Coffee Break with the Chamber Chicks

On Coffee Break with the Chamber Chicks, Beth and Kayla sit down with Chris Ryder from Atlanta Hardwood. The family-owned company has been operating since 1952. They are a vital part of White County, with one location in Cleveland but reaching across the globe! Chris explains how a tree becomes a finished wood product and how interns grow into company leaders. He also talks about the Lunawood joint venture with a Finnish partner to make thermally modified wood, and how the team rebuilt after the 2020 fire. Grab your cup of coffee and tune in to learn more about your White County community industries!

This episode is brought to you by Sente Mortgage

Sente Mortgage is proud to be your home loan partner! Visit sentemortgage.com or call 706-878-6786 to learn more!

Meet this year’s Citizen of the Year, Marshall Anderson! In this episode of Coffee Break with the Chamber Chicks, we sit down with Marshall to chat about what drives his passion for serving our community, his firsthand accounts of how the area has grown over the years, and why stepping up and getting involved truly matters. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and tune in because this episode is sure to leave you both inspired and laughing!

The MORE Campaign is live! Now is your chance to grab the partnership opportunities you have been eyeing! In this episode, we hear from MORE Campaign chairwoman Selena Nix on tips for success and why the MORE Campaign matters.

If you want to learn more, visit whiteco.ygmcampaigns.com

From the Nix redevelopment to a working farm, wedding venue, and outdoor retail, our Entrepreneurs of the Year, Karson and Calah Coker, have a portfolio of businesses that keep investing right back into the White County community. In this episode, we are chatting with them about how they got here, what drives them, and what they are dreaming up next. Grab your cup of coffee and let's dive in!

Want to learn more about the Nix building redevelopment? Listen here: https://youtu.be/Twwia2j9_zY?si=4fkR_SWjc0FV4Qq9

The White County Chamber’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year is Jill Baughman! In this episode of Coffee Break with the Chamber Chicks, we sit down with Jill to celebrate her dedication and service to the White County community. From helping out at events like Business Block Party and Christmas in the Mountains to stepping up wherever she's needed, Jill shares why she serves, what keeps her saying "yes," and the vital importance of community involvement.

Help us congratulate Jill in the comments!

This episode is brought to you by Elite Excursions & Wine Tours

Book Elite Excursions for all your North Georgia adventure, wine tour, and transportation needs!

Visit http://explorenorthga.com or call 762-230-9463.

The White County Chamber’s Business of the Year is Javi’s Mexican Grill & Tavern. In this episode, we sit down with owners Javi and Stephanie Calva to talk about their journey from the beginning of their relationship to creating a restaurant that’s a beloved community staple. In this heartfelt episode, they share inspiring stories of resilience, community involvement, and the importance of relationships in small business.

Visit Javi’s at 154 Wilford Ash SR Pkwy in Cleveland, GA and stay tuned for more Annual Meeting Award winners!

This episode is brought to you by Elite Excursions & Wine Tours

Book Elite Excursions for all your North Georgia adventure, wine tour, and transportation needs!

Visit explorenorthga.com or call 762-230-9463.

Landing the interview is only the first step! Gail Welborn, Director of Human Resources at Habersham EMC, joins us on this episode to share tips on how to prepare, make a great impression, avoid common mistakes, and confidently navigate the hiring process. Whether you're applying for your first job or your next career move, this episode is packed with helpful advice!

This episode is brought to you by Elite Excursions! Whether it's a wedding, wine tour, or group outing, Elite Excursions gets you to your next event safely and in style! Learn more at explorenorthga.com!

In this episode, we’re joined by Meta Certified Lead Trainer, Gibran Jones, for an sneak peek into the Chamber's upcoming Digital Edge Summit.

Discover how to run high-converting Meta ads, harness the power of AI to streamline your small business, and level up your digital marketing strategy.

🎟️ Get your tickets to the 2026 Digital Edge Summit here:

https://www.whitecountychamber.org/event-detail/3qGUUOp7T0m3PJ6a3nfByQ2/2026-digital-edge-summit

☕ Grab your coffee, tune in, and don't forget to subscribe!

In today's competitive job market, managing and training a student workforce can be challenging yet rewarding. Many businesses, especially in the tourism and service industries, rely heavily on student employees during the peak seasons. In this episode, we'll explore insights from Jessica Sims of Cool River Tubing, who shared her expertise on hiring, training, and managing young employees. Whether you're a local business owner, a parent, or a student seeking summer employment, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Contact our guest:

Jessica Sims | [email protected]

You asked, and we answered.

Welcome to your ultimate inside scoop on everything going on right here in downtown Cleveland. We love our town, and we’ve got a lot to talk about! From local ice cream to vibrant art studios, we’re chatting with some of our fantastic downtown business owners about what makes Cleveland uniquely different. Plus, we're giving you some exclusive updates on things to come and talking about how you can be a part of shaping downtown’s future.

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready. Your Cleveland Square Update starts... right now! ☕

Visit our guests!

The Artistic Box - 38 E Kytle St, Cleveland, GA 30528 or theartisticbox.com

Bizaba’s Ice Cream Treats & Trinkets - 6 Courthouse Square, Cleveland, GA 30528

For more information about Downtown Cleveland watch the "What's Next for Nix" episode now!