April 2013 Momentum Magazine by Rome Floyd Chamber

Momentum April 2013

G R E AT E R R O M E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

Brugg Continues To Expand! Why their investment is good news for all local businesses.

WinShape Wilderness Perfect Dress of Rome Schroederâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Deli

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID Rome, GA 30161

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Momentum April 2013

G R E AT E R R O M E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

Table of Contents Published by:

Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce 1 Riverside Parkway Rome, Georgia 30161 Momentum (USPS 395-030)

Published monthly by the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, 1 Riverside Parkway, Rome, GA 30161. Periodical Postage Paid - Rome, GA 30161. Subscription Rate $25 per year in U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MOMENTUM, 1 Riverside Parkway, Rome, GA 30161

All content by: Blake Buford Communications Coordinator For Advertising and Editorial Information: 706-291-7663

On the Cover:

In this Issue...

Letter from the Chairman......................................... 4 Upcoming Community Events............................... 4

Feature:

WinShape Wilderness.......................................... 6-7

Small Business Spotlights:

Schroeder’s New Deli........................................... 8-9 Perfect Dress of Rome.................................. 10-11

Membership Report:

New Members and Renewals............................. 17 Ribbon Cuttings....................................................... 18 Advertiser’s Index/Chamber Events................. 19

Newcomer Profile:

Kelly Hill: Southeastern Mills®.................... 20-21 Chamber Happenings........................................... 22 Visitor’s Guide........................................................... 23 Otto Suhner, President of Suhner Holding AG, cuts through Brugg cable to signify the opening of the expanded Brugg Cables facility. This expansion marks a $6 million investment!

April 2013 3

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear Reader, Exciting things are happening in Rome and Floyd County! 2013 has been a great year and we are delighted to share our community with you. The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in providing this publication to introduce you to our membership, manufacturers, small businesses and community. This issue features WinShape Wilderness, Small Business Spotlights on Schroeder’s New Deli and Perfect Dress of Rome, and Kelly Hill as the Newcomer Profile. This edition also features this month’s New Members and Renewals. Don’t forget to take a look at the Community Calendar and experience the vibrancy of Rome and Floyd County for yourself. As Chairman of the Chamber’s 2013 Board of Directors, I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit the Chamber of Commerce located at 1 Riverside Parkway and meet the Chamber staff. You will find an incredible group that is truly committed to the future of Rome and Floyd County. Sincerely, Doc Kibler State Mutual Insurance Company 2013 Chairman of the Board, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce

Community Events

April 2013

Event Description: Hosted by the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority this Inaugural Sporting Clays Tournament will be held to benefit the House of Children Academy. Contact Doug Braden at 706-368-5726 for more information.

Event Description: This 2nd annual music festival is twelve hours of music with 20+ bands including local acts and headliners to benefit the Rome Area Council for the Arts.

Clays for Children Inaugural Clays Tournament Time: 12:00 p.m. Location: 909 Holland Rd. Hwy 100

All Roads Music Festival Location: Heritage Park Time: 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Event Description: NW GA Winds: ‘Across the Big Pond XIII: Isle of Wonder’ Celtic Gala Concert at the Rome Forum.

Event Description: “The journey to end cancer starts with a single step.” The American Cancer Society invites you to take that step with us by joining the global Relay For Life movement.

R.O.M.E Celtic Gala Concert Location: 2 Government Plaza Time: 7:30 p.m.

Berry Business Outlook Conference Location: 110 Shorter Ave NW Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Event Description: Berry’s annual spring conference that focuses on businesses and economic forecasting. Featuring guest speaker Donald Sabbarese, Ph.D.

Relay for Life of Floyd County Location: Ridge Ferry Park Time: 6:00 p.m.

Rome Symphony Orchestra Concert Location: 601 Broad Street Time: 7:30 p.m.

Event Description: Join the Rome Symphony Orchestra in concert as the 3rd Annual Concerto Competition winners perform with the Rome Symphony Orchestra.

