b2 ideas

Mountain Biking in North Georgia

The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host several staff members from Dirt Rag Mountain Bike Magazine to north Georgia during Spring Break – showcasing exactly why Gilmer County is the official “Mountain Bike Capital” of Georgia.

Dirt Rag Mountain Bike Magazine @ Bear Creek

Dirt Rag, one of the nation’s premier magazines for mountain biking enthusiasts, were treated to a heavy does of Southern hospitality, spending time at the Mulberry Gap Bunkhouse, located on the Super Epic Pinhoti Trail, as well as luxurious cabin compliments of Sliding Rock Cabin Rentals.

Bear Creek Mountain Bike Trail

Look Like Fun - Stanley Gap Trail

The group was guided along several of the area’s best trails by Rick Moon of the NWGA SORBA Chapter and Mike Palmeri of the EMBA (www.ellijaymountainbike.org).  The group had the opportunity to ride Pinhoti III/IV, Snake Creek Gap, Bear Creek, River Loop, Stanley Gap and Pinhoti I/II.

Additionally, the group participated in a volunteer trail maintenance session on Bear Creek, organized by EMBA, one of the smallest, but most passionate SORBA Chapters in the country.

The Dirt Rag staff including Karl Rosengarth, Justin Steiner, Shannon Mominee and Matt Kasprzyk, also attended a meet and greet reception hosted by the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, visited the Cartecay River Bicycle Shop and had the opportunity to visit with Ellijay Mayor, Al Hoyle.

The group’s visit to Gilmer County will be featured in the May issue of Dirt Rag Mountain Bike Magazine.

North Georgia’s Gilmer County a Generational Destination

Gilmer County, Georgia, March 24, 2010 – North Georgia’s Gilmer County, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and just an hour outside of Atlanta, is becoming a leading destination for “generational tourism,” or individuals who return to a favorite travel destination on a regular basis to pass along childhood experiences and memories to younger generations.

“We are seeing a trend of extended families vacationing together, often covering three generations,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.  “Folks will often utilize their vacation time as mini family reunions, having everyone meet in a central location – someplace with activities that appeal to grandparents, parents and children of all ages, yet a destination that won’t be a budget breaker,” says Green.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Active seniors generally enjoy tracing the roots of their childhood, visiting a favorite local business and spending time with their grandchildren, while Baby Boomers like the “self fulfillment” of hiking part of the Appalachian Trail or the thrill of whitewater rafting.

Generation X, usually with kids in tow, can hit the local rivers in a tube or canoe, or can visit Amicalola Falls State Park, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.  Generation Y is activity-focused, pushing the extremes of the county’s more than 150 miles of mountain biking trails.

“Visiting Gilmer County and its Apple Alley is a fall tradition for families, and we’ve had customers who have returned here each year for more than 60 years,” says Janice Hale, owner of Hillcrest Orchards.  “The taste of hot apple cider, the smell of hot apple pies baking, and the soft touch of our friendly farm animals are experiences that have been shared from generation to generation,” adds Hale.

River Loop Mountain Bike Trail

And, as with all vacations, there’s always a photograph to capture the memory.  Families take to Gilmer County’s wilderness, returning to a favorite mountain-view or streamside location for a family photograph.  In fact, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce offers a list of great photo locations on its web site.

For visitor information and traveler specials, visit www.gilmerchamber.com, or join our fan page on Facebook at The Ellijays.

A Spring Break Vacation That Won’t “Break” the Budget

Gilmer County, Georgia, February 23, 2010 — With Spring Break just around the corner, tough economic times are forcing many families to take a closer look at the cost associated with a family vacation.  Enter the leading cabin rental companies of North Georgia’s Gilmer County, offering Spring Break promotions that won’t break the budget.

Gilmer County, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, and just an hour from Atlanta, is fast becoming a leading family vacation spot, due to its location, selection of cabin rentals and wide array of inexpensive, and often free, outdoor activities for the entire family.

