PDI is excited to be associated with the Chamber in order to become part of the community. We plan to be around for a long time, so we want to get to know our neighboring businesses and community members,” expresses Wilkes on the new Chamber membership.
For more information on PDI, call at (706) 485-1700 or visit the Web site at www.pdiplumbing.com .
Re/Max Lake Oconee
The Eatonton-Putnam and Greene County chambers of commerce recently hosted a ribbon cutting at RE/MAX Lake Oconee located in the former People’s Bank building. The ribbon cutting was in conjunction with the chambers’ Business After Hours.
“We enjoy having one of the area's premier real estate firms as our neighbor,” said Charles Haley, The Peoples Bank President. “The Peoples Bank and RE/MAX have been long time friends, but we now are compatriots in anchoring one of the most important business corners in Putnam County."
RE/MAX Lake Oconee was established in September of 2003 by Ann Foster, Kay Stevens, and Shirley and Don Smith. The partners bring more than 60 years of real estate experience to the company.
“We are very excited about being able to locate our office at Lake Oconee in Putnam County at this major intersection with such high visibility,” said Kay Stevens.
Since opening, RE/MAX has launched its own exclusive publication, Lake & Golf, which can also be found online at elakeoconee.com. In the past year RE/MAX has also launched two new and improved websites www.rmlakeoconee.com and www.rmlakesinclair.com.
RE/MAX Lake Oconee currently has three offices located in Putnam County, Greene County and Lake Sinclair. For more information, contact RE/MAX Lake Oconee at rmlakeoconnee.com or call (706) 485-5700 (Putnam) (706) 453-9400 (Greene) or (706)- 485-7400 (Sinclair) to speak with a local agent.
Saltamacchio's Tang Soo Do Karate
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a plaque presentation with Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate studio on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 announcing the new Chamber membership. Saltamacchio’s studio offers Tang Soo Do Karate, self defense and sells products associated with martial arts.
Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate studio has been operating at the present location since 2005 and in 2006 added additional training classes with the help of Lyle Manring. This summer, owners Ray and Brenda Saltamacchio decided to teach full-time and will be expanding days of operation and offering additional classes.
Since 1997, Ray Saltamacchio has taught karate part-time at different locations. His dream became a realty when he opened his own studio.
“When I moved to Eatonton from Stone Mountain in 1992 my dream was to open a karate studio. In karate we focus on improving the “mind, body and spirit” and in today’s world, children and adults alike need all the positive influence we can find. I felt I could make a difference in people’s lives by helping them to have a better self-image with more confidence. Using the tools we teach can improve every aspect of their lives helping them to achieve their greatest dreams,” says Saltamacchio.
The studio is located next to Fitness Demands which provides great visibility and a central location for its students that come from Putnam, Greene and Morgan counties. “Being across from Harmony Crossing gives the parents something to do while waiting on their children to finish class. They have an hour to shop, grab a cup of coffee or have a nice quite dinner,” says Saltamacchio.
Staff at Saltamacchio Tang Soo Do Karate studio are available on any Monday or Tuesday afternoon after 5:30 p.m. to answer any questions regarding the training offered. The studio offers two complimentary classes in order to give an idea of what to expect from its style of karate training. Saltamacchio ensures future students that the classes are more than just punching and kicking. “We are here to help you improve your body, mind and spirit. Taking these two classes will help you decide if this is something for you and your family,” expresses Saltamacchio.
Saltamacchio first joined the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce in 1991 and has been a member or affiliated with a company that was a member ever since. “I am proud to once again have my own business and new membership with the Chamber. I look forward to being an active Chamber member as Chamber membership has always enhanced my business in the past,” says Saltamacchio.
Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate studio is open Monday and Tuesday nights with classes starting at 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and by September will add Wednesday night with additional class times available. At 6:15 p.m. it offers a “Little Ninja’s Program” which is for children between five and six years old and a separate class for children age seven to adults. The class for age seven to adults is for beginner White Belts up to and including Blue Belts. At 7:30 p.m. there is a class for children and adults which have achieved the rank of Brown through Black Belt. Also at 7:30 p.m. there is a separate class for ladies only.
Saltamacchio has lived in Eatonton part-time since 1987 and full-time since 1992. He previously owned and operated “Moments To Remember Photography” in Eatonton for ten years, worked with the Lake Oconee Area Association of Realtors as their Association executive for six years and most recently worked with Reynolds Plantation for four years. Saltamacchio met his wife Brenda here at the lake six years ago and they have been married for the past four years. Brenda moved to Eatonton six years ago from Atlanta and is now managing the day to day operations at the Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate studio.
For more information on Saltamacchio’s Tang Too Do Karate, call (706) 473-1556. The business is located at 106 Village Lane, Suite 300, Eatonton, GA 31024.
Eyewear Gallery of Lake Oconee LLC
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Eyewear Gallery of Lake Oconee on Friday, August 1, 2008. The Eyewear Gallery was formally known as Top-Sight Optical and was located at 1093 Lake Oconee Parkway in Suite 108. The new location is at 109 Harmony Crossing in Suite 5, Eatonton.
Eyewear Gallery of Lake Oconee has been open at the new location for two weeks, but has been in business under the former name for seven years. Eyewear Gallery chose the new location due to the higher volume of retail traffic in the Harmony Crossing Shopping Center.
The services provided by Eyewear Gallery of Lake Oconee include eye exams, Rx glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call to make an appointment; walk-ins are welcome.
Brian R. Healey, O.D. is the doctor on staff at Eyewear Gallery. Dr. Healey is a native of New York State. He graduated from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995. Dr. Healey moved to Atlanta after graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia in 1999. He is a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association.
