CrossRoadsNews, April 21, 2012 -- Section B

the 2009

Small

B usiness &

expo – April 28, 2012

April 21, 2012

www.crossroadsnews.com

Section B

Recognizing East Metro’s Best

Small Business Expo includes salute to excellence

Best ribs

April 28, 2012 Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest Noon to 5 p.m.

best chicken sandwich

Informative Panel Discussions, Door Prizes, Exhibitors and Presentations of the 2012 Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards to business owners and public officials.

citizen of the year

panel discussions

entertainment

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Readers Choice Awards Expo to celebrate our community’s beat Attorney Boykin Edwards and his wife and office manager Jean pose with their 2011 “Best Law Firm” award after receiving it from CrossRoadsNews editor and publisher Jennifer Parker last year.

They won the same category again this year.

“East Metro Atlanta’s Weekly Newspaper” 2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

The 2012 Best of East Metro / Small Business Expo Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews Inc., East Metro Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper.

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphics Editor Curtis Parker Reporters Jennifer Ffrench Parker Donna Lewis

© 2012 CrossRoadsNews, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without written permission of the publisher.

Circulation Audit by

Audit Report available by request. For information, call 404-284-1888.

It’s always a great idea to celebrate folks who do good by us and this year is no exception.

Readers of CrossRoadsNews nominated hundreds of businesses, individuals and organisations January for our third annual Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards, and they returned a month later to vote online for the favorites.

This year, nominations were received in 66 categories, On April 28, during the CrossRoadsNews Best of East Metro Small Business Expo, we will celebrate the 52 winners who garnered the most votes.

Among this year’s winners are some who won multiple awards.

The standouts are Mable’s Barbecue annd Smoked Meats in Lithonia which away with three awards – Beat Soul Food Restaurant, Best Ribs and Best Takeout.

Debra Rolle, who owns the res-

tuarant with her husband Cliff, said it is Lithonia’s best kept secret.

Well no more.

Other multiple winners includes Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road, Hibachi Grill & Sushi, Red Lobster on Candler Road, Dugans and on Flat Shoals Parkway, Saint Philip AME Church, Greenforest McCalep Christian Academy, and Malcolm Cunninham Auto Gallery.

Contest newcomers include Lithoni’s new mayor Debra Jackson who was voted Best Mayor, and League of Women’s Voters Belinda Pedroso, who is this year’s “Best Local Activist.”

Contest results are printed in this issue.

The Readers Choice Awards also recognizes public officials and community volunteers who serve.

In three of the categories, winners are back for encores.

District 9 School Board member

Dr. Eugene Walker is ‘Best School Board Member” for the third time.

He also won the category last year and in 2009.

Commissioner Larry won “Best Commissioner,” a category he also won in 2009.

Commissioner Stan Watson, who was voted “favorite Local Charater” in 2009, is this year’s “Most Beloved Public Official. “ Congressman Hank Johnson, who was voted “Citizen ofthe Year “ in 2009, is this year’s “Most Beloved Elected Official.”

If your favorites didn’t win this time, we hope it won’t stop you from coming to the Mall at Stonecrest on April 28 to helps us celebrate the 2012 winners.

After you have cheered and congratulated them, we hope you will visit them at thier places of business to see why they garnered the most votes.

For our elected and public offi-

cials who are winners, congratulate and encourage them to continue to represent and service us.

If your favorites didn’t win this time, we hope you will nominate them in January for 2013 contest.

The Best of Expo also offers aspiring and new businesses owners, as well as those who have been at it for a while, the oppotunity to hear from experts about funding and other resources.

This year, DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation is partnering with us to focus attention on some of the resources, like the Revolving Loan Fund, offered by DeKalb County to help businesses succeed.

Two panels of experts will discuss why this is a good time to start and expand businesses, and they will tell you how to access loans and other help. Don’t miss them.

The mall is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia.

2012 Best of East Metro Small Business Expo Grand Prize Entry Form Visit these exhibitors at the Mall at Stonecrest on April 28 and enter to win a $250 Mall at Stonecrest Gift Card.**

______ A Kid’s Affair

______ Gwinnett Federal Credit Union

______ AAA Auto Club

______ In Home Connections

______ After School Sports Academy

______ League of Women Voters of DeKalb County

______ Brinkley Realty Group

______ Reliant Income Managers

______ CrossRoadsNews

______ Tamisha Crosby, Samson’s Fitness Center

______ DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation

______ Wells Fargo

Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________City _______________________________________ St: ______ Zip: ___________ Email ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hm phone: _________________________________________________ Cell phone: ____________________________________________________ *Exhibitors must write their codes on your entry form. Your name, address and telephone nos. are required to win. Employees and immediate family members of CrossRoadsNews and the Mall at Stonecrest not eligible for awards. Must be 18 years or older to win. Must be present to win.

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

2012 Best of East Metro /Small Business Expo April 28, 2012 - Noon to 5 p.m. • The Main Stage in front of Sears Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest Noon

1 p.m.

Expo Kick-off with Rae Rae “Fitness Motivator” Clark

2:15 p.m. Presentation of Best of East Metro Winners

Category: Community of Faith

Small Business Panel: “Why Entrepreneurship?”

