Augustweb

TROUP trends

A A publication publication of of the the LaGrange-Troup LaGrange-Troup County County Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce

August 2014

Technology in our

Schools Back-to-School Time for Troup County!

Wellness at Work

College Savings: 529 Facts

Troup Trends | August 2014

Opal Hogg is a True Hometown Hero Page 1

Helping the people of west Georgia and east Alabama is our reward.

Being recognized for medical excellence is a bonus.

It’s not really the style of West Georgia Health to stand up front and center to proclaim our achievements. But every once in a while, you just want people to know how good you really are.

West Georgia Health is recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® for achieving excellence in performance on its accountability measures during 2012 for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care.

So Healthy Together

According to the 2014 CareChex* report, West Georgia Health is ranked:

4th out of 124 for overall hospital care in Georgia 81st of 4,185 hospitals in the U.S. As a top 100 hospital in the U.S. for Medical Excellence in three distinct categories: - Overall Hospital Care - Overall Medical Care - General Surgery

1514 Vernon Road LaGrange, Georgia 30240 706-882-1411 To learn more or find a physician visit WGHealth.org.

We’ll admit, it’s nice to be recognized. But it’s even better to serve great people every single day. *These rankings are based on independent research conducted by CareChex®, a division of Comparion®.

Comparion determines these rankings via its National Quality Rating Database which includes virtually all general, acute, non-federal U.S. hospitals and incorporates the most recent three years of federal fiscal year data.

To learn more, visit www.carechex.com.

Page 2

Troup Trends | August 2014

Contents

Troup trends August 2014 Volume 1, Issue 3 A publication of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce 111 Bull Street/P.O. Box 636 LaGrange, Georgia 30241 706.884.8671 www.lagrangechamber.com EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Robby Burch, Chair Interface

Special thanks to our cover models: Evan Adams, Long Cane Gavin Adams, Long Cane Elizabeth Benefield, Gardner Newman Madison Benefield, Franklin Forest Calise Davenport, Whitesville Road Ty Medders, Rosemont Lexi Sewell, Troup High School

Libby Willingham, Chair-Elect & Vice Chair for Public Affairs Mallory Agency Grey Bell, Secretary/Treasurer J.K. Boatwright Scott Landa, Immediate Past Chair Interface Page Estes, President Casey Smith, Vice Chair for Leadership Development LaGrange Banking Company Dave Marler, Vice Chair for Community Development LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Cliff Meeks, Vice Chair for Business Retention Georgia Department of Labor Renae Willis, Vice Chair for Business Recruitment CB&T Jake Behr, Vice Chair for Diplomats ‘round and ‘bout Publications Derrick Lewis, Vice Chair for Tourism Explorations in Antiquity Patricia Rogers, Vice Chair for Special Events West Georgia Health Chris Joseph, Vice Chair for Capital Campaign Gay & Joseph Bill Stankiewicz, Hogansville Business Council William & Mary Antiques Joanne Mabrey, West Point Business Council Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc.

This publication is produced by the LaGrangeTroup County Chamber of Commerce. Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without express written permission is prohibited. All claims, materials and photos furnished or used are, to the publisher's knowledge, true and correct.

Publication of any article or advertisement is not an endorsement by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce.

Troup Trends is published quarterly by the LaGrangeTroup County Chamber of Commerce. Please send news items, suggestions, advertising requests and comments to: Molly Allen Director of Communications & Marketing P.O. Box 636 • LaGrange, GA 30241 molly@lagrangechamber.com

14 | A Letter from The President 6 | Hometown Hero Opal Hogg: A True Partner for Troup 18 | Partners in Education: Helping to Build a Better Troup 19 | KIA and Troup County Schools Partner, Creating "A World in Motion" 10 | Tourism Talk 12 | The Movers, The Shakers, The Risk Takers 14 |10 FAQs About Education Savings: Why You Should Consider a 529 Plan 16 | Spotlight on Hogansville 18 |Growth and the Chinese Bamboo Tree...

20 |Business Spotlight: Disaster Services, Fire, Wind, Water and Mold Restoration 21 | When to Shred 22 | It's Tailgating Time

24 | Technology in our Schools: Bring Your Own Device 28 | K-12 Facility Design: Supporting the Mission 30 | K-12 Facility Design: Designing Ethel Kight 32 | Doctors Give Back to the Community 34 | Back-to-School in Style 36 | Trade in Troup 38 | Non-Profit Spotlight: Callaway Foundation, Inc. 40 | Spotlight on West Point 42 | The Benefits of Private School Education 43 | Hands-on Learning 44 | HYPE 46 | Chamber Events 48 | Upcoming Events

TROUP trends

A A publication publication of of the the LaGrange-Troup LaGrange-Troup County County Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce

August 2014

teChnology in our

SChoolS BaCk-to-SChool time For troup County!

Wellness at Work

College SavingS: 529 FaCtS

Troup Trends | August 2014

Troup Trends | August 2014

23 | Money Saving Solutions for Healthcare and Benefits Administration

opal hogg iS a true hometown hero Page 1

50 | Advertiser Index

Photography Special thanks to Steve Mason of Mason Photography for providing the photographs for this issue of Troup Trends.

Steve Mason Photography 706.812.8222 1886 W Lukken Ind. Dr. • LaGrange, Georgia 30240 stevemason@masonportraits.com • masonportraits.com Page 3

•from the president

It's Back-to-School Time for Troup Count y!

D

ear Friends,

Some of my fondest memories as a child are going on summer adventures with my grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, and my great-grandmothers. I vividly remember standing where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired as a precocious six-year-old, drinking from the fountain of youth in St. Augustine in my teens, and exploring the Battery in Charleston during college. To my family, summer was the perfect time to take learning on the road.

My grandfather asked my sister and me what we “learned at college” every single day. Of course, college was any grade from kindergarten through high school. And we had to provide a concrete, specific example or we would be subject to a thorough review of the 1941 Encyclopedia Britannica on a random subject of his choice. In my family, to experience living, one must continue learning.

As students of all ages prepare to go back to school this fall, I am envious. Sometimes I get so caught up in “doing” things that I forget “exploring.” Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Friedman said “nobody works harder at learning than a curious kid.”

What we all need to do is go back to school in August! Let’s be curious kids. We don’t have to get on a school bus and sit in class all day, but we can put the proverbial thinking cap on and start creating new ideas in order to make ourselves, our businesses, our educational institutions better.

Louis V. Gerstner, chairman and CEO of IBM, said “no institution will go through fundamental change unless it believes it is in deep trouble and needs to do something different to survive.” Friedman agrees, and in his bestseller, The World is Flat, concludes that none of us can ever simply strive to meet expectations. Average is over. There is no room now or ever again to just being okay.

Here are four tenets from advertising powerhouse Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Annie Longsworth from which we can develop our own lesson plan.

1) 2) 3) 4)

Be like an immigrant. Pursue opportunities more energetically, persistently and creatively than anybody else.

Be like an artist. Take full pride in your work with complete commitment to your craft.

Always be in beta. Be willing (and eager) to learn, relearn and relearn again.

Remember that PQ (passion quotient) and CQ (curiosity quotient) are greater than IQ.

As you read our “Back to School” issue, I hope you will be inspired to learn something new this fall. Certainly you will be inspired when reading about Opal Hogg and her contributions to Partners in Education and the youth of Troup County (see page 6). If you have young children, or even children that are getting close to college age, you may be wondering about the rising cost of higher education and how to best prepare. Check out Joshua Britt's article on page 14 about why you should consider a 529 Plan. And, of course, back-to-school always means back-to-school shopping. See our "Must Have" guide on page 34 for all the best in Troup County back-to-school trends. This issue is full of news you can use. You will not be disappointed.

Henry Ford once said that “anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty; anyone who keeps learning stays young.” I’m going to drink from the fountain of youth that we have right here in Troup County by becoming a curious kid again!

Warm Regards,

We want to hear fom you!

If you have any suggestions, ideas or thoughts about Troup Trends, we want to know. Send them to Molly Allen at molly@lagrangechamber.com.

Page 4

Page Estes, President LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce pestes@lagrangechamber.com Troup Trends | August 2014

A Pattern of Success For almost 60 years, HeritageBank of the South has been a preferred financial institution for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Thanks to our strong, expanding lineup of products and services, our record for financial strength, and our ability to understand and address our customers’ changing needs, we will continue to be a leader in the financial industry and your community.

FRONT LEFT TO RIGHT: Tammy Cox, Mortgage Lender Sarah Webb, Head Teller Kelli Mickle, Mortgage Processor

BACK LEFT TO RIGHT: Marlene Rhodes, Market President Ricky Rodriguez, Commercial Lender Susan Moore, Customer Service Representative Kim Banks, Branch Manager

www.eheritagebank.com LaGrange 401 Vernon Street 706.298.0028

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

GUrneaiqtue LaGrange gifts for revleirsyto!ne n you oPlates Only at PLUM Plum SOUTHERN Southern �

Gifts & & Gifts Bridal Registry Bridal Registry Vietri Vietri Juliska Juliska M.Bagwell Bagwell M. Trollbeads Tyler Candles Tyler Candles find us on Facebook

see us at Facebook.com Troup Trends | August 2014

Come see us at our NEW location!

121 Main Street • LaGrange

121 lagrange,ga ga30240 30240 105 main broadstreet street • lagrange,

706-884-3134 Store Hours: 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday

Page 5

•cover story

Hometown Hero Opal Hogg: A True Partner for Troup

E

ach August thousands of students walk through the doors of Troup County public schools eager to start a new academic year. The buildings are clean and polished, the classrooms are decorated, and the teachers and administrators are ready with a welcoming smile. This year, like in many years past, hundreds of these students will be sporting brand new backpacks stuffed full of brand new school supplies. The backpacks and supplies are thanks to the generous support of Jindal Films, a local business active with the Partners in Education program.

The Partners in Education program has offered support to Troup County Schools for over twenty years. Businesses, churches and civic organizations of all sizes are partnered with schools or the system as a whole to enhance education. Each partnership is uniquely created based on the needs of the school and the resources of the business or community partner; but what they all have in common is a commitment to students and learning.

Page 6

by Molly Allen

Jindal Films, formerly known as Exxon Mobil, has been active in the program since its inception. And Opal Hogg, a Partner in Education board member, chair of the Chamber's Education & Workforce Development Committee and Jindal's Community Relations Coordinator and Plant Manager Administrator, has been instrumental in the success of the program, both within the company and the community. Just one look at this dynamic lady's office will tell you just how much the program means to her. The walls are decorated with colorful quilts given to her from the elementary schools she has supported.

Pictures of Hogg with the students she has mentored over the years take up prime real estate on her shelves and a framed letter from Roy Nichols, former Troup County School Superintendent, and the Troup County School Board, thanking Hogg for her years of dedication and service, is hung with pride.

When Hogg, who has been at Exxon Mobil/Jindal for 23 years, started working

with Partners in Education the company was initially assigned to serve just one school. As she began recruiting employees to become mentors and tutors, she found that many of her co-workers wanted to help but preferred to serve at their own children’s school. Hogg worked her magic and soon, what started as a one-school partnership, blossomed into twelve schools being served by Exxon Mobil employees.

Exxon Mobil was immediately supportive of Hogg’s initiative. Interested employees were able to go to the school of their choice, usually an hour per week, to help in any way the school needed. Hogg says, “Over the years we have had employees serve in a variety of capacities at the different schools. Whether it is tutoring individual students or helping out in the front office or the media center, there is usually a job that suits everyone.”

For every 20 hours that an employee served in a school, Exxon Mobil would give that school $500. Through this program, each Troup Trends | August 2014

•cover story employee could earn up to $2000 per year for the school of their choice. Obviously, says Hogg, this program proved to be very popular. “Exxon Mobil was very generous with their support of Partners in Education.

In fact, if an employee could not give their time to a school, but had a dependent that could, the company still paid the school for service hours worked. I would estimate that during any given year, Exxon Mobil would have as many as 25 employees participating in this effort, resulting in donations of $15,000 to $18,000 per year to Troup County schools.”

In addition to these funds, Exxon Mobil also gave the schools over $200,000 in grant money over the years. According to Hogg, “We would give the school system $10,000 per year. Teachers could individually apply for grants that would come from this money. Over the years we helped fund Accelerated Reader, science fairs, and lots of Promethean Boards. We also provided extra funding for the STEM Program initiative in the high schools. I was involved in the selection process and we always tried to select things that could benefit the most students or would be used year after year. One time we even bought Hogansville Elementary and Long Cane Middle School new buzzers for their academic bowl meets!”

Certainly Hogg appreciates the financial support that Exxon Mobil gave the schools, but for her it is always about the kids and the individual relationships she has forged with them. “When I started working with Partners in Education my own children were not school-aged yet. I was assigned to Rosemont and was immediately hooked.

Every week I would go there and every week the children I was tutoring were just so happy to see me. They really look forward to the undivided attention that their mentors provide.”