“Gilmer County is Georgia’s outdoor playground, and our natural resources provide for a great vacation experience,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.  “Visitors have access to hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as multiple streams, rivers and lakes for fishing, kayaking, canoeing or tubing.  We’re also centrally located for quick trips to vineyards, white water rafting and shopping,” adds Green.  Some of the cabin rental promotions include:

Spring Break in North Georgia

Bear Den Cabin Rentals – From February 15-April 29, stay three nights and only pay for two. Discount must be mentioned when placing the reservation. Options include a selection of creek side and mountain-view cabins, featuring two, three and four bedrooms.  www.beardengetaways.com

TGIF Cabin Rentals – With more than a dozen cabins to choose from, TGIF Cabin Rentals is offering a three-night stay for the price of two nights.  The company also offers 10 percent discounts for AARP members, teachers, police officers, firefighters and military personnel.  www.tgifcabinrentals.com

Serenity Cabin Rentals – Stay two nights, and get the third night free.  The company also provides a gift certificate for a dinner for two at a local restaurant.  Serenity Cabin Rentals offers several add-on services, including pre-arrival grocery delivery, meal delivery and chef services.  www.myserenitycabins.com

Sliding Rock Properties – This 100 percent pet-friendly cabin rental company is offering a free night with a rental of three or more nights.  Several of its cabins feature eight bedrooms, and many include fireplaces, hot tubs, wireless Internet and outdoor fire pits.  www.slidingrockcabins.com

KZ Cabins – This cabin rental company offers a 10 percent discount on last minute reservations, and also rewards repeat customers with a 10 percent discount.  With cabins large enough to sleep 20 people, KZ Cabins has rentals located in several of the area’s top resort communities, with amenities including golf, horseback riding, pools, tennis and basketball courts, fishing ponds, fitness centers and more.  www.kzcabins.com

The Villas at Coosawattee – Stay three nights and pay for two, or stay seven nights and pay for five.  This resort features numerous charming cabins, A-frames, villas and condos from which to choose, and features activities suitable for everyone. www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com

North Georgia Luxury Cabin Rentals – Stay three nights and pay for two, or a stay seven and pay for five.  By mentioning the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce web site, the company will waive any pet fees.  www.1mymountain.com

According to Green, the members of Gilmer County’s Chamber of Commerce not only offer great products, but also provide services such as guided mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and fishing excursions.

For travel specials and promotions, visit the Chamber’s web site at www.gilmerchamber.com.  Also, to keep up with what’s happening in Gilmer County, join the Chamber’s “The Ellijays” Facebook fan page, and share your travel photos, recommended activities, and memories from your visit.

North Georgia’s Gilmer County Promotes Cabin Fever - Vacation Rentals in the Mountains

Gilmer County, Georgia, February 17, 2010 – Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and just a one-hour drive from Atlanta, North Georgia’s Gilmer County has come down with “cabin fever,” but according to the area’s Chamber of Commerce – “cabin fever in a good way.”

A year-round travel destination, Gilmer County is promoting its vast array of accommodations, including cabin rentals, bed and breakfasts, ride-in mountain bike retreats and even “glamping,” or glamorous camping.

“We’ve got a place for anyone, from six-bedroom mountainside homes that are perfect for family holidays or reunions, to rustic, streamside log cabins for a quick weekend retreat with a loved one,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.

North Georgia Cabin Rentals

According to Jerri Nowlen, owner of Sliding Rock Cabins, visitors like finding a rental that “feels like home, yet has a different view.”

“We have options in all price ranges, and most of our cabin rentals have great amenities, including wonderful views, dog-friendly, wireless Internet, fireplaces, hot tubs and even outdoor fire pits,” says Nowlen.

Local rental companies regularly offer packages, including “Dog Days” featuring special gifts for the pooch, “Romantic Nights” with discounted rates for couples and “Go Play Outside,” with outdoor activities designed for the kids.