Eyewear Gallery of Lake Oconee is a member of the Chamber because, “We want to take an active roll in our community,” explains owner Faye Anderson-Day.
Upon entering Top-Sight Optical, patients are likely to get greeted by Milo, Faye’s Kakapo which has been coming to work every day for the past several years. Milo continues to be the famous dog modeling the frames in all of Eyewear Gallery's marketing.
For more information on Eyewear Gallery of Lake Oconee, call (706) 484-2121 or visit the Web Site at www.eyeweargalleryonline.com.
Lake Oconee Area Builders Association
The Eatonton-Putnam and Greene County chambers of commerce held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony and Business After Hours with the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association, celebrating the new office.
The LOABA is a local trade association dedicated to the betterment of the local construction industry and works to serve its members, consumers and the community through education and public service.
“As the voice of the local construction industry, we are committed to offering opportunities for our members to improve their ability to conduct business with integrity,” explains Executive Officer Wendy Myers.
The LOABA opened the new office on March 17. The new office would better serve the membership by being centrally located according to Myers.
The LOABA has a very diverse membership, and is open to one and all that work directly or indirectly with the building industry. The association is made up of builders, sub-contractors, banks, insurance companies, interior decorators, landscapers, legal and professional services, etc. To become a member of the association, one must complete an application of membership. Applications can be received from any current member of the association or by contacting the office. All applications of membership are approved by the Board of Directors.
LOABA is an active member with the chambers of commerce in Putnam and Greene counties. “We are a member of the local chambers so that we can be a part of the business community at large and be a part in improving the business atmosphere in the surrounding area,” explains Myers.
The new office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1041 Village Park Drive, Suite 102, Greensboro, GA 30642. For more information call (706) 999-1591.
Each year the LOABA hosts an annual Home & Garden Show to expose the community to the diverse services offered through its many members. The Home & Garden show is scheduled for late March 2009. LOABA also hosts various other member sponsored events throughout the year.
Jefferson Avenue Restaurant
Jefferson Avenue Restaurant in downtown Eatonton held its ribbon cutting and official grand opening June 27. Serving everything from pizza to sandwiches, the Italian restaurant has become famous around the Putnam County Courthouse square since its soft opening in May.
“Our signature dish is our pizza, but everyone likes our shrimp scampi, lasagna and ravioli,” said owner Chris Jackson. Jackson, who is affectionally known as Mama J by her family, friends and customers, co-owns the restaurant with her husband Hubert and son Clint. Wesley Jackson, Mama J’s grandson, also assists the family with day-to-day operations.
Chef Brian Irish graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and studied under Chef Julien – a famous chef from Cuba – for three years. He owned several restaurants including Roundup Steakhouse in Eatonton before putting his culinary skills to work for the Jacksons.
Jefferson Avenue Restaurant is located at 102 Jefferson Ave. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Pizza and salad buffets are available daily for lunch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information call (706) 318-7361.
Lake Oconee Self Storage: Your Extra Attic
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Lake Oconee Self Storage: Your Extra Attic, on June 5.
Open since May 1, Your Extra Attic is a storage facility that offers traditional and climate controlled units. The business provide many services including an on-site resident manager, security fencing, electronic gate, wide aisles and extra outside lighting to help keep belongings safe. Your Extra Attic also has a showcase room with demo storage units and moving supplies. A U’Haul provider and Harvey’s Household Movers are also located at the facility.
Owners Gene and Barbara Edwards opened Your Extra Attic because they saw the need for a “state of the art” traditional and climate control storage facility in the lake area. They chose the new location due to its close proximity to Lake Oconee; just 1.5 miles south of the intersection of Harmony Road and Lake Oconee Parkway.
The Edwards believe that membership with the Chamber of Commerce is essential for the success of the business community. “The Chamber bonds the concerns and offers support to the business leaders, and Lake Oconee Self Storage is proud to be a part of the local Chamber,” explained the Edwards.
The storage business has become a family trade for the Edwards. Their daughter Lisa and her husband Bob Slocum are active participants in the storage business. In addition, their son Jeff and his wife Glenda are the owners of the moving company at Your Extra Attic.
Your Extra Attic is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Gate access to the facility is available seven days a week, 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Your Extra Attic is located at 111 Alexander Road, Eatonton, Ga 31024. For more information call (706) 485-5567.
The Sleep Center
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Sleep Center on May 8. The Sleep Center offers a selection of name brand bedding at the undisputed lowest prices, while also carrying a large selection of futons, bunkbeds, daybeds, headboards, frames and some furniture. The Sleep Center carries the two best known mattress companies in the world - Sealy Posturepedic and Simmon's Beautyrest, while also featuring the new visco-elastic mattress by Tempur-Pedic®.
Open since March 15, The Lake Oconee branch is the sixth location for The Sleep Center. Other locations include Midtown and Eastside Athens, Bogart, Milledgeville and Winder. The business decided to expand to the Lake Oconee area due to the substantial growth that the area is experiencing.
Manager Max Sirchia compares buying a bed to buying a car. “It’s important to take time to research your bed. Just like you would test drive a car, test drive a bed before buying. Come on in, lay down and take a nap; there’s no charge!”
The most popular bedding styles and sizes are kept in stock for customers to take home the day they make their bedding decision. If the particular style or size in not in stock, it can be ordered and be ready within a week, or sent from another store if it’s a bedding emergency. The Sleep Center also offers immediate delivery and free financing to customers.
The Sleep Center offers the lowest prices to customers, which is evident through the slogan: “Some stores guarantee the lowest prices, let us prove it.”
