Happy New Year 2013

I wish you all health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.  Please have a safe and wonderful New Year.

Pearl Harbor Day 71st Anniversary

December 7th, 1941 Pear Harbor Day

Let us remember all the brave service men and service women who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day, all those who served in our military, and those serving now.


Here's a wonderful article on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor:  http://newyork.newsday.com/news/nation/pearl-harbor-day-remembered-on-71st-anniversary-1.4303595

Alpharetta GA Holiday Events Nov. 30 - December

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Alpharetta?  Check out the City of Alpharetta's website:   www.awesomealpharetta.com . Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, November 30, 5 p.m. Historic Downtown Alpharetta- Milton Square City Park  Come create special memories with your family at this holiday extravaganza! Enjoy children's crafts, face painting, and train rides, refreshments and photos with Santa. At approximately 6:15 p.m. see Alpharetta's 45-foot live tree along with the entire Downtown Historic District light up with thousands of lights. Mayor David Belle Isle will be reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' and there will be stage performances by North Point Community Church. The Alpharetta Christmas Farmers Market will also be open!

Holiday Farmers Market Saturday December 1, 10:30-4 p.m. Historic Downtown Alpharetta 65 Milton Avenue Snow in the Square Saturday December 1, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Historic Downtown Alpharetta 2 South Main Street

Alpharetta City Band Holiday Concert Sunday December 2, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Alpharetta Adult Activity Center

Johns Creek Holiday Events Nov. 30th - Dec. 1st

Looking for some fun activities this weekend?   Check out these events in Johns Creek, Georgia:

Holiday Workshop - Friday, November 30, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Emory Johns Creek Hospital, 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek, GA   30097

The Hospital will hold a holiday festival on their campus Friday night before the Founder's Day Parade.

Sixth Annual Johns Creek Founders Day Parade - Saturday, December 1, 10 AM

Karyn Greer, the Emmy Award winning anchor of 11Alive news, will be the Emcee for the great parade. 

Parade is on State Bridge Road between Kimball Bridge Road and West Morton Road in Johns Creek, GA 30022.

Santa Jam at Johns Creek High School - Saturday, December 1, 11 AM - 1: PM

Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022

Santa and his fire truck plus lots of music and entertainment.   Bring your camera (Santa will be available for photos.).  

 

For details on these free events:   http://www.johnscreekga.gov/community/events/foundersday/fdschedule.aspx

County Club of the South Hosted GNFCC Golf Tournament

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 

Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 

Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Golf Tournament at Country Club of the South

The Country Club of the South in Johns Creek, Georgia was the perfect setting for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.   I really enjoyed helping with the event.

Country Club of the South is a gated country club community in Johns Creek including golf, clubhouse, swim and tennis. Homes range from 4,000 square feet to 13,000 square feet on 1/3 acre lots up to 2 acre lots. Priced: High $300's to $9 Million

For more information on homes for sale in the Country Club of the South, click on this link: Country Club of the South or email me at pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.

Atlanta Homes for sale by Subdivision. Search for Atlanta homes for sale by School.

Search for Atlanta homes for sale by payment.

GNFCC Eggs & Enterprise 11/27/1

GNFCC Eggs and Enterprise at The Metropolitan Club 

 GNFCC Eggs and Enterprise at The Metropolitan Club 

GNFCC Eggs and Enterprise at The Metropolitan Club 

This morning's Eggs and Enterprise breakfast was very informative. Dr. Bud Peterson, President,  Georgia Institute of Technology highlighted the global, national and state impact of the university.   Sixty percent of Georgia Tech's student body are engineering students.  The other majors are business, computing, architect, and liberal arts focusing on public policy.   Georgia Tech promotes advanced manufacturing technology and U.S.A. innovations.  It strives to keep the creative entrepreneurial spirit alive in all its students and faculty.

Jay Litton from RUMC spoke about the partnership with the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce to promote job networking in the area.   Its mission is to lower unemployment and match job seekers with openings in North Fulton.   Check out www.RUMCjobnetworking.com or www.gnfcc.com for more info.    Iff you have a job opening, send your info to jay.litton@saitservices.com.  If you are an employer who would like to participate in the mini job fairs, please contact lovingyourneighbor@gmail.com.

Happy Veterans Day

On this Veterans Day, I'd like to thank all the Veterans of all branches of the military in the United States for their service to our country.  Also, many thanks to all the men and women serving in all the branches of our military.   Your sacrifice and service to country are greatly appreciated..

