Blairsville Connect Podcast

In this episode you will hear from Robin Story, former Chamber employee about her new venture North Georgia Trading Company, a wholesale distribution company. Their company services all types of stores. They have a retail shop that is now located at the Blairsville Pickers Barn and Consignment Mall on 129. Go and see all of their products!

In this episode you will meet Micheal from The Snack Wagon that is located inside B & T Trading Post. Michael is new to the area and wants to bring his baked goods, breakfast and lunch menu of local goods to Union County! The Snack Wagon is focusing on having dietary needs menus for the community. Go and taste some of their delicious snacks today!

In this episode you will meet Yvette, the new Office Administrator here at the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce. She is new to the area and taking her position head on! Learn more about Yvette.

In this episode you learn more about your Downtown Development Authority Program Manager. Darren Harper. He will discuss the fun fall events that will be taking place downtown Blairsville including Hometown Halloween on the Square and Scarecrow-Ville. Listen in to get the scoop on these events, and mark your calendar today!

In this episode you will meet Brad Hutson who is a representative for the Northeast Georgia Friends of NRA. This great non profit organization helps educate our youth about fire gun safety. They will be having a benefit on Saturday Sept 27 and all proceeds will go towards grants given by the Friends of NRA.

In this episode you will learn more from Renai Brock, the Events Director of the Union County Community Center. She will tell you about how you can have your event and how they will plan it! Union County Community Center can offer community members meeting rooms, wedding venue and different catering events. She will work with each individual to give them an unique experience. Great place to have your next event!

In this episode Kim Madren introduces you to NYR Organic. NYR Organic, Neal’s Yard Remedies, started life in a small depot in central London, driven by the passionate belief that health and beauty should be more natural and less synthetic. All products are harvested or grown themselves or have a working relationship with tribes, no third parties are used. There are so many different lines of make-up, skincare and men's products too!

In this episode Kim Siekman discusses about her 18 years of experience with all types of signs. She can do interior and exterior lettering, banners and so much more!

In this episode, Moriah Doucette will share with our listeners all the ways that families, couples, friends, and individuals can enjoy one of Union County's greatest tourism assets, Lake Nottely. From pontoon boats to kayaks and fuel to snacks, Nottely Marina can ensure you have a great lake experience!

In this episode Matt Meeks discusses m6media, a website development company, social media developer and local search marketing. He works with small businesses to get your company's website up to date to assist you in reaching a new target audience.

In this episode you will meet Lucretia Collins a realtor with RE/MAX Town & Country. Lucretia is a native of Blairsville and knows what the area has to offer. She is a very dedicated realtor and is available 24/7 to help you find your retirement home or assist you in selling your home.

In this interview with Richard MacCrae you will learn about the array of services that Your Inspection Expert offers. Richard is licensed in North Carolina and attends continuing education courses annually. Richard performs Radon Testing, Water Testing, Roof Inspections and many more to ensure you are getting a quality home!

In this interview with Jeff Davis you will learn about the array of products and services that State Farm Insurance offers as well as the personal attention that is devoted to each of its customers. Jeff is new to the area and excited to grow his family and his business with his wife Kellie. He has been in insurance since he graduated from college. Jeff gives an insight to the history of State Farm Insurance and how his company can address your family's needs.

In this interview with Kevin Fuller you will learn about the array of products and services that Coosa Creek Marketing Products offers as well as the personal attention that is devoted to each of its customers. Coosa Creek Marketing Products has been a mainstay for some time now in the Blairsville/Union county area and from all accounts will continue to grow its presence and thrive helping both local and national clients with their marketing-related needs.

Thank you in advance for listening to Blairsville Connect. In this interview you will get a more in depth look from Roberta Ford just what makes Mary Kay Cosmetics such an amazing company to be associated with and learn of her own involvement. In addition, find out more about a charity Roberta is involved in and how you can be a part. All this and more in this week's interview.

Blairsville Connect is pleased to have with us this week, Eric Payne, Store Leader for A Wireless, Verizon Premium Retailer. In this interview you learn a little of Eric and his family's story about what brought them to this area. In addition, Eric offers us some things to think about when purchasing your next phone and gives us a glimpse as to what's likely to come in the way of mobile technology.

