Receiving special recognition at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet were: (l-r) Perry Kirkland, "Firefighter of the Year;" Talmadge Reed, "Businessman of the Year;" Betty Adkins, "Public Safety Officer of the Year;" and Jason Raiford, "Chamber Director of the Year." Not pictured is Pam Norman, Lincoln County "Teacher of the Year." Approximately 140 people gathered at The Lincoln Center on Thursday, January 24, for the 2007 Lincolnton- Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

The guest speaker for the occasion was Fred Daitch, a "riches-to-ragsto riches" small business owner in Augusta.

Throughout the years, four generations of the Daitch Family have established over 10 businesses in downtown Augusta. It all started when Daitch's great-grandfather founded Levy's Department Store on Broad Street in 1908; other businesses followed, including Daitch & Company, which had been in operation for 78 years before it was forced to close its doors in 1998.

The company's wholesale customer base virtually disappeared as Wal- Mart, Sam's Wholesale, and other mass merchants moved into smaller communities causing the demise of small family-owned clothing businesses.

Down, but by no means out, Daitch established International Uniform, Inc. on Broad Street in 1998. At that time, his client list consisted of one golf course and one prospect for medical apparel.

Since then, his business has grown to feature the largest on-site inventory of medical scrub wear in the CSRA. The golfing side of his business has also expanded to the point where Daitch now supplies caddie coveralls and bibs for all PGA-sponsored events nationwide.

At the outset of his address, the guest speaker said, "I never thought our family business could close. With a customer base of 2,000 'mom and pop' stores, my dad said the company, which was one of the three largest wholesale distributors in the country, was as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. Some of our favorite customers were Hirsh and Michael Wengrow of Goldman & Wengrow. They were always a pleasure to do business with and set the example for a successful and respected family and business."

He then told the audience that when Daitch & Company folded, he was left with nothing. "We lost everything. Our creditors took what they could and my brother, Gary, and I paid the rest with our savings. When all was said and done, I had no job, no income, no money. We lived on credit cards until we ran out of credit.

"I had to sell everything that wasn't nailed or screwed down to pay off the 27-percent interest accumulating on the credit cards I had used to live on," Daitch continued.

Later that year, he opened International Uniform, with a small loan from a local bank. He used his truck as collateral.

"My job was to find golf courses and medical personnel, who might want to purchase coveralls or medical scrubs. Slowly, my inventory increased, based on customer demand; however, my bank loans, payments, and overhead increased with it. My payables were always greater than my receivables, which is never where you want to be in any business. Then came 9/11 - nobody was buying anything, and those who owed me money were not paying."

At that point, Daitch began selling American flags and T-shirts from his truck at night and on weekends to support his retail business. "I worked 16-hour days or 112 hours a week. My incredible wife, Lisa, would bring me dinner and our kids, so I could kiss them goodnight before she took them home and put them to bed."

The young entrepreneur said he kept borrowing money against his building year after year until 2005, when he decided to make a profit, sell the business, or close the doors.

"I was frustrated; I was mad; and I was motivated - this was my turning point," Daitch stated.

He went on to say that since he had no money for advertising, he had to get creative. "I put on a white lab coat and visited nurses' stations on every floor of every hospital in the CSRA - I carried a clipboard and pen with me to write down the fax numbers posted on the telephones. Next, I bought Fax Talk software and for $40, I could send information to 1,200 prospects while they were sleeping.

"I also had to create a product people would get excited about, so I came up with the $15.95 scrub set. Then, in order to help customers find my store, I bought an old postal truck and covered it with larger-than-life letters that said, 'International Uniform "Home of the World Famous $15.95 Scrub Set."' It was ugly, but it worked."

In other comments, Daitch discussed the approach he uses to get customers to buy from him. "The most important thing is to listen to your customers' needs. Also, make their job easier. Even do their job for them."

He likewise encouraged business owners to adopt a "Blue Ocean Strategy." "Separate yourself from all others, and you own that portion of the market. If you take the path most traveled and copy what everybody else does, you will compete in a bloody ocean of cut-throat competition. Don't re-invent the wheel; just make it better."