C h e c k t h e co m m u n i t y c a l e n d a r a t w w w. r o m e g a . co m fo r e v e n t d e t a i l s.

WE MAKE

IT WORK

LOGICAL SYSTEMS IS HERE FOR ALL OF YOUR TECHNOLOGY NEEDS. AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. • Computer Support • IT Consulting • Voice and Data Networks • Network Security • Wireless Computing • Custom Multi-Media • Off-Site Backups

(706) 234-9896 www.logsysinc.com

April 2013 5

Impact Beyond Experience What is it? “An experiential learning organization”, said Marketing Coordinator MonnieLeigh Meads. Founded in 1991 WinShape Wilderness aims to inspire “life-change” in people around the world through experiential learning, leadership development and team-development activities. How does it work? “The first thing The WinShape Wilderness Team we do is figure out what concepts they want their team to walk away with, after that comes the creative part,” said Mrs. Meads. “This great outdoor space allows us to do everything from rock climbing and challenge courses to things like GPS navigation and backcountry challenges.” For those that prefer to stay inside and keep their feet on the ground, WinShape Wilderness also has the experiential classroom available. “We’ve had cooking and technology based challenges, our goal is to deliver content in ways that teams can really resonate with...we want them to learn by doing.” Programming Coordinator Lawson Bost said engaging the groups and being able to lead them through new experiences is why he loves working with the WinShape team. “Being a part of the client’s transformation is highly rewarding, whether giving direction, asking questions, or managing staff there are so many reasons I enjoy coming to work each day. My goal is to help facilitate the activities but to then back away so that their focus remains on each other and not on me.” Mr. Bost works heavily with the clients in the early stages to make sure the program is fun and successful in its goal of bringing the team closer together.

April 2013 6

WinShape Wilderness identifies the five key components of a team as 1.) Building Trust 2. Improving Communication 3.) Creative Problem Solving 4.) The Power of Encouragement and 5.) Practicing Celebration. Many of their activities put those components to the test. The blindfolded obstacle course has the team form groups of two. One participant must wear a blindfold while the other (without touch) must help their partner navigate around trees, under wire obstacles and over various shifts in terrain. One of the more advanced activities has two participants harnessed as they climb up a tree. As they get to the top they step onto wires. They must then reach across and hold onto each other for balance. Step by step they navigate the wire together to try to get to the end (see picture above). Another activity WinShape Wilderness uses to emphasize improving communication is a shape building challenge. The group splits into two teams and moves out of eyesight from one another. Both teams are given a bag of identical pipe pieces. One team forms the pipes into a random shape while the other team waits. Each team then sends one person to meet in a middle location. A representative from the team that built the shape must then describe that shape to the other team’s representative in hopes that they can go back to their group and recreate the shape. “These activities are merely vehicles to help teams gain insights on deeper concepts and components of leadership and team development,” said Mrs. Meads. WinShape Wilderness has spent the past two decades continually improving the client experience and working to define what they offer to clients. “It’s important for us that people understand we are not a generic team-building company,” said Mrs. Meads. ”We’re all about getting content to teams in an engaging way. If they’re going to be bored and disconnected there’s no point.” For those not ready to climb up to the high wires right away Mrs. Meads assures that their programs have a common progression. “We generally start with small trustbuilding exercises and then build up to the bigger dynamic elements. Our goal is to have them walk away changed, leaving with tools they can implement in a work or community context.” Find out more information on WinShape Wilderness in the Chamber’s business directory located at www.romega.com.

