Red Carpet Tour returning

GAINESVILLE - For the first time in several years, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's most successful marketing initiative is coming to Gainesville.

The Red Carpet Tour will be here in April 2004. Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman of Economic Development Richard Hagler will chair the committee coordinating the visit to northeast Georgia.

Since 1988, according to the Greater Hall Chamber, guests who participated in the Red Carpet Tour have announced more than three billion dollars in new and expanded business investments and created over 22,500 new jobs in Georgia. Hall County industries that located here after representatives participated in the Red Carpet Tour include Elan Pharmaceutical, Wrigley's, ATEX, StitchTech, and Mugele of America.

The 45th Red Carpet Tour, April 7-10 2004, will feature metro Atlanta, Augusta, and Gainesville.

Valentine also said the Chamber is beginning it a "Bricks for Business" program, a fundraiser utilizing 500 brick pavers sponsored by local businesses as a
walkway entrance to the new Chamber of Commerce building.

Each brick will be engraved with the sponsoring business or individual's name and
will promote the many businesses in the Hall County community.

The Cost is $50 per brick, and the "Bricks for Business" program is expected to raise some
$25,000 to be used for new technology in the Chamber building.