Moderator: Bob Thiele, Business Consultant, University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Panelists: Charles Blackmon, Director, DEBCO; Rosemarie Drake, VP Small Business Lending, Cornerstone Bank, Anthony Christopher, President, Georgia Certified Development Corp. (GCDC)

Bob Thiele

Charles Blackmon

2:40 p.m. Presentation of Best of East Metro Winners Category: Services Rendered

Rosemarie Drake

Tony Christopher

1:45 Presentation of Best of East Metro Winners

Categories: Local Entrepreneur of the Year Buy & Sell

2 p.m. The Beulah Boys

Dining

3:00 p.m. Small Business Panel: “Is This A Good Time To Be In Business?”

Moderator: Roderick Wallace, DeKalb Microenterprise Institute

Panelists: Terri R. Waller, owner and founder of The Benson Mills Group Lisa A. Wright, CPA Q&A

3:45 p.m. Performance: Best Dance Ministry, Saint

Philip AME Church

4 p.m.

Presentation of Best of East Metro Winners Category: Public Affairs

4:45 p.m. Door Prize Drawing 5 p.m. Expo Ends

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Small Business Expo

Micro Institute graduates and director to talk business

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

When the economy gets tough, people have to be more creative. For many, that creativity lands them at the door of entrepreneurship.

None of this surprises Roderick Wallace, the director of the DeKalb Microenterprise Institute.

Wallace says that some of the employees who have been downsized, right sized or just laid off have started businesses or are considering going into business.

Some of the smart ones turn to the DMI for help.

The institute, which launched in 2004, is managed by the DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation (DEBCO) offerings aspiring and new business owners a 12-week training program that includes writing a business plan, financial management, conquering credit challenges, managing cash flow for a profitable and accessing capital for expansion.

Wallace and two of DMI’s graduates – Terri Waller, owner and founder of The Benson Mills Group, and Lisa Wright, principal of Lisa Wright, CPA – who have parlayed their training into successful businesses, will participate on the “Is This the Right Time for

Roderick Wallace

Terri Waller

Entrepreneurship” panel at the 2012 Best of East Metro Small Business Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest on April 28.

They will discuss some of the opportunities for entrepreneurs in DeKalb County and speak of their experiences with microenterprise institute.

The three will be on the Main Stage in front of Sears on the mall’s lower level at 3 p.m. During the discussion they will take questions from the audience.

Wallace said now is as good a time as any to go into business.

“One of the greatest time to consider entrepreneurship is in a downturn economy,” he said. “People have to be resourceful and many find that there is a service, an idea or

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a hobby that launch into a business.”

More than 70 percent of DMI’s clients are women.

Wallace said that is not deliberate, but that women are more inclines to explore their options.

“Mothers and Lisa Wright wives have to multitask and they have good skill set to leverage into entrepreneurship,” he said.

Participant run the age gamut but Wallace says he has seen an uptick in the 35-plus year-old group Waller, who launched her food safety company in 2006, said that even though she wasn’t a new business owner, she needed help to take her company to the next level.

She discovered the niche for her company while working for a number of fast food restaurants.

When her SBDC pointed her to DMI, she jumped at it.

“It was small business 101,” she said.

“It was a good foundation and I met small business owners there who I still talk to, to

this day.”

With the business plan writing and other skills she learnt at DMI, Waller was able to win a Miller Brewing Company’s national Business Plan competition. The prize was $25,000 to help her business grow.

Today, she consults with with food service businesses in Georgia and Alabama.

Her clients includes any businesses that serve food, including restaurants, movie theaters. Colleges and university and Georgia Headstart.

Wright graduated from DMI in 2004. She had been in business for 17 years when she went to the institute but she still found the training helpful.

“It helped me to fine tune things,” she said. “It was concentrated time to focus on business development. As full-time entrepreneur, you often don’t have time to plan.”

With the DMI training, Wright said she was able to develop a marketing plan that mapped her which clients she would trage and how she could land their business.

Her CP firm offers tax and estate planning to banking and small business clients.

“If you put the commitment in, you will be successful,” she said.

Wallace says graduates of the program leave knowing whether they should be in

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Small Business Expo Panel of lenders to show businesses the way to the money Funding fills a need DeKalb’s Revolving Loan Fund has made 67 loans totaling $2,981,504 since its launch in 2000. $35,000 .............................. 7% $10,000-$15,000.............. 2% $50,000 ............................75% $25,000 ............................16% Charles Blackmon

Rosemarie Drake

Anthony Christopher

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb County is open for business and has a lot of resources to help new and growing entreprenuers succeed.

That’s the story that Charles Blackmon, executive director of the the DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation and (DEBCO) and his team will be telling at the 2012 Best of Small Business Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest on April 28.

Blackmon said the revolving loan fund operated by his office loans of up to $50,000 at rates that are lower than bank loans to, and the DeKalb Microenterprise Institute, operated from his office, offers training and mentoring.

“In the current economic environment, banks have tightened up and many don’t make loans under $100,000,” he said. “We are making loans at about five percent. We do loans for working capital, to purchase machinery and equipment and for lease-hold improvements.”

The program also offers operating capital that can help cushion cash-flow issues many business fail while waiting on invoices to be paid.

The cash issue and other challenges

faced by small businesses will be discussed

by Blackmon and a panel of lenders during the expo.

The “Why Entrepre neurship” panel takes place at 1 p.m. from the Main Stage in Sears on the mall’s lower level.