How has kept you coming back for 32 years “We got it right the first time.” - John Schroeder April 2013 8

or more than three decades Schroeder’s New Deli has been a staple on Broad Street. Starting with sandwiches, nachos and salads Charlie and John Schroeder have kept all the originals that made the restaurant a hit but have added pizza, calzones, fried mushrooms, wings, potato skins and much more to the menu over their 32 years in business. Cofounder John Schroeder started his career working at different restaurants in Rome when things started to come together. “There was a bar on Broad Street back in 1980 that was really popular. Schroeder’s in the 70’s The owner needed someone to make sandwiches. My sandwiches started becoming popular so my brother Charlie decided we should form Schroeder Brothers Inc. The ‘New Deli’ part was a joke from a Harry Nilsson song ‘The Point’.” When Mr. John Schroeder started working on the menu a friend suggested they add nachos, an item that hadn’t made its way to Rome restaurants yet. “I said ‘What are nachos?’, he said ‘You know, chips with cheese on top’. Like Fritos chips? I asked him. Looking back it was pretty funny.” Schroeder’s and Broad Street have both evolved since the 80’s, now a hub for great restaurants, John remembers when Broad Street looked differently. “When we opened up we were one of six restaurants, now there are around 20. Broad Street Brian Brooks watches the oven for a is just a fantastic place and it’s exciting to see so many of these great fresh pizza. restaurants doing well.” Success is one thing, but 32 years of it is another. John Schroeder said using quality products, having a great location on Broad Street, good atmosphere and product freshness has carried Schroeder’s a long way. “I think we got it right the first time, we had this idea of delivering fresh quality product to people and it seems to have worked. We stick with what we know but we aren’t afraid to evolve with the times. Pizza, calzones and fried mushroom are some of the things that we started making later, we just recently added a chicken parmesan sandwich.” Mr. Schroeder said he is just happy to provide a place the whole family can dine. “I come from a Rome family, my mom worked downtown, she grew up in Rome... we just wanted to make a great place for the entire family to enjoy.” Charlie and John also love giving back to the community. Along with some friends Charlie Schroeder started the DIGS, Inc. foundation, a program that provides safe housing, work and leisure opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. DIGS currently has a “Just As I Am” show choir, “Art Hearts” art club, “1 Step @ A Time” dance club and a “Snap Happy Camera Club”. “It’s just great to have this creative outlet for them. They get to make real friends and learn different skills they can use for a lifetime,” said Mr. Schroeder. Find out more information on Schroeder’s New Deli and DIGS Inc. in the Chamber’s business directory located at The Roast Beef Relief sandwich, one of www.romega.com. Schroeder’s most popular items. April 2013 9

Look No Further for that Perfect Dress April 2013 10

t’s every girl’s dream, imagining what that perfect wedding day will be like. Imagining the groom, the cake and most of all that perfect dress. For Alison Smith (LR ‘05) she didn’t just dream of finding that one perfect dress, but of owning a store full of them. In 1978, Reesa Milton, Alison’s aunt, opened The Wedding Belle. A few location changes later it found its permanent home at 2013 Shorter Avenue SW. Ms. Smith, who was born the same year the Wedding Belle opened, always dreamed of owning it one day.”I’ve felt since I was 5 years old that I was going to own the Wedding Belle. I would pretend to sell dresses with my cousin. I guess it was just a matter of certain things aligning and working themselves out.” The Wedding Belle was eventually sold and renamed The White Dress of Rome. Ms. Smith at the time was finishing college and not ready to own a business. She spoke with the new owner and asked that if she ever decided to sell to call her first. “Eight years later she remembered that conversation and gave me a call.” After graduating college Ms. Smith became the Membership Director at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. “Working at the Chamber more than prepared me to own my own business. Every day is slightly different but my years at the Chamber were invaluable in helping me to understand the Rome/Floyd County business community. She held that position for eight years before becoming the owner of Perfect Dress.