Max lives in the Lake Oconee area, only five miles from the store. He takes pride in customer service and looks forward to helping his fellow neighbors find the best bed. Max is a member of the Chamber in order to meet new people, network and get the business name out to the community.
The Sleep Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The business is located at 1027 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information call (706) 485-4004 or visit http://discountmattressofathens.com.
Crooked Creek Marina
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Crooked Creek Marina on May 7 celebrating the new ownership and recent renovations. Open since April 4, the marina offers camping for campers/RVs and tents. The RV sites are full hook up and have 30 amps of power. The marina has two deep water launch ramps with plenty of parking, a fuel dock and several boat slips for the restaurant and the campground.
Crooked Creek Marina also offers excellent food at the new restaurant now called Bone Island Grill.
“It is the new jewel on Lake Sinclair offering something for everybody,” says Adam Smith the restaurant’s chef. “The name of the restaurant is actually borrowed from Key West’s original name “bone key” which means “bone Island.” Having been a Chef in Key West for 11 years, I thought it would be great to bring a little bit of the “island feel” to a southern style menu. The renovated dining room is beautiful and we hope that the old and the new customers are enjoying the changes.”
Adam chose to open Crooked Creek Marina because, “it felt like the right thing to do. The location has history for so many people in the area, it just needed some attention and the view is wonderful.”
Crooked Creek Marina is a member of the Chamber to participate in the growth of the community, and to meet new people. “I was away from Georgia for over a decade, so this will be an excellent way to meet those new people,” explains Adam.
Crooked Creek marina is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for supper. It is located at 208 Crooked Creek Dr., Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information call (706) 485-9693.
Bonacori Custom Homes
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Bonacori Custom Homes on May 1.
Bonacori Custom Homes has built custom residential housing in Michigan since 1997 and recently expanded to Lake Oconee.
Owner Rich Buonocore has been in the building business for over 20 years. Building high end custom homes has been Rich’s dream since he was a little boy. He grew up working in all different facets of the building trades with his family and friends. After falling in love with the Lake Oconee area, Rich decided to expand his business by opening an office in Eatonton.
Bonacori Custom Homes is a member of the Chamber because, “it’s a good opportunity to network and meet area business owners,” explains Rich.
Rich has a wife, Evol, and two girls, Mirabella and Jasmine. Rich loves to spend time on the lake and especially with his family. Having a large extended family, Rich is constantly entertaining family from all over the county.
Bonacori Custom Homes is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The business is located at 639 Old Phoenix Road, Suite B, Eatonton, GA 31024 (downstairs from Smith Family Chiropractic). For more information on building your home, call (706) 991-1481 or visit http://www.bonacoricustomhomes.com.
Cowles Clinic Pediatrics & Family Eye Care Assoc. of Cowles Clinic
Cowles Clinic Pediatrics and Family Eye Care Associates of Cowles Clinic held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating their new offices in Willow Cottage on April 17. Both practices were previously located in temporary offices in Cowls Clinic.
Chris Bassett, M.D., and his wife Julie moved Bassett’s pediatric practice into a mobile office on the Cowles Clinic grounds in the spring of 2007 as they began practicing in the Lake Oconee area. The office offers complete inpatient and outpatient pediatric care from birth to 18 years of age, 24-hour call service and after hours office visits. (706) 454-1210.
Ophthalmologist Steve McQuaig, M.D., has practiced at a temporary location in the Oak Building in Cowles Clinic since September 2007. Family Eye Care Associates has been practicing in Milledgeville since 1980. McQuaig and C. Davis Williamson, M.D., are the owners of Family Eye Care Associates. The group recently has been joined by McQuaig’s son, Charles S. McQuaig, OD. Specialists with the practice include Dennis Marcus, M.D., retinal specialist, Barry Lee, corneal/LASIK specialist and Brent Murphy, oculo-plastic and reconstructive specialist. (706) 999-2020.
Tri-County EMC held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the EMC’s newly expanded Eatonton District office. Tri-County EMC Chairman Tom Thompson Jr. welcomed more than 50 guests to the event and mentioned how the new facility will better serve the needs of the members in this fast growing area. Additions include an expanded customer service area, additional engineering offices, a new training room and new control center. Guests were treated to lunch and an opportunity to tour the facility. Tri-County EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative serving over 19,000 meters in Baldwin, Bibb, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Putnam, Twiggs and Wilkinson counties. Through this statewide network, the 42 customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 3.7 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. Located at 112 Recreation Rd., Eatonton. (478) 986-8126
Eatonton Early Childhood Development Center
Eatonton Early Childhood Development Center celebrated a ribbon cutting April 2. After months of paperwork and compliance requirements, the city of Eatonton and the Eatonton Early Childhood Development Center received approval from the state to open the center, hours before the board’s planned ribbon cutting and opening. From the beginning the building had to be renovated; walls had to be fixed and rooms had to be painted and cleaned. Director Michelle Wilmoth was hired in July to ensure the center met state requirements for opening. After a nine month process, the center received its license from Bright From the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning on April 2. The Center opened the next day with 32 students. Located at 100 Ulysses Rice Court. (706) 485-7005.
Lakeside Computers Radioshack & Sears
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a joint ribbon cutting ceremony with Lakeside Computers Radio Shack and Sears on March 21. Both businesses opened late 2007 in the building previously occupied by Magnolia Market.
Lakeside Computers Radio Shack
Lakeside Computers has operated from its previous location on Old Phoenix Road since June 2003 by owner Randy Kasprzyk. In 2007, Kasprzyk decided to sell his business, and one of his employees, Justin, informed his parents, Kay and Bob Byrne.
