January is National Mentoring Month. Consider being a mentor to a child. Your commitment of one hour per week during school hours will make a difference. Call Bindy Auvermann for more information, 706-265-1981.

January 10 -- First Chamber meeting of the New Year! We are living in a global society, and many products and services can be sold overseas as well as locally. Have you ever wondered what it would take to market your product or service overseas? Amy Ryan, International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, will be the guest speaker at our meeting held at noon. Please mark your calendar now and plan to start the year off with new knowledge about global commerce. Gold Creek Resort in the Swan Lake Room at 12:00 pm. Lunch is $12 if you RSVP no later than January 7th by calling the Chamber or responding to my email. Lunch will be $15 without an RSVP.

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will hold the following Continuing Education classes for new business entrepreneurs as well as existing businesses. Classes will be held at theGainesville SBDC office at 999 Chestnut Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 Register for these online at www.gainesvillesbdc.org OR call 770-531-5681.

January 11 & 18, 2008 - Quick Books Series - 9AM-4PM, Cost: $199.00 for Series. This 2-part workshop provides participants with hands-on experience in the QuickBooks environment, including case studies that allow you to heighten your computer-assisted accounting skills through practical exercises.

January 16, 2008 - How To Start Your Own Business 6-8PM, This FREE seminar is co-sponsored by GB&T. If you are considering a small business, this workshop is a critical first step. Topics for discussion include the traits of successful entrepreneurs, market research, legal structures for your business, estimating start-up costs and cash flow projections, financing alternatives, failure factors and business planning. Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this comprehensive workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your business. A detailed business start-up workbook and other handouts are provided.

January 17, 2008 - Join us at Bella’s Corner Bistro as they host our first BAH of the New Year from 5-7 pm. Special thanks to AFLAC, Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine, Dr. Larry Anderson, Keller Williams Lanier Partners, Kristie Myers, United Community Bank, James Askew & www.dawsontoday.com , J.T. Trinkle for contributing to our cash drawing. It is now up to $450. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn.

January 23, 2008 - How to Write a Business Plan, 6-9PM, Cost $40.00. A business plan helps you start, build and manage your business. Learn why a business plan is critical to your success, especially if you need a loan or an investor for your business. This course will explain the sections of the business plan, what information is required for each section, and the general format for a business plan. In addition, you will receive a detailed planning outline and other information to help you develop an effective business plan right away.

For more information on any of these Dawson County Chamber of Commerce events, please call 706-265-6278 or visit www.dawson.org.