Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County January / February 2014
Official Publication of
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Community breaks ground on latest Speculative Building According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, over 75% of initial industry locations begin the search looking at existing buildings. Polk County is blessed to have a very vibrant industrial base that is utilizing all of the available suitable industrial buildings. The Development Authority of Polk County, partnering with the Polk County Commission and the City of Cedartown broke ground on the community’s fifth speculative building as part of the community’s economic development product portfolio. Polk County has had great success with the speculative building program over the past 20 years. Over $225,000,000 in private investment and 1500 jobs are in the community directly based on industries located inside a speculative building or who looked at speculative building and then located nearby. It is estimated that the speculative building will cost $2.900,000 including the land and financing cost and will be available for delivery in mid June, 2014. The funds to build the building come from three primary sources: $1,300,000 from the 2008 SPLOST specifically for economic development, $1,000,000 in debt secured by the project and $200,000 in a special loan from OneGeorgia. Once the building is sold all monies will be recouped and repaid to the community and debt holders. The 100,000sf building is easily expandable to 200,000sf on the existing 18.3 acre pad and can be expanded to 350,000sf on the adjacent 9 acres of land. Constructed primarily as a metal building, there will be two side of brick with an attractive metal framed wall of glass allowing the end user to show case the impressive view of the Northwest Georgia foothills. The floor and office space is unfinished to allow for maximum flexibility to the end user. Target industries include automotive suppliers, flooring manufactures, advanced manufacturers, plastics & composites, aerospace manufacturing and food.
Table of Contents
Connection News ................................................... 2 Events Calendar...................................................... 3 Connection News................................................... 4 Welcome New Members......................................... 7 Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8
Events Calendar
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
January 10th thru March 1st Members Only Show Come out and view amazing works of art created by Members and Patrons of the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center in the Art Gallery located at 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300
Mill Town Music Hall is committed to providing West Georgia with a quality wholesome entertainment venue. Boasting a state-of-the-art audio and visual system, the venue hosts numerous Southern Gospel, Contemporary, Christian, Country and Bluegrass concerts, along with other family-friendly events. Conveniently located off I-20 Mill Town Music Hall is in Bremen, GA on 1031 Alabama Avenue. For more infor**The Rockmart Cultural Arts Center also offers Drawing, Guitar, Oil mation or to purchase tickets go to www.milltownmusichall.com or call Painting, Piano, Portraits, Pottery, Sewing, and Whittling and for writers 770-537-6455. of any kind a newly formed Writers' Round. Also offering at the Cultural Arts Center is Ballet Classes: Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced, if Mill Town Upcoming Events you are interested in any of these classes please call Art Director Leigh Hulsey at 770-684-2707 or rcac@rockmart-ga.gov Saturday, January 18 - Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver with special guests, Eagle's Wings, 7:00 pm- Tickets $25 Downtown Cedartown Association Tuesday, January 21 - Please join us for hors d'oevres and a presen- Saturday, February 1 - A Ladies' Event with Kay Arthur- "Spiritual Preptation on incentives for invesetment in Cedartown's Historic Business aration for the Rocky Road Ahead", 9:30 am- 4:00 pm- Tickets $35 District 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Cedartown City Hall, 201 East Avenue RSVP to 770-748-2090. Friday, February 21 - Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson, 7:30 pmTickets $30 ROCKMART CULTURAL ARTS CENTER & THEATRE Pi Works, a local film project working through the RCAC, will assemble WELSHfest volunteer cast and crew members from the Rockmart Community in Mae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/ The Welsh Festival is coming! March 15, 2014, January and February to produce a local film this Spring. Join us in a 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Many favorite events from previous years are fun, hands-on way experience and learn about the film making process returning at this year's Festival including the docent led tours of the Van and digital cinematography. Pre-production meetings and training will Wert Chapel and Historic Downtown Rockmart, Dudley's Movies, the help prepare volunteers to work on set, then we'll roll up our sleeves for "Keeping up with the Joneses' fun run and of course: Men in Rockmart lights, camera, and action! Email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov to get on our (in kilts). The Food tent will feature the great Bar-b-que sandwiches mailing list for this project. Crew, Cast, and Extras will be needed. and Welsh desserts that the Festival is known for but also hamburgers, hotdogs and snow cones this year. Local and Welsh performers will be singing on the steps throughout the day. An expanded Honey contest THE ARTS CENTER THEATRE Rockmart Community Theatre Auditions will be held soon. Email rcac@ and show and Vendors Village is also in the mix. A special Children's Area with special games, crafts, storytelling and a special visit from rockmart-ga.gov to get on our mailing list for this project. Rocky the Dragon. The Welsh Games, an almost Olympic Sports area, will include teams of 4 in a series of time tested athletic endurance tests. You can visit their website at Welshfest.vpweb.com for more updated information.