“We saw a need in the community for an electronics store. When Randy told Justin that he would like to sell his business that offered expanded sales and service for computers, it made sense to bring the two together. Today’s technology changes quickly and it’s helpful to have local solution providers that you can come to for help,” explains Kay.
The Byrnes purchased the store from Kasprzyk on Oct. 2, 2007, and reopened the store as Lakeside Computers Radio Shack on Nov. 9, 2007 in its new location.
Lakeside Computers Radio Shack offers computer repair and service; custom built desktop computers of all price ranges; laptop computers, monitors, printers and network sales; extensive computer accessories; memory of all types; digital cameras; video and audio cables; portable music and accessories including IPOD; headphones; scanners, CB radios and walkie-talkies; home entertainment and security products; video games; AT&T cellular phones; Wilson Cellular signal amplifiers; cell phone accessories and batteries of all types.
Customers may set up appointments, drop-in anytime the business is open, call and even order through a special online setup in-store if required. “We have access to multiple distributors and can often source special computer requests if we don’t happen to have in stock,” explains Kay.
Lakeside Computers Radio Shack will soon reopen the post office that was operated in Magnolia Market. “We’re excited to have been awarded the post office, finally, and look forward to opening it by the end of April,” says Kay.
“We are very happy to be located here in Putnam County by the lake and hope to grow our business by providing this community with excellent service and products. We are a member of the Chamber because we’d like to be actively involved in the community and be a resource for other businesses as well as consumers. In addition to Justin, we have a daughter Britta who’s finishing her sophomore year at UGA and a son Bryan who is finishing his senior year at Morgan County High School.”
Lakeside Computers Radio Shack is located at 1122 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information call (706) 484-0197 or visit www.lakesidecomputersradioshack.com.
Sears
Sears offers deliveries, installations, protection, maintenance and financing on major appliances, electronics, lawn and garden equipment, fitness equipment, water softeners, batteries, Craftsman, and more. Customers feel confident that they made the right purchase knowing that the professionals from Sears will be there for the life of the product.
Owner Melanie Davidson chose to open a Sears since the department store is known for customer satisfaction through its Kenmore appliances and Craftsman Tools. The location off of Highway 44 was chosen due to the great building and perfect location. The store opened Dec. 13, 2007.
Sears is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Customers may call-in or visit the store to order products and parts. If a particular item is not in the store, Sears can order and deliver it in just a few days. Sears also welcomes contractors to come and shop.
Sears is located at 1124 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton, GA. For more information call (706) 991-1624.
MarbleWorks
Nationally awarded Marble Works, located on Harmony Road, recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of their new 10,000 sq.ft. granite facility with the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce.
With the increase in popularity and demand for granite, Marble Works now offers a fully operated facility of granite slabs and machinery where a customer can come and select their own granite and have produced locally.
“We are excited to be able to offer new and improved products to our customers,” said Larry Mauldin, president of Marble Works. “We seek to be in tune with the current trends and up-to-date on all our products. We want to be the one-stop-shop for all our builders and customers. We strive to maintain realistic and quick turn around times as well as quality service for all our customers. ”
Striving to serve is a quality Marble Works has brought to the area since the early 1990’s. Marble Works is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on Marble Works or to set up an appointment please call (706) 485-3337 or visit at 841 Harmony Rd. www.marbleworks.inc.
Marble Works began in the early 1990’s and has been a large part of the development of the lake and surrounding town areas. Marble Works produces all products in house and offers many different selections including; Granite, Cambria, cultured marble, Silestone, Corain, Zodiac, Gibraltar, Staron, limestone, soapstone, Caesar stone and cultured granite. They currently install kitchen and bath needs. Marble Works is located off Harmony Rd in Eatonton, Georgia and has a 10,000 square foot granite facility where buyers can select their own slab and colors. In 2007 Marble Works was pleased to receive the National Pinnacle Award for Installation. Marble Works has great involvement in the community and is a locally owned and operated facility.
Jimmy Davis Park
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners rededicated Jimmy Davis Park to the community on March 5. The complex replaced an old building that the commission and community considered to be inadequate in spacing and size. The new center contains a meeting area, computer lab, kitchen and other amenities. The existing basketball courts, pavilion and play ground still surround the building. Contact info: 125 Hogan Blvd., Eatonton, GA 31024; (706) 485-9830 or (706) 485-3601; http://www.putnamcountyga.us; Stevie Young.
The Peoples Bank
The Peoples Bank, Peoples Investment Company and The Peoples Agency held a ribbon cutting on March 1, celebrating the grand opening of the new Oconee Crossing office. The 12,000-square-foot building, was designed to provide all banking services on a single level. The new building is located at 991 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton. The Peoples Bank also has an office in downtown Eatonton at 209 S. Jefferson Ave. and an office at Lake Sinclair at Highway 441 and Jackson Road. Contact info: (706) 485-5244; http://www.tpbeatonton.com; President: Chuck Haley.
Habitat For Humanity of Putnam County Store
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County on Feb. 28, celebrating the opening of the new store. Open since Jan. 5, the Habitat store sells furniture, accessories, appliances, home décor and artwork that have been donated from area residents.
Habitat of Putnam County decided to open a store so that the organization could raise the funds necessary to build two homes a year. The location of the store was perfect since it was a central location for customers, volunteers and donators.
The Habitat store is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone interested in making a donation can call the store to arrange a pickup; please leave a message when the store is closed. For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County, or to arrange a pickup, call (706) 991-1600. The new store is located at 122 A. Scott Oak Road, Eatonton, GA.