Perfect Dress of Rome is a full-service bridal boutique housing bridal gowns, tuxedo rentals, bridesmaid dresses, mothers dresses, flower girl dresses and eventually Ms. Smith hopes to find some great cocktail attire. “We’re definitely looking for more great cocktail dresses to carry, recently our quinceañera tuxes have been really popular so we hope to get some quinceañera dresses soon as well.” Perfect Dress does take walk-ins but suggests scheduling an appointment. “It can get extremely busy in the store and we want to be able to give each person the time and attention they deserve because they are making an important purchase. The wedding gowns range from $99 to $2,000 and when you’re considering investing up to $2,000 on a gown, we want our customers to be educated about their purchase and know that they are confident in their decision. With an appointment we can spend a good hour and half with them explaining things like the fit of the dress, who we order from and what we can do to customize the dress.” Recently Perfect Dress added a seamstress so customers can get alterations done in-house if they would like. Ms. Smith said that overall she is thrilled with how the store is doing. “Owning this store has been a very exciting journey, we are so proud of the great products we have been able to offer the community.” Smith hopes to expand the store in the coming years. Find out more information on Perfect Dress of Rome in the Chamber’s business directory located at www.romega.com.

April 2013 11

Pepperell Middle School’s Shannon Pollitz named 2013 Floyd County Schools Teacher of the Year! In October, Pepperell Middle School English/language arts teacher Shannon Pollitz was named the 2013 Floyd County Schools Teacher of the Year. Now in her 12th year of teaching Ms. Pollitz credits her parents (both teachers) for expressing to her the joys of teaching. “My parents were always very honest with me and told me the positive and negative aspects of teaching,” said Ms. Pollitz. “I was slowly pulled into the profession by the examples my father and mother set.” Ms. Pollitz strives to make her classroom an active and fun one. “My students know that yes or no is not an acceptable response in our discussions because they must share with me the evidence they have examined and how that has impacted their view during their discovery.” The Floyd county Schools Teacher of the Year program has been sponsored by the Northwest Georgia Credit Union for more than 15 years. They provide a $100 gift check to each finalist and a $500 gift check to the Teacher of the Year. The winner is selected by a review committee from the Rome/Floyd Retired Educators Association. The committee takes applications submitted by the Ms. Pollitz encourages a student. teacher of the year representatives from each school in the Floyd County School System and narrows it down to three finalists The committee then holds interviews and classroom observations to select the winner. Pollitz now represents Floyd County Schools in the Georgia Teacher of the Year recognition program with the winner being announced in the spring. Congratulations Shannon Pollitz!

Juhi Varshney named Region 1 STAR Student!

Juhi Varshney (Right) with her selected STAR teacher Mary Holcomb. April 2013 12

Chosen out of 23 Northwest Georgia students, Juhi Varshney was named the Region 1 STAR student at the 2013 STAR Student and Teacher banquet hosted by the Seven Hills Rotary Club at Coosa Country Club. Ms. Varshney selected Mary Holcomb as her STAR teacher. Ms. Varshney, a Rome High School senior, has received multiple accolades this year. She has been named valedictorian as well as Youth of the Year for both the Exchange Club and the Noon Optimist Club. Ms. Varshney plans to pursue biomedical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The STAR program serves to recognize the state’s outstanding students, teachers and achievement in Georgia schools. Juhi Varshney will attend the State STAR Banquet in Atlanta on April 28 where the state-wide winner will be announced. Congratulations Juhi Varshney!

Annual Issues and Opportunities Conference Productive for Chamber of Commerce

(Left to Right) Rome City Commissioner Buzz Wachsteter, U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, Floyd County Board of Commissioners Chairman Irwin Bagwell, Vice-Chairman Garry Fricks and Commissioner Rhonda Wallace.

Approximately 25 Chamber members traveled to Washington D.C for the opportunity to meet federal lawmakers and discuss key issues. During the two-day conference Chamber representatives met with Georgia Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss as well as Georgia Representatives Phil Gingrey and Tom Graves. The Hwy 411 connector was a major talking point for Chamber representatives. “The 411 connector is a pressing issue,” said 2013 Chairman of the Board Doc Kibler. “The connector’s positive impact on commerce is undeniable and now we’re as close as we’ve ever been to getting it done. We now have the support of the governor and the people in D.C.” In addition to the 411 connector, emissions, airport funding and the Marketplace Fairness Act were discussed.