Gilmer County’s popularity as Georgia’s largest outdoor playground continues to grow with visitors, second homeowners and retirees coming from across the country to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

With more than 100 miles of mountain biking trails, Gilmer County has been officially designated as the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia. Mulberry Gap is a favorite among mountain bikers of all skill levels, offering cabins, camping, meals and bike services, all located on the renowned Pinhoti Trail, providing access to more than 100 miles of single-track trails.

For those looking for a truly unique mountain experience, try glamping at The Martyn House. Great for a girl’s weekend, The Martyn House features three luxuriously appointed tents imported from India, and situated on an 18-acre wooded site. Tents feature electricity, real beds, floors, bathrooms and front porches.

The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce is a 500+ member strong business association serving Gilmer County, Ellijay, and East Ellijay, GA. Operating two Welcome Centers, the Chamber also serves as the destination marketing organization for the county. For visitor information and traveler specials, visit www.gilmerchamber.com, or join our fan page on Facebook at The Ellijays.

Bass Champs Kicks-Off 2010 Tournament Season - Minn Kota and Humminbird Introduced as Newest Sponsors

Bass Champs

“We’re proud to be associated with two of the industry’s most well known brands in Humminbird and Minn Kota,” says Chad Potts, President of Bass Champs. “Our tournament anglers’ success depends heavily on having the right equipment on their boats, and with innovative and quality products from Humminbird and Minn Kota, this success is usually only one cast away,” says Potts.

Both Humminbird and Minn Kota are part of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, LLC, which also includes Cannon brands. Humminbird is a leading innovator and manufacturer of fishfinders, fishfinder/GPS combo units, chart plotters, marine radios and digital depth gauges. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as offering a complete line of battery chargers, Trim Tabs and marine accessories.

Johnson Outdoors is committed to providing innovative, top-quality recreation products that make it easy for people to have fun outdoors. For more information about Johnson Outdoors, visit www.johnsonoutdoors.com. For information about Humminbird products, visit www.humminbird.com. For information about Minn Kota products, visit www.minnkotamotors.com.

North Georgia’s Gilmer County Set to Spread the Word - County Launches Public/Media Relations Campaign

Gilmer County, Georgia, January 28, 2010 – With hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, cabin rentals to suit any budget, great shopping and restaurants, friendly folks, and of course, apples galore, Georgia’s Gilmer County is a secret no more, as the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce launches a public/media relations campaign targeting the tourism and travel market.

“We have so much to offer as a great and unique travel alternative, and we’re spreading the word about North Georgia’s outdoor playground,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce. “Our location, just an hour north of Atlanta and nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, provides a scenic background for outdoor enthusiasts, families, couples and anyone seeking a great travel destination,” added Green.

Visit North Georgia's Gilmer County

According to Green, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Opelika, Alabama-based b2 ideas for the design and implementation of its public/media relations efforts. “Our primary objective is to differentiate Gilmer County from other locations, and encourage potential travelers to check out Gilmer County to see if it offers what they are seeking for an extended vacation or quick weekend getaway,” says Bob Bartels, owner of b2 ideas.

Bartels says that this public relations campaign will push out information about Gilmer County as a travel destination, reaching potential visitors through online and social networking efforts, but also targeting regional travel, tourism and lifestyle journalists.

Gilmer County is well known by many nicknames. With more than 100 miles of mountain biking trails, Gilmer County has been officially designated as the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia. At 432 square miles, over half of the county is public land, creating a virtual outdoor playground for hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, canoeing and nature lovers.

While Georgia is the Peach State, Gilmer County happens to be the state’s Apple Capital, with its orchards producing more than 600,000 bushels of delicious mountain-grown apples annually. Hwy. 52, or “Apple Alley,” features dozens of apple houses and orchards, great for family fun, with each offering pick-your-own apples, baked goods, including apple pies and breads, different kinds of cider, gifts, local arts and crafts. And, what better way to celebrate Gilmer County’s apple heritage than October’s Georgia Apple Festival held the 2^nd and 3^rd weekends of October each year.

To learn more about everything Georgia’s Apple Capital has to offer visit www.gilmerchamber.com. Remember to bookmark the Chamber website and visit often for great deals from local businesses.