Hogg has two children with Gene, her husband of thirty-three years. Both children graduated from Troup High School, and Rebekah, 23, recently graduated from Mercer University and will be attending law school at Mercer in the fall. Christopher, 19, will be a sophomore at Auburn this fall. They have been very supportive of her efforts. Obviously, Hogg knows first-hand the importance that parents play in the role of education. She says, “I am such a huge supporter of corporations getting involved with our schools, but I also realize the Troup Trends | August 2014

Sheila Rowe, Chairperson of the Troup County Board of Education, and Opal Hogg. importance that parents have on their child’s education. If there are things you don’t like in your child’s school, change it or improve it. Instead of blaming everyone from the teachers to the administrators to the school board for the problem, parents should partner with the school to make the change.

It not only helps your child, but it benefits every child.”

Clearly, Hogg practices what she preaches.

Because she was involved in so many different schools, she saw first-hand that some schools were doing some pretty great things that other schools were not. For example she says, ”When my daughter Rebekah was in the third grade I helped judge a science fair at an elementary school where she was not a student. Her school did not have a science fair, nor did it have a particularly strong science program. I immediately went to Rebekah’s principal about starting a science fair at her school and she was receptive to the idea. That first year they only had eight participants in the event but they are still doing it today. This year they had more than 35 kids compete! And their science program is thriving.”

The Troup County School System, and in fact the whole community, has certainly been fortunate to have a wonderful force like Opal Hogg in their corner all these

years. “I have been so blessed to work for a company that gave me the freedom to find a balance between my work and home life,” she states. “I have been able to spend countless hours with the Partners in Education program. I love kids. I love education. And over the years I have learned some valuable lessons. It is not the school’s responsibility to teach the children everything. Parents must be held accountable and do their part as well. If we partner together, between the schools, parent and the business community, we have a win-win situation. We should all strive to be true Partners in Education.”

The Troup County School Board has also recognized Hogg with the Opal R. Hogg, Friend of Education Award. When it was presented, the system gave her a Japanese Maple Tree to plant in her yard. Hogg says, "The tree-shaped card attached to the maple said, 'May this tree continue to thrive, as your inspiration and support have allowed the students of Troup County to thrive.'

My husband, and kids helped me plant the tree in my front yard. It has tripled in size and as it changes seasons with beautiful leaves in the fall and a flourish of green leaves in the spring. It absolutely is beautiful and gives me a very special feeling."

Thank you, Opal, for everything you have done to make Troup County a better place.

Page 7

•education

F

Partners in Education: Helping to Build a Better Troup

or more than 25 years, businesses and organizations have joined forces with schools to support public education in Troup County.

The Partners in Education program is designed to bring business and community members together with students and staff of Troup County schools to enhance education, supplement workforce development, and build a community network that values and supports learning.

Every Partnership is Different Just as every business and organization is different, every school partnership is unique as well. Regardless of size or scope, businesses of every type can participate. All that is required is an interest in student success. Partnerships are developed based on the interests and resources of the business or organization and the needs of the school. The result is a relationship that is mutually beneficial and rewarding.

Building a Stronger Community Supporting education is an investment in the future. By helping to prepare students for the challenges ahead, Partners in Education serve to develop a stronger workforce, productive citizens, and a prosperous community.

How Can Businesses and Organizations Support Schools?

Each school in the Troup County School System has a plan of action for school improvement. By aligning the resources of businesses and organizations with defined school goals, great things happen.

Partners can help in any number of ways!

Volunteer Activities: • Tutor students in various subjects • Mentor students one-on-one or in small groups • Read to students or listen while students read • Provide homework help at after-school programs • Judge contests or competitions Page 8

Thank you to all the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce members who give so generously of both their time and money to the Troup County School System.

We appreciate your support.

• Serve as a classroom or schoolwide speaker • Share industry expertise related to classroom instruction • Assist with school or campus improvement projects • Offer job shadowing or internship opportunities Funding and In-Kind Opportunities: • Sponsor field trips • Provide student incentive programs for attendance, grades, or other successes • Sponsor teacher appreciation events • Provide funding for special projects or programs • Offer classroom grants for teachers • Donate books for school libraries How Can Schools Support Businesses and Organizations?

Just as partnerships benefit students and schools, the relationship yields results for businesses as well. Benefits include: • Recognition for your business or organization • Student entertainment for company events • Student artwork for display • Listing in Partners for Education newsletter and website • Tickets to school events • Rewarding volunteer experience • Investment in tomorrow’s leaders, workforce,and consumers • Better understanding of the public school system • Satisfaction of making a positive contribution to the community • Gain a "star" toward becoming a 5-star member of the Chamber Troup Trends | August 2014

KiA and Troup County Schools Partner, Creating

"A World in Motion"

O

nce again proving themselves to be good stewards of the Troup County community and strong partners in the schools, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Foundation made a $900,000 pledge from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – impacting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Georgia between 2012 and 2014.

KMMG’s commitment to STEM and the community has been strengthened by this partnership with SAE Foundation and the Troup County School System. SAE Foundation has used these funds over the years to provide services to the school system through the implementation of SAE’s K – 12 STEM Education Program, A World in Motion© (AWIM).

AWIM is an award-winning program that brings science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life in the classroom.

These programs help students to build a foundation for careers as engineers, scientists or technicians, to meet future workforce needs of companies like Kia Motors.

Find Your

SHINE!

Through the support of corporations, foundations, volunteers, SAE members and the SAE Foundation, the A World In Motion program opens a window of possibilities for students as they discover the exciting application of science principles and learn about rewarding engineering, science and technical careers.

“By working together, Kia Motors and the SAE Foundation has addressed our national challenge to inspire young people and ignite their imaginations to regard math and science as potential career opportunities,” said Matt Miller, director of the SAE Foundation. “KMMG now takes its place as a prominent and integral part of SAE’s history as one of the largest corporate contributors since our foundation was formed more than 25 years ago.”

KMMG has made one of its largest contributions to date with this project. The $900,000 gift has been used for events, curriculum, training, student competitions and support. KMMG has also established a student/chaperone fund for participation in SAE International competitions.

Troup Trends | August 2014

Locally owned and operated.

Open Monday - Saturday 8:30 am to 6 pm 706.884.2566 307 Vernon Street Page 9

•tourism

About the Exhibit Athos Menaboni Tuesday, September 16 Thursday, January 15 Legagcy Museum on Main 136 Main Street 706.884.1828 Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 10 am - 4 pm Admission is free.

W

Tourism Talk

hat do 150 birds, Coca-Cola and 44 Christmas cards have in common? Athos Menaboni. The Italian native and longtime Georgia resident created many enduring bird-themed works including 44 Christmas cards for the former Coca-Cola president Robert W. Woodruff. The Legacy Museum on Main will exhibit several mural studies as well as a sampling of other genres of his paintings from September 16-January 15. The artwork is from the Callaway Gardens’ collection which is housed at the Troup County Archives.

Menaboni was born in Livorno, Italy in 1895, the second of five children to prosperous businessman Averado “Babbo” Menaboni.

The mountains of Tuscany were frequent vacation sites, and the children loved to capture wild species for pets. Babbo built an aviary for the wild bird menagerie, and thus began his son’s study of feathered friends.

After studying and serving as an apprentice for noted Italian artists and sculptors, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence until the outbreak of World War I. Menaboni served for four years in the Italian army before joining the crew of the US Colethraps which brought him to the United States in 1920. He spoke little English and struggled to survive in New York City and Tampa. In 1927, Menaboni moved to Atlanta to paint murals in the finest homes and buildings in the city, including murals you can still see at the Swan House.

Page 10

During one of his commissions in 1938, Menaboni painted a cardinal from one of his childhood memories. A visiting interior designer and friend sold the painting to a client, and Menaboni’s career shifted to ornithology.

Unlike famed artist John James Audubon who studied carcasses of birds and specimens in museum collections, Menaboni preferred to observe birds in their natural habitat. He was meticulous in recreating images of more than 150 native Georgian birds and their surroundings. He painted on wood, silk, canvas, glass and mirrors.

The Smithsonian Institution declared the Christmas card series that he created for the Woodruff family as “our nation’s finest.”

Beginning in 1941 and continuing through 1984 (Mr. Woodruff died in March 1985), Menaboni painted a bird that was found either at Woodruff’s Georgia plantation or on his Wyoming ranch.

The paintings were lithographed on large cards for sending holiday wishes to family and friends. The largest archival collection is housed at our own Troup County Archives; the Archives continues to search for four cards to complete the collection: 1947, 1948, 1950 and 1951. The Christmas cards will be exhibited at Legacy Museum from November 15 until January 15.

Menaboni died in 1990, from complications of a stroke; his wife, Sara, died in 1993. The couple left their estate to Callaway Gardens. Their papers are now part of the Callaway Gardens' collection at the Troup County Archives.

Troup Trends | August 2014

SUNRISE TO SUNSET There’s fun for everyone!

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boat ramp, beach, showers, restrooms, playground, cabins, camping with hookups, fuel dock, rentals, store and food

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boat ramp, beach, showers, restrooms, playground and tennis

visitlagrange.com/publicaccess @VisitLaGrange

Troup Trends | August 2014

Page 11

•newsmakers

TOR ® of the Year. TCBOR looks for those REALTOR® members who excel in integrity, professionalism and hold to the highest standards according to the Code of Ethics.

Nominees must hold high principles in their professional as well as their personal lives.

They must be active in their community, and local/state REALTOR® associations.

REALTOR® of the Year recipients represent the “best of the best” in their field.

the movers, the shakers, the risk-takers Explorations in Antiquity After five years as tourism director for the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, Laura Jennings is the new development director for Explorations in Antiquity Center (EIA). She will be responsible for broadening EIA's base of annual support, as well as exploring the possibility of a major capital campaign for the Land of the Bible, a new project to be built on EIA's adjoining seven acres. She may be reached at laura. jennings@explorationsinantiquity.com or 706-298-4972.

Circles of Troup County Circles of Troup County won national recognition for its website, CirclesOfTroup.org.

The website was named "Best Website" by the national organization, Circles USA, at the national conference. It was designed by Dianne Frazier, written by Sherri Brown and developed by David Reed of Cheap Geek PC. Circles of Troup is one of more than 70 community-based organizations that helps families living in generational poverty meet their goals to become self-sufficient.

West Georgia Health Insiders Series Wins Target Award West Georgia Health was recently honored with three Target Awards from the Georgia Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations. These awards are given each year during the annual marketing and public relations conference organized by the Georgia Hospital Association.

The WGH Foundation earned a Target Gold Award for Community Relations for its West Georgia Health Insiders Program.

The WGH Marketing Department was also recognized with Gold Awards for Best Radio Advertising for Bariatric Services' "So Healthy Together" campaign and for Best Website.

WGH Insiders participate in seven monthly sessions in which they tour key departments, learn about vital services, and view advanced technologies available at West Georgia Health. “The Insiders Series was designed to provide community leaders with an intimate knowledge of the progressive services, advanced technologies and talented staff at West Georgia Health,” said Susan Ferguson.

“Participants are amazed at the high level of health care services available locally and are eager to share their newfound knowledge with others in our community.”

Thinc Academy Moves Forward THINC College & Career Academy continues to move forward as they develop renovation plans for their facility on the West Georgia Technical College campus. With 50,000 square feet, THINC has a lot of room to wiggle. Part of their plan is to create three “mindcraft” rooms, or environments that heighten student’s creativity, plus an energy lab with portable windmills, solar panels, and other lab equipment. In addition, there are plans to have an upscale coffee shop for business and marketing students to manage.

Page 12

Coldwell Banker Spinks Brown Durand Steven Ward of Coldwell Banker Spinks Brown Durand has been named as the Troup County Board of REALTORS® (TCBOR) REAL-

Dr. Chris Williams Dr. Chris Williams Named Principal of THINC THINC College & Career Academy has hired Dr. Chris Williams. THINC is unique in the educational structure since all career pathways focus on high demand fields and skills, such as mechatronics, engineering, energy and healthcare. Because of Dr. Williams’ education and work experience in information technology, science and math, he is equipped, not only to challenge the students, but also the faculty and staff.

Dr. Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from LaGrange College, a Master’s in Teaching from LaGrange College, and a Doctorate of Education from Columbus State University.

Meeks Named West Georgia Health Volunteer of the Year West Georgia Health recently named O'Livia Meeks as their 2014 Volunteer of the Year. Meeks has volunteered at Twin Fountain Homes since April 2009, giving almost 950 hours of her time. As a volunteer Meeks delivers flowers, comforts residents, greets guests and generally makes Twin Fountains a better place.

Head of School Awarded Fellowship Carl Parke, LaGrange Academy Head of School, was recently selected from a worldwide pool of applicants to participate in the Klingenstein Center at Columbia UniverTroup Trends | August 2014

sity's Heads of School Program. Parke is one of only 20 people selected for this fully funded Fellowship. According to the Klingenstein website, the Heads of Schools Program, "offers talented individuals the time and resources for true renewal and reflection about their passion and their work in the company of equally committed peers."

West Point Names New Police Chief Tony Bailey was recently named the new Police Chief of West Point. Bailey joins the department after leaving the Acworth Police Department where he was captain. He has 20 years of service in public safety.

National Award Given to Local Home Helpers Home Helpers recently took the Pioneer Award for exemplifying innovative thinking and creativity in the pursuit of excellent customer/client care. The award was given by Home Helpers Franchise Systems, who recognizes its franchise owners annually at a national conference. Home Helpers of Georgia and Alabama provides home care to seniors. They have a staff of 90 in Coweta, Troup, Muscogee and Lee Counties.

