March 2016 Momentum Magazine

Momentum March 2016

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

Coding into Student Interests at the Floyd County College and Career Academy Greater Community Bank Turns 20 Keller Williams Realty Grows

GrEaT EvEnTs NeEd GrEaT BbQ. Catering for any occasion. And by “any” we mean all of yours. Party-size portions of the best melt-in-your-mouth BBQ, tasty sides, darn-good desserts and more. Everything you need for any kind of gathering you could ever have.

PlAcE An OrDeR ToDaY, TaStE It ToMoRrOw. @ 2103 Shorter Ave. Rome, GA 30165 Phone: 706-234-1441

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Momentum March 2016

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

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

Farewell Ms. Regan Hice The Chamber thanks our Director of Membership Regan Hice for 3 years of service!

Congratulations on your new position with Delta Air Lines, Inc.!

We will miss you!

Content and Design by: Carolyn McFry Chamber Communications Coordinator

In this Issue...

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

Chamber News:

On the Cover

Coding the Future: Armuchee High School senior Joe Fries uses his laptop during his AP Computer Science A class at the Floyd County College and Career Academy.

The School will be offering a new coding class, AP Computer Science Principles, in Fall 2016.

To learn more about AP Computer Science Principles, visit page 8.

5 AGL Resources Inc. EVP Hank Linginfelter Visits............................. 6 Day at the Capitol.................................................................................. 6 Floyd County College and Career Academy....................................8-9 GOAL Award Winners....................................................................................... 9 Greater Community Bank Celebrates 20 Years.................. 10, 13 Celebrating Georgia Small Business Week....................................11 Recent Chamber Happenings................................................................12 Keller Williams Realty: Building Careers Worth Having...........

Membership Report:

13 Advertiser’s Index..............................................................................14 Visitor’s Guide.....................................................................................14 New Members and Renewals.......................................................

March 2016

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Upcoming

Community Events

March 14

Shorter University Guest Recital Shylykov/Tanaka Duo Location: Brookes Chapel at Shorter University 315 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA, 30165 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Guest recital of Shylykov/Tanaka Duo on the clarinet and piano.

706-291-2121

March 15

Shorter University’s ACSI Art Festival Location: Arnold Art Gallery at Shorter University 315 Shorter Ave., Rome, GA, 30165 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Come check out the ACSI Art Festival in the Arnold Art Gallery on March 15th.

706-291-2121

March 19

Rome Symphony Orchestra Chamber Orchestra Location: Berry College Ford Auditorium 2277 Martha Berry Blvd, Mt. Berry, GA, 30149 Time: 7:30 p.m.

The Rome Symphony Chamber Orchestra will perform master works of the 20th century

by Aaron Copland, Ernest Bloch, and Joaquin Rodrigo. Soloists include pianist Kris Carlisle, clarinetist John Reams, and guitarist Sean Thrower.

706-291-7967

April 14-15

2016 Confluence Location: The Historic Desoto Theatre 530 Broad Street, Rome, GA, 30161 Time: Thursday and Friday at 8:00 a.m.

Confluence is a two day conference of INSPIRATION, INNOVATION, and MOTIVATION for business leaders, technologists, educators, entrepreneurs and students. Visit page 6 or www.ConfluenceRome.org for event information.

706-291-7663

April 2015 4

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Greetings!

It is with great privilege that I am writing to you as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. I am truly honored to be involved in this great community organization dedicated to its mission: To promote prosperity and growth in Rome and Floyd County for and through its business memberships.

As a small business owner of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, I found it crucial to become involved with the Chamber and its programs when I first moved to Rome years ago. It is extremely important to me that my business be part of a network of professionals that works to bring in new industries to the area. By bringing in new business, we are making sure that our community grows so that our own businesses, both large and small, flourish.

To celebrate the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s mission, Momentum Magazine focuses each month on community achievements in education, business, entrepreneurship, new members and Chamber happenings. We are extremely proud of the continuous improvements our members are making in this community.

This month, Momentum features the growing profession of “coding.” In Floyd County, we can celebrate the fact that Floyd County School’s College & Career Academy is ahead of the curve when it comes to this growing technology field, and that the school is offering coding classes to local high schoolers. This month’s article highlights the College & Career Academy’s initiatives and what coding classes mean for Rome and Floyd County’s employers.