Keystone Custom Homes will host a Blitz Build for Habitat of Putnam County April 4 though April 6, building a four bedroom home in one weekend. Everyone is encouraged to come out and see the house being built. There will be live remote by Dock 103.9. For more information on the blitz build, contact Keystone Custom Homes at (706) 484-9915.
Habitat of Putnam County started in 1997 and has built nine homes. Habitat helps people who work hard yet are unable to propel themselves into decent housing. Each new homeowner spends at least 300 hours helping with the planning and construction of his or her new home and will pay a mortgage on the home. Habitat recruits local organizations to help in a variety of ways. Organizations can sponsor or co-sponsor a home by providing the funds and labor to build an entire house, supply volunteers for Habitat construction crews and committees, sponsor a workday, prepare and serve meals for construction workers or make a financial contribution.
Habitat of Putnam County’s overall vision is to build a Habitat community. If anyone has any information on land available for sale or to donate please contact Habitat of Putnam County at (706) 991-1600.
Marketshare
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting and open house for Marketshare Business Publishing and Marketing Solutions on Feb. 26 at Curiosity Cove in Harmony Crossing, celebrating its introduction to the lake community.
Marketshare is a full-service marketing solutions company. From marketing strategies to fulfillment, the company has the experience and resources to develop, manage and implement any program to virtually any degree. With over 25 years of integrated experience in printing, graphic design, marketing, production management, business operations and sales; the Marketshare team knows how to make it happen. Marketshare helps businesses grow their revenue by reaching new customers and keeping existing customers with consistent, top of mind awareness strategies and valuable customer reward programs.
“Marketshare is a culmination of my experience and my passion for collaborative success,” says Toni Furino, Marketshare’s owner and marketing consultant. “I started Marketshare in February 2007 because I wanted to bring a full array of creative marketing solutions to the business community I have worked in throughout my career. It was important to me to be able to focus on the specific needs of each client and not be limited or driven by one particular medium or option.”
“I moved to Eatonton in October 2007. My family moved to the area about three years ago. Initially, reluctant to the idea, it became obvious that they loved it here and that they enjoyed a special quality of life. I wanted to be close to them and I wanted to enjoy a similar experience.”
Working with Marketshare begins with a discussion about your needs, desires and options. The second step is always a quote. “It is my philosophy that my clients be fully informed about the services I will be providing and exactly what it’s going to cost,” says Furino. “Even more importantly, I work within your budget. I start where you are and create solutions that meet your needs and your budget. If I can’t, I’ll tell you that too.”
Marketshare is a proud member of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. As a resident of Eatonton, Toni serves as a volunteer for the Oconee Performing Arts Society, the Oconee Regional Humane Society, Eatonton’s Meet Me At The Plaza committee, and Greensboro’s Southland Jubilee steering committee. “It’s personally enriching to be part of the business community and local support organizations. We have the good fortune to have such an active and effective Chamber of Commerce. I believe that a strong entrepreneurial environment is vital to healthy economy for business and a culturally enriched community for all residents.”
Toni can be reached by telephone at (706) 816-2619 or by email at solutions@marketsharemktg.com for a free one hour initial consultation. To find out more about Marketshare services, marketing tips and more, go to www.markesharemktg.com.
Indigo Pool & Spa
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held a plaque presentation for Indigo Pool & Spa on Feb. 12, announcing to the community that the business is a new member of the Chamber. Indigo Pool & Spa is a company that is dedicated to transforming backyards into personalized aquatic escapes. Whether creating spaces for entertaining or relaxing, the custom gunite builder boasts a wide variety of structural designs. The company constructs intimate backyard pools as well as large-scale designs with grand amenities, such as swim-up bars, natural rock waterfalls, infinity edges, imported glass tile, pebble tec, interior finish, saltwater pools and exotic underwater lighting. Indigo Pool & Spa is a Jandy Pro-Edge Builder and offers the latest technology from one of the best suppliers in the industry.
Indigo Pool and Spa opened in August 2005 by owner Jimbo Brown, who has a love for water and a family background in concrete construction. Brown chose to open the new location off of Linger Longer Road since the area is experiencing a rapid development. “We want our customers to feel like we are centrally located to all residences,” says Brown.
Indigo Pool & Spa is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday by appointment only. “We welcome anyone to stop by our new office on Linger Longer in Reynolds Walk and take a tour of our new office and show pool. We have recently paired with Charles Miller & Company (landscape & design/build) to create a “One-Stop-Shop” for our client’s landscape and pool solutions called Miller/Brown Family Companies,” explains Brown.
Brown personally meets with clients to exchange ideas, provide advice and talk about what each client envisions.
Indigo Pool & Spa is a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, and its employees are constantly updated with the most recent technology through design classes and workshops to stay abreast of the latest industry offerings and construction methods. Indigo offers to every client the support of pool service. Even if your pool was not built by Indigo, the company is more than willing to service your pool and treat it like it was one of its own through Indigo’s pool service program, Oconee Pool Professionals.
Jimbo Brown is a native of Milledgeville, GA and his wife Blair is from Pawleys Island, SC. The couple met at the College of Charleston in 2000, married in 2004 and moved to Lake Oconee where they are residents of Reynolds Landing.
For anyone that is interested in a new pool, has a pool that needs to be re-vamped or is interested in pool service, please contact Elaine Harris at (706) 999-1413 and she will be pleased to set up an appointment with you to meet with Jimbo and Indigo’s design team to take care of any needs.
FB Interiors & Design
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with FB Interiors & Design on Feb. 4. The business is a residential and commercial, full-service interior design firm while also offering a showroom with a full-line of accessories and gift items.