Joining Blackmon on the panel will be

Rosemarie Drake, Cornerstone Banks’ vice president of small business lending, and Anthony Christopher, president, of Georgia Certified Development Corp. (GCDC).

Bob Thiele, a business consultant, with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will moderate

the panel.

Business people who want to learn about the variety of loan products available and how to access should join the panel for the discussion. They will also take questions from the floor.

The Revolving Loan Fund launched in 2000 with $400,000 from Community Development Block Grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Today, the funding is just over $1.5 million. In the 12 years, it has made 67 loans totaling $2.9 million.

Blackmon said the loans range from $10,000 to $50,000. Borrowers have those funds to leverage another $21.8 million from commercial banks and other sources.

Those loans helped create 204 new jobs in the county.

Job creation is a requirement of the Revolving Loan Fund, which is capitalized by Community Development Block Grant.

For every $25,000 borrowed from the fund, Blackmon said one new job has to be created.

The SBA’s Microloan Fund Program was added to DEBCO in 2003.

That program offers loans of $500 to $10,000.

Thanks for voting Saint Philip AME Church “Best Large Church” and “Best Dance Ministry,” and Dr. William Watley as “Citizen of the Year” in the “Best of East Metro” Readers Choice Awards Congratulations to these church members who also won: State Rep. Billy Mitchell “Most Active State Legislator”

Attorney Boykin Edwards “Best Law Firm”

Debra & Cliff Rolle Mable’s BBQ & Smoked Meats “Best Soul Food Restaurant” “Best Takeout” • “Best Ribs”

Visit us and see why Saint Philip AME Church is

“The Best of East Metro” Sunday Services @ 7:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Bob Thiele

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Readers Choice Awards

Mable’s secret revealed, it has the best ribs, soul food

By Donna Williams Lewis

Debra and Cliff Rolle, who opened Mable’s in 2006 in Lithonia using her mother’s barbecue sauce and recipes, show off a pan of peach cobbler.

When Rachel St. Fleur’s boyfriend wants to go out for a meal, she knows where they’re headed.

“For some reason, every time he wants to go out to eat, he wants to go to Mable’s,” the Decatur resident said. “Their food is really good.”

Apparently, lots of other folks agree.

Mable’s BBQ and Smoked Meats won not one, but three awards in CrossRoadsNews’ 2012 Best of East Metro Readers Choice Award Contest.

The Lithonia restaurant, which has been located on Snapfinger Road since 2006, was voted “Best Soul Food Restaurant,” “Best Ribs,” and “Best Takeout” in the contest’s Dining Out Category.

This was a happy surprise for Debra Franklin Rolle, a Phenix City, Ala., native who owns Mable’s with her husband, Cliff.

“They say we’re one of the best-kept secrets in Lithonia,” she said.

Mable’s is named for Rolle’s mother, Mable Franklin, a mother of seven who is still at work, baking cakes at Mable’s.

“Growing up, she was an excellent cook for her family and she cooked for the homeless at church,” Rolle said. “She was a baker, and she had a [barbecue] sauce that was so good we wanted to come up with a recipe for it.”

When they mastered it, 20 years ago, Rolle and her husband began preparing the sauce and selling it to friends.

On Oct. 14, 2006, they fulfilled their PhotosbyJenniferFfrenchParker/CrossRoadsNews dream of opening a restaurant using FrankPeople like to dine in and chat with other rib tips, pulled or whole chicken, chopped lin’s sauce and recipes. pork and chopped beef brisket.

The restaurant was originally envisioned diners, making new friends as they eat.

Mable’s also caters for large or small Among the side dishes are baked beans, as a takeout eatery, with four tables to accomgroups, with an expanded menu and delivery potato salad, macaroni and cheese, brocmodate people waiting for their orders. coli casserole, collard greens, cabbage and “But now it’s a comfortable, down-home available.

The restaurant’s menu includes ribs and Brunswick stew. place,” she said.

Choose from Basketball, Football, Soccer, Cheerleading, Dance or Karate

Mable’s BBQ & Smoked Meats

Address: 3316 Snapfinger Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 Hours: Tuesdays through Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Web site: mablesbbq.com.

Phone: 678-418-3403.

For dessert, there is a rotating selection of cakes, pies, cobblers and banana pudding.

Three of the biggest dessert sellers are Key lime cake, strawberry cake and the Italian cream cake.

Called-in orders are welcome, and that’s exactly what St. Fleur and her boyfriend, James Williams, like to do so they can get their food more quickly.

St. Fleur, an attorney in Fulton County Probate Court, was one of the readers who voted for Mable’s.

She’s been visiting the restaurant for about two years, she said.

St. Fleur said food is always served hot at Mable’s and tastes like it was made to order.

Her boyfriend loves the ribs basket while she goes for the barbecue chicken.

“It’s good soul food,” St. Fleur said. “The desserts are really good.”

Rolle was pleased to hear that comment and said she welcomes more customer reviews.

“I encourage comments,” she said. “I tell my customers, ‘If something’s not right, let me know.’ I consider it all constructive feedback. We strive every day to make it better than it was the day before.”

Billy Mitchell (right, with Marcia Baird Burris and Khalil AbdurRashid, wife and son of late former Mayor Chuck Burris) sponsored legislation to rename a bridge on Ponce de Leon in Burris’ honor.