Momentum also looks at Keller Williams Realty Northwest Georgia. Keller Williams has seen substantial growth at its Rome franchise office and recently moved to its new Second Avenue location.

Additionally, this month, Momentum Magazine congratulates Greater Community Bank as they celebrate 20 years of business. Please feel free to stop by one of their locations and congratulate them on two decades in our community.

As the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2016, 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. At the Chamber, you will find an incredible group who are committed to the future of Rome and Floyd County.

Sincerely,

Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII)

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 2016 Chairman of the Board, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce

Check the community calendar at www.romega.com for event details.

In front a large, grey brick building along Second Avenue, large red letters “KW” proudly stand before the new home of global real estate agency, Keller Williams. In November 2015, Keller Williams Realty Northwest moved from their previous Turner McCall location into the large 200 East Avenue space in downtown Rome to make room for its expansion of agents and real estate school. Recently, General Manager Jason Free sat down with Momentum Magazine to share how the company’s superb work culture and internal business structure has allowed for its success in the Rome metro area.

Keller Williams Realty Northwest Building Careers Worth Having, Businesses Worth Owning and Lives Worth Living In 2006, several top-producing agents from different local real estate companies came together to start a division of Keller Williams in Rome, Georgia. “Keller Williams is a franchise that first started in 1983 by Gary Keller in Austin, Texas,” explained Mr. Free. “Since that time, they have become the largest real estate company in the world.

We have over 110,000 agents across the country.”

In 2011, Rome-based Jason Free Realty merged with Keller Williams. Mr. Free said the merger increased business prospects in commercial real estate and expanded the real estate school opportunities in the Northwest Georgia area. “Keller Williams has so many training classes, so the ability to continue teaching was a major draw." he added. "Along with the classes, the size of their commercial division General Manager Jason Free (left) shares marketing ideas with Keller Williams Realty was extremely attractive to me. Today, I now Northwest agents during a roundtable meeting. The sharing of ideas is complementary generate deals in not only the Rome market, but with Keller Williams’ internal business structures, said Mr. Free. in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and other states.

Keller Williams has really expanded those opportunities for real “In Rome, we have a great group of agents here that really estate agents in Rome and Floyd County.” have servants’ hearts,” said Mr. Free. “For example, we have Over the years, the franchise has boomed. Today, Keller Williams agents who are little league coaches and Sunday school teachers.

Northwest boasts 29 real estate agents, who work in commercial At Keller Williams, there is a true understanding that our and residential real estate. The group also consists of three team community has blessed us and continues to bless us, and it is our members in supportive administration roles. responsibility to give back.”

Mr. Free contributes Keller Williams’ local success to the hard About Keller Williams’ Real Estate School work and dedication of the agents, as well as the company’s funKeller Williams also has a strong focus on education. The loving, yet fast-paced culture. A look inside the Rome office is sure to confirm that. The front of the office building holds offices as well company offers 12-week pre-licensing classes several times as common workspace areas where agents can do research and a year for those looking to break into real estate. Classes often secure negotiations. Located in the rear of the building is a ping pong meet two nights a week in the evenings and prep students for the table that has become a great place to relieve stress and bounce ideas real estate licensing exam to become a certified real estate agent.

Mr. Free, who has been a pre-licensing instructor since 1997, with fellow team members.

Along with the fun physical environment, Mr. Free said the said that each of these classes usually has between 20 and 40 internal business structure of Keller Williams adds to the company’s students. Keller Williams is one of a few agencies in the area to solid work culture. Keller Williams encourages their agents to work offer a real estate school. For Mr. Free, this provides a wonderful in teams, and the business model has allowed for rapid growth opportunity for agents to teach their passion.

“I love to lift lids,” said Mr. Free about teaching courses throughout the nation. Mr. Free added that the Keller Williams company, from the top down, believes in “God first, then Family at Keller Williams. “When someone signs up for a real estate course, it’s because they really want to be there. It’s a new and then Business.”