FB Interiors & Design is co-owned by Frank Bearse and John Kossenyans. Bearse is an award-winning designer with distinguished homes in Southwest Florida’s most prestigious high-rises and exclusive country club communities with 25 years of design experience. His work has been published in national and regional publications including Home & Condo, Gulfshore Life, National Builders Magazine, Furniture Today and Open House. Bearse has also been awarded with numerous local and regional Florida design awards through the years from the design and building industries.
FB Interiors & Design is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment. The business is located at 1041 Village Park Drive, Suite 104, Greensboro, GA 30642. For more information call (706) 453-0588.
Alzie's Home Cooking
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Alzie's Home Cooking on Jan. 25.
Open since October 2007, Alzie’s serves home-cooked breakfast and lunch. Owners Franklin and Dianne Johnston own the property where Alzie’s is located and felt that the lot was a great location for a restaurant since it’s centrally located around the Lake Oconee workforce, homeowners and traffic off of Georgia Highway 44. The Johnston’s found the right people to run a restaurant and decided to open Alzie’s Home Cooking, named after Franklin’s grandfather Alzie Bates.
The cooks at Alzie’s have over 80 years of home-cooking experience between them. The restaurant’s breakfast is cooked to order and served all day. “It’s not fast food, but the few minutes of wait are well worth it,” explains Franklin.
Alzie’s lunch is served buffet style. Everyday the lunch buffet includes boneless breast of chicken, country-fried steak with gravy, salmon croquettes and a special which varies from meatloaf, pork chops, catfish filets, chicken and dressing, and more. Alzie’s also serves home-made desserts made completely from scratch. The lunch menu offers two dessert options everyday. Options may include cobblers with fillings varying from peach, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and more; banana pudding or bread pudding.
Alzie’s is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The day’s menu can be found at www.alzieshomecooking.com. Customers may dine in the restaurant, call ahead or use the drive-through window. Alzie’s also offers group discounts for 10 or more people. Call ahead for details.
Alzie’s is located at 1076 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information or to place an order call (706) 991-1451.
Christian Life Today
The Eatonton-Putnam and Greene County chambers of commerce celebrated a joint ribbon cutting ceremony with Christian Life Today, a non-profit and interdenominational ministry, celebrating the recent transfer from Christian Families Today on Jan. 22.
Eight years ago, Christian Families Today opened an office in downtown Eatonton offering Christian counseling and training ministry to the Eatonton / Lake Oconee area. After learning that founders Greg and Connie Brezina were entering semi-retirement and were no longer going to continue the ministry in Eatonton, Ellen Couch, the Christian Families Today Eatonton / Lake Oconee office director, expressed interest to continue the ministry in Eatonton. The Christian Families Today Board of Directors not only gave Couch the office and its assets, but also gave its financial support and whole-hearted blessings to continue the ministry.
Couch has worked with the Eatonton office since it opened and with her assistance, the ministry increased its counseling hours, new staff mentoring and outreach to the community with creative new programs and seminars. She also uniquely enhanced the year-long discipleship training program. When Christian Families Today came to this area, there were no similar Exchanged Life ministries. Now there are five. Couch helped train all five individuals who head up these new ministries.
The complete transfer of Christian Families Today to Christian Life Today took place Dec. 31, 2007. According to Couch, “only the name has changed, the ministry that I have been doing here for the last eight years will be the same.” Christian Life Today will continue the same ministry that Christian Families Today started. The ministry’s counseling load remains high and has already signed up 12 adults for the 2008 year-long Advanced Discipleship Training Class. Christian Life Today will also collaborate with Christian Families Today by conducting retreats and training together.
“Many want to know how to grow in God’s grace, heal hurting family relationships, manage their emotions, break free from habitual sin and experience victorious Christian living. Christian Life Today provides a safe place for personal discipleship counseling. The counseling process guides you into knowing how your identity in Christ can bring your difficulties to resolution,” explains Couch.
One of the reasons for Christian Families Today’s success has been the gracious support of the Eatonton / Lake Oconee area community. The ministry is asking the community to continue the same support for Christian Life Today.
Christian Life Today is located at 202 B N. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Eatonton.
For more information call (706) 485-7148.
Rountree's IGA
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Rountree's IGA on Jan. 8 at 11 a.m., celebrating the store's major renovations. Located at 228 N. Jefferson, Eatonton, GA 31024. (706) 485-4521. Contact Mike Rountree.
Accu-Grafix Signs
Accu-Grafix Signs is now part of the Lake Oconee community. Accu-Grafix Signs owned and operated by Kris and Kattie Harris of Greensboro, GA, is a branch of the well respected Accu-Grafix of Conyers, GA owned by Robert McDonald. The couple celebrated the new location with a ribbon cutting on December 7, 2007 with the Eatonton-Putnam and Greene County chambers of commerce.
Kris Harris, a former Head Golf Professional in the Monroe area, says his business thrives on quality work, great prices, and above and beyond customer service. Accu-Grafix specialize in all types of signs such as digital printing, dimensional letters, lighted signs, routed signs, banners, wall graphics, vehicle lettering, magnetics, real-estate signs, business cards and much more.
When asked about the business Josh Fuller, Lead Account Representative, said, “I have never been a part of a business that cares about its customers the way Accu-Grafix does…this is what I like most about working for this company.”
Accu-Grafix has already made a great impression on the community with its work for customers such as Reynolds Plantation, Linger Longer Communities, Reynolds Golf Academy, the Taylor Made Kingdom and Performance Lab, McGinnis Realty, Blue Giraffe Salon and Spa, Bug House Pest Control and Manor Homes.
