The Heart of a Company

foss flooring The Heart Of A Company

Kevin Nassar, Executive Vice President of Foss, believes that a good company must think of its people first—and as his father always said, employees are the lifeblood of the business.

In 2020, an article appeared in the trade newsletter, Floor Covering News, regarding the adversities experienced by the flooring industry at that time. It directed the blame, and rightfully so, on COVID 19. Layoffs and furloughs were becoming commonplace, with some large companies forced to shut down operations to get a better handle on what could be a tough blow to businesses.

No one was confident enough to predict where the infectious menace would take us or for how long it would hold us captive while unemployment climbed to levels not seen since the Great Depression—with 43 million workers filing for unemployment benefits.

The report cited a Rome company, with additional facilities in Dalton and Chatsworth, who chose to meet COVID headon to protect their most important asset—their employees.

Kevin Nassar, Executive Vice President of Foss, believes that a good company must think of its people first—and as his father always said, employees are the lifeblood of the business. Take care of them. As Nassar began to see spouses of Foss employees’ losing their jobs, he felt the best way to help might be to cover health insurance payments for those with insurance and allot bonuses for those without. It was a boost that was needed and appreciated.

The dedicated employees were gratified to see how quickly their company acted on their behalf.

If you don’t know Foss Flooring, you may appreciate learning that this innovative flooring company produces various and useful products by re-using post-consumer PET plastic bottles. In pioneering nonwoven needle punch floor coverings and flooring products, Foss has remained at the forefront of recycling plastic into quality and useful goods.

Founded in New Hampshire in the late ’50s, the company began by manufacturing shoe products. Later, they shifted focus to the automobile industry. The family-owned business was purchased by a venture capital group in 2006, and their focus was turned toward the carpet mills in North Georgia.

When Nassar was brought on board, he was first commuting from Alpharetta, never giving thought to making Rome home, but as his company grew and relationships expanded,

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the family made the move. One of his favorite things about Rome is the genuine closeness of the community. He feels there is something about the city of Rome that creates a professional and personal connection—and that is very appealing.

Foss Flooring shows no sign of slowing down. With the addition of the plant in Chatsworth, the Rome plant currently employs approximately 250 people. Nassar continually keeps an eye out for possible land or buildings that would suit other expansions.

Kevin Nassar

Executive Vice President of Foss

Every year Foss reuses 40 million pounds of plastic to make its floor coverings.

· That translates to, 2 billion plastic bottles recycled into carpet and not in landfills , oceans, lakes and parks

· Foss Floors has a zero loss recycling policy and all scraps are recycled back into fiber to be used again

· Foss Floors is a known leader in non-woven needle punch flooring and a huge contributor to the recycling of PET post-consumer plastic drinking bottles

· Products commonly made from recycled PET include new PET bottles and jars, carpet, clothing, industrial strapping, rope, automotive parts, fiberfill for winter jackets and sleeping bags, construction materials, and protective packaging

· Producing products from plastic bottles reduces energy consumption by 66%

· The process of using recycled PET is environmentally friendly and cost effective allowing Foss Floors to make affordable products

Brayden Dean, UGA, Rome Floyd Chamber/Summer Intern, Article Contributor. Source: fossfloors.com

GREATER COMMUNITY BANK A Banking Success Story

For one local Rome-based community bank, turning “silver” has really been like hitting gold.

Greater Community Bank turned 25 this year, and with it, the Bank has experienced the strongest year financially in its history; deepened its roots through expansion and growth in its 3 markets; and has provided some much-needed assistance to 335 local businesses during the global pandemic, helping to protect 8,067 jobs and bolster the economy in Northwest Georgia.

That’s definitely something to celebrate!

The bank, founded by Thomas “Tom” D. Caldwell, III, along with a group of his closest friends and associates, first opened its doors for business on February 26, 1996, and has since expanded its footprint over the last 25 years to include Floyd, Gordon, and Bartow counties.

Following initial success in Rome, the Bank expanded into the Gordon County market in 2011. Since that time, the Calhoun office has experienced immense growth and received overwhelming community support. The Calhoun office recently completed a state-of-the-art renovation, doubling its footprint, and enhancing technology. In 2019, the Bank saw a tremendous opportunity for growth in the Bartow County market and opened a temporary office at 32 W. Main Street in downtown Cartersville. A new permanent office is scheduled to be constructed in 2022 at 2 N. Dixie Avenue.

Bank President & CEO David J. Lance – a fourth-generation banker – shares that the Bank’s continual success over the last twoand-a-half decades is a direct result of its humble beginnings and the Bank’s core values system at work. These values provide a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the communities served by the Bank.

“Community is the foundation on which our bank is built,” says Lance. “Building relationships and supporting local efforts is really what community banking is all about. It is our job to provide convenient solutions to help our customers reach their goals and enjoy financial growth and stability. Our mission is to make our communities greater.”

Greater Community Bank’s dedication to its communities was demonstrated when the federal government introduced the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) in response to COVID-19. The Bank’s employees tirelessly worked around the clock to meet the growing needs of local small businesses. Amid reports that big banks were not being responsive, Greater Community Bank was there. In the first round of PPP loans in 2020, the Bank processed 330 loans, totaling over $47 million, making the bank the second largest producer within its market area. In 2021, Greater Community Bank continued to aid local businesses as it processed an additional 178 PPP loans totaling over $29 million.

Lance notes that the Bank’s objective was to be a good steward of the PPP program to support small businesses. “Our local community had a need, and it was our responsibility and privilege to answer the call,” he says. “Greater Community Bank truly cares about people, and we understand how important the banking relationship is for entrepreneurs and small businesses. I am proud to be a part of helping our friends and neighbors succeed.”

President Lance is quick to recognize the Bank’s employees as its greatest asset. Bank employees are the largest shareholders and are truly invested in the success of the Bank.

“The secret to Greater Community Bank’s success is our people,” says Lance. “It’s an owner’s mentality. Our employees are dedicated, focused, and efficient because it’s their bank. Our team deeply cares about helping our customers and strives to build lifelong relationships. They share ideals for good banking practices: listening to customers, team support, problem solving, honesty and confidentiality: It’s really an amazing group.”

It’s not surprising to see why giving back comes naturally for Greater Community Bank. In 2020 alone, Greater Community donated more than $60 thousand to over 50 well-deserving organizations. To commemorate the 25th Anniversary, the Bank decided to couple those contributions with talent and time by dedicating in excess of 2,500 volunteer hours to support local community non-profits. Greater Community Bank is proud to support worthy organizations. Most notably, establishing the Greater Community Fund, a donor advised fund, with the Community Foundation for Greater Rome.

Greater Community Bank’s strong and experienced leadership team of David Lance (President/CEO), Donna McEntyre (COO/ Calhoun City President), and Matt Robbins (EVP/Senior Lending Officer); combined with an exceptional team of bankers, and a passion for serving people has been the recipe for success for this local community bank.

Greater Community Bank employees celebrated Community Banking month in April. David Lance, GCB President & CEO, served as the 2020 – 2021 Chairman of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia.