HISTORY
This event started in 2011 with an emphasis in promoting businesses locally owned and operated by women. It was under the umbrella of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce as a collaboration of the PWPC (Professional Women of Pickens County) and GMBWN (Georgia Mountain Business Women's Network) who organized, promoted and produced the event in 2011 and 2012.
In 2013, the Expo looked into the future and changed their name to Holiday Market & Expo and broke away from PWPC, GMBWN, and the Pickens Chamber. New board members were added and the event took on a "new life."
2014 saw the event grow and change even more. Additional vendors were added and the proceeds were distributed to charitable organization in the community.
2015 was our largest year thus far with over 100 vendors. A new addition to the weekend was our Friday Night Extravaganza.
2016 continued to grow with more than 150 vendors. Almost $12,000 was distributed to local charitable organizations in the community.
TIMELINE
Founded in 2011
Held on September 17, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Holy Family Episcopal Church, the North Georgia Women's Expo featured 33 Vendors and was produced by the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, PWPC and GMBWN. Proceeds awarded as scholarships to members of the Pickens Chamber Youth Leadership Program. Founders: Laura Daniels, Beth Coberly, Stephanie Ray, Michelle Roberson, and Pat Martin.
In 2012 the North Georgia's Women's Expo was held at Chattahoochee Tech on September 22, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. featuring 42 Vendors. Event was again under the umbrella of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, PWPC and GMBWN. Proceeds awarded as scholarships to members of the Pickens Chamber Youth Leadership Program. Board: Beth Coberly (chair), Stephanie Ray, Michelle Roberson, and Kay Lawrence.
In 2013 this Saturday Event was renamed Holiday Market & Expo. Over 80 Vendors filled Chattahoochee Tech on November 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This year marked the first private event with organized board: Beth Coberly (chair), Stephanie Ray, Michelle Roberson, and Kay Lawrence.
On Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Chattahoochee Tech, the Holiday Market & Expo featured over 90 Vendor from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This year proceeds were distributed to local charitable organizations. Board: Beth Coberly (chair), Stephanie Ray, Michelle Roberson, Kay Lawrence, Nancy Unzicker, and Linda Barnes.
In 2015 the Holiday Market & Expo at Chattahoochee Tech was a Friday and Saturday event held on November 19 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and November 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In 2016 the Holiday Market & Expo at Chattahoochee Tech was also a Friday and Saturday event held on November 18 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and November 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This year's event will be held at Chattahoochee Tech on Friday and Saturday: November 17 & 18, 2017.
2017 Team:
Michelle Roberson
Kay Lawrence
Donna McDonald
Gwen Brandon