April 2013 13

Brugg Cables Expansion Represents $6 Million Investment! In 1998 Brugg Cables LLC made its way to Rome following a merger of Brugg Cable Products and Brugg Telecom. When the decision was made to consolidate the companies, Otto Suhner, President of Suhner Holding AG didn’t hesitate to move the new offices to Rome, adjacent to the Suhner Manufacturing facility on Anderson Drive. The move has proven to be a prosperous one not just for Brugg but for the community. Their most recent expansion marks a $6 million investment in Rome. “When you have a manufacturer like Brugg doing so well, it’s huge for the community,” said Rome Mayor Evie McNiece. “Expansion brings new jobs, higher paying jobs with benefits. When people are employed and making money, they take that money into our small businesses and restaurants. When they get benefits they’re more Jeff Hand (right) and Robert Bowers inclined to go to the hospitals and dentist offices. We as a community (left) monitor Brugg’s new “Enzo” should be so proud to be the home for Suhner, Brugg Cable, Brugg machine. Pipe Systems and Brugg Wire Rope plants. During their tenure in our community, they have become great corporate citizens giving back to the community through involvement in this Chamber and its committees and also through employment of the citizens of this community.” The expansion allowed for Brugg to bring in the “Enzo” machine. A planetary strander machine, Enzo’s speed will increase Brugg’s steel wire production capacity by 150 percent. Altogether the expansion allows for the company to increase its capacity by 200 percent. That’s an important upgrade because in four of the last five years Brugg has sold 100 percent of its Rome facility’s capacity, only slowing in 2010, what many consider the peak of the economic downturn. The investment also allowed Brugg to relocate large portions of its manufacturing capacity from Switzerland to Rome. “We have everything we need in-house now,” said Brugg Cables President Karl Zimmerman. “It also does away with the risk of changing exchange rates. We truly believe the U.s. is going to recover quicker than Europe from the economic crisis.” Suhner/Brugg manufacturing in Rome has grown from five employees in 1976 to more than 200 today. Sales for Rome operations exceeded $432 million in 2012. Congratulations Brugg!

April 2013 14

Momentum Turns 1 year old!!! As Momentum Magazine reaches its 1 year anniversary we would like to say “THANK YOU” to all of our readers, advertisers and Chamber Members. It is because of you we get to continue to make a magazine that focuses on our great small businesses, newcomers, manufacturers and all of the wonderful things Rome has to offer. “Momentum has been a great communication tool,” said Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce President Al Hodge. “Print, broadcast, newspapers and social media continue to be important mediums and we have received very positive feedback from our members. I have personally seen our magazine not only throughout Rome and Floyd County but in offices in Atlanta and Washington. We are encouraged by our readership, very proud of our staff/advisors and look forward to continued Momentum.”

April 2013 15

2013 Membership Campaign

' NOW S THE TIME ... JOIN THE CHAMBER! April - May Join During the Membership Campaign for SPECIAL advertising incentives WITH local media outlets! CALL THE CHAMBER FOR MORE DETAILS 706.291.7663 Going on now! Membership Campaign 2013, “The Chamber Games,” based on the hit series, The Hunger Games. April 2013 16

New Members - Welcome! GeoSolve Consulting, Inc. Mr. Jonathan Bartleson 5 Hillcroft Dr. NE Rome, GA 30161 (706) 622-3311

www.geosolve.com

Golden Crown Simpson Organization Mr. Chris DeLong Chinese Restaurant Mr. Leopoldo Corona

2017 Maple Avenue; Suite D Rome, GA 30161 (706) 232-5200

100 E 2nd Ave STE 7 Rome, GA 30161 (423) 752-8024

The Sweet Cocoon, Inc Ms. Amanda Bohannon 21 Eden Drive NW Rome, GA 30165 (706) 506-7437

www.thesweetcocoon.com

Renewals Advance Rehab & Consulting, Inc. Align Realty Advisors All Wireless AT&T Georgia Atlanta Gas Light Co. Belk, Inc. Bella Roma Grill Christian Counseling & Education Ministries, Inc. Commercial Fluid Power DIGS, Inc. Elrod’s, Inc. Finney and Associates CPAs, PC Floyd County Farm Bureau Floyd Medical Center Foss Manufacturing Georgia Department of Labor Golden Living Center of Rome H & H Lawn Care Henderson & Sons Funeral Home Heritage First Investments & Insurance Hillshire Brands Horizon Bay - Retirement Living Hortman Carney Dental, Inc. Howard Realty, Inc.