“The work environment is amazing,” said Mr. Free. “Keller career opportunity for them. The great thing about being in Williams has a unique culture that is about sharing ideas, sharing real estate is that there is no ceiling to how much you can profit, and sharing time. Keller Williams encourages teams, and we make. If you’re hard-working and have discipline, you can have a very nice structure of that. It makes working with family and make more money in real estate than you probably can in friends an attractive possibility. By working in teams, our agents most other professions.”

Along with pre-licensing courses, Keller Williams offers benefit from other agents coming in, so everyone wants to see other agents succeed. And with the way that the company is structured, continuing education classes for agents as well. “We have all kinds the majority of company profits are shared with the agents who have of helpful classes that are available to not only our agents but other agents as well,” said Mr. Free. “There are contract classes, negotiating helped grow the company.”

Keller Williams is big on giving back to their community. Every classes, marketing and much more to help advance agents in their year, Keller Williams holds “Red Day,” a day where all agents help career.”

From a school that invests in the future of the industry, to a spirit with community service projects. Mr. Free said that in Rome and Floyd County, this has included their agents working together on of service and fun, to a business structure modeled on partnership, Habitat for Humanity builds, working in soup kitchens, painting KW ensures that all, whether businesses or individuals, can find a home in Greater Rome. houses, volunteering at blood drives and much more.

March 2016

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AGL Resources' Hank Linginfelter Visits Rome

The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Presents:

April 14 & 15, 2016 DeSoto Theatre, Rome, GA

Dr. Paul Ferguson (left) jokes with former Georgia Chamber Chairman and former Greater Rome Chamber Chairman, Frank Barron (LR IV), in front of Chairman and CEO of AGL Resources's seven utilities and Executive Vice President for AGL Resources - Distribution Operations Hank Linginfelter (center) and Joe Montgomery, Chief Advancement Officer of Darlington School (right). Mr. Linginfelter, who serves as the current Georgia Chamber Chairman, discussed the future of natural gas and energy at the Chamber before speaking at his alma mater, Darlington School.

Day at the Capitol

Confluence is a two day conference of inspiration, innovation, and motivation for business leaders, technologists, educators, entrepreneurs and students.

<<

Delegates from the Chamber wait to meet with local legislators during the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Day at the Capitol on February 8th.

<<<

Gretchen Corbin (LR XVII), >> Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, addresses the group, stressing the importance of creating an educated workforce, in front of Greater Rome Chamber Chairman Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII), Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q (left), and Georgia Senator Chuck Hufstetler.

March 2016

6

Innovate + Inspire + Invent

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal speaks to the group.

Tickets: $30 Students, $50 Chamber Members, $75 Non-Chamber Members Register online:

www.romega.com | www.confluencerome.org

Celebrating 20 years of tradition and community banking

Left to right:

David J. Lance President & CEO

Thomas D. Caldwell Chairman Emeritus

Robert L. Berry Chairman

GreaterCB.com MAIN OFFICE

1490 MarthA BERRY BLVD. ROME, GA 30165 706.295.9300

EAST ROME

800 EAST SECOND AVE. ROME, GA 30161 706.295.9300

WEST ROME

2518 SHORTER AVENUE NW ROME, GA 30165 706.295.9300

CALHOUN

305 W. BELMONT DR. CALHOUN, GA 30701 706.629.1700

Coding

Local high school students learn to code at the Floyd County College and Career Academy.

the future

By 2020, there will be an estimated 1.4 million new computerrelated jobs in America, but only 400,000 students are expected to graduate with computer science degrees from U.S. colleges and universities, according to the national Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Looking at that kind of growth nationwide, Rome and Floyd County will be no different, unless changes are made. Several local primary employers, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, have already started integrating computing fields into their own companies, and have been hiring in-house programmers and information technology personnel.

With computer science job expansion on the rise, the Floyd County College and Career academy has taken serious notice. That’s why next year the designated STEM school will be expanding upon its current curriculum to add a new AP course for its students: AP Computer Science Principles. With the addition of this course, educators at the Floyd County College and Career Academy hope more local teens will become interested in the growing fields of coding and information technology and will take advantage of these high-paying jobs.

Dr. Brian Swanagan, who will be teaching the new course starting in the Fall 2016, said the AP Computer Science Principles curriculum differs from the coding classes that are already taught for collegelevel credits at the Floyd County College and Career Academy.

The AP Computer Science Principles class, he said, offers a more individualized and creative approach to learning.

