
The 1st Annual Effingham Oktoberfest in Rincon Georgia was a huge success!!! I’m pictured here with Tess Moore the Executive Director of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, and on the right Ann Purcell Representative for district 159 in the Georgia House of Representatives. Ann gave the Opening Presentation for the event answering the question most asked, “Why are you having an Oktoberfest in September?” She stated that our event started at the same time as the 200th Annual Oktoberfest in Munic, Germany. Ann Purcell then read a letter from the German Consulat General congratulating us, and presented it to Tess Moore and Rick Lott Director of Events for the chamber, who worked tirelessly to make these two days of celabration a safe, memorable, fun filled, family event.
Tess said that over 3500 visitors attended the two day event that boasted of 26 sponsors, 60 vendors, 40 volunteers, and local entertainment throughout both days. Over 1500 beer bands (proof of age to purchase beer) were given out, which helped to raise over $1700.00 for the renovation of the MARS Theatre in Springfield.
It’s said that you’re judged by the company you keep, and to surround yourself with people who know more than you do in the direction you want to go. My association with the Effingham Chamber as an Ambassador, volunteering, attending chamber events, both networking and educational, has allowed me to meet, work with, get to know on a personal basis, and sometimes even influence, business and community leaders.
I’m a REALTOR with RE/MAX Crossroads in Pooler, live in Guyton, and focus on representing home buyers in Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, and Bulloch counties.
The Effingham Chamber has brought me more joy and business than any of the other organization I’m involved with!
We tend to do business with people we know and trust! Case in point; a woman called me and asked me to help her find a new home. She stated that the reason she chose me was because she had seen my signs everywhere, and that I must be successful. At that time I had no listings, and no signs! In my previous position as the Training Coordinator for The Home Depot in Savannah I was adamant that “The customer is always right”, so I thanked her for the compliment and helped her find a new home. During the buying process we discovered that both of us had attended 2 of the same chamber events, seeing each other but, had not met. She also subscribed to the Effingham Herald and Effingham Now, both of which had photos of events where I was included. So, whenever she saw a RE/MAX sign she associated it with me.
If you want to be more successful in your business, I urge you don’t just join your local chamber, immerse yourself in it’s activities and both you and your chamber will reap the rewards!
I was told by a friend that I could have raised my stature in this photo, had I stood on a bucket!!!