In-Touch Computer Services James W. Buckley & Associates, Inc. Lindale Hometown Pharmacy Martin Marietta Materials Meadow Lane Apartments Muller, Richard L., Jr., DDS, PC North Georgia Distributing Co. Northwest Georgia Clinical Campus, Medical College of Georgia OTR Wheel Engineering Ranger Consulting Inc. Ready or Not, Inc. Rome Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Rome Floyd Cancer Initiative Rome News-Tribune Schroeder’s New Deli-Downtown Sherwin-Williams Co. The Garage The Healing Arts Center of Rome Wings Over North Georgia

April 2013 17

Ribbon Cuttings Brugg Cables, LLC

Otto Suhner, President of Suhner Holding AG, celebrates their expansion with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wire cuttingâ&#x20AC;? replacing ribbon and scissors for Brugg cable and tools.

WetPetz Pet Spa, LLC

Ms. April Riker cuts the ribbon for WetPetz Self-Serve Pet Spa at 610 Shorter Avenue Suite #24. April 2013 18

First Choice Restoration

Larry Alford cuts the ribbon for First Choice Restoration, 10 Commerce CT SE.

Deaton Truck and Trailer Service

Deaton Truck and Trailer Service celebrate the opening of their 5th location with a ribbon cutting.

Advertiser’s Index page 2

Harbin Clinic

Unity Christian School 2960 New Calhoun Highway

1825 Martha Berry Highway www.harbinclinic.com 706-295-5331

www.unitychristianschool.org

page 5

Greene’s Jewelers

Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, Inc 96 East Callahan St. Suite 479-01

www.nwgacancer.org

706-292-0700

Logical Systems, Inc. 605 E. First Street www.logsysinc.com 706-234-9896

706-292-0700

page 13

328 Broad Street www.greenesjewelers.com 706-291-7236

Cindy Green, Toles Temple & Wright 611 Turner McCall Blvd. www.callromehome.com 706-409-1793

back cover

Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers 312 Broad Street www.fgkjewelers.com 706-291-8811

Chamber Events

April 2013 3

Transportation Committee Meeting Location: Chamber Boardroom 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Special thanks to our advertisers! Find out more information about membership & advertising by visiting the chamber’s website www.romega.com.

Hear from Rick Chambers, President of Big Time Products.

Education and Workforce Committee Meeting

Event Description: Trey and Julie Smith Location: Chamber Boardroom

2013 Chamber Games Kick Off! Sponsored by Georgia Power

Location: Brewhouse Music & Grill 325 Broad St

from Cycle Therapy will be here to talk about the bike trail system.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

from Pepperell High School will be here to Campaign Kick Off! This years theme is talk about High School 101. based on the hit book series and movie blockbuster, The Hunger Games! Wear your camouflage and meet our “Tributes”! Business After Hours hosted If you would like to join a team or donate a prize contact Lindy Lee, Membership by: PrimeCare Nursing Director at LLEE@ROMEGA.COM for more information. MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN Services YOUR FAVOR! Location: 316 West 10th Street

Small Business Action Council

Location: Chamber Boardroom 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Event Description: “Setting Goals and Increasing Sales” How do you

accurately set sales goals and challenge yourself or your team to achieve more?