“Three years ago, we picked up AP Computer Science A,” explains Dr. Swanagan. “Essentially with that course, our kids get really deep

March 2016

8

A student practices making an array on his laptop during Dr. Swanagan's class.

into a particular programming language called Java. They learn how to get the computer to make decisions based on inputs that are given. Java is one of the most commonly used languages, and there are currently billions of devices that use it. The College Board, the organization that oversees the creation of AP classes for highschoolers, chose to focus on the Java language, because it was the language colleges wanted the most.”

However, after a recent Education and Workforce Business Council Committee meeting at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, teaching more generalized computer science classes became more attractive. Educators learned from Rome and Floyd County’s primary employers that there is a real need for workers who are knowledgeable with generalized computing skills, said Eric Waters (LR VIII), CEO and Principal of the Floyd County College and Career Academy. The Chamber’s Education and Workforce Council is a focus committee that allows local secondary and higher education professionals to meet with representatives from local industries and businesses and discuss the current and future needs for an educated and highlyskilled workforce in Rome and Floyd County.

“The addition of AP Computer Science Principles is a great example of education listening to the needs of business and industry,” added Mr. Waters. “We want to provide the best education experiences possible for our youth today so Rome and Floyd County will have a dynamic workforce tomorrow.”

Dr. Swanagan said the AP Computer Science Principals class met several of the needs discussed by the education workforce council, and he felt the class would be a great fit for our community.

According to The College Board, this new class introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges

Corey Carlile and Brittny Burns Named GNTC’s 2016 GOAL and Rick Perkins Award Winners

GNTC's 2016 GOAL Award Winner

Corey Carlile, a Marketing student from Aragon, has been named Georgia Northwestern Techn College’s (GNTC) 2016 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner and Brittn Burns, a Business Technology instructor from Kennesaw, was selected as the college’s 2016 R Perkins Instructor of the Year.

The winners were named during the Congratulations to Ms. Seven Hills Rotary Club meeting at Coosa Corey Carlile on being Country Club on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The named Georgia Northawards were sponsored and presented western Technical College’s 2016 Georgia by the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, the Seven Hills Rotary Club of Occupational Award Rome, and the GNTC Student Leadership of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Ms. Carlile, Council.

a Marketing student at GNTC, received Dr. Brian Swanagan (far right) goes overWeaver a coding of problem outlined the who Brandy Whitfield County, the award during the Java programming textbook with his students. was chosen in December to represent Seven Hills Rotary them to explore how computingGeorgia and technology can impactatthe Northwestern theworld.

EAGLE Club meeting at Coosa The course offers a unique focusLeadership on creative Institute, problem solving and realwas also recognized Country Club. world applications to give students a more well-rounded understanding

Ms. Corey Carlile

during banquet.

The Leadership Corey Carlile (right) Georgia Northwestern’s 2016 GOAL of computing. In the class, students will the conceive and implement digital Institute recognizes and honors those and Brittny Burns (left) Rick Perkins Instructor of projects, utilizing some of the same processes that writers, programmers, TheWinner Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce engineers, designers, and other creators use towho bringhave ideas to life.

Year at GNTC. students demonstrated superiorpartners with GNTCthe and the Technical College “In Principles, students learn about topics such as how the Internet works achievement in adult education classes System of Georgia each year to provide judges and cybersecurity,” said Dr. Swanagan. “We learn about data protocol and and programs. for this program. binary, and we even do a little cryptology, or secret code writing, which is always fun. Also, there isn’t an intense focus on one language, which allows for a lot more flexibility. Students use any language they want, you to the following were by Carlile, can GNTC’s GOAL winner, is a student atThank the Floyd County Campus judges, and waswho nominated so if there is another computing language that fits better with how a student tasked withprogram. the difficult of selecting her instructor, Mark Upton, director of the Marketing Shejob was selectedonly fromone a group thinks, we can incorporate that into his or her individual projects.” winner from the four finalists out of GNTC: fourand semi-finalists for her presentation on technical education by a panel of judges representin Dr. Swanagan said the creativity individualization of the course business, industry, and higher education in the Northwest Georgia region. allows for students to have more freedom in designing a project, focusing on Ms. Tonya Davis, something that excites them. “I really feel like if kids are doing something BDD Consulting Services (LR XXX) that they are really interested in, they truly learn from it,” he added.