The walls of their modern looking shop located at Linger Longer Rd. and Hwy 44 (next to Bug House) are graced with large University of Georgia and Augusta National wall murals. It is worth the visit just to see these beautiful prints.
Accu-Grafix is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information call (706) 999-1515 or visit http://www.accugrafix.com.
Dr. Anne Sanchez
Dr. Anne Sanchez, orthodontist, held a tri-county ribbon cutting ceremony with the Eatonton-Putnam, Milledgeville-Baldwin County and the Jones County/Grey chambers of commerce celebrating her 20th anniversary in business. Dr. Sanchez opened her first office in Milledgeville 20 years ago on October 27, following with the Eatonton office and then the Gray office. Many loyal customers came to celebrate the anniversary with the staff at the Milledgeville office. Dr. Sanchez is very active in all three communities by giving away a scholarship in each county and by holding an annual skating party as well as fun contests for patients. Dr. Sanchez’s Eatonton office is located at 102 N. Jefferson Avenue in Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information call (706) 485-5778.
Willow Creek Cabinetry
Representatives from the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce, friends and other invited guests joined Willow Creek Cabinetry owners Stuart and Amy Manville for their ribbon cutting and official grand opening November 19, 2007.
Specializing in countertops, cabinets and custom wood works, the business opened its doors at Lake Oconee on November 1.
“We offer fine lines of custom and semi-custom fabricated cabinetry to fit the needs and budget of any client. We also offer granite, quartz, solid surface and laminate countertops, along with computer portrayed designs,” said Amy Manville.
Prior to their cabinetry business, the Manvilles owned Manville Construction. “We started Manville Construction in 1998, and we moved our office to Scott Oak Drive in January 2007,” said Amy Manville.
The Manvilles have two daughters Chloe and Willow, whom the business is named for.
Willow Creek Cabinetry is located at 122 Scott Oak Dr., Suite B in Eatonton. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment. For more information call (706) 484-1505.
Eastridge Community Church celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony November 14, 2007. Eastridge, a contemporary, nondenominational congregation in Covington, opened a satellite campus at Lake Oconee in May 2007. At Lake Oconee, one will find the same service at the Covington campus, with a sermon by one of Eastridge’s pastors from the same series that is being preached at the main campus. The church has a ministry for preschool children and small groups for elementary-age children, and a student ministry is forthcoming. At Eastridge, worship is contemporary, messages are life-applicable, and casual dress is welcome. Small group programs and Bible fellowships will start in the fall, and Celebrate Recovery®, a Biblically-based 12-step program, will begin after the first of next year. Eastridge at Lake Oconee is located at 1097 Lake Oconee Parkway, Building C, Suite 301 in Eatonton with service Sunday morning at 10:30. For more information about Eastridge, please call the church office at (770) 786-2048, or visit http://www.eastridgeoconee.org. Contact: Scott Moore, Pastor.
Beltone Hearing Aids
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Beltone Hearing Aids on November 12, 2007. Beltone is committed to offering the very best in hearing care to its patients and does so by providing a wide array of hearing aids to fit each person’s needs as well as complementary hearing tests to the public (adults only). Beltone also offers Belcare, which is only available through Beltone practitioners. This (no charge) program assures lifetime follow-up care and service with any of Beltone’s hearing instruments.
Owner Carol Bashuk chose to open Beltone to offer the best possible hearing healthcare available, using the most advanced technology. “Service is our number one goal. It is most gratifying to be able to help a patient to hear and understand better.” Carol Roobin Bashuk is Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences, has an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida with a major in Audiology and a masters degree from the University of Georgia.
Beltone Hearing Aids has operated in Middle Georgia for twenty-seven years and opened the Eatonton office on October 4, 2007. “When looking in the Eatonton / Lake Oconee area, we felt that we would be a good fit in the close-knit community of Harmony Crossing. There are many stores and restaurants nearby that our patients can visit in order to test their hearing aids,” says Bashuk.
Richard Bullington, a UGA graduate, is the Hearing Instrument Specialist in the Eatonton office. Richard grew up in Americus, GA and currently lives in Macon with his wife, Shaw, and two twin boys, Cameron and Porter, who turn one this month.
At its Lake Oconee location, Beltone provides hearing tests by appointment, but also welcomes walk-ins. After the hearing evaluation, the staff councils the patient on the most appropriate course of action and together with the patient, determines the most appropriate hearing help for his or her needs. Beltone offers many styles, models and sizes and circuits of hearing aids to fit your specific hearing loss, but most often works with either custom or open technologies.
Beltone is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Tuesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hearing tests are performed on Tuesday and Friday and by appointment. Cleaning and maintenance services are provided on all other weekdays.
Beltone is located at 109 Harmony Crossing, Suite 3, Eatonton, GA 31024. For more information, call (706) 923-1616.
Walker Staging LLC
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Walker Staging LLC on November 9, 2007. Walker Staging's services include Home Staging, Interior re-design, de-cluttering and organizing, and Open House preparation.
Home Staging is the act of preparing a home with the buyer in mind. Essentially the home is prepared so that anyone could imagine moving in. “Simply put, we create a model home feel to attract the most potential buyers,” explains co-owner Tammy Walker. The goal of home-staging is to sell a house quickly and for the most money possible by attracting the greatest number of potential home buyers. Through home-staging, homes are made more attractive to buyers by de-cluttering, depersonalizing and rearranging furnishings. According to research, homes that have been staged sell in fifty percent less time, sell for 6.3 percent more money and look better in photographs which leads to increased traffic.