Becky Cosper

Becky Cosper Celebrates Her 40th Year at CB&T When Becky Cosper first came to work at CB&T in 1974, Richard Nixon was on the verge of being impeached and Hank Aaron had just broken Babe Ruth’s homerun record. Forty years later, she is still on the job. Within weeks of graduating from Hogansville High School in 1974, Cosper started working in the bookkeeping department when CB&T was located on the square. She was hired by then-bank president Arthur Mallory even though she never had a formal interview. One of her friends had just gone to work for the bank, and Mr. Mallory told the friend to have Cosper show up for work on July 15. She took the job, and the rest is history.

After working in several departments in several locations, Cosper was named Executive Administrative Assistant in 1985 eventually serving three bank presidents—Howard Park, Bobby Carmichael and now Frank McRae. “We always tease Becky that she really runs the bank. If she’s there, we know everything is going to run smoothly,” McRae said, “She is like the mama hen, taking care of everyone, her fellow team members AND her customers.”

Hillside Montessori of LaGrange Hillside Montessori of LaGrange is moving into the Unity Elementary School building. They have also recently hired Paige Woody as a classroom assistant to lead teachers and promoted Melina Moyer as the official Science Specialist.

Troup Trends | August 2014

Page 13

•finance

10 FAQs About Education Savings:

Why You Should Consider a 529 Plan

by Joshua Britt

S

ummer is almost over, and many a parent is already preparing for the back-to-school rush. If college is in your children’s future, you may also be wondering about the best way to save for this ever-increasing expense. These are 10 Frequently Asked Questions that come up when education planning is involved. The answers can provide some clarity if a 529 plan is the option for you.

What’s a 529 plan?

Quite simply, a 529 plan is an investment account for education savings. More specifically, it is a tax-advantaged investment vehicle sponsored by a state or educational institution that is designed to help families put aside funds to pay for future college costs. It’s named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

Because there are so many 529 plan options available, it’s important to do your research before investing. You should also be aware of the differences between prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans.

What’s the difference between a 529 prepaid tuition program and a 529 savings program?

• A prepaid tuition plan is what it sounds like—a plan that allows you to pre-pay all or part of the costs of a college education. Operated by a state government, the plan is guaranteed to increase in value at the same rate as college tuition.

• A college savings plan differs from a prepaid plan in that the plan is managed by a mutual fund company, which determines the investment choices available. Contributions are made to a portfolio of mutual funds or other selected investments, and the account owner bears the risk of investment returns. In other words, there are no guarantees.

Despite the risks, there are advantages to the college savings plan option. While funds in prepaid tuition plans typically must be used at public colleges in a particular state, funds in college savings plans can be used at any college accredited by the U.S. Department of Education—at home or abroad.

What if my child decides not to attend college?

You have several options available if the beneficiary decides not to go to college: • Change the beneficiary to a member of the beneficiary's famPage 14

• •

ily. (You can change the beneficiary to yourself and utilize it for higher education expenses.)

Defer use of your savings and leave contributions invested in the account.

Withdraw the assets in your account for a “non-qualified” distribution (a distribution that is not for qualified higher education expenses). Earnings (but not contribution amounts) would be subject to state and federal tax plus a 10% federal tax penalty on the earnings.

What if my child gets a scholarship?

Scholarships may pay for part or all of postsecondary expenses.

Expenses not covered by the scholarship, but still considered “qualified,"would be tax exempt as long as they are for higher education purposes. Examples include room & board, school supplies, equipment, or books. Still have money left over? The beneficiary could utilize the funds for graduate school or professional/training education. Or you can change the beneficiary to another family member for his/her use.

Who can be the beneficiary?

Generally, anyone can be named the beneficiary of a 529 account regardless of their relationship to the person who establishes the account. You can even establish an account with yourself as the named beneficiary. The only requirements are that the beneficiary be a US citizen or a resident alien and has a social security number or federal tax identification number.

Who has control of the account and money distributions?

When you, the plan donor, contribute to a 529 plan, the assets remain in your control. The named beneficiary of the plan has no rights to the funds. When it is time to distribute the funds to pay for the beneficiary’s college expenses, you are the one who controls Troup Trends | August 2014

•finance when distributions are made and for what purpose. You can even take funds out of the plan for your own personal use at any time; however, any earnings on the withdrawal will be subject to income tax, and you will incur a 10-percent penalty tax.

Is there a time limit on when to use the money?

There is generally no time limit on taking distributions from college savings plans; most prepaid tuition plans, on the other hand, require tuition credits to be used by the time the beneficiary reaches age 30.

Can a beneficiary have more than one account?

Yes! A beneficiary can have multiple accounts that are controlled by each individual account owner. For example, a child’s grandparent can open up a 529 account that the grandparent can control while the child has existing 529 accounts being funded by their parents.

Is it too late if my child is already in high school to setup a 529 plan?

It is never too late to save, and there is no limitation on using withdrawals immediately. Also, one thing to consider is that the contribution is also considered a gift of present interest, so it qualifies for the annual gift tax exclusion ($14,000 in 2014).

Speaking of taxes, how will this impact my Federal and State taxes?

• Federal Tax—Contributions to a 529 college savings plan are typically invested in a mix of equities and fixed income mutual funds. Similar to an IRA, the earnings on the contri-

•

butions are tax-deferred; however, unlike a traditional IRA, distributions from the 529 plan are federal tax-free, as long as the funds are applied toward payment of qualified higher education expenses, which typically include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible higher education institution. Room and board may also be covered.

State Tax—Contributions to the Georgia 529 plan of up to $2,000 per beneficiary per year are deductible. Rollover contributions are not deductible. Contributions must be made

by April 15 of the following year. Your financial advisor can help you determine the availability and extent of the allowable income tax deduction.

College expenses can be a great burden, but a 529 plan can help you manage the load. With so many options to consider when it comes to investing in these plans, it’s important to consult your financial advisor to discuss your needs and learn how the right 529 plan can help you pursue your college savings goals.

Joshua Britt is a graduate of LaGrange College and has a BS in Business Management. He is a full-time Financial Advisor with Ellis & Ellis.

Reach him at josh.britt@ellisandellis.com.

College Savings Plan Comparison Chart Custodial Account • Account established at a financial institution.

• Managed by parent or another designated guardian.

• Assets must be used for the benefit of the child.

Advantages: • Assets are controlled by the custodian.

• Income earned is taxed to the child. (Kiddie tax rules apply if the child is under 19 or, if a full-time student, under 24.)

• Account costs are generally low; no trustee costs.

Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) • Savings vehicle that allows assets to accumulate tax-deferred.

• Can be established by parents, grandparents, or family friends.

• Maximum contribution of $2,000 per beneficiary, per year.

Advantages: • Distributions are exempt from federal taxes if used to pay qualified education expenses of the beneficiary.

• Can be used to cover elementary and secondary school expenses, as well as college.

• Unlimited investment options.

• Can be rolled over to another ESA for the same beneficiary or another family member.

529 Savings Plan

529 Prepaid Tuition Plan

• Investment account that allows money to accumulate taxdeferred for a child’s college or graduate school education.

• Sponsored by a state and managed by various financial institutions.

• Savings plan designed to increase in value at the same rate as college tuition.

• Can be sponsored by a state or a private college or university.

• Contract plans offer prepurchase of a specified number of years of tuition. Unit plans offer pre-purchase of a percentage of tuition costs.

Advantages: • Account assets are professionally managed.

• Investment choices within a plan can be modified or rolled over to a new 529 savings plan once every 12 months without tax penalty.

• Account owners can change the plan beneficiary (if the new beneficiary is a relative of the previous beneficiary).

• Withdrawals are federally tax-exempt if used for qualified higher education expenses, including tuition, room and board, fees, books, and equipment.

Advantages: • Future college tuition costs can be locked in at today’s prices.

• Offers a form of guaranteed return, as account value is designed to increase at the pace of tuition cost inflation.

The fees, expenses, and features of 529 plans can vary from state to state. 529 plans involve investment risk, including the possible loss of funds. There is no guarantee that a collegefunding goal will be met. By investing outside of your state of residence, you may lose any state tax benefits. The earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal will be subject to ordinary income tax at the recipient’s marginal tax rate; it will also be subject to a 10% penalty. 529 plans are subject to enrollment, maintenance, and administration/management fees and expenses. This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Investors should consult a tax or legal professional regarding their individual situation. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of any 529 plan before investing. Ask your financial advisor for an offering statement containing this and other information on the plan. Please read it carefully before investing.

Troup Trends | August 2014

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•spotlight on hogansville

17th Annual Hummingbird Festival:

A Hogansville Classic

How to you grow the population of a small Georgia city from 3,000 to 15,000 overnight? Simply put on an arts and crafts festival. In 1999, a couple of merchants from Hogansville decided to put on a festival to attract visitors to downtown.

Underwritten by a local developer, that first event, named the Hummingbird Festival, attracted a few hundred attendees and had fewer than 20 vendors. Now in its 17th year, the Hummingbird Festival brings in excess of 15,000 visitors to Hogansville with over 200 vendors during the third weekend in October. As a testament to the growth of the festival, it has been named one of the “Top 20 Events” by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

The Hummingbird Festival is the chief fundraising arm of the Hogansville Charitable Trust, Inc., a 501(c)3 public charity whose purpose is to renovate, preserve and improve historic and municipal properties in and around Hogansville. Since its inception, the festival has raised in excess of $300,000.

By using these funds primarily as matching funds for grants that the City would not otherwise be able to fund, these monies have been leveraged into more than $3 million in improvements to Hogansville. These improvements have included the initial renovation of the Royal Theater, downtown StreetScapes projects, three phases of the Tower Trail and upgrades to the historic amphitheater, a Civilian Conservation Corps

project built in the 1930’s.

Over the years, the festival has grown from simply a two day event to what are now called “Hummingbird Days” taking place during the entire month of October each year. These events include the kick-off dinner, a golf tournament, a reunion of the former Hogansville High School, the “Miss Hummingbird Pageant,” a part of the “Miss America” program, a student art competition and, this year, a 5K run.

The intention is that there is something for every member of the community.

The festival not only brings visitors to the city but serves as an event that brings Hogansville together. Several years ago, a festival committee member suggested adding a reunion for any student who attended Hogansville High School. That year, former members of the “Green Wave” came from all over the country to attend. It was said that during that festival there were more smiles on Main Street than at any other time in the City’s history.

The Kick-Off dinner, held at Victoria Belle, a world-class special event facility located in downtown Hogansville, has grown to become the social event of the year. With up to 200 diners, the evening is not only dinner

and dancing but also a silent auction that raises money for the Trust.

While there are many sponsors, the West Georgia Physicians have been the festival’s partner and principal sponsor for the past several years. And all the people who work on the festival are volunteers. The festival committee members work on the event during the entire year for no compensation other than the satisfaction of a job well done and support of the community.

It is for these reasons the festival is such a financial success.

With the continued support of all the sponsors and the efforts of the many dedicated volunteers, the future looks bright for the Hummingbird Festival and the Hogansville Charitable Trust.

Who was Eddie “The Brat” Stanky and why does he have a museum in Hogansville? The first question is easy. Eddie was a professional baseball player who played 2nd base for the Cubs, Dodgers, Braves, Giants and the Cardinals over an 11 year playing career. He also was the manager of the St Louis Cardinals, the Chicago White Sox and, for one day, the Texas Rangers. He is most remembered for being the second baseman for the Dodgers when Jackie Robinson broke the color line in major league baseball in 1947. That year, Jackie played first base and Eddie played second. The next year, Eddie was traded to Boston and Jackie moved to second base. After his playing career, Eddie became the baseball coach at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, taking them from not having a baseball program to two appearances in the College World Series.

Eddie Stanky Museum Page 16

The second question is also easy but a bit more obscure. You see, Eddie is the cousin of Hogansville Mayor Bill Stankiewicz, once removed. Bill started collecting memorabilia from Eddie at a very young age. In 1951 he attended a baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Giants with Eddie’s mother. After the game, they went down to the Giants locker room and Eddie gave Bill a ball autographed by all the Giants. But not just any ball. It was Willie Mays’ first game in the major leagues and as Mays stated in his autobiography, “I went zero for five and after the game I felt like I didn’t belong. Then Eddie Stanky gave me a baseball to sign and I knew I was in the major leagues.” That baseball, along with other pieces of baseball history, can be seen in the Eddie Stanky museum located in William & Mary’s Antiques and Collectibles in Hogansville.

Troup Trends | August 2014

E F

F

Downtown LaGrange Development Authority invites you to meet the Solomons, owners of

Solomon’s Department Store in Downtown LaGrange

This family has been helping kids get ready for Back to School since 1932. Stop in the Bull Street location and experience old school customer service while finding brands - like The North Face, Patagonia, Minnetonka, Kavu, Chaco and Ugg Australia. Ellis Solomon and his grandchildren, Belle and Millan Solomon, select new shoes and backpacks with the help of their aunt, Patty Solomon, as great-grandfather Charlie Solomon looks on.

Solomon’s honors Downtown LaGrange Development Authority gift certificates too. DLDA gift certificates can be purchased M-F from 9 to 4 at the DLDA office, 200 Main Street, Suite 1B. Visit Solomon’s for back to school shopping Monday through Saturday 9:30 to 5:30 Wednesday 9:30 to 12:00 Follow them on Facebook.com/ Solomon’s Department Store Troup Trends | August 2014

108 Bull Street 706.884.5951 Page 17

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•small business development

ack in 1991, I remember returning from the Middle East after Desert Shield/Desert Storm, really unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, though knowing that a change was on the horizon. You know how people talk about life changing events...

Well, for me, Desert Storm was one of those life changing events.

Not that the work there was any more significant than what those serving now are experiencing. In fact, I would say there is very little comparison to what we did then and the significant challenges, sacrifices and hazards the military service members face now, and have faced since 2003, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Anyway, I digress.

Let's just suffice it say that I was searching back in the early 1990's though I didn't know for what I was searching.

Sometime in early 1993, I decided that I wanted to open my own business. At that time, I didn't know what I wanted to do in a business; I just knew that I wanted to do something for myself. I remember this one conference I went to that was one of those moments, one of those messages from a speaker that has stayed with me even now. The speaker was an older gentleman by the name of Charlie "Tremendous" Jones. Have you ever heard of him? He must have been in his 70's back then, though when he used the word "Tremendous" as his middle name, he wasn't kidding. This gentleman was one of the more dynamic and energetic speakers I have ever heard. He had written a couple of books at the time, one little paperback in particular titled, Life is Tremendous. So, he comes out on stage carrying all of these books and begins his talk. I'm wondering what he is doing with all of these books sitting on this little side table as he begins to speak and hop and jump around the stage, extolling the virtues of living a 'Tremendous" life. At the end, though, he got to the message that has stuck with me till this day. He said, "You will be the same person today, in five years, except for two things: First, the books you read and second, the people you are around."

He seemed to be looking right at me as he said those words. Wow! That little statement spoke to my very soul and opened a door for me. Now, no longer did I have to just let life carry me along and I accept what was coming. As this idea sunk in, I realized that I could change who I would become in five years by simply changing two things in my life: The books I read and the people I surrounded myself with in my everyday dealings. This idea gave me a sense of control in my life that I didn't realize I had.

Growth and the Chinese Bamboo Tree...

by Mark

Page 18

Take a moment to think about this idea.

Many of you reading this want to achieve something great in the next several years.

Lupo Some have your path clearly marked as to how to get there and there is not a question in your mind that you will achieve that goal. And that is probably true. Others of you, though, might be like I was, you have the idea that you want a different life, a life that is better than where you are now, but there is that seed of uncertainty of how best to get there. You really don't Troup Trends | August 2014

know how to get from where you are today to where you want to go. Maybe it is that dream job. Maybe it is going back to school to get a degree. Maybe it is opening that next successful small business you have always wanted to have. Maybe it is growing your existing business to the next level. Whatever that goal is, though, it is probably new territory and that brings with it the uncertainty of how best to get there. By taking charge of the books and people you are around, you can use these associations to build yourself into the person you want to become. As I have proceeded along this path of achieving (and I am still walking this never-ending path), I found that the books I needed to read to gain the ideas and become the person I wanted to become emerged. Through conversations with others, through references of books, I began to identify these books, these ideas, the information that I needed to change who I was into who I wanted to become.

For business owners, one of the challenges that happens as we build a business is that we can get so immersed in the doings of the business that we don't take the time to continually develop ourselves.

Michael Gerber, in his book, The E-Myth, discusses that, as business owners, we can get so involved in working "in" the business that many times we neglect the effort to work "on" our business.

This difference can have substantial effects to our ability to grow our business. As you think about the direction and growth of your business, take some time away from the business to think... thinking about where you see the business going in the next few years— thinking about how you will lead the company and develop the internal leaders within your organization—thinking about what systems and processes that you use that need to be written down and/or developed. This thinking process does not necessarily happen with a quick turn-around in results, but, over time, can yield dramatic positive changes to your personal and business growth.

Someone once said that our business will grow only to the level of our self-image. If that is the case, then to grow our business beyond where it is, to take it to the next level, we must first focus on growing ourselves. As we take on this growth effort, we must ask from ourselves patience... patience to let the process work on us from the inside out. This process reminds me of the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree (as related by Les Brown). Are you familiar with it?

It is said that the Chinese Bamboo Tree begins as a nut, a hard nut, about the size of a walnut. The nut has to be planted in soil and then watered and fertilized every day—every day for 5 years before it finally breaks through the ground. If at any time the watering or fertilizing process is stopped, the Chinese Bamboo Tree will die in the ground. But, in that fifth year, the Chinese Bamboo Tree finally breaks through the ground, and in six weeks it grows nearly ninety feet tall! Now, the question is, did it grow ninety feet in six weeks or 5 years…. The answer is obvious. It took five years of watering and fertilizing everyday to make it happen. The seeds have been planted in you for years now. Continually water and fertilize these seeds with the association of books and people who can help you grow into the person you want to be. Give yourself, and these seeds, time to grow. And grow they will, just you wait and see.

Until next time...

Mark Lupo has been with The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Columbus since 2005.

Reach him at mlupo@georgiasbdc.org.

Troup Trends | August 2014

The BEST technology solutions to MEET your business needs.

PTS is a locally owned and operated technology consulting firm servicing businesses in the West Georgia and East Alabama area. With more than 20 years’ experience in IT management and services, we pride ourselves in providing customized solutions to meet each client’s expectations.

300 Broome Street, Suite 106 • LaGrange, GA 30240 706.884.4155 • ptscomputer.com

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Open to the Public Memberships Available

706.845.7425 257 S. Smith Road LaGrange, Georgia 30241 www.thefieldsgolfclub.com

Page 19

•business spotlight

Disaster Services, Fire, Wind, Water and Mold Restoration address: 187 Oak Avenue Pine Mountain, GA 31822 owner/partner: Chance Carlisle opened: 2006 number of employees: 35 what we do: We are a full service restoration company providing 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-aweek emergency response. how we're different: Family owned and operated, our Christian based values provide turnkey restoration service. a measure of our success: Our business has enjoyed 20 percent consistent annual growth since opening in 2006.

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how that [success] happened: Faith, hard work, good people and building long term relationships have all helped us become a success. best advice received: Avoid overbearing debt! my business journey: In 2000, I opened Carlisle Services, a commercial contracting firm and began to see a need to provide additional services. In 2006, Disaster Services was formed as a division of Carlisle Services and later became an independent company.

a time-saving tip Keep it simple. things to avoid Apathy and debt! future plans: Continue to grow and expand our territory. business motto: “Making it Home Again” my favorite quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” (Winston Churchill)

advice for other businesses in LaGrange wanting to open: It bears repeating - avoid overbearing debt!

personal achievement: I am married to my high school sweetheart, and we have seven amazing children!

busiest time: We are busy 24-hours-a-day, seven-daysa-week, usually during the spring and summer. However, we were extremely busy this past winter with a lot of mitigation calls from burst water pipes.

contact: Chance Carlisle Office: 706-663-2609 chancesllc@bellsouth.net Troup Trends | August 2014

•advice you can use Many people make resolutons in January , but back-to-school season is also a great time to make a fresh start! If your household paperwork has been getting the best of you, follow this advice from Joshua Britt of Ellis and Ellis about how to take charge of your records.

I

hummingbird

When to Shred

t’s easy to be confused as to which records you keep and those you should shred. Here are some helpful guidelines to determine how long to keep records: Tax Records Keep: 7 Years The IRS has three years to audit your return if the agency suspects you made a mistake and up to six years if you likely underreported your gross income by 25 percent or more. If you failed to file a return for any year, keep records indefinitely.

Pay Stubs Keep: 1 Year Compare them to your W2 form and then shred.

Bank Statements/Credit Card Statements Keep: 1 Year Hold onto records related to your taxes, business expenses, home improvements, mortgage payments or major purchases for as long as you need them. A better option would be to opt into receiving your statements online instead of in the mail.

zipline • inflatables • billiards & fooze • ping pong • toys & playspace • surround sound • free wifi • concessions la rgest p r o o d n i a only space i rty r e v o e n the ziplin ack r e r g t i o e n! tumbl

Medical Records Keep: 1 year depending on the material Medical bills can be kept for one year. Records regarding prescription information, medical histories, or contact information for your physician should be held onto.

Insurance Records Keep: Varies Keep policy information for the life of the policy plus an additional five years.

Utility and Phone Bills Keep: Immediately after payment Shred them after you’ve paid them, unless they contain tax-deductible expenses.

IRA Contributions Keep: Until you withdraw the money Troup Trends | August 2014

(continued on page 49)

music too! venue.

1379 Lafayette Pkwy 706.882.0652

Book your next birthday or group celebration with us. Call today for pricing and party package deals!

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•back-to-school

T

It's Tailgating Time!

ailgating is a southern tradition and every fall the residents of Troup County love to get in on action! Whether you are pulling for your favorite high school team or cheering on one of the local colleges, when the boys hit the gridiron, it's time to grab your favorite fans and fire up the grill.

According to the website Tailgating.com, tailgating is serious business. The following are the results of a Tailgaing Institute research study of the tailgating habits of over 20,000 tailgaters across America.

How old is the average Tailgater?

• 4% are between 12-20 • 60% are between the ages of 25-44 • 9% are over 55 years old.

How many times a year do they Tailgate?

• 46% Tailgate 6-10 times a season • 21 Tailgate 11-15 times • 8% Tailgate at more than 16 games in a season.

How much do they spend?

• 42% of our Tailgaters spend over $500 a season on food and supplies • 31% spend between $200-$500.

How long does it take to get to the game?

49% travel less than one hour to the stadium?

• 15% travel between 2-4 hours • 8% travel more than 4 hours.

Are they really cooking in the parking lot?

• 95% of our Tailgaters prepare their food at the stadium • 5% bring fast food or prepared food to the stadium Page 22

Classic Tailigating Recipe: South Georgia Vidalia Onion Dip Ingredients 2 cups finely chopped Vidalia onions 2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese 1 cup mayonnaise 1 8 oz package cream cheese Crackers or toast points Preparation Mix all ingredients and spread in shallow dish.

Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

Serve with crackers or toast points.

From the Junior Service League of LaGrange's Grits and Grace Cookbook.

Your favorite school doesn't have a football team? No problem!

Tailgating is a year-round activity and is a lot of fun during basketball (and all other sports).

Troup Trends | August 2014

•chamber services

Money Saving Solutions for Healthcare and Benefits Administration

T

o benefit our members, your Chamber participates in the Healthy Business Alliance,® a statewide program with over 140 Chambers serving more than 150 counties and communities throughout Georgia. By using large group buying power to negotiate advantages, many products and services include discounting pricing and exclusive benefits. Products and services are made available through well-known companies and are sold through local insurance agents.

Health Insurance — Just because the Affordable Care Act does not permit premium discounts on health insurance doesn’t mean you can’t get the best price available in the marketplace. Local insurance brokers working in concert with your Chamber’s Healthy Business Alliance® program provide access to a choice of top insurance carriers for groups, individuals, and seniors.

For Employer Groups: • Fully-insured plans are available from United Healthcare of Georgia, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, & Assurant. Plans are available to businesses with two or more employees.

• Cost-saving level funding plans from Humana, Assurant, Starmark, Group Resources, Covenant Administrators, and IHC Group, in some cases for groups down to five employees.

APOLLO HEALTHCARE • WellCap—A unique design that combines the safety of fully insured with the direct savings opportunity of self-funding • Powerful, positive, & effective wellness engagement • Exclusive wellness incentive for Chamber members

insurance, disability, cancer, critical illness

Voluntary Benefits at Work, a purchasing alliance solution • Benefits tailored to the individual financial lifestyle needs to each employee • Employees can choose the benefits they want, at no cost to the employer • Carriers include (but are not limited to) Allstate, Colonial, Humana, AFLAC, Transamerica, Lincoln, Companion Life, Assurity, Assurant, Unum, MetLife, ING • Guaranteed issue voluntary benefits for employers with five or more employees—life

Group and Voluntary Dental, Term Life Insurance, Vision Care, Disability Income Protection • UnitedHealthcare of Georgia offers a 5% discount on group and voluntary plans.

They also offer administrative savings of up to $7.00/enrolled employee/month if bundled with medical for groups 2-99.

• Companion Life Insurance Company Special savings of 5-10% depending on group size and other factors (continued on page 37)

For individuals and their families under age 65: • Assistance with enrollment in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace • Private plans from Aetna, Assurant, CoventryOne, Cigna, HumanaOne, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthOne • Individual dental, vision, short-term medical, life insurance, long-term care, and pet insurance For Seniors: • Piedmont/Wellstar, Aetna, Cigna HealthSpring, Care Improvement Plus, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Continental Life, Standard Life & Accident, Bankers Fidelity, Coventry Innovative, Self-Funded Group Health Insurance — Exclusive offering for groups with 50-2,000 employees Troup Trends | August 2014

Page 23

•technology

Technology in our Schools: Bring Your Own Device

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echnology has changed the way we do most everything these days, and it is about to change the way we function in the classroom. The Troup County School System (TCSS) has embraced a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative that will allow students to bring their personal devices (e.g. tablets, cellphones, and laptops) to class. With their teacher’s permission, students will be allowed to use personal and school-owned technology during classroom instruction.