ABWA Crabapple Meets 10/9/12

On October 9^th,  the ABWA Crabapple Chapter will meet at Every Woman Works  (located at 100 Hannover Park Road, Suites 200, Atlanta, GA 30350-7526). Rick Duff, a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management Division, will be the guest speaker. Mr. Duff will discuss how “Women Can Retire More Comfortably and More Confidently with the Right Plan.”

  

Networking starts at 6:00 PM with dinner and speaker following at 6:30 PM.  For more info, email  pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.

Happy Columbus Day

Here's hoping you have a beautiful safe Columbus Day.

Johns Creek Expo Today 10/4/12

Johns Creek Business Expo at the Johns Creek Center for the Arts on October 4, 2012.   You still have time to make the end of the event and the Johnd Creek Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM ($15 for the after  hours event).   Expo is at 10700 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022.   

Deb Lanham & Lisa Ethridge (Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce booth)
& Pam Santoro, Harry Norman Realtors 

Johns Creek Expo - Johns Creek, GA   30022

Johns Creek Young Professionals Table

Wendy Brant, Anchor Home Mortgage
Johns Creek Expo

Johns Creek Expo - Johns Creek, GA   30022

Farmers Insurance
Johns Creek Expo - Johns Creek, GA   30022

Wendy Brant, Anchor Home Mortgage

GNFCC Golf Tournament - Country Club of the South Rescheduled

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at the Country Club of the South in Johns Creek, Georgia was cancelled today due to inclement weather.  This fantastic event has been rescheduled for November 19, 2012.

Greater North  Fulton Chamber of Commerce Staff
Country Club of the South GNFCC Golf Tournament

Pam Santoro  & Deb Lanham
at
Country Club of the South GNFCC Golf Tournament

Greater North  Fulton Chamber of Commerce Staff
Country Club of the South  GNFCC Golf Tournament

Movies in the Park kicks off Sept. 29 with ‘Ice Age’ - Alpharetta, GA

Movies in the Park kicks off Sept. 29 with ‘Ice Age’   Looking for something to do in Alpharetta?  Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway in Alpharetta, will host the Georgia Movies in the Park fall schedule, which kicks off Sept. 29.  Gates open at 6:30 PM.   Movie starts at 7:30 PM.   

Click here for the full schedule   www.GaMoviesinThePark.com.

Sponsors are Northside Hospital Forsyth, Southern Outdoor Cinema, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

ABWA Meets on 9/11/12 at Every Woman Works

“Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.” (Quote by Coco Channel)  We are celebrating 20 years of our wonderful  American Business Women's Association  Chapter.

Celia Dutcher will be the hostess for the ABWA September 11^th meeting. Officers and new members will be installed at this meeting.

Location: Every Woman Works at 100 Hannover Park Road, Suites 200, Atlanta, GA 30350-7526.

Speaker; Tamay Shannon from Where 2 Start Marketing will highlight “Marketing and Social Media.”

Networking at  6:00 PM with dinner and speaker following.  For more info, contact Celia Dutcher at alohaprintcopy@juno.com or Pam Santoro at pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.

 ABWA Crabapple Charter Chapter

Happy Labor Day

I wish you  a safe and happy Labor Day.

Making a Grand Entrance - Linda Jerkins, AJC

Is your front door inviting?   Does it match the architecture of your house?   If you are replacing the front door, do you want wood, steel, or fiberglass?   This is a great article by Linda Jerkins of the Atlanta Journal Constitution detailing the trends for front doors and the benefits of good curb appeal.   To read the entire article:  http://www.ajchomefinder.com/home-decor/making-a-grand-entrance-1507616.html

Price your house to sell quickly

Here's a fantastic article by Dian Hymer, Inman News®.

• Seventy-six percent of homeowners believe their home is worth more than the list price recommended by their realtor.   
• Are you aware of the comparable properties for sale in your neighborhood?  
•  The importance of getting an appraisal on your home.    
• Your home is worth what a buyer will pay for it given the current market conditions. 
• Do you have the features a buyer wants?   Remodeled kitchen or bath?
• Did you put improvements in your home for your pleasure or for resale value?    

 Click here to read the entire article:  Price your house to sell quickly

Some good news: Metro Atlanta home values down and still falling, but not as fast | ajc.com

Some good news: Metro Atlanta home values down and still falling, but not as fast  | ajc.com

This is a good article showing the trends from 2010 to 2012.

Remember to Vote Today - July 31st

Don't forget to go to the polls and vote today.   As Americans, we have the right and privilege to vote.  