According to The College Board website, students don’t need any prior Mr. Bill Kerestes, programming experience for AP College Principals, but should have Myrtle Hill Mausoleum successfully completed Algebra I. At the end of the course, students will be assessed based on their class projects, and will have the option of taking an Ms. Dixie Sorrow, end-of-course AP Exam to obtain college credit and placement.

Heritage First Bank (LR XXII) The implementation of AP Computer Science Principles at the Floyd Mr. Jeff Williams, County College and Career doesn’t mean that local students will be saying OTR Wheel Engineering (LR XXIX) goodbye to AP Computer Science A. Dr. Swanagan said the school will be offering the course on their new online classroom platform for students Mr. Gregory Wooten, who want to delve a little deeper into Java programming. “The courses are Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center (LR XXVII) rather complementary,” added Dr. Swanagan. “A student might decide to take AP Computer Science A after the foundation for computer sciences is set. We also just created the online platform for our students, which I am As the 2016 GOAL Winner for GNTC, Ms. Carextremely excited about. With many of our students, they don’t have much lile will advance to the regional competition, and flexibility in their schedules, but this allows them to really take the class at if chosen, will move on to the state level. If Ms. any time.”

Carlile is selected as the state GOAL winner, Interested in learning to code, but aren’t enrolled at the Floyd County she will serve as the Technical College System College and Career Academy? Dr. Swanagan said that December he of Georgia’s ambassador throughout the year, opens up his classroom after school for the community for an “Hour of promoting technical college education at various Code.” The “Hour of Code” is a global initiative to peak programming and computer science interest during Computer Science Education Week. events around the state.

Participants of all programming levels are welcome to come out and learn, he added.

March 2016 9

Greater Community Bank Chief Operating Officer Donna McEntyre and President and CEO David J. Lance.

GREATER COMMUNITY BANK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

T

his year, Greater Community Bank has reached a major milestone.

The flourishing locally-owned and operated financial institution turns 20. With two decades of growth and prosperity under its belt, the local bank is celebrating this overall achievement while it continues to advance, innovating the way locally banking is done.

Bank President and CEO David J. Lance and Chief Operating Officer Donna McEntyre recently spoke candidly of how the company’s humble beginnings still influence the daily interactions and transactions made at Rome’s community bank, and how mobility is changing the name of the game at their bank.

A Community Bank is Born

Mr. Lance said that in the early 1990s, banking trends in America had set forth several mergers and acquisitions of community banks with larger national ones, and most of the community-built banks in Rome and Floyd County were being acquired by the larger institutions. “It was at that time that former Rome Mayor and long-time community banker Tom Caldwell, realized that Rome might not have a locally-owned bank of its own,” he added. So in 1993, he started floating around the idea of creating a community bank with several of his most trusted friends

March 2016 10

one of which was local attorney Bob Berry, who now serves as Chairman.

The newly formed organizing board began to gather the consent needed to create a local bank, and after a lengthy process, the bank opened its doors on February 26, 1996, in a temporary mobile facility on what is now the parking lot of the 1490 Martha Berry Boulevard location.

Greater Community Bank has since grown to include four branches and has expanded in two communities, Rome and Calhoun.

The bank added an East Rome location on Second Avenue in 1998, followed by the West Rome branch on Shorter Avenue in 2000. Greater Community Bank moved into the Calhoun market in 2011 with their branch on West Belmont Drive.

Originally named “Greater Rome Bank,” Mr. Lance said the name change in 2014 was to reflect the company’s development.

“Community is the foundation on which our bank is built,” said Mr. Lance. “We are honored to be able to help our community partners and support our employees' passions outside the bank. Building relationships and supporting local efforts with our time, talent and financial resources are what makes us proud to be a community bank. With that much investment in our communities, why not reflect it in our name?”

Building Toward the Mobile Future

Today, Greater Community Bank is as strong as it’s ever been. Capital at the bank is up. The team is enjoying the strongest net interest margins to date, and loan demands are at an all-time high. The bank also reports $124.6 million in total assets, according to the latest FDIC data, and overall, the management team and Board of Directors are pleased with the direction the bank is headed.