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Legislator’s tireless efforts lauded

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

“I just like him as a person,” she said. “He is as good as it goes.”

State Rep. Billy Mitchell stays active, and Mitchell, who represents House District it shows.

88 in Stone Mountain, has been a state legWhen he is not ushering legislations at islator since 2002. Over that time, he has the State Capitol with bi-parisan support, sponsored more than 44 bills.

Mitchell might be hosting a the naming of He began public service in 1995 on the bridge in honor of a late friend and public Stone Mountain City Council. servant, or updating the DeKalb Democratic Among the legislations he sponsored or Party on Republican shenanigans at the capi- co-sponsored this year were legislation on tol, bestowing a citation on an Eagle Scout, school cheating, mortgage reform and the saying thanks to a long-serving pastor who is resolution to name the Ponce de Leon bridge retiring, or co-hosting an Easter egg hunt. in Stone Mountain in honor of the late Stone No wonder he was voted Most Active Mountain Mayor Chuck Burris.

State Legislator in the CrossRoadsNews 2012 Mitchell served with Burris on Stone Best of East Metro Readers Choice Award. Mountain City Council.

Leona Perry, who was one of the hunMitchell said he was able to get so many dreds who picked Mitchell, said he got her bills passed with the support of the DeKalb vote because of all the things he does.

Delegation and bi-partisan support.

“He’ll do whatever you ask him to do,” He said he is deeply humbled to be voted she said, “and he is about the same, all the Best State Legislator. roadside assistance • insurance services time. Some others, go up and go • down.”

“It’s an honor that I don’t take lightly,” • member • me travel services to continue Perry, a fellow Democrat, said Mitchell discounts he said. “It gives motivation always returned telephone calls. • and muchserving.” more...

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Readers Choice Awards

Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Tony Royal has operated the Chick-fil-A on Turner Hill Road since 2001. Above, his daughter Antasha and manager Shaumte Cook serve customers in the parking lot of the Wesley Chapel restaurant that is closed for renovations.

Royal’s Chick-fil-A racks up votes for food, service, Wi-Fi

By Donna Williams Lewis

The busy Chick-fil-A outside the Mall at Stonecrest continues to be a big winner in the Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards.

The restaurant on Turner Hill Road was crowned “Best American Restaurant” by CrossRoadsNews readers for the fourth year in a row and won in a new category for “Best Chicken Sandwich.”

It also won for “Best Restaurant Service” for the third year in a row and dominated the “Best Free Wi-Fi” category for the fourth consecutive year.

Tony Royal, the restaurant’s operator, said

he is very excited about his customers’ vote of confidence.

“I really, really give the credit to the team we’ve put together,” Royal said. “They really enjoy serving. It all really starts and ends with them.”

Royal has operated the eatery since it opened in 2001 as Chick-fil-A’s 1,000th restaurant.

He said the restaurant receives on average 1,300 to 1,500 customers per day.

They are served by a crew of more than 60, which includes at least 10 employees who have worked at the restaurant since it opened.

To what does Royal attribute that longevity?

“My team members are my customers, and by me treating them with respect, dignity and honor, that’s how they will treat our customers,” he said. “We try to be a family at Chick-fil-A. We try to do life together.”

Jerry Wyatt, a licensed insurance professional in the Lithonia area, was among the readers voting for Chick-fil-A in the Readers Choice contest.

He says the restaurant’s staff is always courteous. “And the meals are always hot and fresh,” he said.

Asked how he happened to choose a

fast-food place for best American restaurant, Wyatt said, “I hope this doesn’t sound crazy, but they actually have real chicken.

“My wife and I eat out all the time, from four-star restaurants down to greasy spoons.” Wyatt said. “At Chick-fil-A, you can get a wholesome meal. Sandwiches can be grilled.”

Beyond that, he said, “What makes the restaurant best is not only the food they serve, but also what they do in the community.”

Over the years, Royal has donated more than $120,000 in partner scholarships to DeKalb students.

DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation (DEBCO)

Ready to start or improve your small business? DEBCO is the place to begin.

DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation (DEBCO) is a non-profit business development organization specializing in loan programs and training for new and existing businesses. DEBCO is committed to assisting business owners; starting new businesses, expand or improve existing businesses and create employment opportunities. If you are a small business in DeKalb or an adjacent county looking for professional advice, services and funding, you've started in the right place.

DEBCO is supported by the DeKalb County Government, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Small Business Administration and Bank of America.

Loan Programs Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for businesses located within DeKalb County ($10,000 - $50,000) Micro Loan (ML) assisting businesses within the counties of Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale ($500 - $10,000) DEBCO operates the DeKalb Microenterprise Institute (DMI) a comprehensive training program open to Entrepreneurs who would like to start a business and/or need assistance in expanding an existing business.

DMI Courses

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DMI training is offered through the combined resources of our partners. You will benefit from one-on-one coaching, mentoring and discussions within community and business leaders and guest lecturers who understand your challenges and The program provides training in these key business essentials: • Seizing Business Opportunities • Developing a bankable business plan • Marketing and Promoting Your Business • Understanding the Procurement Process • Finding the Funding and Resources for Your Business • Why Networking Matters and How to Ace It • Using the Internet to Make Money • How to Create Winning Presentations

For more information visit our website at www.debco.org, email info@debco.org, contact us at 404.378.1899.