Here's some info on  the T-SPLOST that Atlanta is voting on today: 


 http://transformmetroatlanta.com/blog/video-what-part-will-you-play/

Nathan Deal: Ga. 400 tolls to come down by end of 2013

Fulfilling his promise to commuters, Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that he will have the state pay off its bond debt on Dec. 1, 2013, and move rapidly after that to remove the Ga. 400 toll by the end of that year. This will stop collection four years earlier than previously planned.    

Entire article from Jim Galloway at the AJC:  Nathan Deal: Ga. 400 tolls to come down by end of 2013

Happy Fourth of July

If you are looking for cool events this Fourth of July, check out:  http://www.atlantaplanit.com/.  Fireworks and more patriotic celebrations are listed.   


A special thanks to all our forefathers, patriots and veterans who helped forge our country and  keep it safe.   


Have a wonderful safe 4th of July!

Help Stock the Food Shelves at North Fulton Community Charities

Be a part of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Food Drive

July 9 – 13, 2012

NFCC provides an average of 9 tons of food weekly to individuals struggling each day to feed their families. The need grows dramatically during the summer months when children are home from school and donations to NFCC decrease.

 Harry Norman, Realtors - North Fulton Office located at 7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA   30022  is a drop site for the  donations.   You can drop your food donations off from June 20th through July 13th at my office between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Please help by collecting food and dropping it off at
one of the many drop sites or the Chamber office located at
11605 Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta,
during the week of July 9 – 13^th.

Find the nearest drop site by visiting www.gnfcc.com

The top 10 recommended donations:

Canned tuna, canned chicken, canned fruit, peanut butter (no glass containers), jelly (no glass containers), macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles, cereal (children friendly), pasta sauce (no glass containers) and diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6).

For more information, please contact

Pam Santoro  at  pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.

Thank you for your generosity!!!

Cleve Gattis - Women's Council of Realtors - Atlanta

Cleve Gattis at Women's Council of Realtors/Atlanta - May Meeting

Cleve Gattis (Charfan Institute, CDPE) was the keynote speaker at the May Women’s Council of Realtors/Atlanta Chapter meeting at Hudson Grille in Sandy Springs, Georgia.   Here are some notes from Cleve’s informative speech:

·        Warren Buffet believes that houses are better investments than stocks.

·        Investors will pay realtors for the value that they bring to the process.  

·        Housing affordability is at an all time high.

·        This is the best time to invest in the housing market.

·        30% to 32% of all real estate transactions in 2012 will be investors.

·        Realtors should help their clients build wealth and financial stability.  

·        Investors buy a property every 2 years.

·        Home buyers buy a property every 7 years.

·        Investors are not emotional buyers.   If the numbers work, then prosperity works, and they purchase the property. 

·        Know when to walk away from a bad deal.   Look at the numbers.   If the numbers work for you, then purchase the property.  

·        CIS or CIAS programs are useful in working with investors.

·        Interest rates are so low.   It’s a great time to buy real estate. 

Slide show from the WCR - Atlanta May Meeting.

Beverly Fenello & Boh Borohoquez
Women's Council of Realtors/Atlanta - May Meeting 

Pam Santoro & Bill Harrison
Women's Council of Realtors/Atlanta - May Meeting

Laurie Bos, Tripp Anderson & Beverly Fenello
Women's Council of Realtors/Atlanta - May Meeting

It was a great meeting before our summer break.

Health & Wellness Day at Harry Norman Realtors - NF

In May, Dr. Chad Harris, D.C. and Rena Blain, LMT hosted a wonderful health and wellness day at the Harry Norman Realtors – North Fulton Office (7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA  30022).   Dr. Chad spoke about overall health, weight management, detoxification, fitness, posture, alignment and more.   Rene treated everyone to a relaxing 15 minute massage.    Here are a few pictures and videos from the health and wellness day:

Interviews with Dr. Chad Harris, Rena Blain, LMT, Tom Brooks and Rena Blain, LMT
.

Dr. Chad Harris, D.C.; Pam Santoro; and Rena Blain, LMT
Health & Wellness Day at Harry Norman Realtors - North Fulton Office

Barb Kessling, Dr. Chad Harris, D.C. &  Pam Santoro
Health & Wellness Day at Harry Norman Realtors - North Fulton Office 

Sherrie Reimherr, Barb Kessling  & Dr. Chad Harris, D.C.
Health & Wellness Day at Harry Norman Realtors - North Fulton Office 

Dr. Chad Harris, D.C.; Pam Santoro; and Rena Blain, LMT
Health & Wellness Day at Harry Norman Realtors - North Fulton Office 

For more health info, feel free to contact Dr. Chad Harris, D.C. and Rena Blain, LMT:

Dr. Chad Harris, D.C.