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Come join your Polk County Chamber of Commerce, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and the Haralson County Chamber of Commerce for a Joint Business After-Hours at Milltown Music Hall.
January 23, 2014 5pm – 7pm
Usher in the New Year by not looking at the errors done in the past but the potential that the future holds. Happy New Year! 2014 Chamber Board Andrew Roper- Chairperson Kim Scoggins- Chair Elect Janet Ross - Treasurer David Robinson April Welch Britt Madden, Jr. Brad Hufford
Michael Paulk Jordan Hubbard Lucas Culver Dwight Stout Matt Gorman Such Patel Randy Quick Karen Nissen- Past Chair
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Community Development: Downtown Cedartown Reinvestment Earns Tax Abatement Whether its disaster, normal wear and tear, or changes in use or fashion, all business property eventually requires reinvestment. It may be a coat of paint or a complete overhaul. Usually, the property owner bears all of the expense. But, in Cedartown’s Historic Business District, city and county tax abatement may be available to help. Assessments are based on land value plus the value of the business structure. Usually, the land value is much smaller. When the value of reinvestment is equal to five times the land value, owners may earn ten years of graduated tax abatement from both city and county. Let’s do the math... A typical commercial property in the Downtown Historic Business District is assessed at $143,808. The land is assessed at $10,395. Reinvestment of $51,975 (about the cost of a commercial kitchen would earn property tax abatements of $25,116 over a ten year period. In other words, The Polk County and City of Cedartown are willing to cover almost half of the cost of improvements. That’s a great deal for any investor.
Creating Jobs Pays In most places, creating new jobs is merely an expense of doing business. But, in Cedartown’s Historic Business District, creating jobs can pay you a cash benefit. For those creating and maintaining five new jobs in the Main Street Enterprise Zone, 10 years of graduated city and county tax abatement is available. Benefits would be equal to those earned by reinvestment, approximately B over a ten year period. Even better, in the overlapping Main Street Opportunity Zone, creating 3 new jobs of at least 30 hours per week and paying at least $10.50 per hour can earn the employer significant state income tax savings. Here is how it works. Each qualifying new job earns a $3,500 per year reduction in state income taxes for the employer for ten years. When the reduction exceeds the employers projected annual income tax liability, the employer may deduct any additional reduction from his employees’ income tax withholding payments. Three new jobs earn the employer $105,000 over ten years. These are dollars that never leave the till. So, Opportunity Zone income tax reductions are just like cash. They are cash on hand that your business can use for advertising, inventory, paychecks, or just plain old profit. The Main Street Enterprise/Opportunity Zone is a great place for making money! For more information about this and other information about locating or renovating in Downtown Cedartown contact:
Downtown Cedartown Association 609 South Main Street Cedartown, Georgia 30125 Phone: 770-748-2090 Fax: 770-749-5346 E-mail: rruark@downtowncedartown.com http://www.downtowncedartown.com
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Classroom Websites and Elementary Students Classrooms at your fingertips; the many ways parents and students will have everything they need at just a click away. "I love technology and creating a teacher website filled me with excitement. I already had my own blog for my classroom and photo/art ideas, and creating something for my students to use in and out of the classroom was a wonderful idea in my mind" states Van Wert Elementary first grade teacher, Christy Sisneros. This is just one reason Mrs. Sisneros and third grade teacher, Mrs. Laurah Fannin recently won the Polk School District Online Classroom Competition. “Creating an online classroom for my students has been a wonderful experience. We use our OLC daily, and students and parents enjoy having our classroom at their fingertips. This tool is changing the way my students learn and provides parents with resources to use at home” state Laurah Fannin. Below you will find many examples of apps and ideas that are on the websites that teachers are able to implement in classrooms on a daily basis. These resources are now readily available to students as well as parents on a daily basis through the internet. Teach What You Know Sometimes parents need a little help understanding what their child needs to learn. Without the internet and online classrooms, this type of help would be sparse or nonexistent. Before the ability to create online classrooms, the only opportunities to help "teach" parents was in a whole grade setting or whole school setting like math night or science night. Now, the possibilities are unlimited. 