Gilmer Community Service

Community Service:

·         Youth Mentoring – Shirley and I have devoted a great deal of time and energy into the young people of our community. This began in another community before our time at the Christian Learning Center here in Ellijay, and continues until today. We literally have scores of teens and twenty-somethings who regularly seek us out for counsel as they navigate their way into adulthood. Some of our dearest friends are in the 17 to 30 year range.

·         Board of Directors, Gilmer Chamber of Commerce. It has been my privilege to serve on the Chamber Board for the past four years, including the Chairman position in 2013. This role has put me in touch with many passionate and determined folks from the private sector who are determined to make Gilmer the best it can be.

·         Spearheaded the effort to have Ellijay/Gilmer designated an Appalachian Trail Town. This work took approximately 18 months, and culminated in a designation ceremony in September, 2012.

·         Catalyst Group Facilitator –I have the privilege of serving as leader and spokesperson of the Catalyst Group, a public sector/private sector team dedicated to moving Gilmer forward to a brighter future. This eighteen member group is comprised of 9 from the public and 9 from the private sector and has experienced a great deal of success bringing all of the stakeholders of our community together to work on common goals and directions.

·         Georgia Apple Festival Board of Directors – I am currently serving my third year on the Apple Festival Board and currently serve as its Chair. During my tenure, the Apple Festival has successfully transitioned from the long-time service of Scott Sharp to a negotiated contract of services with the Gilmer Chamber for management of the day to day operations of the Festival.

Education and Experience

Education:

·         BBA in Management Science from University of Georgia, Terry School of Business in 1979

·         MDIV in Biblical Studies  from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2004

·         Graduate of “Leadership Gilmer,” class of 2008

·         Graduate of “Regional Economic & Leadership Development,” from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development in 2012

Career Experience:

·         1979-2002 Independent Manufacturer’s Representative in the Furniture Industry. This position involved initiating and maintaining business relationships between various Southeastern Manufacturers and Retailers.

·         2003-2009 Director, Gilmer Christian Learning Center. This position involved administration of the non-profit organization as well as student interaction both inside the classroom and out.

·         2009-Present: Owner/Operator, along with my wife Shirley, North Georgia Mountain Outfitters, an outdoor outfitter to serve the needs of the hiking and paddling community.

Welcome, I’m glad you’re here!

Hello everyone, my name is Travis Crouch and I am a candidate for Gilmer Post 2 Commissioner. Let me begin by introducing myself. I am a healthy 55 year old lifelong resident of the great state of Georgia. I have been married to Shirley, the love of my life for the past 33 years. Our only daughter, Whitney Crouch has been a staff writer for the Times Courier for the past 4 years. We first bought property here in Gilmer back in 1989 and we built a second home there a couple of years later. We have hiked the trails and paddled the streams of Gilmer County for the past 30 years and have been fortunate enough to call Gilmer our full time home for the past twelve. I approach life from a Christian worldview, and my family worships at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cherrylog. We love the outdoors, and Shirley and I own and operate North Georgia Mountain Outfitters, a local shop serving the hiking, backpacking, and paddling community. Check back in the weeks ahead. I will be introducing myself more fully along with my dreams for our wonderful community. For now, however, let me just say welcome, I’m glad you’re here. Til next time, Travis