Active 4 Life Chiropractic 

2520 Northwinds Pkwy Ste 150

Alpharetta, GA 30009

770-815-3160

www.active4lifechiro.com

http://www.facebook.com/active4lifechiro

Rena Blain, LMT

555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite M-1

Roswell, GA   30076

678-438-8569

http://www.southerntranquilmassage.com

Gov. Nathan Deal at GNFCC Eggs N Enterprise

Governor Nathan Deal was the Keynote Speaker at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Enterprise on May 22, 2012 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia. Here are some notes from the Governor’s speech:

Gov. Nsthan Deal at GNFCC Eggs N Enterprise Breakfast
Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia

Gov. Nsthan Deal at GNFCC Eggs N Enterprise Breakfast
Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia

Gov. Nsthan Deal at GNFCC Eggs N Enterprise Breakfast
Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia

Gov. Nsthan Deal at GNFCC Eggs N Enterprise Breakfast
Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia

•  $25,000,000 was allocated for a North Fulton location of Gwinnett Technical College.
•  Unemployment in Georgia is now below 9%.
•  Georgia’s state revenues have declined for the past 2 years.
•  11% Growth last month in state revenue.
• Transportation T-SPLOST measure is a localized regional opportunity for elected officials to have     a say so on these projects.  Money raised in the region will stay in the region.
• Atlanta was the railroad hub in the past; today Atlanta is an interstate hub and an international air traffic hub.
• Caterpillar is bringing 1,400 manufacturing jobs to Georgia from Japan.
•  Baxter International Pharmaceuticals is bringing 1,800 employees to our area.
•  $300 million has been set aside for conservation and reservoirs in our state.   We need to build more reservoirs to capture the water that falls in Georgia.  We are still working on the Tri-State water situation.    

I enjoyed the networking, update and the wonderful breakfast.

ABWA Goes to Drake Closet Tonight 5/15/12

We are shopping and meeting at the Drake Closet, 835 Mimosa Avenue,  Roswell, Georgia tonight,  Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 from 6PM to 8PM. Come support one of our ABWA Crabapple Chapter charities “The Drake House” . Bring clothes to donate before you shop.

For more info, contact: pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.

Job Fair North Fulton May 15th

Job Fair North Fulton will be held on Tuesday, May 15th at the  Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 from 10AM to 1PM.   Admission is free.   The website:   www.jobfairnorthfulton.com will list the companies attending.   This job fair is sponsored by Leadership North Fulton, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Department of Labor.  

A Taste Of Alpharetta May 10th at 5PM

Taste of Alpharetta

May 10, 2012

5:00 PM -10:00 PM

Downtown Alpharetta
Two South Main Street
Alpharetta, GA

Map & Restaurants:

http://www.awesomealpharetta.com/uploads/PDF%20Uploads/2012_TasteofAlpharettaMAP.pdf

Info on the Taste of Alpharetta:  

http://www.awesomealpharetta.com/pages/ContentPage.aspx?ContentName=Taste_of_Alpharetta

This is a fantastic event with the most delicious food.  Enjoy!

ABWA Woman of the Year & Business Associate of the Year

On April 17^th,  as President of the Crabapple Chapter of the ABWA, I  announced the 2012 ABWA Woman of the Year:  Linda Topp, an Enrollment Specialist for Digital Insurance.  Linda has been a valuable member of American Business Women’s Association for over 2 years handling fundraising and basically supporting the membership whenever a need arose.   Linda Topp is a wonderful role model incorporating business skills and community responsibility at all times.

   

Also, I had the pleasure of presenting Sherrie Reimherr, my Associate Broker at the Harry Norman Realtors – North Fulton Office, with the 2012 Business Associate of the Year award for Harry Norman Realtors highlighting their charitable work in the community with:  The Drake House, My House. Habitat For Humanity, Hosea Feeds the Hungry, and Make a Wish Foundation.

The April meeting was held at The Barn behind the Fickle Pickle in Roswell.    Our guest speaker for this special event was Jeff Plucker, Roswell author of “The Sport of Selling.”  ABWA Crabapple supports the Drake House, Every Woman Works, and Mary Hall Freedom House. 