Last year, a wireless network was installed at LaGrange High School that allowed a small-scale pilot of the BYOD concept. During the year, a committee consisting of principals and teachers at the elementary and high school level along with central office staff examined the challenges associated with wireless access. From those discussions, internet policies and practices were revised and developed to support student wireless access. For the 2014-2015 school year, parents and students will be required to sign and abide by the newly developed User Agreement before participating in the BYOD program.

Page 24

Students and teachers at LaGrange High School are excited about the opportunity to use personal electronic devices in class. Alex Walker, a senior at LHS, believes BYOD is a positive addition to the school system, and students will be more engaged. “Many of my teachers were already using tools such as Remind 101 and Poll Everywhere, and we look forward to being introduced to more tools.” Our students are digital natives, and incorporating technology into the classroom should increase the relevance of their learning. Jamie Bozeman, a Social Studies teacher, has found that incorporation of digital resources accessible to students on their personal electronic devices has greatly expanded the capabilities of the learning process within the classroom. “One of the toughest challenges an educator faces today is making their content relevant to the daily lives of their students. It’s the “Bought in Factor.” The BYOD initiative gives teachers an angle, in their classrooms, to use the one thing that nearly 100% of all students have, an electronic device. At any given time or situation our Social Studies teachers can make use of the digital age to analyze historical primary documents, facilitate the understanding of historical causality, and Troup Trends | August 2014

investigate historical events and processes. The use of BYOD in classrooms will further foster critical thinking skills, aiding student’s depth of knowledge needed to write analytically to explain the course of history and its relevance.”

Individual school leaders are addressing the issues associated with a BYOD program. Equity, accountability, and theft are three of our greatest concerns. To ensure the ability of all students to participate in a technology-centered activity, classroom sets of devices (tablets and Chromebooks) have been purchased and are available for shared use throughout the campus. Also, lesson design will be tailored to meet the available classroom resources. Students will be held responsible for the proper use of their electronic devices, and those who are unable to exercise control over their use may lose the opportunity to participate in the program. While character development will be an important part of controlling the issue of theft, students will be frequently reminded of the necessity of maintaining control of all valuables at all times and using available lockers when necessary. Additionally, LaGrange High students will be required to register their device in order to reunite owners with recovered equipment whenever possible.

As with any new initiative, training is planned for teachers, students, and parents. This past year at LHS, ideas for classroom use of technology were shared with teachers during several of our professional learning sessions. This year, they will offer their teachers monthly technology training sessions after school in the media center. Students will also need to be educated on digital citizenship and the responsible use of their electronic devices. During grade level meetings, homeroom sessions, and mandatory training sessions for those who have trouble following the rules, students will be reminded that with the BYOD privilege comes great responsibility.

The TCSS wireless network will be password protected during the school day, and students will access their school accounts using their student ID number. After school hours, the network will be available to all visitors. In LHS parent education workshops offered in the evening throughout the school year, information on internet safety and digital citizenship will be shared with parent(s)/ guardian(s).

In anticipation of the 2014-2015 academic year, parents need not worry about increases in their child’s data usage because while on campus, students will be required to use the TCSS wireless network. Student use of 3G and 4G features while at school are unnecessary because instructional materials will be available on the school system’s network. Of course, social networking and other inappropriate sites will be blocked. Only those sites that support the curriculum will be accessible, and consequences will be issued for those who do not follow the rules as specified in the user agreement.

The wireless network installations at all 19 schools within the system should be completed by the fall. Once operational, teachers throughout the district will be able to enhance classroom instruction with relevant technology-based instruction designed to improve student engagement and academic performance. A Bring Your Own Device initiative is one of the many ways that TCSS is educating all students in a challenging and safe learning environment, so they will become productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.

Troup Trends | August 2014

Troup County School System Serving approximately 12,700 students in 12 elementary, 3 middle, 3 high and 1 alernative school

Mission To educate all students in a challenging and safe learning environment, so they will become productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.

Points of Pride • Troup County Board of Distinction Recognition • Master and National Board Certified Teachers • 99% Highly Qualified Certified Staff • 100% Highly Qualified Teaching Assistants • Advanced Placement Honor Schools • U.S. News and World Report - Best U.S. High School • Georgia Schools of Excellence • Georgia Reward Schools • Award-winning Career Technical Agriculture

Education Programs • 100 Best Communities for Young People Award

Troup County School System 100 North Davis Road, Building C LaGrange, Georgia 30241 phone 706.812.7900 • fax 706.812.7915 Page 25

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Troup Trends | August 2014

Troup Trends | August 2014

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Photo copyright 2003 2WR + Partners

•designing 21st century schools

K-12 Facility Design: Supporting the Mission

by Sam Andras

O

ver the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with several boards of education throughout the country. Though each board is unique, they all have a commonality: their primary focus is to support the education of the children in their district. While specific goals vary from district to district, there are several themes that hold true and are illustrated in each district’s mission, goals, values and/or belief statements. As boards of education strive to prepare students to be productive citizens in a diverse and changing world, they must also construct a safe and secure learning environment in which all students are inspired to achieve academically in the present, as well in the future. The constructed environment must support these goals and so should remain top of mind as districts are involved in evaluating the design of new and renovated schools.

However, there is a correlation between facilities and success. In Troup County, though, that is not the case. While designing the new Ethel Kight Elementary School, the Board of Education looked to us to incorporate the necessary design aspects that research has proven to provide a healthy and productive learning environment.

With a primary focus on factors such as student and teacher safety, 21st Century technology, providing a healthy school environment, and energy/maintenance efficiency, several exciting design aspects have been included in the school’s design and will, undoubtedly, provide a solid foundation for student success.

Research: Environment and Education Though research in the educational field is often focused on test scores, there is additional research focusing on the health, attenPage 28

dance, and crime rates among students. As students and teachers are studied, there is clear evidence that the environment of a school plays an important role in the educational process and well-being of the individuals which inhabit it. Researchers look at a variety of environmental factors when examining facilities such as daylighting, air quality, student and teacher attendance, safety, and overall aesthetics and the impact these have on education and their relation to facility design.

Daylighting Numerous studies have found that student performance increases with even distribution of daylight, an expansive view to the outside, and limited glare and thermal heat gain. In addition to a greater sense of well-being, daylighting in schools has been shown to increase test scores and has positive health implications. for students and faculty such as stronger teeth and bone structure due to an increase in Vitamin D. Indoor Air Quality Indoor air quality directly impacts student academic performance and growth. Studies have shown that improving outdoor air ventilation rates can positively impact student and teacher performance, increase test scores, as well as reducing airborne transmission of infection. With improved air quality, student health increases and, in turn, attendance rates, and student achievement, improve. Air quality also presents a maintenance issue that can have a large impact on operational and maintenance budgets. Clean air prevents issues such as mold and mildew that, once present within a building, can take a Troup Trends | August 2014

substantial amount of time and money to remedy.

Safety Though safety has always been a priority within educational facilities, it has increased dramatically since the horrific events like those at Columbine High School in Colorado and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. School safety and security begins in facility design. While design of the facility itself forms the foundation for school safety, the facility’s site is every bit as important. Criminal behavior is heavily influenced by the perceived risk of being caught; thereby environmental design can impact crime. Further, proper design of site and built environment can also reduce the fear of crime and improve the quality of life.

Attendance Facilities have been shown to impact attendance of both faculty and students and, in turn, attendance of students and faculty impact their performance. By placing teachers in environments that they enjoy and are inspired in, absenteeism decreases. Not only is teacher absenteeism a problem, but so is student absenteeism. Though there are outside factors that affect student attendance that school systems cannot control, there are facility-related factors that do contribute to student absenteeism.

Spaces That Inspire Both Teaching and Learning The design of an educational facility will clearly impact the ability of children to learn. The selection of building systems and implementation of daylighting are components of the facility design which impact education. In addition, the design of the facility can impact faculty, staff and student safety and perception thereof. But the effects of facility design on education don’t stop there. Students have been shown to perform better in spaces that inspire them, and it has also been illustrated that teachers perform better in spaces that inspire and enhance the process of educating. Additionally, facilities that generate student pride have been shown to have reduced vandalism and crime. When building schools, we must understand and appreciate the imagination of children. The images, shapes, colors and forms that spark their imagination are not always traditional in nature. Students will respond better to, and desire to attend, facilities to which they can relate.

Decisions Made in the Best Interests of Children The correlation between school design and the opportunity for academic success cannot be denied. If school boards are truly focused on providing the best opportunities for academic success for all students within a safe and secure environment, then they must take a more active role in defining the specifics of their educational facilities. Decisions related to scope and approach can’t be made on cost alone. While cost is a consideration, school boards must ensure all elements of the school are considered and evaluated prior to making decisions about project scope.

Read about how these practices are being utilized in the builing of the new Ethel W. Kight Elementary School, scheduled to open fall of 2016.

Please see page 30.

Sam Andras is a founding Principal of 2WR + Partners and holds a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from Florida A&M University. Under his leadership, since the studio’s re-establishment in 2001, the practice has grown to include offices in Columbus, GA and Denver, CO Reach him at email sam@2wrarch.com.

Troup Trends | August 2014

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Page 29

K-12 Facility Design: Designing Ethel Kight

by Lee Martin

T

roup County's new Ethel Kight Elementary School incorporates many design aspects that will provide a healthy and productive learning environment. In planning for the design of the new Ethel Kight Elementary School, primary concerns of Troup County School System leaders have included: utmost security of the students and teachers, incorporation of 21st Century technology to enable current and future teaching tools, providing a healthy environment for all inhabitants of the school, and reducing energy and maintenance costs far into the future.

Security The new Ethel Kight Elementary School will be among the first schools in the region to incorporate comprehensive active and passive security features in the design of the school. Security begins with visual control. The administration will now have a much greater line of sight to the entry of the campus as well as to the entry of the building. Security cameras throughout the campus will further enable the administration to monitor activity. The new school campus design will also provide greater visual control of outdoor activity areas. Playgrounds and ball fields will be consolidated into a common, fenced area nestled into a much more easily controlled and protected area of the site. In the event of an intruder, the administration, at the push of a button, can close and lock corridor doors to compartmentalize and restrict access. Each classroom is equipped with a phone and with door locks that can be locked from the inside.

Technology The school incorporates 21st century classroom instructional technology. Every classroom will have wireless access and interactive digital projection systems. Each floor will feature a dedicated computer lab. The media center will also incorporate a technology instruction area equipped with an interactive digital projector. The school will also be the first in Troup County to take advantage of IP-based television distribution. This system takes advantage of the computer networking cables installed throughout the building, allowing greater flexibility for instructional video distribution at a reduced cost compared to traditional coaxial cable.

Smart Sun Exposure Both energy efficiency and quality daylighting begin with proper orientation of the building. By designing the new school building with the path of the sun in mind, we can limit the heat gain and Page 30

harsh glare from the sun while still allowing quality natural daylight and views of the outside. Research has shown that classroom windows that experience harsh solar glare will often have blinds closed not only during the time of day when glare is a concern, but will remain closed throughout the day. Restricting access to daylight and views thereby negatively affects the students' and teachers' well being. By placing all classrooms with windows facing either north or south, harsh solar glare has been more effectively controlled.

Generous roof overhangs and exterior sunshade devices on the south-facing windows, and high performance glass throughout, will eliminate harsh glare and greatly reduce heat gain without having to close the window blinds.

Energy-Saving LED Lighting The new school will be the first in the area to take advantage of the significant energy cost savings offered by LED lighting. In addition to requiring significantly less energy to operate, LED lighting offers higher quality, full spectrum lighting compared to the traditional fluorescent tube. This lighting system will also provide savings to the school system in reduced maintenance cost by eliminating the bulb replacement cycle of older fluorescent tube fixtures as well as reduce the time spent by staff "chasing" random burned out bulbs.

Indoor Air Quality Students and faculty will be provided with improved thermal comfort as well as improved indoor air quality with a new mechanical system design that at the same time significantly reduces the school's energy cost. The Troup County School System has chosen to use a Variable Refrigerant Flow or VRF heating and cooling system. This system allows for very finely tuned control of individual classroom temperatures while also having the efficiency of shared compressors.

Fresh air from outside will be preconditioned and then introduced to each classroom, which will greatly improve indoor air quality compared to the older-style classroom heating and air design.

Not only will the students and faculty breathe easier, but taxpayers and administrators can breathe easier knowing they will be saving money for years to come!

Lee Martin, AIA I LEED AP BD+C, is a Partner with 2WR, and a key leader within the firm’s Georgia studio. A graduate of Auburn University, Lee is also an active Board Member with the American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) Georgia State Chapter Reach him at lee@2wrarch.com Troup Trends | August 2014

Rendering copyright 2014 2WR + Partners

•designing 21st century schools

Announces New Certification by State of Georgia!