Interior re-design is for people who love their home and love their stuff, yet are overwhelmed and frustrated about where to put it all. “Maybe you want a different look but you don’t want to spend a fortune. That is where we come in. From one room to every room we can transform your home using only the furniture and accessories you currently own,” explains co-owner Mandy Walker.
Owners Tammy Walker and Mandy Walker have been doing Interior re-design and Home Staging for over 20 years on the side and decided that it was time to make their services available to everyone. Walker Staging offers its services to homeowners who want to sell or revamp their home, real estate agents, developers and anyone else with a space in need of help.
For more information, call Tammy Walker at (706) 473-6393 or Mandy Walker at (770) 722-3265.
Redeemer Episcopal Academy
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce and The Greene County Chamber of Commerce jointly celebrated the ribbon cutting and open house of Redeemer Episcopal Academy on November 8, 2007. A large crowd came out to tour the school and enjoy a vocal and theatrical performance by the students in English and Spanish. At Redeemer Academy, Spanish is taught daily at all grade levels. The school’s rigorous academics were in evidence in the students’ work displayed in the classrooms. Redeemer Academy’s parents and faculty provided the school’s guests the same warm, loving environment for the ribbon cutting / open house as it does its students every day. The school is currently enrolling for the upcoming school years, but space is limited. For more information, please call (706) 484-1238.
Health Care Plus
Health Care Plus, LLC celebrated a ribbon cutting and grand opening with the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce on October 24, 2007. Health Care Plus is licensed by the State of Georgia to provide varied services, including nursing care. Now residents of Putnam, Greene, Morgan, Hancock and Taliaferro counties have enhanced options for care and services in the privacy of their own home. The expertise and quality of care provided by the staff at Health Care Plus will allow individuals needing minimal assistance or patients returning home from hospitalizations to have continued support, as well as those who have chronic or deteriorating conditions to remain in their home.
Services include: companion, escort, sitter and light housekeeping services for individuals recovering from minor illnesses or requiring minimal assistance to ensure safety at home; respite care to provide family and caregivers time off from providing continuous care to someone who is frail, injured or ill; personal care for individuals who are unable to provide their own hygiene care due to a surgery, serious illness or disability; and nursing care under the direction of the client’s physician.
Health Care Plus opened in Harmony Crossing at the beginning of October. Owners Nancy Cleveland and Orian Motley chose to open the business to satisfy an immediate and growing need for private home care services for the residents living in the counties and communities encircling the lake. Motley brings more than 30 years of clinical nursing and nursing management experience while Cleveland brings more than 30 years of business management and consulting experience to the business.
Health Care Plus, LLC guarantees care and services that will be reliable and given with compassion by an experienced, skillful and attentive staff. A Registered Nurse can be contacted 24 hours per day. For more information or services, call (706) 923-1977, email nancycleveland@gahealthcareplus.com or visit the office at 110 Harmony Crossing, Suite #3, Eatonton, GA 31024.
The Windham Law Firm
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with The Windham Law Firm on September 21, 2007. The Windham Law Firm represents individuals and lenders in the legal areas of real estate and civil litigation, with the primary focus on real estate title and loan closings. The firm has a knowledgeable team of attorneys and paralegals that offers quality service in the areas of commercial and residential real estate.
The Windham Law Firm’s mission is to provide excellent customer service while maintaining competitive fees. The firm’s policy is to provide a preliminary settlement statement prior to closing upon receipt of loan instructions. This is to ensure a smooth and efficient process and eliminate delays at closing.
The Windham Law Firm provides a professional and welcoming environment which offers a comfortable setting for all of your closing needs. The Lake Oconee office is conveniently located on Lake Oconee Parkway in the Village Park at the Green office complex just across the street from the Lake Welcome Center. For more information on The Windham Law Firm, contact Ben Windham or Vickie Greene at (706) 453-0122.
Georgia Heart & Vascular Center
The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Georgia Heart and Vascular Center, P.C. on September 10, 2007, celebrating the opening of its new office in Eatonton.
GHVC has operated in Macon since 1978 and has several rural offices with the most recent addition in Eatonton, which opened in June 2007. The office offers complete cardiovascular disease prevention and management programs for patients in Eatonton and surrounding areas with a friendly and caring staff from the Cardiologists to the receptionists. “You will feel welcomed in our office,” says Rallie ‘Rooster’ Cogburn, Physician Assistant for the Eatonton office.
GHVC provides timely and thorough consultations in the hospital, emergency room or in the office. If the need arises the center will facilitate transfers promptly. The Center works with other heart specialists in Macon, Atlanta and Augusta and offers comprehensive cardiovascular services to provide what is best for the particular patient from heart catheterization to bypass to pacemaker or defibrillator implant.
Other services offered by GHVC include peripheral vascular studies, echocardiography (ultrasound on the heart), advanced Lipid (cholesterol) testing, and testing for genetic traits as well as advanced and comprehensive cardiovascular risk markers through the Berkeley Heart Lab in California.
Dr. Thomas P. Meyer and Dr. Talley F. Culclasure, Jr. are partners of Georgia Heart and Vascular Center, P.C. The doctors work closely with the Georgia Heart Center where Dr. Meyer is the Medical Director. The new Georgia Heart Center ($100+million heart complex at Medical Center of Central Georgia) will be opening in the spring of 2008.
Rooster Cogburn serves as the Physician Assistant for the Eatonton office. Cogburn earned a BS in Biology with Honors from Mercer University in 1996 and a BS in Physician Assistant Studies Cum Laude from the Medical College of Georgia in 2000 and has worked in cardiology in Eatonton since 2003.
GHVC is located at 121 Sparta Highway, Eatonton, GA 31024. Its hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and on-call after hours. For more information, please call (706) 484-9750.