The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce is a 500+ member strong business association serving Gilmer County, Ellijay, and East Ellijay, GA. Operating two Welcome Centers, the Chamber also serves as the destination marketing organization for the county.

Bass Champs Kicks-Off 2010 Tournament Season - Progressive Insurance Introduced as Newest Sponsor

Bass Champs kicked-off 2010 with excitement this past weekend, as Terry Oldham of Wimberley, and teammate Jaime Buitron of San Antonio, took first place, taking home more than $20,000 in cash, including bonus money from sponsors Costa and Sure Life. The team bested 200 teams, weighing in a five fish limit, including an 11.74 lb. lunker.

Progressive Insurance Joins Bass Champs

“Whether you’re a tournament angler or recreational boater, Progressive has a host of products and services designed to meet each individual’s needs,” says Chad Potts, President of Bass Champs. “We are proud to be associated with Progressive, and look forward to helping the company educate bass anglers about protecting both themselves and their property,” says Potts.

For boaters, Progressive offers specialized insurance policies with rewards like Disappearing Deductibles, and options like Roadside Assistance, On-Water Towing, Total Loss Replacement and more.

Progressive, in business since 1937, is one of the country’s largest auto insurance groups and offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat, and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company.

For 2010, the Bass Champs Tournament Trail hits some of the best bass fisheries in the state of Texas, including Cedar Creek, Lake Fork, Lake Ray Roberts, Lake Lewisville, Lake Tawakoni, Sam Rayburn, Lake Belton, Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Amistad, Choke Canyon and Falcon Lake. Tournament winners earn a guaranteed $20,000 check, with qualifiers from the North, Central, East and South Divisions meeting at the Team Championships for a shot at their share of more than $100,000.

Bass Champs sponsors include some of the fishing, marine and outdoor industries most well known brands, including Skeeter, Yamaha, The World Fishing Network, Berkley, Minn Kota Trolling motors, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Abu Garcia, Humminbird Electronics, Progressive, Costa Sunglasses, Sure-Life Industries, All Star Graphite Rods, Hooters, Continental Batteries, Allen Samuels Auto Group, Navionics, Billy Bob’s Texas, Jasper Chamber of Commerce, Sabine Country Chamber of Commerce, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, Wood County Industrial Commission and Zapata County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Progressive Insurance, visit www.progressive.com.

For more information, tournament schedule, entry forms, Bass Champs merchandise, or to receive the Bass Champs e-newsletter for regular updates on tournament happenings, visit www.basschamps.com. Bass Champs can be seen nationally on WFN – the World Fishing Network. For air times/dates, visit www.wfn.tv.

Navionics Renews Bass Champs Sponsorship for 2010 - Mobile App Gives Competitive Edge

“Navionics is very proud to be a continuing sponsor of the Bass Champs Tournament Trail, and as the leader in electronic charts, we are dedicated surveying all the important tournament lakes in the US, as well as many in Canada,” says Art Wright, Navionics South Central Sales Manager.

“Bass Champs anglers are our customers – the hard core tournament fisherman as well as the novice just getting into fishing. The field is not restricted so it gives us a chance to educate all the anglers on our product and the use of our product as an essential fishing tool,” says Wright.

Navionics and Bass Champs

According to Wright, Navionics provides details that no other product can offer. The company’s Hot Maps software packages offer an array of lake data, such as 1’ bottom contours, 3D view, satellite photo overlay and panoramic lake views. The company’s new Mobile App for iPhone users now puts vital lake information and charts at your fingertips, making tournament fishing even more exciting.

In addition to the company’s Lakes Maps, Navionics also features a host of products for saltwater navigation, great for boating and fishing. Navionics Outdoor Maps is a comprehensive electronic chart package for GPS navigation, with full details for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, trail riding, skiing, ATV riding, etc.