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•healthcare

Doctors Give Back to the Community

F

by Sharon Williams, Emory, and Jan Nichols, West Georgia Health

or more than 50 years, Emory of LaGrange and West Georgia Health, along with other local health providers in LaGrange and Troup County, have provided free athletic physicals to middle and high school athletes. Every Spring, rising 8th through 12th grade Troup County athletes arrive at the Callaway Center at West Georgia Technical College, which donates space for the massive but highly individualized event. It’s a public service conducted by more than 60 local physicians plus numerous nurses, physical therapists and other medical professionals to provide exams to more than 500 students.

These medical volunteers make sure every athlete is in proper physical condition to participate or whether they should seek further evaluation before getting the go-ahead to play team sports. They check blood pressure and pulse rates and perform a medical exam of the heart, lungs, joints and muscles. Should a student need further evaluation on site, a cardiologist is available to monitor echocardiograms. In addition, teen athletes who may have a family history or have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or stroke receive additional screening information and are required to follow up with their family physician.

Not only are the physicals potentially lifesaving, but they also afford student athletes the opportunity to compete for their school without having to pay the cost of a physical, which can range in price from $30to $75. Through the years, physicians and other medical personnel have teamed up to perform more than 17,000 physicals, which equates to a total savings to parents of about $850,000.

The program began in 1960 when West Georgia Health began offering the free physicals to students under the guidance of Dr. Cecil Page 32

Major and Dr. Raymond Leverett. Later, Dr. Jay Giesler coordinated the physicians volunteers until his retirement from Emory at LaGrange in 2010.

“In the beginning, we would travel around to the different high schools and performed the physicals in the gyms. We’d listen to a beating heart 15 feet away from a bouncing basketball. It wasn’t ideal, but everyone seemed very appreciative of what we were doing,” said Giesler.

Now Dr. Jim Bruce, sports medicine physician at Emory Southern Orthopedics, coordinates the physician participation. Joy Brooks, an R.N. and West Georgia Health’s nurse manager of the sixth floor, and Angie Morris, an R.N. at Emory Southern Orthopedics coordinate the non-physician volunteers, and they are on hand at the physicals to coordinate nurses, oversee rotations, assist with physician needs and attend to athletes who need additional followup with a private physician.

The physicians play different roles in the event, Dr. Bruce explained.

While one group examines each of the athletes, another set of physicians scrutinizes the athlete’s medical histories and physical examinations forms to determine whether each one is cleared to play sports.

“Even with more kids coming through than we’ve had in the earlier years, the process is so organized and so thorough that if there is a problem, it will be discovered, said Bruce. “On average we have about 10 to 15 students who need to have follow-ups each year. Just by saving one athlete from having a life-threatening event makes this program and the effort that goes into it so worthwhile.”

Troup Trends | August 2014

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Page 33

•back-to-school

Back-to-School in Style

B

ack-to-school means back-to-school shopping. We have compiled a list of "must have" essentials for a great start to the perfect school year. Whether you have a kindergartner or a senior or anything in-between, your favorite student is sure to impress (or be impressed) with everything on our list. And back-to-school shopping is a great time to Trade in Troup!

Backpacks

Outfits Galore

Technology

School Supplies

Carry school supplies in style in a North Face, Patagonia or Life is Good backpack. Guaranteed to keep your child organized!

Solomon's 108-114 Bull Street • LaGrange

Troup County School System has a new BYOD (Bring Your Device to School) policy. Be ready to learn with a new phone or tablet.

Verizon Wireless 1468 Lafayette Parkway, Suite 103 • LaGrange Page 34

Make sure your little cuties are wearing this year's latest fashions. Look for clothes that are bright, fun, comfortable and wash well.

Belk 1501 Lafayette Parkway • LaGrange

Nothings says back-to-school like brand new pencils, magic marrkers, and glue. Check your school's supply list to get everything you need.

Loy's Office Supplies 228 Main Street • LaGrange Troup Trends | August 2014

Monogrammed Lunchboxes

Lunch tastes even better when it is served straight from a monogrammed lunchbox! Check out the personalized pencil cases as well.

Serendipity 37 S. Lafayette Square • LaGrange

After School Treats

School makes you hungry, and nothing hits the spot better than a milkshake! And if a report card has all As? A new toy just might be in order.

The Medicine Cabinet 205 Vernon Street • LaGrange

Eno Hammocks

After a hard week at school every student deserves a little kick-back time. Do it in style in an Eno hammock. What a great place to read.

Stephens Exclusives 222 Main Street • LaGrange

Bailey Allen and Katie Graham compiled the information for our Back-to-School Trends. Both girls are seniors at LaGrange High School. Bailey, the daughter of Roger and Molly Allen, is active in swimming, and Katie, the daughter of Sam and Heather Graham, is active in tennis.

Joynus Staffing is a growing company with over a decade of experience in human resources. Every day, we help individuals find new jobs and open new career opportunities. Companies that partner with us discover a flexible and efficient way to enhance their work force. We boast a professional yet family atmosphere, and a proactive approach sets us apart from the competition.

Joynus Staffing specializes in providing employees to tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 companies in the automotive industry as well as light industrial employees to a wide range of clients.

Putting People to Work And Providing Superior Customer Service LaGrange Office 1506 Whitesville St. LaGrange, GA 30240 706.443.5184 job@joynusstaffing.com

Troup Trends | August 2014

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•chamber programs

"B

Trade In Troup

uy Local”—you’ve heard the phrase hundreds of times, have seen ads across the country and probably shared a post or two on Facebook to encourage fellow shoppers to support locally-owned businesses. In 2009, the Chamber launched our own version of a shop local campaign—”Trade in Troup”—to encourage cash flow throughout our county. As part of our 5-star member program, we ask each of our members to recommit to the effort and to take our “Trade in Troup” pledge.

We are a community blessed with a diverse mix of business, and it is that mix that makes our economy work. Through the “Trade in Troup” campaign, residents and business owners are encouraged to spend dollars locally. When a community collectively holds back on spending or takes our hard-earned dollars to another city or town, our local cities have trouble paying for basic services, and we see people—our neighbors, our family, our friends—lose their jobs.

This is not a cycle we can break at the national level, but it is a cycle that we can break in our local community if we all make a concentrated effort to buy goods and services locally whenever possible.

Susan Witt, Executive Director of the E.F. Schumacher Society, says that buy local campaigns are also a great way for a community to identify gaps in its business mix. Studies of Troup County show an annual retail leakage of $325 million. That means our residents are taking hard-earned dollars to other communities to buy goods and services because the items are either not available locally or consumers are in the habit of shopping in neighboring communities. That’s why the Chamber engaged Retail Strategies, a consulting firm based out of Birmingham, to help us attract and retain retailers in Troup County.

Shopping local also enhances the “velocity” of money—the circulation speed. David Morris, Vice President of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit economic research and development organization, says “The idea is that if currency circulates more quickly, the money passes through more hands—and more people have had the benefit of the money and what it has purchased for them.” He adds, “If you’re buying local . . . chances are that the store is not

making a huge profit. That means more goes into input costs—supplies and upkeep, printing, advertising, paying employees—which puts that money right back in the community.”

We are often asked why the Chamber’s $hop at Home gift certificates have a six-month life span. When the program was created in 2002, the Chamber Board of Directors wanted to jumpstart local spending and benchmarked other programs that showed certificates would be redeemed—money would be circulated in the community—within that time frame.

David Boyle of the New Economics Foundation, an independent economic think tank in London, sums it up best: “It’s not about how much money you’ve got, but how much you can keep circulating without letting it leak out.”

As you make business—or personal—buying decisions, first ask if you can find the goods and services from a local vendor. If you’re not sure, give the Chamber a call! We’re happy to refer fellow Chamber businesses.

Commit to the “Trade in Troup” pledge. Complete the pledge below or download a copy from our website. Return it to our office.

Not only will you gain another star in our 5-star member program, but you will also help support fellow neighbors and our community.

Take time to rediscover Troup County’s unique shops and quality service establishments. Try it. We know you’ll like it!

5 Reasons to Trade in Troup 1. Purchases made locally contribute to services such as police, fire, streets and roads and parks.

2. Buying locally helps create jobs in our community.

3. Buying locally improves our economy and the economic environment for all businesses.

4. Spending locally means that your sales taxes will be re-invested in our community.

5. Investing in our local businesses helps these business also reinvest in our community through donations to community causes and organizations.

Chamber Members: Take the “Trade in Troup” Pledge!

I,__________________________________, do hereby acknowledge my commitment to “Trade in Troup” first when purchasing and securing goods and services. I acknowledge that supporting local businesses directly benefits our businesses/organizations/ entities as well as the citizens of Troup County through increased employment opportunities, sales tax revenues, property tax revenues, donations and contributions as well as acts of public service by local business leaders. Studies show that 40 cents of every dollar spent locally has local benefits. These dollars finance our local quality of life, making every local purchase a good investment in Troup County.

Signature:______________________________________________________ Business:______________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________ Please take the pledge and cast your vote in favor of the future of our community. Simply fill out the pledge, sign it and return to LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 636, LaGrange, 30241, fax to 706-882-8012 or email to pestes@lagrangechamber.com.

Page 36

Troup Trends | August 2014

Money Saving Solutions for Healthcare and Benefits (continued from page 23) • Principal Financial Group 1. Chamber members receive a 10-30% discount for individual disability insurance for individuals and business owners, depending upon product chosen and other factors 2. Business succession planning—Informal business valuations and buy/sell reviews, retirement income planning 3. Products include individual, overhead expense, buy-out, loan protection, and key person policies.

• Union Central Life Insurance Company gives qualified member business discounts of 15% or more disability overhead expense protection, with a tax-deductable premium • Avesis Incorporated offers a 10% discount on vision plans.

• CT Group offers a 10% discount on • Group and Voluntary Term Life and Group and Voluntary Short Term Disability and Immediate Disability for businesses with 2-9 enrolled employees.

• Delta Dental gives Chamber members a 6% rate discount on employer-paid plans, with no waiting period a two year rate guarantee. Must have a minimum of five employees to participate.

Health and Lifestyle Products for individuals, seniors, and groups • freshbenies—24/7 call a doctor service, advocacy, wellness support, and health discounts…all in one easy-to-use card groups (freshbenies is not insurance nor is it intended to replace insurance).

• VIP Pet Insurance —Pet insurance plans for every budget • LegalShield—Individual plans and plans for small businesses, providing legal protection by a team of dedicated attorneys.

Health Savings Accounts—Special banking accounts to coordinate with HSA qualified High Deductible Health Plans • HSA Bank 1. Lower account minimums and lower monthly fees for Chamber businesses and individual members 2. No charge for Chamber members for paper statements and no minimum balance required to invest, no fees to invest Integrated Payroll Platform – Combines traditional payroll capabailiteies with full intengrated time & attendance, 401K, HR and benefits administration components • Netchex – special pricing for Chamber members • Prepares you for current and future HealthCare Reform reporting requirements including: • W-2 Reporting Changes, Insurance Exchanges • Means testing for subsidies, Cadillac tax • Section 125 and COBRA Compliance • 401K Administration, Total Compensation Statements Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance • Seven Corners offers low priced coverage for individuals of all ages, families, and groups.

For more information, contact your local insurance agent, your Chamber, or Shan Ricketts of Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc., the company that developed the Healthy Business Alliance® program for Chamber members, at 800-782-8254 or at strickett@ purchasingalliance.com.

Troup Trends | August 2014

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Photo courtesy of Lee Cathey Photography.

•non-profit spotlight

Callaway Foundation, Inc. The imposing height of Callaway Memorial Tower, with its majestic view of the mill village communities of Callaway Mills, lends acceptance and truth to the qualities of character embodied by Fuller Callaway. The qualities which made him beloved in this community are the same qualities that characterize true greatness in any time, in any place.

Patterned after the Campanile of St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, this memorial tower is a monument to the textile magnate, Fuller E. Callaway, Sr. Callaway died on February 12, 1928 and his employees and friends had the tower built to honor his memory.The inscription on the tower reads: Dedicated to the memory of Fuller E. Callaway, this tower is erected by his associates and friends —the employees in the enterprises he established. July 15, 1929. The Callaway Memorial Tower is located on 4th Avenue in Southwest LaGrange. History now speaks to us about his capacity for hard work, his loyalty to those who placed their trust in him, his caring concern for others, his uncompromising sense of integrity, his feelings of family pride and above all, his faith in God. We are compelled to listen. address: 209 Broome Street • LaGrange, Georgia opened: The foundation was created by the late Fuller E. Callaway, Jr. in 1943 as Callaway Community Foundation. But the beginnings of the foundation’s principles can be traced to a much earlier date – more specifically, to the early 1900’s and to the concerns of his father, the late Fuller E. Callaway, Sr., in the health, education and welfare of the people in the community in which he lived and did business. what we do: We are a private grant-making foundation that fulfills its mission, serving the people of LaGrange and Troup County, by making grants to recognized religious, educational Page 38

and charitable organizations such as schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, libraries, recreation, and the arts.

the quality of life in LaGrange and Troup County, Georgia by making it a special place to live, work, learn and play.