Mr. Lance said that Greater Community’s formula for success rests within their common core values that enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.

Since day one, Greater Community Bank has persistently operated on its principle of personalized customer service and relations, which has always started with their passionate employees.

“Most of our bankers have come from different backgrounds and from different fields before entering the banking industry,” said Ms. McEntyre. “Many were entrepreneurs or real estate investors, and operated successful businesses. They know firsthand what it's like to be on the other side of that banker’s desk, and cannot only offer counsel, but provide excellent business solutions to the many challenges that small business owners and investors might face today.”

Continued on Pg. 13

GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS WEEK IN ROME and FLOYD COUNTY The celebration for Georgia Small Business Week in Rome and Floyd County was anything but "small". Here are a few highlights from the February 12th-19th programming, hosted by the Chamber's Small Business Action Council.

Dinner & Discuss panelist Kirk Jarrett, of Whittington, Jones & Rudert, CPAs shares best practices alongside fellow recipients of the Small Business of the YearAward (from left) Larry Alford (LR XXXI), of Rome Cleaners and ServiceMaster by Twins; Jay DeVille (LR IX), of Right at Home of NWGA; and Chris Carey (LRXXV), of Logical Systems.

Michael Minter, of University Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram (left); quickly looks over his ques- Mary Ellen McClanahan, Director of Entrepreneur & tion cards as Zack Baker, of sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt, shares about his business Small Business at the Georgia Department of Economic during a round of speed networking at the Georgia Small Business Week Kickoff Breakfast. Development, discusses small business trends with the crowd of Small Business professionals gathered in the Chamber boardroom for the GA Small Biz Workshop. <<< Greater Rome Chamber Chairman Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII), Sonny's <<< 2015 Small Business Action CounReal Pit Bar-B-Q, shakes hands with City cil Chairman Jane Bosarge, of C&S of Rome Commissioner and former GreTrophies and Corporate Awards, Chamber Chairman Craig McDaniel (LR shakes hands with Floyd County ComIV) in front of 2015 Small Business Action missioner Garry Fricks (LR VIII) as Council Chairman Jane Bosarge, of C&S 2016 Chairman of the Board Curtis Trophies and Corporate Awards, during Gardner (LR XXVII), Sonny's Real the City of Rome's proclamation of GeorPit Bar-B-Q, watches, following Floyd gia Small Business Week.

County Government's proclamation.

Twinkle twinkle little star, Transfer money wherever you are.

MOBILE BANKING MADE EASY

WEAR SOMETHING

Beautiful

by River City Bank

GREENEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SJewelers, INC 328 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

Serving the Community since 1948 GreenesJewelers.com 706-291-7236

March 2016 11

Chamber Happenings

A.

PARTNERS IN PROSPERITY III RETURN ON INVESTMENT LUNCHEON: President of Berry College Dr. Stephen Briggs chats with Redmond Regional Medical Center CEO John Quinlivan during the Partners in Prosperity III Return on Investment Luncheon.

MEETING: U.S. Congressman B. ANNUAL Tom Graves, sits with Stephanie Nichols, of Rome Cleaners, during the 105th Annual Meeting program.

Ribbon Cuttings

GREYSTONE APARTMENTS: Bruce Gerwig, of In-Fill Housing (center left), and Jon Toppen, of Tapestry Development Group, cut the ribbon for the $11 million purchase and renovation of the Greystone Apartments. The apartments at 90 E. Second Avenue are a tax-credit development that offers affordable housing to low income and disabled renters.

PERSONNEL STAFFING: Regional Account Executive Gidget Battle cuts the ribbon for the grand opening of Personnel Staffing, 2811 Martha Berry Highway. Personnel Staffing provides staffing services in more than 15 states in a variety of industries.

WILLIAM S. DAVIES MENS SHELTER: (From Left) William S. Davies Mens Shelter Board Chairman Lenora Santoro (LR VI), Executive Director Allison Trask, and founders William Davies (LR XXIII) and Susan Seagraves breakground for the shelter's new 132 E. 18th Street location. Once complete, the shelter will house 16 long-stay rooms and on-site training programs.