In further remarks, Daitch outlined his strategy for motivating employees, which included:

.. Empower employees. "Teach them; set the example; and let them do their jobs. Don't micro-manage," he said.

.. Read "The One-Minute Manager."

.. Offer incentives such as a percentage of the ideas they create.

.. Give employees audio and printed materials to help them lead better lives - for example, information on how to get, ask for, and deserve a raise and how to lead happier, richer, more charitable lives.

.. Create a comfortable working environment.

.. Cross-train whenever possible.

In conclusion, Daitch encouraged members of the audience to be passionate and committed about their business. "Your customers will appreciate your passion. It tells them you care about the products you provide for them.

"I want you to dream it and do it. But remember, a business dream is not a business plan. Take time to develop a comprehensive business plan.

"You rarely get what you wish for but you can have what you go for, both in life and in business. I thank God every day that we live in a free country where we are the only obstacle standing in our way. No one can or will stop you from owning your own successful business."

In addition to Daitch's address, the program also featured "2007 in Review," a Power Point presentation made by Brandie Reese, chamber administrator.

Chamber highlights for 2007 included: the Terry Tankersley Memorial Trail Ride, Southern Gospel Night, the establishment of a chamber website, a visit by a delegation from China's Xiuzhou District in the Zhejiang Province, the designation of Lincoln County as "Entrepreneur Friendly" by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Holidays in Olde Lincoln Towne Festival, Breakfast with our Legislators, and various ribbon cuttings.

"This community is built on the backs of individuals who give of themselves," stated Reese. "I appreciate all that has been done to make Lincoln County a place to be proud of."

She further indicated that the accomplishments described above would not have been possible without the hard work of Alana Burke, who served as executive director of the chamber for a number of years, and Denise Hamrick, a chamber volunteer and former activities director. The audience gave both women with a round of applause.

During the awards portion of the program, community service awards were presented to Betty Adkins, "Public Safety Officer of the Year;" Perry Kirkland, "Firefighter of the Year;" Pam Norman, Lincoln County "Teacher of the Year;" and Talmadge Reed, "Businessman of the Year."

.. Betty Adkins - Public Safety Officer of the Year.

"Mrs. Betty Adkins has been employed by the county for over 10 years. She has trained numerous dispatchers to respond adequately and efficiently to the community's needs. Her philosophy of 'take each day and make it better than before' transfers into her work as she diligently seeks to help everyone around her do a better job."

.. Perry Kirkland - Firefighter of the Year.

"Mr. Kirkland, along with others, began working to establish the Loco Volunteer Fire Department in 1985. He became a certified firefighter in 1986 and was elected treasurer of the volunteer fire department when it was incorporated in 1987. He continues to serve as its treasurer."

.. Pam Norman - Teacher of the Year.

"As a member of the faculty at LCES, Mrs. Norman was selected as the Teacher of the Year for the Primary Grades in 1995, 2000, and 2006. In both 1995 and 2000, she went on to capture system-wide Teacher of the Year honors and has continued the tradition by being named the 2007 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year."

.. Talmadge Reed - Businessman of the Year.

"Mr. Talmadge, as he is known to all, has been a part of Lincoln County's business community for 62 years, getting his start in the pulpwood business as a 17-year-old senior at Lincolnton High School.

"Mr. Talmadge has either owned or operated a number of Lincoln County businesses including a building construction business, several different ice manufacturing plants, a Chevrolet dealership, a propane gas company, a cylinder exchange company, a wholesale poultry and frozen food company, a trucking company, and hog and veal production companies. Moreover, he was a partner in Reed and Holloway Poultry, Reed and Atkins Hauling, and Reed and Ludwig Hauling. He was also a landlord and a farmer.

"Mr. Talmadge has a number of memorable accomplishments, but two that stand out are his success in the poultry business and his leadership as a county commissioner.

"In 1960, Mr. Talmadge took over the operation of Reed Poultry from his father. At the time, the plant was processing approximately 50,000 birds per year. Nineteen years later when he sold the business to Criders Poultry, Inc., Mr. Talmadge had increased production to over eight million birds per year. A considerable number of Lincoln Countians found work at Reed Poultry during those years.