1. Show Me Videos: This app allows teachers or students to create videos for teaching lessons or specific concepts to other students, parents, or anyone who wants to learn. 2. Educreation Videos/Website: This is like the Show Me app. However, it allows your school and students to sign in and watch your videos through its website. 3. Flipped Lessons: This is where teachers video lessons and students view the lessons as a preview of material to come or a review of previous material. Mrs. Fannin has found this to be a valuable tool for her classroom. Although, many students may not view the videos at home, Mrs. Fannin will allow students to watch the videos on iPads in homeroom or use as a center. Students can rewind or fast forward to the needed information. 4. Common Core Standards/I Can Standards - Standards that the State of Georgia requires teachers to teach and students to know. The "I Can" standards are in kid friendly terms. Show What You Know Teachers spend hours planning wonderful activities that most parents never get to see. The OLC allows parents to see what is happening in the classroom. The ability to post photos and videos are just a few ways teachers can showcase what students are doing. 1. Digital Stories: Keynote and My Story are apps Mrs. Sisneros uses to create digital stories. Mrs. Fannin uses Toontastic with her 3rd graders. However, there are several apps that help children create their own stories digitally. 2. Photo Galleries: Both teachers have photo galleries and my students and parents often complement them because it showcases what students are working on in class. Students and parents love seeing what they have been working on in class. 3. Show Me and Educreation: These apps are used for teachers to see what students have learned from lessons or concepts being taught. Show Me videos allows the teachers to show step by step instruction for the students and parents. 4. iMovies: Teachers can show their lessons and what students are investigating and learning each week. This helps parents to get a glimpse into the classroom and see what their child is learning during the week. Teachers also create movies with storyboards staring the students. Students get so excited to see themselves as "Movie Stars". Upcoming Events and Assignments How many times has your child "lost" or "forgot" to bring home study guides, homework or newsletters? No need to stress anymore about this. Homework and newsletters are on teacher websites before the week starts. This way parents have everything they need in just one click of the mouse. 1. Newsletters: The OLC allows teachers to give parents two versions of the weekly newsletter. First, in the form of a picture file, and the second form is in a PDF for saving or printing purposes if needed. 2. Homework: Teachers post homework/assignments on the OLC. Scanned copies or saved files allow parents to reprint these items. 3. Calendars: Each OLC has a calendar component that allows the teacher to post classroom events as well as school events. 4. Communication: The OLC gives parents direct access to teachers email addresses. The School and District websites also have E-Communication which allows parents to receive important emails/text messages from the schools. Focus of the Week Each class has a Focus of the Week posted on the OLC. Parents and students are able to know specifically what standards are being taught in order to reinforce at home. Teachers post activities, games and other fun ways to help students learn. It is a great resource for students that arrive early or are late bus riders in the afternoon. During class, teachers often refer to the OLC so students will know how to access it. 1. Focus of the Week: concepts we are focusing on for the next week or so. 2. Example: a list of questions or examples that all students should be able to answer. 3. Websites: websites that are kid friendly for students to practice both at school and home. 4. Previously Taught Websites: games and websites to help children practice with concepts that have already be taught this year. Overview There are many other great resources through apps, websites, and teacher resources using other technologies. The key is to find resources that simplify your work load and help increase learning outside of the classroom. Teachers already know they are learning inside the room, but wouldn’t it be amazing if they wanted to learn outside the classroom as much as they want to learn when in the classroom.