For information on training, contact Roderick Wallace at 678.904.3465 or email rodw-dmi@debco.org DEBCO'S office is located at 100 Crescent Centre Parkway, Suite 395, Tucker GA 30084.

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Readers Choice Awards

Constituents’ regard ‘makes my heart warm’

By Donna Williams Lewis

2012 Winners Dining Out Best American Restaurant

Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road Best Asian Restaurant

Hibachi Grill & Sushi

Best BBQ Restaurant

Smokey Bones at Stonecrest Best Caribbean Restaurant

Kool Runnings

Best Family Dining Restaurant

Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles Best Restaurant for First Date

Marlin & Rays Seafood Grill Best Soul Food Restaurant

Mable’s BBQ & Smoked Meats

Best Seafood Restaurant

Red Lobster

Best Restaurant When Someone Else Buys

Red Lobster Best Bakery

DeKalb Farmers Market Best Buffet

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet Best Breakfast

Original Pancake House Best Late Night Eats

Waffle House Best Pizza

Fellini’s

Best Takeout

Mable’s BBQ & Smoked Meats Best Chicken Wings

American Deli

Best Chicken Sandwich

Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road

Best Sunday Brunch

Gladys and Ron’s Best Ribs

Mable’s BBQ & Smoked Meats Best Restaurant Service

Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road Best Fish Fry

Supreme Fish Delight Best Sushi

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet

Jawan Olajuwon, a Stone Mountain High School social studies teacher, remembers being impressed when he met U.S. Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson two years ago.

He met him at the 100th birthday party of Eva Patterson, the grandmother of one of his friends.

Johnson and his wife were at the party to present a presidential citation to Patterson, who passed away last year.

Olajuwon says he always looks at the integrity of a person.

“He did not seem full of drama, like some other politicians,” he said. “Overall, he seemed to have an impeccable character and that struck well with me.”

Johnson has clearly impressed many other constituents as well.

He was voted “Most Beloved Elected Official” in CrossRoadsNews’ Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards.

In 2009, he was voted “Citizen of the Year” in the contest.

Johnson said he is honored by the recognition.

“It makes my heart warm,” he said. “I care about … my constituents, whether they agree with me or not. I’m humbled that

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson was voted “Most Beloved Elected Official” by CrossRoadsNews readers. In 2009, he was voted “Citizen of the Year” in the contest.

folks would return that love. I think people know that I’m trying to do the right thing by them.”

Johnson is in his third term as U.S. representative for Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, which includes the eastern suburbs of Atlanta.

He is a former judge and criminal defense attorney and serves on the Judiciary and Armed Services committees.

Johnson played a key role in garnering support for the historic health care reform act, the Recovery Act, and legislation to reduce carbon emissions. One of the earliest congressional supporters of President Barack Obama, he served as co-chair of the Obama Campaign in Georgia.

“I’ve been impressed with [Johnson],” Olajuwon said. “As long as he stays in office, he’ll get my vote.”

Watson ways and service make him beloved

By Donna Williams Lewis

Every first Saturday for 15 years, DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson has hosted a community breakfast meeting that brings elected officials, corporate executives and other local leaders face to face with the community.

The Super District 7 commissioner has coached youth sports for years and hosts an annual Christmas party that has provided toys for charities.

For these and other reasons, Watson was voted “Most Beloved Public Official” in the 2012 CrossRoadsNews’ Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards.

Karl McCray, chief of staff at Atlanta’s St. Philip AME Church, was among readers who voted for Watson.

“He’s just always been a very friendly person, always extremely helpful with assisting with things in the community,” McCray said.

“He always loved working with kids.”

McCray has known Watson since McCray was commissioner of the city of Atlanta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Watson was a volunteer officiator for youth sports then.

“He’s always been a person who was available when I called for assistance,” McCray said.

Watson thanked readers for their votes.

“I’m truly humbled and grateful,” he said. “I just try to make sure that I’m accessible, accountable, and that I provide a service to

Super District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson hosts a DeKalb Legislative Community Cabinet & Breakfast Meeting every first Saturday.

the community.”

Watson’s DeKalb Legislative Community Cabinet & Breakfast Meeting is held every first Saturday of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. at Chapel Hill Middle School, 3535 Dogwood Farm Road in Decatur.

The meeting and breakfast are free and open to the public.

For additional information, call 404-371-3681.

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Readers Choice Awards

Pastor’s humor endears him to congregation, community

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

If you are passing by Saint Philip AME Church on Sunday morning and hear peals of laughter coming from the sanctuary – it’s not a comedy show.

It’s just the Rev. William Watley keeping it real with the congregation.

Members say their pastor, who will celebrate his first anniversary at the church at the corner of Candler Road and Memorial Drive on May 20, has an outstanding sense of humor.

“One thing he tells us constantly is to have some fun,” said Karl McCray, a 34-year Saint Philip member. “He also says, ‘The joy of the Lord is our strength,’ and that we need to be having some fun as we walk this Christian journey.”

Watley says church ought to be fun and he makes no apologies for peppering his sermons with humor.

“Life is too stressful for us to be uptight all of the time,” he said Tuesday. “Laughter is a gift of God, so let’s use it. People pack out the Super Bowl because they enjoy it. Let’s enjoy ourselves in worship.”