“During the past decade, we’ve seen first-hand how electronic chart technology has transformed the tournament fishing industry, and we continue to see more and more of our Bass Champs competitors using this information to be successful tournament anglers,” says Bass Champs President, Chad Potts. “Bass fishing more than just a weekend, and with the opportunity to win several thousand dollars, these folks look to companies such as Navionics for an edge. We’re proud to have an industry leader like Navionics on-board as a sponsor,” adds Potts.

Navionics, based in Massarosa, Italy, with its US headquarters in Wareham, Massachusetts, is a leader in the development of electronic navigation charts and systems for marine coastal areas, inland lakes and rivers, and for outdoors use. Navionics electronic charts are easy to use, contain integrated data from official paper charts, feature automatic detection of possible dangers, feature real-time display of position, course, speed and track, and include layered data display capabilities. Navionics new Mobile App and Viewing Charts for iPhone has recently received several industry awards. For more information about Navionics, visit www.navionics.com.

Hooters Texas Joins Bass Champs Tournament Trail - 2010 Heats Up with Nearly World Famous Chicken Wings

Fort Worth, Texas, January 5, 2009 – There’s not much better in life than bass fishing and Hooters Nearly World Famous Chicken Wings, and for 2010, Bass Champs and Hooters Texas have teamed up to give Texas’ estimated two million bass anglers with the opportunity to fish the state’s best fisheries, and win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

“The popularity of bass fishing in the state of Texas, and the success and growth of Bass Champs is something we wanted to be a part of for 2010,” says Mike Herrick of Texas Wings. “We’ve tried many traditional sponsorships in the past, and each has become stale and ineffective over time. We believe that Bass Champs has put together an exciting program and tournament schedule for 2010, combining the outdoor experience with fun and competitiveness,” adds Herrick.

Hooters and Bass Champs Team Up

Herrick recommends that Bass Champs anglers keep their Hooters receipts. “If your team wins the Big Bass Award at any Bass Champs team event, and you have a Hooters receipt dated within 30 days of the tournament, you’ll receive a free entry fee to the next Bass Champs event.”

Texas Wings, a franchise of Hooters of America, Inc., opened its first restaurant in 1989 at the Historic West End in Dallas, and the company recently celebrated its 20^th Anniversary in Texas. Now, the company owns and operates 42 locations across the state, each serving great food, with great service, at reasonable prices, in a relaxed atmosphere, and featuring the World Famous Hooters Girls.

“Hooters is one of the most well-known brands in the country, if not the world, and we’re excited to partner with Texas Wings throughout our 2010 tournament trail,” says Chad Potts, President of Bass Champs. “Our 2010 schedule includes stops in many communities where Texas Wings owns and operates Hooters establishments, and I’m confident that when our tournament anglers aren’t on the water fishing, you’ll find them enjoying the great food and great fun that is found at all Hooters restaurants,” Potts added.

For 2010, the Bass Champs Tournament Trail hits some of the best bass fisheries in the state of Texas, including Cedar Creek, Lake Fork, Lake Ray Roberts, Lake Lewisville, Lake Tawakoni, Sam Rayburn, Lake Belton, Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Amistad, Choke Canyon and Falcon Lake. Tournament winners earn a guaranteed $20,000 check, with qualifiers from the North, Central, East and South Divisions meeting at the Team Championships for a shot at their share of more than $100,000.

For more information about Texas Wings, find retail locations, view the menu, check out daily specials, and meet our Hooter Girls, please visit www.hooterstexas.com.

Bass Champs sponsors include some of the fishing, marine and outdoor industries most well known brands, including Skeeter, Yamaha, The World Fishing Network, Berkley, Minn Kota Trolling motors, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Abu Garcia, Humminbird Electronics, Progressive, Costa Sunglasses, Sure-Life Industries, All Star Graphite Rods, Hooters, Continental Batteries, Allen Samuels Auto Group, Navionics, Billy Bob’s Texas, Jasper Chamber of Commerce, Sabine Country Chamber of Commerce, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, Wood County Industrial Commission and Zapata County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, tournament schedule, entry forms, Bass Champs merchandise, or to receive the Bass Champs e-newsletter for regular updates on tournament happenings, visit www.basschamps.com.