WELCOME NEw members! Day's Rockmart Supercenter Jeff Bailey General Manager 1001 Cartersville Hwy. Rockmart, GA (770) 684-7400 http://dayspreownedrockmart.com Madden Consulting Britt Madden Jr 1065 Adams Rd. Cedartown, GA 770-748-3485 http://www.maddenconsults.com
Pizza Depot - Cedartown Derrick Nettles Owner 1229 Rockmart Hwy. Cedartown, GA (770) 748-5555 Waffle House Monica Keith Community Relations 228 N. Main Street Cedartown, GA (770) 748-7714 http://wafflehouse.com
Polk County District Attorney's Office Jack Browning Polk County Courthouse #1 Cedartown, GA 770-749-2106
Silver Comet Trail
The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible. Parking & Trail Access
Mile Marker
Elevation (Ft)
South Cobb Dr.
-1.00
1015
Mavell Rd. Fontaine Road Concord Road Floyd Road Carter Road Sailor’s Parkway Florence Road Hiram Paulding County Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond
0.00 1.20 2.60 4.20 8.60 9.40 11.60 14.66 14.66
925 906 887 1021 948 984 946 1001 1001
20.23
1035
Rambo Nursery Coot’s Lake Van Wert Rockmart Riverwalk Nathan Dean Park Don Williams Grady Road Cedartown Depot Martin Trailhead Esom Hill Stateline Gateway
22.22 33.49 36.06 37.66 38.76 44.90 45.80 51.30 52.90 61.20 61.50
941 930 807 749 748 864 904 796 824 923 922
(Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension)
(previously Dallas Trailhead)
(Georgia-Alabama Line)
Attractions Guide Landmarks and Historic Areas Cedartown
POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the museum contains the history of Polk County. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Georgia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.
POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE #2 At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.
CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located in downtown Cedartown. The project was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of well-known structures in Cedartown including many historic sites such as Hawkes Children’s Library and County Courthouse #2.
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL
Outside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH Built on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway grew up in this church.
BOOZ HOTEL This structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. Located across the street from the Polk County Historical Society.
BIG SPRING Located on Wissahickon Avenue, this was the site of a ballground and ceremonial dance ground of the Cherokee Indian natives until the early 1800s. It is the second largest limestone spring in the South and produces an average of 4 million gallons of water per day.
DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWN In 1988, Cedartown became a “Mainstreet City” and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. The last decade has seen much renovation in the downtown area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090. HIGHTOWER FALLS
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Landmarks and Historic Areas Rockmart/Aragon
VAN WERT
Created in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs.
VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCH
Built in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest structures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovating the structure.
ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH In Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.
ROCKMART MURAL
The mural was created in 1997 and painted on the side of Morgan Hardware on Marble Street. The mural was created by 180 volunteers over a three week period and was part of a celebration of Rockmart's 125th anniversary.
THE GOODYEAR MILL
In 1929, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company selected Rockmart as the site for one of its clearwater mills. They built a multi-million dollar plant on what is now Goodyear Street and gave Rockmart "the biggest boost it has ever received in its history." Goodyear sold the plant in 1987 and it is now owned and operated by Meggitt Polymers & Composites
GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGE
In the 1930s, Goodyear built a modern village with approximately 180 homes, two tennis courts, a baseball field and a golf course directly across the street from the mill.