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Event Description: Ms. Alana Ellenburg Join us for our 2013 Membership

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

April 2013 19

Newcomer Profile

Kelly Hill Southeastern Mills Associate Food Technologist

April 2013 20

Kelly Hill, UGA graduate with a Food Science degree, practically went straight from the classroom to the laboratory at Southeastern Mills®. When one of Ms. Hill’s professors received an e-mail looking for an employee, she submitted her resume. A few weeks later she went through the interview process and shortly after landed the job of Associate Food Technologist at Southeastern Mills®. If you think Associate Food Technologist is just a fancy way of saying “Taste Tester”, you’d be wrong. “I work on different innovations,” said Ms. Hill. “If a client comes in saying they want a new type of product I work with them to develop exactly what they want. I’ll make different seasoning blends or sometimes a client needs us to recreate a seasoning and make it as cost effective as possible, it really becomes a scientific process.” Ms. Hill works in Southeastern Mills®’ Center of Innovation, a structure completed in 2006, it combines an office space, laboratory and a fully working kitchen. “As someone who works on the seasoning side, it’s important to be able to taste the seasonings on real food during each step. The kitchen allows us to fry chicken if we’ve created a poultry seasoning or test a gravy mix on a biscuit we cooked. It really is an essential element to getting our products just right.” Ms. Hill said that her favorite part of the job is getting to make unique and delicious blends. “You realize what a science every product you buy in the One of the fully-operational test kitchens at Southeastern Mills®. store or at a restaurant is. They aren’t just made from a person randomly mixing ingredients together. The good stuff takes time, care, and a lot of collaboration to develop.” There are currently 20+ employees working in the Center of Innovation with plans of adding additional culinary talent. Find out more information on Southeastern Mills® in the Chamber’s business directory located at www.romega.com.

April 2013 21

Chamber Happenings << Bryan Shealy, River City Bank, and Diane Miller, United Community Bank, take notes during the Membership Campaign Captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meeting >>Morgan Rhinehart, Rose Brown, and Sarah McDaniel introduce themselves at their first Young Professionals of Rome. <<Rome and Floyd County representatives visit Washington D.C. during the annual Issues and Opportunities Conference. >> High School Leadership Rome students learn about different careers in healthcare.

Operation Membership Directory << 2013 Chairman of the Board, Doc Kibler, delivers a Membership Directory to Paula Conaway at Paulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique on Broad. >> Tonya Davis, BDD Consulting Services, selects a list of members for Operation Membership Directory. April 2013 22

Visitor’s Guide Downtown Rome

Ave

t ee Str t tS 1s E.

t dS 2n E.

3rd Ave

Ave

6 th

8 th

1 Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce 2 Rome and Floyd County Library 3 City Hall 4 Clocktower 5 Historic DeSoto Theatre 6 Old Courthouse 7 Myrtle Hill Cemetery 8 Heritage Park 9 Tennis Complex Barron Stadium 10 The Forum 11 Rome Area History Museum 12 Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren Cancer Center

US 2

nue Ave 5th

nue Ave 2nd 8

1 3

t tS 1s W.

ay rkw e Pa rsid

St 9 rd 3 W.

Points of Interest

Rive

4th Ave

St 3rd E.

Points of Interest

13 Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum 14 Chieftain’s Museum 15 Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rome Visitors Center 16 Ridge Ferry Park 17 Shorter University 18 Mt. Berry Square Mall 19 Cave Spring 20 Lock & Dam Park 21 Coosa Valley Fairgrounds 22 Stonebridge Golf Course 23 Berry College 24 Floyd Medical Center 25 Harbin Clinic 26 Redmond Regional Medical Center 27 Darlington Lower School 28 Darlington Upper School 29 Georgia Northwestern Technical College 30 Unity Christian School 31 State Mutual Stadium 32 Saint Mary’s Catholic School 33 Georgia Highlands College 34 Richard B. Russell Regional Airport 35 Georgia School for the Deaf

Floyd County GA -1

GA -156

US 27 34

GA-53

18 23

GA-20

31 13 14 16 15 30

GA-293

GA-20

29 28

GA-100

35 19

411 USUS-27

GA-101

April 2013 23