In his short time at the church, Watley has swept church members off their feet with his sense of humor, his listening skills, his emphasis on Scripture, his impact on church finances, and his easy way with people.

Voncile Hodges, a 32-year church member, said she just likes the fact that Watley is personable, approachable and funny too.

“He got jokes,” she said. “He makes you want to come to church to hear what he has to say.”

Members even compare him to his predecessor, Pastor George Moore, who was the church’s pastor for 42 years before Voncile Hodges retiring last May. Donna Coles, president pro tem of the church’s Trustee Board, said Watley is different from Moore but similar.

“He is a man who is deeply grounded in the Word of God,” she said. “Pastor Moore was like that.”

On his arrival at the church last May, some people expected Watley to shake things up. Instead, he has focused his attention on building the congregation’s spiritual health.

“I am not trying to shake anybody up,” he said Tuesday. “I am just trying to get people who are aligned to the vision.”

He describes that vision as worship, stewardship, education, evangelism and growth.

The Rev. William Watley launched a Volunter Recognition Program and last November, he helped served a hot breakfast to volunteers who give of their time and talents to Saint Phillip.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

“If people are helping us do that, we will be all right,” he said.

McCray, who is president pro tem of the church’s Steward Board, said that attitude has helped ease the church’s transition from a beloved 42-year pastor to a new leader.

“We have not expe- Karl McCray rienced the dip in membership as many churches have when they transition pastors,” he said.

Through last November, he said 182 new members had joined the church.

Across the board, members praise the new ideas and new worship experiences that Watley has introduced.

Hodges said Watley makes it very clear what the Word of God says and how it relates to life today.

“He tells us the different Scriptures that back up what he says,” she said.

Watley says the key to everything begins with worship.

“Worship and stewardship were my first priorities,” he said, “not electing officers, but helping the congregation grow to another dimension of holiness and health and healing.”

He says Sunday is for worship and preaching.

“I don’t believe it is for special programs,” he said. “I don’t believe in officers neglecting

worship service to count money.”

Among the new programs he has introduced are a new Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, a MLK Jr. Service, a Good Friday Seven-Word Service, fall and spring revivals, an Internet ministry, a Sow-the-Seed offering for community outreach, a volunteer recognition program, a 10-10 financial plan, and the launch of Tuesday Night Bible Study, which Watley teaches weekly.

So far, the Sow-the-Seed, an outreach offering taken weekly after regular tithes and offerings, has benefited Hosea Feed the Hungry, some of the Atlanta University Center’s historically black colleges, Turner Theological Seminary and other causes.

Since he instituted Tuesday night Bible study last September, Watley says he has only missed four sessions.

He also has opened Saint Philip’s doors to pastors from other denominations to preach.

The ministers like the Ray of Hope’s Cynthia Hale are his friends, he said.

“I respect them and their ministry,” he said. “I believe that most real solid Christians agree about 80 percent. If there is integrity and there is solid word, that is what counts – not whether they are Baptist or some other denomination.”

Watley, who will be 65 in June, said he is gratified by the reception he has received from Saint Philip’s church family, which was so pleased with him, they nominated him for the 2012 CrossRoadsNews Readers Choice

Awards and he won “Citizen of the Year.”

On April 28, he will be among the winners receiving his award during the 2012 Best of East Metro Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest.

Watley said he was both surprised and honored to be nominated and to win.

The author, educator and businessman came to Saint Philip from the historic St. James AME in Newark, N.J. Under his 26year leadership there, membership tripled and the number of weekly services doubled.

The church’s annual income also increased by 700 percent.

He has been preaching since he was 14 years old and said he was licensed to preach at 16. This is his 48th year in ministry.

Saint Philip members praise Watley’s preaching.

Hodges calls him “an awesome preacher and awesome Bible scholar.”

“His knowledge of the Bible hooked us,” she said.

McCray says Watley’s preaching is “off the chain.”

“I can’t think of a better word,” he said.

Watley’s passion for tithing also has captured the congregation’s attention and has boosted church finances.

He says he preaches, teaches and models a 10-10 tithing plan for church members.

“I teach that out of every dollar, the first dime goes to God and the second dime we save,” he said. “We also encourage our people to live on 80 percent and to invest in our own credit union because we have to build up our own institutions. We are trying to teach people not to get into consumer debt.”

How much emphasis does he put on tithing?

“If you talk to me for more than five minutes, it’s going to come up,” he said with a smile.

Watley’s father, who died in 1987, was a preacher.

Both of his children, daughter Jennifer Maxwell who lives in Smyrna and son Matthew, who is executive minister at Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, Md., have followed his and their grandfather’s footsteps into ministry. He has four grandchildren between them.

As he looks toward his second year at the church, Watley said one of his top priorities is to hire a youth/young adult minister, develop the church in community economic development, and continue building membership.

“My prayer is that I have a kind of ministry that will not bring any shame on the Lord, myself, my family, my people or this community.”

I am humbled and honored that you voted me “Most Beloved Elected Official”

in the 2012 CrossRoadsNews Best of East Metro Readers Choice Award

2012 Winners Public Affairs

Best Local Activist

Belinda Pedroso

Best East Metro Landmark

Porter Sanford Center for the Performing Arts

Thank You!