CITY HALL
The Rockmart Municipal Complex located on N. Piedmont Ave, is now considered "City Hall". The complex includes the Administrative Services Building, Cultural Arts Center,Recreation Department, and Rockmart Police Department. The complex is located on what was originally the site of the Piedmont Institute College, which was replaced later by Rockmart High and Middle Schools which later became known as Rockmart High School.
ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBO
On Elm Street, the land for the cemetery was donated to the town. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of Rockmart's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart.
EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARK
A city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs."
Originally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and converted into a facsimile of the Whitney cotton gin. Mr. Hightower also constructed a three story mill on the site in 1850 using the 60 foot Falls for power. The mill was once a vibrant mercantile center near Cedartown. Sherman’s men ate and slept here on their march through the state, but spared the mill from the fate which befell so many others. Hightower Falls is presently a private group facility available for special occasions. Call (770) 748-8588 for more information.
ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUM The recently opened Rockmart Historical Museum is a must to see for anyone interested in history. It chronicles the unique history and culture of Rockmart with heirloom contributions of items and photos supplied by members of the community. Of particular interest art the items concerning "Welsh" Rockmart, with its miners and slate industry, chapels and slate roofs. The museum is located in Old City Hall Building at 133 Marble Street, next to Seaborn Jones Park.
OLD MILL
DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGS
Located on Hwy. 27 South, this structure was built by slave labor in 1848 for Asa Prior who came to Polk County in 1837. The first miller was a slave named “Old Allen” and the structure was operated as a mill until 1945. It was renovated and operated as a restaurant by Mr. And Mrs. Robert Stephens from 1960-1991. It was purchased by Ann and Jimmy Madden in 1997.
Near Aragon's City Hall, camping place of General Grenville Dodge's 16th AC of McPherson's Army of Tennessee. Later, Brig. Gen. J.C. Davis' 2nd division, 14th Corps Army of the Cumberland camped here en route from Rome to Dallas, Ga. These troops were part of the right wing of General Sherman’s forces moving to outflank General Johnston’s army at Allatoona Pass. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.
Leisure Life in Polk County Cedartown Performing Arts Center
The pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center located at the Cedartown Auditorium, presents a wealth of premium entertainment each year from the Atlanta Symphony to touring Broadway plays. The Performing Arts Center also sponsors enrichment programs for children in Polk and surrounding counties through workshops and performances. 770-748-4168.
West Theater
This 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.
Peek Park On North College Street, this beautiful city park is located on land donated by Captain J.A. Peek. It contains tennis courts, playground and picnic areas.
Bert Wood Youth and Athletic Complex Softball and baseball fields, gymnasium, track, cabin, playground, and Senior Center make up this recreational facility in Northwest Cedartown. Government sponsored and volunteer activities abound almost year round.
Cherokee Golf and County Club This private facility off Cherokee Road contains an 18 hole golf course, four tennis courts, a swimming pool and beautiful clubhouse with dining facility. The club hosts many local fundraising golf and tennis tournaments as well as member-related events. 770-748-2800.
Cedar Valley Arts Festival An annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional artists display their craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park, the site of the festival.
Meadow Lakes Golf Club
Meadow Lakes is a public facility in North Polk County offering 18 holes of championship golf as well as a clubhouse, banquet facility, and swimming pool. The club regularly hosts tournaments and lessons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942
Rockmart Civic Arts Commission
Promotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.
Seaborn Jones Park
A city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON Nathan Dean Sports Complex Rockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also contains a track and a playground area. Pavilions are also located through the park.
Prospect Valley Course Nine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961.