Join us for this week's brand new episode as we get to know one half of the owners of Mountain Crossings, Georganna Morton - the other half being her fiance', Logan. In this interview you will learn about the journey they've been on and that has brought them to this place in their lives and also the role they play in helping individuals navigate their way on the Appalachian Trail. This and a lot more in this week's interview. Join us!

Blairsville Connect welcomes another great guest this week in TJ Parr of Esquire Insurance. In this interview you will hear a little of TJ's story and how he made his way to the Blairsville/Union County, Georgia area as well as learn what career path he might have chosen if he wasn't in the insurance industry in addition to other interests and hobbies you might find him engaging in when not busy assisting his clients with their insurance needs.

In this episode of Blairsville Connect we are getting to know, Sherry Rohrbaugh and Odom Springs Vineyards, another up and coming vineyard in the north Georgia area and one that is right in our own backyard of Blairsville, GA. In this interview you will learn a little of the family history tied into their business, a few of the wines they are producing as well as hear from Sherry, herself, what she and her family find so appealing about this area.

This week on Blairsville Connect, Erin Huffman, Membership Coordinator with the Blairsville/Union County Chamber of Commerce joins us. Erin is the newest member of the Chamber's staff so this will be a treat for you to get to know her. In this interview you will learn a little about Erin's background and what led she and her husband here to the area as well as the variety of roles she is in charge of and what's in store for the future.

This podcast episode of Blairsville Connect features Dan Parker of Frontage Media Solutions. In this interview you will learn how our guest found his way into this rather unique business and the array of verticals he is able to serve. If you want to stand out and provide a unique marketing edge for your business then be sure and connect with Dan and Frontage Media Solutions.

Joining us this week on Blairsville Connect is Cindy Cohen of Complete Home Services. Once again you will hear what a major driver of business networking can be and in this instance for Cindy and her business. You will also learn a little more about the market CHS serves and what Cindy enjoys most about the Blairsville/Union county area.

Blairsville Connect is pleased to have as our featured interview this week, Janet Hartman of the Downtown Development Authority. In this episode you'll hear Janet speak about the process involved in order to bring about improvements to the downtown Blairsville area. You will also find out how Janet and her family found their way to the north Georgia mountain region and what she finds so appealing about the area.

This week we are pleased to have Tobie Chandler with the Blairsville/Union County Chamber of Commerce. In this episode you will learn of some family-friendly things to do during the holiday season here in Blairsville. In addition to that here Tobie's own story how she and her family came to calling Blairsville home. Please take time and share this podcast with your friends online.

Come join us and listen to this week's guest, Cathy Wheeler. In our conversation Cathy shares with us her family's unique journey to Blairsville via Maryland. You will also learn about the multiple organizations she is involved in here in the community and we are treated with a sneak peak at what's to come in the development that is taking place in downtown Blairsville.

Alysia Hargus is our special guest this week. In this episode learn a little more about what brought her and her family from Oklahoma to Blairsville. Alysia also shares with us about starting a new business here in the area and how being involved in local networking communities has helped in growing that business. Please be sure and share this episode with your friends online.

Blairsville Connect is pleased to have Wendy Holden join us this week. Wendy currently heads up its Public Relations/Advertising committee. In this interview you will learn more about the history of the MRACG, the function it serves within the community and what is coming up for them in the near future.

Blairsville Connect is pleased to have as its guest this week Alan Lee of Pro Therapy located here in Blairsville. Alan currently serves as an ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce and provides us some insight as to their role and function here in the community. We'd also encourage you to hear his story of how he and his family ended up in this area and the things he finds most attractive about living and working in the Blairsville/Union county area.

We welcome Joan Shaw this week to Blairsville Connect. In our interview Joan brings us up to date on the status of the real estate market here in the Blairsville/Union County, GA. area. You will also learn more about a fantastic partnership she and Coldwell Banker - High Country Realty have with the Univ. of GA. Cooperative Extension here in Blairsville. Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy this interview!

