🎙 Episode 89: Keeping Kids Reading in Camden County

Host: Alison Shores
Guest: Mitch Blyler, Rotary Club of Camden County

In this powerful episode of the Get In Your Business Podcast, Alison Shores sits down with Mitch Blyler to discuss the Rotary Club of Camden County’s We Read program — a local initiative that provides children ages birth to five with a free book every month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The conversation highlights why early literacy is critical to long-term academic success. Children learn to read through third grade — and after that, they read to learn. If they fall behind early, it can impact their entire educational journey.

Mitch shares his personal connection to the program, explaining how his own daughter participated years before he even realized Rotary funded it locally. What started as a free book in the mail became a family tradition of reading together — and a passion for supporting literacy in Camden County.

But there’s a challenge.

The We Read program is:

100% locally funded

Not supported by Georgia state dollars

Approximately $32 per child per year

Serving nearly 300 children

Facing a growing waitlist of over 100 children

The Rotary Club is at a crossroads — and continued funding will determine whether the program can reopen enrollment and expand access.

The episode also explores:

What Rotary really does in Camden County

Hands-on service projects and local impact

Sponsorship opportunities for businesses

How younger professionals can get involved

Why supporting businesses that give back matters

This episode is a reminder that meaningful community change doesn’t require massive funding — sometimes it just takes $32 and a willingness to act.

Key Takeaways

✔ Early literacy sets the foundation for lifelong success
✔ The We Read program costs about $32 per child annually
✔ Local support is essential to keeping the program alive
✔ Rotary offers flexible ways to serve — including new satellite club options
✔ Businesses can sponsor multiple community events through Rotary

How to Support

📚 Sponsor a child
🤝 Become a business sponsor
💛 Donate to help reopen the waitlist

Visit: camdencountyrotary.org

About the Guest

Mitch Blyler serves with the Rotary Club of Camden County and has been a long-time advocate for community service and literacy. Through hands-on projects and fundraising efforts, he works to strengthen Camden County for future generations.

Connect & Subscribe

Episode 88: For Camden — A Conversation with Pastor Jon McClarnon

What does it mean to be “for Camden”?

In this episode, Alison sits down with Pastor Jon McClarnon, Lead Pastor of Christ Church Camden, to talk about mission, community, and why church shouldn’t feel intimidating.

Christ Church Camden exists to lead disconnected and unfulfilled people toward a full life in Jesus — and they believe that life can start right now, not someday.

Pastor Jon shares his journey from Missouri to Camden County, the growth of the church since 2018, and why unity among churches matters. They discuss the addition of a Thursday night service, the launch of an affordable preschool, and the impact of programs like Hope 1312 Closet and Care Portal in supporting foster families and meeting real needs in real time.

The conversation also explores Rooted, message-based small groups, and why you don’t need to have your life together to walk through the doors of a church.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected, unsure, or hesitant about church — this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

The mission behind Christ Church Camden

Why being “For Camden” matters

Building unity among local churches

Hope 1312 Closet and foster care support

Rooted and small group connection

Why you don’t need to have it all figured out

📍 Get Connected

If you’re looking for community, purpose, or simply a place to start — Christ Church Camden invites you to come as you are.

🌐 Website:https://www.christchurchcamden.com
📞 Church Office: ((912) 405-8181)
📍 Location: 250 Lake Pointe Dr, Kingsland, GA 31548
⏰ Sunday Services: 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM
➕ Coming Soon: Thursday Night Service

Whether you’ve been in church your whole life or haven’t stepped into one in years, you’re welcome here.

👉 Visit the website to learn more, sign up for Rooted, explore small groups, or find the right next step for you and your family.

Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who may be looking for connection in Camden County.

Podcast Show Notes — Episode 87

Get ’N Your Business Podcast
Host: Alison Shores
Guest: Executive Chef Chad — Locals Dockside
Location: St. Marys, Georgia

Episode Overview

In Episode 87, Allison Shores welcomes Executive Chef Chad of Locals Dockside for a deep dive into coastal cuisine, scratch-made cooking, and what it takes to deliver a standout waterfront dining experience in Camden County. Chef Chad shares his culinary journey, menu philosophy, ingredient sourcing, and the customer-first mindset that sets Locals apart.

What You’ll Hear

Chef Chad’s path from Jacksonville, Tallahassee (FSU), Miami, and Sandestin to Coastal Georgia

The “casual coastal” vibe paired with upscale, chef-driven food

Why everything is made from scratch—no pre-made shortcuts

Ingredient standards: Certified Angus Beef, local Brunswick shrimp, and fresh fish delivered weekly

Menu favorites: Bayou Blaze Tacos, Penne Alla Vodka, and Jacked Up Jambalaya

Weekly specials: All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp Wednesdays & Grouper Finger Friday

The science behind authentic Louisiana-style jambalaya

Above-and-beyond hospitality, custom menus, and private events

Rapid-fire Q&A and a jaw-dropping (and cautionary) kitchen mishap story

Reservations, holiday planning, and what to expect on busy days

Notable Quotes

“Everything in the kitchen is from scratch.”