Best Local Entrepreneur

Malcom Cunningham

Most Beloved Elected Official

Henry ‘Hank’ Johnson

Best County Commissioner

Larry Johnson

Most Beloved Public Official

Stan Watson

Best School Board Member

Eugene Walker

Best State Legislator

Billy Mitchell

Best Mayor

Deborah Jackson, City of Lithonia Citizen of the Year

Dr. William D. Watley

Best Civic Organization

Delta Sigma Theta Decatur Alumnae Chapter Best Homeowners Association

Cherry Ridge HOA

Congressman Henry “Hank” Johnson 4th District of Georgia Proudly Serving DeKalb, Rockdale, and Gwinnett Counties 5700 Hillandale Drive, Suite 110 • 770-987-2291 http://hankjohnson.house.gov PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT HANK JOHNSON

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Readers Choice Awards Deltas – ‘Best Civic Organization’ The Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta has been commended for its many youth and community programs, including voter registration.

By Donna Williams Lewis

CrossRoadsNews readers cited Chairman Eugene “Gene” Walker’s calm demeanor, sincerity and focus, voting him “Best School Board Member” in the Best of East Metro contest.

A welcome calm in storm

By Donna Williams Lewis

struggled with its controversies.

“I would go to the School Board meetings and he was just a very calm man, energetic and keeping things focused,” she said.

Michelle Terrell, a self-employed financial analyst in Stone Mountain, said she believes Walker is a “genuine, sincere individual who wants to do the right thing.”

“He has gone through many issues and changes and he has persevered,” Terrell said. “I think he provides a balance for all the political issues that surround the School Board.”

Walker joined the School Board after a December 2008 special election to replace the late Elizabeth Andrews, He was reelected in November 2010 and then elected School Board chairman Jan. 9 on a 6-3 vote from fellow board members.

Walker is a former state senator, former chairman of the DeKalb Development Authority, former member of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, and former associate superintendent of DeKalb schools.

“I tell people all the time I’m not trying to keep a job. I’m basically retired from work,” Walker said. “Every action I take, every opinion I give, I think, is fair and just for all considered.”

In recent years, the DeKalb County School System has been rocked by scandal, school closings and a $41 million shortfall in expected sales tax revenue.

Through it all, some local residents say, Eugene “Gene” Walker has been a welcome calm in the seemingly never-ending storm.

Once again, Walker has been voted “Best School Board Member” in CrossRoadsNews’ Best of East Metro contest.

The District 9 School Board member won the same title in 2011 and, before that, in 2009, just one year after he joined the School Board.

“I’m real, real humble and very appreciative,” Walker said. “To me that’s a very high honor … because I dedicate my life to service, and that suggests to me that there are some people who recognize and appreciate the service that I’m rendering.”

Stone Mountain resident Mary Sanders, a recently retired Georgia Perimeter College administrator, said she voted for Walker because he “has always been very innovative in education and throughout his career he’s been concerned about our youth.”

Sanders has been impressed with Walker’s demeanor on the board as the system has

Some people think sororities are all about partying, says Deborah Hayes of Conyers.

But when it comes to the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Hayes said they would be wrong.

“We’re just a really good group of women dedicated to service and to the community,” said Hayes, a DeKalb School System retiree and a chapter member since 1987.

And when these women do party, she added, “we party with a purpose.”

The Decatur Alumnae Chapter was voted “Best Civic Organization” in CrossRoads­News’ 2012 Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards.

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson called the group “some of the most proactive, civically minded folks” he knows.

“They are living their mission by being part of the community with home buyer seminars, economic development, voter education,” Johnson said. “We are blessed to have an organization that after being almost 100 years old is still relevant today.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded in 1913 by 22 women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and help people in need.

Approaching its 40th anniversary, the Decatur Alumnae Chapter, which was chartered on Oct. 5, 1973, has 424 members.

The chapter operates leadership devel-

opment programs for girls and boys. Its members have registered 650 people to vote since August. They annually do college bus tours and run an intensive college scholarship program.

They conduct educational seminars for youth and adults and do plenty of fundraising, often in partnership with the Decatur Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Both groups are in partnership with the county to run programs at the Community Achievement Center, located at 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur.

Clarence Wells, executive director of the center, called the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of the Deltas “an awesome organization.”

“They sponsor programs the community definitely needs,” Wells said.

“I’m always impressed with their level of commitment and concern for the community.”

Chapter President Francine Gadson is retired from teaching at Brockett Elementary School in Tucker. She joined the Decatur Alumnae Chapter in 1990.

“We are a sisterhood,” Gadson said. “Giving back to the community has always been in the forefront,” She says she enjoys what she does and the different activities.

“I enjoy bonding with my sisters,” she said. “I didn’t have a sister. Now I have over 200,000.”

2012 Winners Buy & Sell Best Auto Dealer (Used)

Best Supermarket

Best Movie Theater

DeKalb Farmers Market

Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery

Publix

Best Ethnic Grocery

AMC Theater

Best Eyewear Store Best Karaoke Bar

Fashion Optique

Best Bar Food

Hall’s Flower Shop & Garden Center

Dugans

Best Florist

Dugans

I’m humbled and honored to be voted: • • • •

Best Best Best Free

American Restaurant Chicken Sandwich Restaurant Service Wi-Fi

in the 2012 CrossRoadsNews Best of East Metro Readers’ Choice Awards.