Our May 15^th meeting/shopping excursion will be held at the Drake Closet from 6PM to 8PM.  

2012 ABWA Woman of the Year - Linda Topp
& Pam Santoro, President

2012 Business Associate of the Year -
Harry Norman, Realtors
Pam Santoro & Sherrie Reimherr

Jeff Plucker, Author of "The Sport of Selling"
& Celia Dutcher, Aloha Print and Copy

Please click here to see the April awards and more.  

Westside Parkway in Alpharetta Now Open

Wonderful news for North Fulton residents.   The final portion of Westside Parkway which runs north-south paralleling GA-400 was opened on April 23rd.   This should help alleviate some of the traffic on GA-400 and Highway-9.   To read more:  http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/commuters-welcome-new-route-1424600.html

Next ABWA Meeting 4/17/12 - Jeff Plucker, The Sport of Selling

Isn’t Spring fantastic?   The birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather.   Our 2012 ABWA Crabapple Chapter Woman of the Year and Business Associate of the Year will be announced at the April 17^th meeting  (third Tuesday of April) at The Barn (770-650-9838) behind the Fickle Pickle, 1085 Canton Street, Roswell, GA 30075 www.ficklepicklecafe.com.  Remember to park at the Roswell Founders Club or at Cara Vita next door.     Networking starts at 6:00 PM with dinner following at 6:30 PM. 

Jeff Plucker, Author of "The Sport of Selling"

Our featured speaker, Jeff Plucker, will give us tips on selling our products, services, and ourselves when competing for business.   Jeffrey Plucker has pitched over 50,000 businesses and well over 100,000 customers, working with smaller organizations as well as Fortune 500 companies, domestically and internationally. He has managed, motivated and trained thousands of sales reps and is the author of "The Sport of Selling".

For more info on the American Business Women's Association - Crabapple Chapter, go to www.abwacrabapple.com or email me at pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.

Cindee Sapoznik, Drake House, to Speak March 20th

Our next ABWA meeting will be on March 20th (third Tuesday of March) at The Barn (770-650-9838) behind the Fickle Pickle, 1085 Canton Street, Roswell, GA 30075 www.ficklepicklecafe.com. The guest speaker is Cindee Sapoznik from the Drake House in Roswell, Georgia.  Remember to park at the Roswell Founders Club or at Cara Vita next door.  Invite someone you know to our February meeting.

To read more:   http://www.abwacrabapple.com/2012/03/19/drake-house-to-speak-at-march-20th-abwa-meeting/

See you at 6:00 PM for networking.

Pam

GNFCC Business Expo March 16th

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce will hold the 2012 North Fulton Business Expo on

March 16, 2012 

Alpharetta Marriott

5750 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta

 Recognized as one of our community's most effective and enjoyable business opportunities, this year's Business Expo will be bigger and better than ever!

Register by March 13, 2012 and your admittance is FREE.

This is a wonderful event to network with local businesses, learn about new products and services, and support  the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.   See you there! 

Tour of Homes in Atlanta and North Atlanta

Looking for something to do this Spring & Summer, here are some of the local tour of homes in Atlanta and North Atlanta:

2012 SHOWCASE HOME TOUR DETAILS

Roswell Womens Club

April 29 - May 20, 2012
Wednesday - Saturday, 10AM – 6PM
Sunday, 1PM – 6PM

  http://www.roswellwomansclub.org/pages/shtourdetails.html

 

The 15th Annual Junior League of Atlanta
2012 TOUR OF KITCHENS
Saturday, March 24th from 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Sunday, March 25th from 11:00AM – 5:00PM

http://www.jlatlanta.org/?nd=tour_of_kitchens

2012 Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour & Artist Market  

April 20-22, 2012

http://druidhills.org/tourofhomes/

41st Inman Park Spring Festival and Tour Of Homes – the House Tour Preview will be Friday, April 27 (Noon – 4:00PM), and Festival on April 28 and 29, 2012 (Noon – 6:00PM)

http://inmanparkfestival.org/

The Atlanta Symphony Associates’ 42 Annual Decorators’ Show House & Gardens

April 21 – May 13, 2012

http://decoratorsshowhouse.org/

Milton Garden & House Tour

Hosted by:  The Milton Garden Club

July 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM through 4:00 PM

http://www.historicmilton.com/events/event/294-milton-garden-a-house-tour.html

Atlanta Homes for sale by Subdivision.

Search for Atlanta homes for sale by School.

Search for Atlanta homes for sale by payment.