"On January 1, 1961, Mr. Talmadge was sworn in as a county commissioner, and he served continuously in that position until December 31, 1996. Over his 36 years of service, Mr. Talmadge played a direct role in getting many of the county's roads paved; building the courthouse annex, the library, and the health department; renovating the courthouse; and starting work on the county's water system.

"In between work and county business, Mr. Talmadge still found time for his community. He is a life-long member of Pine Grove United Methodist Church, serving the church in a number of capacities.

"Other memberships include the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln County Farm Bureau, the Lincoln County Cattleman's Association, and the Lincolnton Masonic Lodge. In addition to these very public associations, Mr. Talmadge has been a behind-thescenes contributor to hundreds, if not thousands, of community fundraising events over the years.

"And let's not forget Red Devil football. Mr. Talmadge has been and continues to be a Red Devil Fan. He has been an athletic booster club member for as long as anyone can remember. Coach Larry Campbell recently remarked at a gathering held in Mr. Talmadge's honor that Mr. Talmadge was one of the people he could always count on for support for athletic programs at LCHS.

"Mr. Talmadge, who was one of six children, was born to the late Fletcher Reed and Era Bowers Reed on June 16, 1929. He and his wife, the former Kathleen Wright, have four children, twins Kathy and Kenneth, Talmadge, Jr. or "Tab," and Havalyn. Mr. Talmadge and Mrs. Kathleen have also been blessed with 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren."

Each of the honorees received a plaque of appreciation from Nancy Hohlwein, chamber president, and Melissa Goldman, vice president, as well as a round of applause from the audience. Reed was rewarded with a standing ovation.

Due to illness, Pam Norman was u nable to attend the banquet. Dr. Randall Edmunds, superintendent of Lincoln County Schools, accepted the award on her behalf.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a plaque to Lonnie Martin, grand marshal of the 2007 Lincolnton Holiday Parade. The essay nominating Martin for the honor was written by Marcia Kirkland.

According to Kirkland, "Even after viewing many of his real-life Cinderella creations, I, along with many others, were more impressed by his desire to help. Lonnie's wealth does not come from material things but from his heart. He uses his talents for anyone and asks for absolutely nothing in return. If we all followed his example of giving of ourselves without expecting something in return, we would all be wealthy in the things that really mean the most in life!"

Martin was greeted with applause from those present.

Also during the program, Jason Raiford was named "Director of the Year." The purpose of the award is to recognize a member of the chamber's board of directors who has gone the extra mile to serve his community.

Raiford was an integral part of, if not the sole leader, in planning and implementing the chamber's new website.

Brandie Reese, chamber administrator, then recognized the out-going members of the 2007 Board of Directors: Jason Raiford, Tiwanna Ferguson, Byron Hogan, and Benton Cunningham. The board members were presented with plaques and thanked by Reese for their service to the chamber.

The chamber directors for 2008 were also announced. They are: Melissa Burgess, president; Al Danner, vice president; Rita Hussey, treasurer; Becky Goldman, secretary; Nancy Hohlwein, past president; Linda Burns; Stella Crosby; Joyce Crumbley; Ernie Doss; Matt Ivey; Judy Jordan; Jill McKinney; and Willie Murray.

In one of her last acts as president, Nancy Hohlwein presented Reese with a gift as a token of the board's appreciation.

"It's been a challenging year," said the president. "We had some staff changes and had to choose a new chamber administrator. We appreciate all that Brandie does behind the scenes."

In response, Reese said, "It's been wonderful to work with Nancy as president. She's been a phenomenal president and a great leader. I've learned a lot from her."

Reese then presented the out-going president with an engraved business card holder in recognition of her faithful service to the chamber.

In other remarks, Hohlwein said, "I've worked with the most amazing people on the chamber board. They care so much about the community. They want to see it grow and become the best it can be.

"I leave knowing the membership is in good hands, with good things yet to come. I'm excited to see what will happen next year."

In closing, Hohlwein thanked her husband and her parents for their support.

Serving as greeters for the occasion were Amanda Gay, Miss Lincoln County, and Brittany Perkins, Junior Miss Lincoln County.

The meal was catered by Dovie's Sweet Shop.