Tony Royal, Owner/Operator Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road 2985 Turner Hill Road Lithonia, GA 30038 • (678) 526-0088

Get a FREE Chocolate Chunk Cookie with the purchase of any Chick-fil-A Meal.

Expires May 31, 2012.

Ask About Our Chick-fil-A Chocolate Chunk Cookie Fund-Raiser!

Celebrating 10 Years in Office Thanks for voting me “Best County Commissioner” in the 2012 CrossRoadsNews Best of East Metro Readers Choice Award

Please join me at 6:30 p.m. on May 21 at Fletcher’s in the Gallery at South DeKalb 2801 Candler Road, Ste. 38

“Standing with the People” Paid for by Friends of Larry Johnson

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Readers Choice Awards Larry Johnson’s annual Tree of Love gift drive at the Gallery at South DeKalb mall ensures a brighter Christmas for less-fortunate children in his district.

2012 Winners Services Rendered Best Auto Repair

Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery

Angela Holloway, State Farm

Best Law Firm

Best Fitness Center

Boykin Edwards, Jr. P.C.

East Lake YMCA

Best Orthodontist

Best Hair Salon

Craig B. Williams, DDS

Dynasty Hair Salon

Best Dentist

Best Nail Salon

Best HVAC Service

Best Barber Shop

Children’s Dental at Stonecrest

Johnson praised for activism

By Donna Williams Lewis

As DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson observes his 10th year in office, he’s got something else to celebrate.

For the second time in four years, Johnson has been voted “Best County Commissioner” in the CrossRoadsNews’ Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards.

Johnson first won that title when the awards were launched in 2009.

“I’m just thankful and appreciative of the readers and the people in my community who would look at me in that regard,” said Johnson, the Board of Commissioners’ presiding officer. “I’m still real excited about helping make sure that people move to the next level.”

Miriam Robinson, a substitute teacher and author of children’s books, is among those who voted for Johnson. She said he makes people feel that he is part of the community.

“He’s always visible, always there and always responsive. If you write or call him

about something, nine times out of 10 he’s going to respond. You sometimes can’t get this from other commissioners.”

She’s also pleased that Johnson remembers people and something about them.

“He knows the people who care about their community and will address the problems with him,” Robinson said.

First elected in 2002 at the age of 34, Johnson represents a district that includes some of the county’s poorest and most depressed corridors.

He is passionate about making his constituents aware of their own power to help improve their communities and has advocated for rail for the I-20 corridor, worked for more businesses in the community, and pushed for the revitalization of Candler and Wesley Chapel roads.

Cherry Willis, a registered nurse who lives in the Decatur area, also voted for Johnson.

“He is so active in the community. He’s very visible, and the community knows who he is,” Willis said. “We know what kind of person he is. He is very ethical.”

Best Insurance Agent

Washington Heating and Air Best Handyman

Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road

Best Financial Institution

Chase on Candler Road Best Accountant

Best Real Estate Agent

Jenice Brinkley, Brinkley Realty Group

$5 Barber Shop Best Free Wi Fi

Integrity Home Repair

O’Daniel Outlaw CPA

Nail Land

Best Park

Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Best Day Care

Greenforest-McCalep Best Bartender

Amber Williamson, Pesos Mexican Cantina

2012 Winners

Community of Faith Best Large Church

Best Christian School

Saint Philip AME

Greenforest McCalep Christian Academy

Best Small Church

New Life Community

Best Church Choir

Best Outreach Ministry

Berean Christian

Greater Piney Grove Mass Choir (tie) Ray of Hope Mass Choir (tie)

Best Dance Ministry

Saint Philip AME

It is an honor to be recognized as

“Most Beloved Public Official” in the 2012 Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards You have my continued commitment to “Working for DeKalb, Working for Communities, Working for YOU!” 1300 Commerce Drive, 5th Floor • Decatur, GA 30030 404-371-3681 • www.dekalbcountyga.gov

Your Source for Neighborhood News

I am honored to be voted

“Best School Board Member” in the 2012 CrossRoadsNews Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards

Thank You Dr. Eugene P. “Gene” Walker Ninth District drepwalker@yahoo.com

Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information

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CrossRoadsNews

April 21, 2012

Meet & Celebrate the Winners of the 2012 “Best of East Metro�

Readers Choice Awards Join Us For Informative Panel Discussions Why Entrepreneurship Now? Panelists will cut through the uncertainties around starting a business and point the way to funding and other resources.

Charles Blackmon Executive Director DeKalb Enterprise Business Corp. (DEBCO)

Rosemarie Drake Vice President Small Business Lending Cornerstone Bank

Anthony Christopher President, Georgia Certified Development Corp. (GCDC)

Moderator Bob Thiele Business Consultant University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Is this a Good Time to Be In Business?

Panelists will discuss the tools available to help aspiring, new and small entrepreneurs launch a business, or grow an existing one into profitablility

Roderick Wallace

Director, DeKalb Microenterprise Institute

Terri R. Waller Owner/Founder The Benson Mills Group

Lisa A. Wright CPA

Exhibitors include: A Kid's Affair AAA Auto Club After School Sports Academy Brinkley Realty Group

DeKalb County Community Development Gwinnett Federal Credit Union In Home Connections League of Women Voters of DeKalb County

Reliant Income Managers Tamisha Crosby Wells Fargo