During the last ten years, approximately one half of our grants have been made to organizations to assist them in meeting their goals and objectives based on a grant request; while the other half has been dedicated to projects identified by our trustees and endorsed by our city and county leaders, such as the downtown revitalization projects.

how we're different: Callaway Foundation, Inc. was started with initial contributions of less than $1.5 million. No other contributions have been made to it. As of March 31, 2014, the assets of the foundation total approximately $222 million. The tax laws related to foundations require that minimum contributions average 5% of the foundation’s assets each year; based on current assets, that would put annual giving in the range of $11 million.

Since inception, contributions totaling almost $350 million have been made, most of which were in LaGrange and Troup County.

why we do it: The vision statement of Callaway Foundation, Inc. reads: Based on a history of Christian family values, we are a progressive, compassionate team primarily dedicated to enhancing

Troup Trends | August 2014

a measure of our success: As far as the Foundation is aware, not a single penny of its income has been used for any purpose other than the religious, educational and charitable purposes for which it is organized. All of its funds have been either used or contributed for such purposes or have been invested, and very wisely invested, for the purpose of producing growth and income to fund the charitable grant making. who we serve: Some examples of our local grant recipients are LaGrange College (they are the largest single beneficiary of the foundation’s giving), West Georgia Health and its related organizations, City of LaGrange, Troup County, Parks & Recreation, Downtown LaGrange Development Authority, & related civic-oriented projects, and Troup County Board of Education and the related schools.

The majority of the arts organizations in LaGrange receive some level of funding from the foundation, substantially all churches in Troup County have benefitted from one of the foundation’s church grant programs, and United Way and its supported organizations have all been helped.

There are several examples of organizations outside of LaGrange and Troup County that have received funding that provide great benefits for our city and county residents. These include Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Shepherd Center, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia, just to name a few. a favorite quote: As we work to make this a better place to live, work, learn and play, we all should always remember the words of the Rev. Peter Spilman Raible (1929 – 2004): “We build on foundations we did not lay.

We warm ourselves by fires we did not light.

We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant.

We drink from wells we did not dig.

We profit from persons we did not know.

We are ever bound in community.

May it always be so.” other groups we support: A lot of people don’t realize that there is another “Callaway” Foundation in town—Fuller E. Callaway Foundation. This smaller foundation was founded in 1917 by Fuller E. Callaway, Sr. Currently, the primary activity of the foundation is the operation of Hills & Dales Estate, the historic home of the Fuller E. Callaway Family.

The foundation also administers two scholarship programs—the Hatton Lovejoy Scholarship Plan and the Hatton Lovejoy Graduate Studies Fund. Additional funds have been provided to support the George E. Sims, Jr. Nursing Scholarship Program at West Georgia Health. contact: Speer Burdette 706-884-7348 hsburdette@callawayfoundation.org Want to see your organization spotlighted in Troup Trends?

Come to the Early Bird Breakfast to be entered into a drawing to win as the next business or non-profit feature.

Troup Trends | August 2014

JOB SEEKERS! SURGE STAFFING IS LOOKING FOR YOU!!!

We at SURGE® will partner with you and provide you with an opportunity to work with premier employers in your community.

Surge offers a variety of placement options, from temporary to permanent hire, we are sure to have the right match of flexibility for you.

www.surgestaffing.com Apply in the office or online TODAY! Lagrange Office 229 S. Davis Rd Suite 700 Lagrange, GA 30240 Page 39

•spotlight on west point

West Point has

Spirit!

W

CJM/WPLV Radio is teaming with Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) to help students and their families catch the “Back to School” spirit with a fun-filled day in West Point on Saturday, August 16. The 2014 Back to School Bash will kick-off at 6 pm in the parking lot adjacent to the recreation softball fields. Michael Blair will be back as the emcee to keep the crowd entertained for the duration of the event.

“The City of West Point is once again excited to host the annual Back To School Bash,” noted Mayor Drew Ferguson. “This is an incredible event that uniquely unites our diverse community and highlights the spirit of our youth.”

Photo courtesy of Lee Cathey Photography.

KIA Delivers with New River Overlook

D

id you know that West Point derives its name from the fact that the city is the westernmost point of the Chattahoochee River’s 430-mile flow? The best place to view the water and wildlife on the River may be the new Chattahoochee River Overlook located in downtown West Point between City Hall and the Hawkes Library. The River Overlook is another great addition to the City of West Point’s River Park. Located just across the river from the overlook is 185 acres of park land with trails for all types of activities. Most the acreage was donated to the City in 2004 by the national nonprofit land conservation organization Trust for Public Land. West Point River Park has almost 3600 feet of river frontage. The Overlook is constructed on the site where there was a bridge connecting East and West Eighth Streets to the west side. When the route was changed upon the construction of the John C. Barrow Bridge, the 1920s bridge was demolished. However, an abutment from the original bridge serves as the foundation for the new River Overlook.

Through the generosity of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG), the River Overlook was constructed for residents and visitors to view the Chattahoochee River. “We are excited to assist the City of West Point’s efforts to improve the existing overlook area and begin the first phase of the river walk development project,” said Randy Jackson, KMMG’s senior vice president of human resources and administration. “KMMG takes great pride in being a member of the West Point community, and we look forward to partnering with the City as it continues to grow and mature.”

Mayor Drew Ferguson agreed that the new overlook is the launching point for riverfront development. “As we go forward, you will see us renovate the area behind city hall,” he noted. “There’s an incredible opportunity for visitors to come here and experience a great quality of life.”

Page 40

Four local schools will be competing for $5,000 worth of prize money, made possible by KMMG’s generous donation. Football players, cheerleaders, band members and coaches from the Lanett Panthers, Springwood Wildcats, Troup Tigers and Valley Rams will play a key role in determining who gets the most prize money, but the real deciding factor for the win is the crowd involvement. “The Back to School Bash in West Point is a great way to kick off the school year for this area,” said Randy Jackson, KMMG’s senior vice president of human resources and administration. “KMMG is proud to sponsor this event again in 2014, and we wish everyone a very successful start to the school year.”

More than 1500 students, faculty and supporters participated in last year’s event, and organizers hope to exceed that number in 2014. “This event has grown each year since it began,” said promoter Steve Wheeler of WCJM/WPLV Radio, “and we plan on making this year’s Bash the best one yet.”

Attendees are encouraged to don their favorite school colors to show their support. Mr. Wheeler noted that there will be a specific area for each school to gather this year which will help the judges determine the loudest and most spirited student body. In addition, vendors representing each school will sell food throughout the event with proceeds benefitting the schools. Local restaurants will be also be open before and after the Bash.

“Come support your favorite school,” encouraged Mayor Ferguson. “The Bash is a great way to have fun and financially support our area schools.”

Troup Trends | August 2014

CALL FOR MORE INFO!

Amhurst

Cameron Pointe

Creekside

Lakemont

Stoney Creek

West Point, Georgia

LaGrange, Georgia

LaGrange, Georgia

LaGrange, Georgia

LaGrange, Georgia

• 1.5 miles from KIA Plant • 1400 - 2400+ sq. ft. homes • Starting in the $130s • Large wooded home sites • Troup High District • 100% Financing Available

• Northside of town • 2400 - 3400+ sq. ft. homes • Starting in the $240s • Tennis Courts & Pool • LaGrange High District • Off Cameron Mill Road

• Located inside the city limits • 1400 - 1900+ sq. ft. homes • Starting in the $140s • Sidewalks & Streetlights • LaGrange High District • Off Mooty Bridge Road

• Located on the north side • 1200 - 2600+ sq. ft. homes • Starting in the $140s • LaGrange High District • Off Wares Cross Roads • 100% Financing Available

• Located inside the city limits • 1200 - 1500+ sq. ft. homes • Starting in the $115s • Sidewalks & Streetlights • LaGrange High District • Off New Franklin Road

Brand new homes under construction now in all neighborhoods! Additional sites available for custom homes!

View our available homes for sale & learn more about our new home communities online at www.danric.com DanRic Homes | 89 Durand Road | LaGrange, GA 706.882.7773 | www.danric.com | 800.741.2512

*Buyers subject to credit approval and lending guidelines. 100% Financing available for qualified buyers through USDA Rural Development Program. All information herein subject to error, omission and/or change without notice. Equal housing opportunity. Listings held by Coldwell Banker Spinks Brown Durand Realtors 706-884-5681.

Troup Trends | August 2014

Page 41

•education

The Benefits of Private School Education

T

he public vs. private school debate is a hot one, and each year many parents grapple with the decision about which choice to make for their child. In fact, some national studies show that as many as 1 in 4 parents, for a variety of reasons, are currently thinking about changing their child's school either from private to public or public to private.

The most obvious difference between the two entities is, of course, cold hard cash.

Public schools cannot charge tuition, and they are financed through federal, state, and local taxes. Public school systems function as a part of the government and, therefore, must follow certain rules and regulations.

Private schools, on the other hand, are tasked with generating their own funding.

This funding can come from a variety of sources including tuition, grants, fundraising and donations. According to the website, greatschools.org, “The potential benefits of private schools accrue from their independence. Private schools do not receive tax revenues, so they do not have to follow the same sorts of regulations and bureaucratic processes that govern (and sometimes hinder) public schools. This allows many private schools to be highly specialized, offering differentiated learning, advanced curriculum, or programs geared toward specific religious beliefs."

Cost, obviously, is not the only factor that comes into consideration when making the decision to send your child to private school. According to Carl Parke, headmaster of LaGrange Academy, “Nationwide, safety is the number one reason parents choose to enroll their child in an independent Page 42

school. The other reasons parents make this choice is a family history of independent school education, a desire to give their child an opportunity the parents did not have, increased opportunity for their child to be involved in extracurricular activities and better academics than area public schools.”

Parke continues, “Public schools are tasked with educating students who fall into three broad categories: those who will likely drop out without a great deal of intervention, those for whom a high school diploma is the terminal point of their education and those that will go on to some form of technical school or college. Dealing with those students' disparate needs and wants is a very difficult task for any institution. Independent schools such as LaGrange Academy get to focus on the students for whom going to college is a given. For us, the question is not if a student will attend college, but which college will a student attend. That is a completely different mindset and gives us a great deal of freedom and flexibility that is very rare in a public school."

John Cipolla, headmaster at Lafayette Christian School, adds, “In the preschool years, responsible parents only entrust their children to other's care if they are confident their child will be lovingly nurtured in a safe environment. We select a college based upon its location, size, safety, learning environment and class size. We also make sure it has the programs we want to prepare us to meet our career and life goals.

Many parents wisely consider the 12 years of elementary, middle and high school as equally important. Rather than just sending their child to the school for which they are

zoned, they choose one that lines up with their familiess' philosophy and goals. They make sure the school will meet the needs of their child academically, socially, spiritually and physically in a safe, loving environment.

If that happens to be a private school that costs more money, they sacrifice for their children.”

Private schools can also provide education in a non-traditional environment. According to Bethany Headrick, Director and Lower Elementary Guide at Hillside Montessorri of LaGrange, “At Montessori school, students learn in a diverse, mixed-age classroom with hands-on learning materials and an integrated curriculum. The teachers are trained to guide students through the curriculum, which is developed in 3-year cycles, at their own pace while paying attention to sensitive periods for learning specific concepts in subject areas. Montessori believes in helping the child to develop his or her 'whole self,' so there is also focus on learning beyond the core academic subjects with lessons in cultural awareness, grace and courtesy, good decision-making, and self-discipline.”

The decision to send your child to private school can be a big one. In the end, it comes down to what you think is right for your family and the individual child.

For more information on private schools in Troup County contact: Hillside Montesorri of LaGrange 404.661.5199 Lafayette Christian School 706.884.6684 LaGrange Academy 706.882.8097 Troup Trends | August 2014

•education

Hunter Allen Myhand Funeral Home

You and your family deserve the BEST in service and value.

By combining quality merchandise with our uncompromised service, you have the flexibility to create the memorial your loved one deserves at a price you can afford.

L

Hands on Learning

afayette Christian School (LCS) is thinking outside of the box when it comes to new and innovative ways to educate children. A prime example of this is their new Engineers' Garden, where students creatively apply math and science concepts learned through the classroom curriculum. They manipulate specialized life-sized, custom-built equipment to reinforce concepts presented on-line or in textbooks and use technology to develop engineering concepts. Through cooperation, student teams develop leadership as they discover scientific principles at work.

Kindergarten students experience the mechanical advantage of simple machines, play creatively with construction equipment, trains and building blocks. Elementary students have hands-on experiences with buoyancy, pulleys, block and tackle, inclined planes, wheel and axles, levers, gears, volume conversions, and linear, square and cubic measurement. Middle and high school students "discover" mathematical formulas that govern scientific activities. STEM experiences with gears, solar power, electricity, weather equipment, and simple machines are designed for Upper School students. Data from student-designed experiments is collected, analyzed and summarized to formulate functions. Statistical analysis is performed by advanced students.

It is during the elementary and middle school years that many children are inspired to love science for life and possibly choose it as a major or career in the future. The major investment Lafayette Christian School is making in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) instruction through the Engineers' Garden not only will help students in school but also will benefit local and national business and industry as we grow engineers.

A grant from the Callaway Foundation and the support of businesses and individuals provided funds for the Engineers' Garden at Lafayette Christian School and makes unique STEM learning experiences available to LCS students and members of the community.