We are pleased to have Kirk Rogers of WJUL come in and chat with us. In our interview you will learn a little bit more about the journey Kirk took in order to arrive at WJUL as well as the community-centric approach he is taking in helping shape the direction of the radio station. You can tune in and listen in to various shows that some of our own here in the Blairsville area are doing with WJUL.

We are pleased to have Pam Fink join us this week on Blairsville Connect. In this interview you will learn more about the Tri-State Women's Networking and the vital role it plays in the life of women-owned businesses here in this region. Pam also shares with us some thoughts on the power that networking has in terms of generating new leads and sales.

We are pleased to have Joe Scerbo join us this week. Joe, very simply embodies the definition of networking here within the Blairsville/Union County area. In this interview you'll hear him talk about how he found his way here to this area and how the Mountain Networking Referral Group came into being. Please be sure and share with your friends online/offline this interview. Thanks!

We are pleased to have Kim Bridges with the Sorghum Festival join us this week. In this interview you'll hear a bit of the history of the festival, learn of the varied things you might experience at this years event as well as how it benefits the community. We'd invite you to share this interview with others and also get the word out about the festival coming up in October. Visit the Sorghum Festival website at http://blairsvillesorghumfestival.com/.

Listen to our recent conversation with Lisa McConnell with the Humane Society Mountain Shelter as we learn more about the important role they play in caring for and attempting to find new homes for those animals in its' care. Don't forget to come out & support their upcoming fundraiser, Puttin' on the Dog, which you will hear more details from Lisa in this interview.

We are pleased to have Dr. Rhonda Vansant join us this week to discuss what led her to start Joy of Learning and why she chose to adopt/implement the educational model she has for teaching her students. There's no doubt Dr. Vansant has an immense amount of passion for seeing children receive the best education possible. You will not want to miss this conversation.

Jessica Dervin of The Clothes Rack stops by to chat with us this week about all things ladies clothing and accessories. Be sure and listen in and share this episode with someone who may be interested.

We are pleased to have Dr. John Kay join us this week. In this interview Dr. Kay provides for us a brief look into the life of Byron Herbert Reece and the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote his work through the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center.

Join us for our interview with Bob Lander as he discusses Paradise Hills becoming Blairsville/Union County's first farm winery, how they were first introduced to this business and the burgeoning popularity with wine making here in the north Georgia mountains. You may learn more about Paradise Hills at http://paradisehillsresort.com.

If you're ever in need of a good wine 101 education then this episode is for you. Bill McGlamery of the Vine Shoppe joins us on Blairsville Connect to discuss everything from his amazing journey back to the north Georgia mountain area and in starting his business to all things wine. Have further questions about wine? Bill is your man!

We were pleased to have Colleen Urbaniuk join us this week. Listen in and get informed about the upcoming Green Bean Festival and the block party that will take place downtown in association with that. Colleen also provides for us an insider view of the vision the Downtown Development Authority has for the downtown Blairsville area. Learn more about Seasons Inn at http://seasons-inn.com.

Renowned local artisan, Al Garnto, chats with Sammy & Ben this week about his life and work including an exciting new project underway called, The Appalachian Sculpture Project. Stop in and listen!

Members of the High Country Artisans join us this week to discuss how they came into being and the important role they play both in the annual Butternut Creek Festival as well as in the local community.

The multi-talented & smart JoAnne Leone of Pathway Communications chats with us about the value of networking and helps us better understand the concept of 'connecting the dots'.

Paula and Lucy from Curves for Women share some practical insights on how to achieve good physical and mental health through a daily exercise routine.

Andrew Francis chats with us about his own journey towards approaching life and work from an environmentally sustainable perspective and it's importance.

Glenna Rose joins us in this episode to talk about the importance in discovering your passion in life.

Ava Vester joins us this week to talk about all things consignment and how she got into the business.

Mickey Cummings shares with us some of the history and current function of the Union County Farmers Market and gives us a glimpse as to what to expect at the 2013 Green Bean Festival to be held there.

Dr. Liz Culler who directs Blood Assurance provides us with some good, need to know information regarding blood donation.

Ann Sullivan, Director of the Union County Food Bank, provides us an in depth look at the role the food bank serves in the community.

Cindy Campbell sits down with us this week for a rather 'relaxing & therapeutic' discussion on the practice of reflexology.