“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”

“If the customer wants something, we make it happen.”

Restaurant Info

Locals Dockside
📍 307 W St. Marys St, St. Marys, GA
🕒 Wed–Sat 11am–9pm | Sun 11am–8pm (Closed Mon–Tue)
📞 Reservations recommended, especially for Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day

Listen & Subscribe

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

👍 Like, share, and subscribe for more hyper-local business stories from Camden County.

In Episode 86 of the Get In Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores welcomes Baron from the Jacksonville North St. Marys KOA Holiday for a fun and informative conversation about one of Camden County’s most surprising destinations.

What starts with a story about Sprinkles, the campground’s biscuit-loving bunny mascot, quickly turns into a deeper look at how this family-owned KOA Holiday has become much more than a traditional campground. Baron shares how his family took ownership in 2021 and focused on creating a guest-first experience built around comfort, nature, and genuine customer service.

Listeners learn about the campground’s standout amenities, including cabins, RV and tent sites, a unique shipping container cabin, mini golf, a pool with a slide, disc golf, volleyball, dog-friendly spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and shaded walking paths. The episode also highlights the on-site restaurant and bar—open to the public—which features local beer, wine from nearby vineyards, and casual dining favorites.

Baron discusses the future of camping, blending outdoor simplicity with modern conveniences, and shares how traveling across the United States in a small camper shaped his vision for what guests truly want. The episode wraps with rapid-fire questions covering sunset campfires, Georgia heat, and unforgettable camping memories.

Whether you’re a local looking for a staycation, a traveler passing through on I-95, or just curious about modern camping, this episode offers a great look at a hidden gem right here in Camden County.

🔑 Episode Highlights

Meet Sprinkles, the campground’s unofficial bunny mascot

Why this KOA Holiday is more than just camping

Cabins, RVs, tents, and a shipping container cabin

Family-friendly amenities including a pool with a slide

On-site restaurant and bar open to the public

Real customer service from a family-owned operation

Convenient I-95 location with big-rig-friendly sites

📣 Call-to-Action Links

🔗 Book a Stay or Explore Amenities
👉 https://koa.com/campgrounds/jacksonville-north-st-marys/

📍 Get Directions (I-95, Exit 1)
👉 https://maps.google.com/?q=Jacksonville+North+St+Marys+KOA+Holiday

🍽️ Visit the On-Site Restaurant (Open to the Public)
👉 https://koa.com/campgrounds/jacksonville-north-st-marys/

🎧 Listen to Episode 86
👉 https://camdenchamber.com/north-jaxstmarys-koa-holiday

🏛️ Learn More About the Camden County Chamber
👉 https://camdenchamber.com

👍 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help support local business stories in Camden County.

Podcast Show Notes

Podcast: Get In Your Business Podcast
Episode: 82
Host: Allison Shores (Camden County Chamber of Commerce)
Guest:Jill Gay-Garay, owner of Salon Ella + Spa + Boutique Ella (St. Marys, GA)
Presented by: Chairman Circle Sponsors (as mentioned in episode)

Episode Summary

Allison Shores sits down with Jill Gay-Garay longtime Camden County local and founder of Salon Ella, to talk about how Jill built a true “one-stop shop” in St. Marys—salon, spa, and boutique all under one roof. Jill shares the meaningful story behind the name Ella, how the business has grown since opening in 2007, how her team keeps the experience welcoming and stress-free for clients, and what it’s really like to run a growing business while still working behind the chair.

They also get into fun real-life topics like boutique buying (and why it’s a gamble), hair changes with age, and Jill’s best tips for “sleep hair” when hormones and night sweats are doing the most.

Key Topics Covered

The story behind the name “Ella” (Ella + Parker) and why it matters

How Salon Ellar grew from a small team into a larger operation

What Salon Ella offers: salon services, spa services, and boutique shopping

Creating a “walk in and feel at home” experience (greeting, layout, retail convenience)

Boutique buying: balancing styles, ages, body types, and trends

Jill’s reality: owner + stylist (25 years behind the chair)

Team culture: “work family,” low drama, high respect

Hair + hormones: simple solutions like a silk bonnet

Favorite Camden County spots + go-to hair product

If handed $1,000… Jill’s spending it on a reset trip

Quick Highlights

Salon Ella Par opened in 2007 with Jill’s kids still tiny—and has steadily expanded ever since.

The salon’s layout is intentional: easy retail access without walking through the entire salon.

Jill says boutique buying is “shopping with other people’s eyes,” so they buy as a team to cover more styles.

Hair changes as you age? Jill says 100% yes—just like skin.

Best sleep-hair fix: silk pillowcase + silk bonnet.

Full Show Notes: https://camdenchamber.com/getnyour-bis/salon-ella-par

00:00 Opening Banter

02:52 Ellar Overview

05:26 Boutique Strategy

09:33 Owner Life

12:10 Community Gratitude

15:44 Rapid Questions