Troup Trends | August 2014

Mark Neal Managing Partner/ Funeral Director

Paul Harris Funeral Director

Serving the families of Troup County for 98 years.

506 Hill Street

706-884-5626

LaGrange, Ga.

LaGrange Equipment & Tool Rental

From tent tops to tabletops and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.

Weddings and special events, tents, tables, chairs, china, barware, flatware and more...

202 Greenville St. LaGrange, GA 30241 (706) 882-8665 Page 43

•hype - helping young professionals engage HYPE is a high impact group of diverse young professionals working together to showcase Troup County as a unique, fun, and cool place to work and live.

HYPE provides its members with opportunities for building relationships with community and business leaders and cultivates an atmosphere for building personal relationships and a sense of purpose within the community.

Member Spotlight

Network with HYPE’s Monthly Lunch Social

Join us the second Tuesday of every month at 12:00 noon for lunch with HYPE members. The lunch is an informal get together where members can network and socialize. It's also a great way to pass along feedback to board members, as it's always the day before the monthly HYPE board meeting. No need to RSVP, just check the website or sign up for our weekly email for location. We’d love to see you there!

Take me out to the ballgame...

Tara Barrett

Director of Lean Improvement West Georgia Health How long have you lived in Troup?

My husband, Matt, and I moved here Thanksgiving weekend in 2009 – so we’re coming up on 5 years in LaGrange!

Previous location?

We moved here from a small town just above Gainesville, Georgia – it’s called Lula. It is where both Matt and I were born and raised.

Profession?

I am an Industrial Engineer by trade, but my work almost exclusively focuses on Lean process improvement.

Hobbies?

I love to see or do anything new. I love reading, cooking and traveling – but take any of those and mix in something new or different and I’m there.

Favorite Saturday plans?

Currently, it is driving around back roads in a Jeep with the doors taken off.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Curious, connected and committed.

If you had $1,000 to give away, how would you do it?

I would try to find a few friends or people I know who have something they need and try to secretly meet that need… or throw a party!

Page 44

HYPE members witnessed Braves right fielder Jason Heyward make a diving catch in the 8th inning to seal the a 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The annual summer event, sponsored by SunTrust Bank, is a great opportunity to watch baseball from the 755 Club and network with other young professionals. This year’s event was a home run!

Connect with HYPE

Interested in knowing more about how you can get involved? We’ve got more opportunities to help you get connected: • We have just launched a new website. Check us out at www.hypelagrange.com.

Be sure to check out our upcoming events section where we'll have all our HYPE events posted!

• Sign up for our weekly email! By registering on our website at www.hypelagrange. com, we’ll be able to send you weekly updates of HYPE Happenings. These emails not only include upcoming events, but also points of interests and recaps of recent gatherings.

• Like our page on Facebook for real-time updates. We regularly update the page with news and notes from HYPE and from around the community. Stay in the know!

Troup Trends | August 2014

Location.

Location.

Location.

LaFayette Parkway Branch

Lee’s Crossing Branch banking also available inside the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. facility

Main Office

Not only do we have three convenient locations to serve you, but our checking accounts come with a lot of perks— like free online banking with billpay, mobile banking, and access to more than a thousand ATMs. If you’re looking for a bank that will make your life easier, you’ve come to the right place.

www.combanktrust.com 706.880.2200

Troup Trends | August 2014

The Right Place. The Right People.

The Right Bank.

Page 45

•chamber events

Ribbon Cuttings & BASH

Let's Celebrate!

HealthMart Pharmacy of Hogansville 200 N. Hwy 29 • Hogansville

Plum Southern 121 Main Street • LaGrange

School Bus Shelter Housing Authority of LaGrange • LaGrange

Legacy Museum: A Slice of Our History Exhibit 136 Main Street • LaGrange

LaQuinta Inn & Suites 1111 Hoffman Drive • LaGrange

Chattahoochee River Overlook Pavilion Downtown West Point

BASH Kimberly-Clark Corporation

BASH Kimberly-Clark Corporation

BASH Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Page 46

Troup Trends | August 2014

Ask about our automated, cloud-based timekeeping system!

TROUP HAULING COMPANY, LLC "All We Have to Sell Is Service!"

Dirt Gravel Paving Asphalt Grading Demolition

LICENSED AND INSURED Certified DBE Contractor

844-B Old Hutchinson Mill Road | LaGrange, Georgia Office: 706.884.3001 | FAX: 706.884.3120 Locally Owned and Operated by Veterans Troup Trends | August 2014

Page 47

Upcoming Events September 5 - October 4 VAAL Show: Visual Artists Alliance of LaGrange

This show enables local amateur and emerging artists who are members of the Visual Artists Alliance of LaGrange to exhibit theirwork in a museum setting. As one of the Museum’s more popular annual shows, in 2013, this event drew over 300 to its opening reception, and many more throughout its run. This exhibit gives art lovers the chance to purchase works by their favorite local artists.

When: September 5 - October 4, closed Sundays Where: LaGrange Art Museum

112 Lafayette Parkway, LaGrange Contact: 706.882.3267

October 16 - 19; 23 - 25 A Chorus Line

Not to be missed, “this groundbreaking musical, set during an audition for an upcoming Broadway show, shines a light on the hopes, fears and dreams of performers vying for a chance to do what they all know they were born to do.” Inspired by true stories, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, A Chorus Line features favorite numbers, “I Hope I Get It,” “One,” and “What I Did for Love.”

When: October 16 - 19; 23 - 25 Where: LaGrange College's Price Theatre

300 Forest Avenue, LaGrange Contact: 706.880.8080

October 12 3rd Annual Stories in the Garden

Enjoy memorable and entertaining stories presented by two professional storytellers under the shade of the pecan grove at Hills & Dales Estate. Admission to Stories in the Garden is free, but reservations are required. A limited number of chairs will be provided but guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

In case of rain, the event will be held in the Visitor Center. Guests enter through the Hills & Dales Drive entrance gate and will be directed to parking. The gate closes at 2:15 p.m.

When: Sunday, October 12 Where: Hills & Dales Estate 1916 Hills & Dales Drive, LaGrange Contact: 706.298.4534

October 21 Celebrating Stage and Screen

LaGrange Symphony Orchestra performs music from the movies and Broadway highlight this opening event.

When: Tuesday, October 21, 7:30 pm Where: LaGrange College Callaway Auditorium, LaGrange Contact: 706.882.0662 Page 48

November 6 - 8; 14 - 16 Rehearsal for Murder

This play was a 1982 murder mystery television film that starred Robert Preston and Lynn Redgrave. When his leading lady (and fiancée), Monica, is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of her Broadway stage debut, playwright Alex Dennison is left heartbroken. On the first anniversary of her death, he gathers the cast and crew from that ill-fated night in the same Broadway theater, ostensibly to read a new play he is working on, a mystery in which a famous actress is killed. As the reading progresses, the scenes seem to the cast to be uncomfortably close to actual encounters they might have had with Monica. When pressed, Alex finally reveals that he believes that Monica was murdered, and that someone at the theater is her killer. This is a picnic theater event. Attendees may bring their own food and beverages.

When: November 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 7:30 pm; November 16, 2:30 pm Where: Lafayette Society of Perfroming Arts Black Box Theater

214 Bull Street, LaGrange Contact: 706.882.9909 or 706.882.3961

November 18 Celebrating Youth

LaGrange Symphony Orchestra performs music from Rossini, Handel, Bloch and Mozart. Special guest artists include Emily Landa Levin and Randall Levin, and Nathan Cottrell, 2014 Young Artists Competition winner.

When: Tuesday, October 21, 7:30 pm Where: LaGrange College Callaway Auditorium, LaGrange Contact: 706.882.0662 Troup Trends | August 2014

When to Shred

cause for concern. By shredding sensitive materials, you reduce the risk of identify theft.

(continued from page 21)

Quarterly statements can be shred as soon as you match them with your yearly statement.

Home purchase/sale Keep: Until 6 years after you sell Document Type: Warranties Keep: Until Expired Additionally, it’s a good practice to remember when you can opt into receiving materials electronically, you not only help the environment by reducing the use of paper, but also the risk of someone going through your paper documents.

Why, What, and When to shred documents?

Sometimes to avoid clutter in our work or living spaces, we create piles of mail or documents in hopes that we will organize them at a later time. Even worse, in order to get a handle on cleaning our desks or counters, we might even consider throwing everything into a waste basket just to avoid having to go through each piece.

Why shred?

“Dumpster diving,” or rifling through trash cans for personal information, is a tactic used by identity thieves who try to get their hands on documents that they can use to impersonate someone. As much as we may want to clean and get rid of items, throwing away materials that have information about you or your family creates a

To destroy all sensitive information, invest in a shredder for your home or office, preferably one that “cross cuts” (slices in two directions) or a strip-cut shredded. You can also consider contacting a trusted business in your community and ask if they will allow you to drop off your documents and use their shredder. If your shredder can’t handle plastic, use scissors to cut up expired credit and identification cards before discarding them.

What to shred?

What constitutes sensitive information? In general, you should shred documents that contain any of the following: • Social security information • Any account number or credit/debit card number (with or without required security code) • Access code, PIN numbers, or password that would permit access to an individuals’ account • Date of birth • Any information related to a financial account, include type of account, suitability information, holdings, and financial advice • Driver’s license number or state-issued identification number • Any medical-related information • Signatures To protect your privacy, you should also consider shredding items containing: • Names, Addresses, Phone Numbers, E-mail addresses Submitted by Joshua Britt, Ellis and Ellis

Get Your Game On

Resource Troup EXPO 2014

Save the Date • October 7

Troup Trends | August 2014

Page 49

•advertiser index

Thank You Advertisers Abbott and Associates, pg. 47 www.admintor.com

LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, pg. 41 lagrangesymphony.org

CharterBank, pg. 33 charterbank.net

LaGrange Troup County Tourism, pg. 11 lagrangechamber.com

Commercial Bank & Trust, pg. 45 combanktrust.com

PAD Treatment-West Georgia Health Heart Clinic, pg. 37 wghealth.org

Dan-Ric Homes, pg. 41 danric.com

Plum Southern, pg. 5 plumsouthern.com

Del'avant, pg. 17 delavanteventcenter.com

Pop's Party Place, pg. 21 plumsouthern.com

Downtown LaGrange Development Authority, pg. 17 downtownlagrange.com

Professional Technology Solutions, pg. 19 ptscomputer.com

Emory at LaGrange, pg. 52 emoryclarkholderclinic.com

Resource Troup EXPO, pg. 49 lagrangechamber.com

Georgia Central Mechanical Services, Inc., pg. 35 gacentralmechanical.com

Splash Kitchens & Bath Design Gallery, pg. 33 splashkitchens.com

Heritage Bank of the South, pg. 5 eheritagebank.com

Surge Staffing, pg. 39 www.surgestaffing.com

Hogansville Hummingbird Festival, pg. 21 hummingbirdfestival.com

The Fields Golf Club, pg. 19 thefieldsgolfclub.com

Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home, pg. 43 hunterallenmyhand.com

THINC College & Career Academy, pg. 13 thincacademy.net

Joynus Staffing, pg. 35 joynusstaffing.com

Troup County Board of Education, pg. 25 www.troup.k12.ga.us

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. , pg. 51 kmmgusa.com

Troup Hauling Company, LLC, pg. 47 706.884.3001

Kimble's Food by Design, pg. 9 kimblesevents.com

Vernon Woods Retirement Community, pg. 31 vernonwoods.com

Lafayette Christian School, pg. 31 lafayettechristianschool.com

West Georgia Health, pg. 2 wghealth.org

LaGrange Academy, pg. 39 lagrangeacademy.org

West Georgia Physicians, pg. 26 & 27 wghealth.org

LaGrange Car Wash, pg. 9 706.884.2566

West Georgia WORX, pg. 23 wghealth.org

LaGrange Equipment and Tool Rental, pg. 43 706.882.8665 Page 50

West Georgia Technical College, pg. 29 westgatech.edu

Troup trends Troup Trends | August 2014

Troup Trends | August 2014

Page 51

Advancing the possibilities.

Closer to home.

MORE OPTIONS, CLOSE TO HOME, & THE LARGEST MULTI-GROUP PRACTICE IN TROUP COUNTY

• BARIATRIC SURGERY • CARDIOLOGY • COSMETIC TREATMENTS • ENT

Page 52

• FACIAL PLASTICS • FAMILY MEDICINE • GASTROENTEROLOGY • GENERAL SURGERY

• INTERNAL MEDICINE • OB/GYN • ONCOLOGY • OPHTHALMOLOGY

• ORTHOPEDICS • PULMONARY MEDICINE • RADIOLOGY • UROLOGY

EMORY CLARK-HOLDER CLINIC

WEST POINT FAMILY PRACTICE

DAVIS ROAD PRIMARY CARE

303 SMITH ST. LaGRANGE, GA 30240

1610 EAST 10TH ST. WEST POINT, GA 30118

380 SOUTH DAVIS RD., STE E & F LAGRANGE, GA 30240

706.882.8831

706.882.8831

706.882.8831

EMORYCLARKHOLDERCLINIC.COM

Troup Trends | August 2014