Silver Comet Trail The Silver Comet Trail is a paved, converted rail trail spanning more than 60 miles from Smyrna GA to the GA/AL border in Polk County. Here the trail joins the Chief Ladiga trail for another 33 miles to Anniston, AL. The two trails provide 95.5 continuous paved recreational miles not available to motorized traffic. The longest segment of the Silver Comet in one county is 29 miles through Polk. The Depot in Rockmart provides water and restrooms and is next to Seaborn Jones Park. Snacks and restrooms are available at the Depot in Cedartown which houses several offices including the welcome center and museum of local memorabilia. The first foot of the Silver Comet Trail was poured on July 9, 1998 in Cobb County, GA.
Polk County Homespun Festival An annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and regional crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous entertainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-684-8760.
Aragon Barbeque Patriotism at its peak, the annual barbeque is held on the last Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are highlights.
Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk Park
Aragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities.
Welsh Festival
Mae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours of the historical Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the Old City Hall Building, 133 Marble St. in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March.
Polk County at a Glance LOCATION AND LAND AREA Polk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest industrial centers: Atlanta, 45 miles east; Birmingham, 85 miles west, and Chattanooga, 83 miles north. Surrounded on four corners by mountains, Polk County is a land of dramatic contrasts - from the city of Cedartown which lies on a gentle plain to Rockmart with its rocky hills and deep valleys.
GOVERNMENT Polk County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners elected for four-year staggered terms. The chairman is elected from the board for a one-year term. Cedartown, the county seat, is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who elect a commission chairman from amongst board members and appoint a City Manager. The city of Rockmart is governed by an elected mayor and five council members who elect a City Manager. Aragon is governed by a mayor and four council members. Full-time police and fire departments are maintained in all three areas and the county for the protection of all residents.
INDUSTRY Polk County boasts a wide array of existing industry and takes pride in its success in new industry recruitment in the last decade. The top ten industries employee some 3,700 people and include both manufacturing and service.
CLIMATE A moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity throughout most of the year: January average minimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32/55 degrees July average minimum/maximum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67/83 degrees Average annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.
POPULATION 42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.
TRANSPORTATION
Major trucking lines and both CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway system link Polk County to points in all directions. Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is only one hour away while Cornelius Moore Airport in the middle of the county provides a paved and lighted 4,000 ft. runway. The new $15,000,000 state of the art Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport is only 8 miles from Polk County. Four lane Highway 278 east links Polk County to Atlanta via I-20. Other main arteries include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.
Advertisers Index: Georgia Power......................................7 Redmond Physician Network...............7 Coosa Dental Associates......................7 Holmes Clothing..................................7 Raceway..............................................7 Harbin Clinic......................................12
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON COMMUNICATIONS
Two newspapers, the Cedartown Standard and the Rockmart Journal, and two radio stations, WGAA Cedartown and WZOT Rockmart, keep county residents informed of local, regional and national hap penings.
EDUCATION Educational institutions in the county include six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a regional vocational-technical school. Two private schools are maintained and county residents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.
UTILITIES
Georgia Power and Carroll EMC service electrical needs in Polk County and gas is distributed by Atlanta Gas Light Company and sold by several suppliers. The cities of Cedartown and Rockmart operate sewage treatment facilities and have their own water supply via a spring-fed gravity system in Cedartown and Euharlee Creek in Rockmart. The county’s water supply originates with three springs and one well. BellSouth provides a first-rate telecommunications system and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.
HEALTHCARE
Polk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numerous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also available.
POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The main office of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rockmart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also maintains a Cedartown office in conjunction with the Cedartown Welcome Center at 609 S. Main St.. Cedartown office hours are Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Call the Chamber office at 770-6848760.
Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County Official Publication of
Polk
Chamber of Commerce
& Development Authority www.polkgeorgia.com
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153 770/684-8760 Fax: 770/825-9002 609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125 www.polkgeorgia.com
Published by: News Publishing Company P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162 For Advertising Information call Todd Britt at 770-748-1520 or LaDonna Mears at 770-748-1520 Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber of Commerce 770/684-8760