March 2016 12

AFTER HOURS: New Chamber member Austin WigC. BUSINESS gins, of HindLight Media, LLC; jots down contact information from Bruce Day, of Habitat for Humanity, during Business After Hours hosted by SHARP Business Systems of Georgia, 316 Broad Street.

GREATER COMMUNITY BANK Continued from Pg. 10 Last year, that level of hands-on dedication was dramatically increased, as employees were given the opportunity to own company stock. Being an owner, Mr. Lance said, has brought a genuine sense of pride in the success of the bank. “Our team is our greatest resource,” added Mr. Lance. “We currently have 44 great owners who staff our offices, and several of them have been with us for well over ten years. Personal Banking Associate Deborah Burkhalter has been with us since day one, and we are extremely honored to able to say that our work environment supports that kind of longevity for careers. Our staff offers so much strength and stability, not to mention guidance and leadership. These are Romans truly vested in this community.”

Still, as their tagline states, Greater Community Bank is constantly seeking ways to “Live Better. Bank Greater.” Mr. Lance said current trends have moved banking to being more mobile for their on-the-go customers. That’s why Greater Community Bank has recently launched a new website, where you can open accounts online, and in 2016 will incorporate Popmoney and Apple Pay® to enhance their customers’ mobile experiences and to increase flexibility.

With these mobile changes, Greater Community Bank has added rewards programs to services with Kasasa®. The newly-launched program lets customers choose among high interest returns, cash back or earn other rewards. “Consumers want to bank when they want and where they want, and the millennial market is a huge focus for us,” said Mr. Lance. “GCB Mobile usage is growing rapidly and we want to ensure that we are providing the latest and greatest services while still providing quality face-to-face banking when needed.”

And with all of the new features, Mr. Lance said the bank hopes to continue its journey of growth and extend it back into the community. That’s why the Bank has invested in the Partners in Prosperity III, the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s program to enable community marketing for job growth. Partners in Prosperity III is in partnership with the City of Rome, Floyd County Government, the Development Authority of Floyd County, and the RomeFloyd County Development Authority.

“The success of a community bank is the reflection of the success of the community,” said Mr. Lance. “Celebrating our 20-year milestone is hugely important since it mirrors the economic development we have seen in Rome and Floyd County in the past two decades.”

Renewals Branson Machinery, LLC Christian Counseling & Education Ministries, Inc. Coosa Medical Group Coosa Steel Corp.

Enived Tech, LLC Golden Living Center of Rome Harbin Clinic, LLC Henderson & Sons Funeral Home In-Touch Computer Services Johnny’s New York Style Pizza Kellogg Company Mike Ford’s Auto Service, Inc. NIFAST Corporation

Ranger Consulting, Inc. Rome Cleaners Rome Floyd Cancer Initiative Sherwin-Williams Co. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Suhner Manufacturing, Inc. The Car Store The Garage Toles, Temple & Wright Village Theatres West Rome Animal Clinic Whittington, Jones & Rudert, CPAs, LLC Williams, Sweitzer & Barnum, Inc. Woods Brokerage Co.

New Members Alfa Insurance Mark Swanson Agency Mr. Mark Swanson 601 E. First Street Rome, GA 30161 (706) 234-8686 www.alfainsurance.com/agents/ mark-swanson Seven Hills Fellowship Mr. Bryan Pierce 538 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 (706) 530-1630 www.sevenhillsfellowship.com The Griffin Gregory E. Sumner, Ph.D 215 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 (706) 346-8514 www.thegriffinrome.com Miss Rome Scholarship Pageant Ms. Andrea Pitts 14 Arlington Court SW Rome, GA 30165 (706) 766-4887 www.missrome.org

Swerve Ms. Val Featherston 108 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 (706) 346-5420 HindLight Media, LLC Mr. Austin Wiggins 1001 Burnt Hickory Road NW APT 936 Marietta, GA 30064 (706) 506-5349 www.hindlightmedia.com Carl Black Commercial Sales Mr. Darren Fichter 1260 Auto Park Drive NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 420-4502 www.kennesawchevroletbuickgmc. com/fleet MinnowWorks, LLC Mr. Steve Trautman 9 Ford Drive SE Rome, GA 30161 (678) 269-7937

Want to Join the Chamber?

Call 706-291-7663 to speak with Director of Membership Jeanne Krueger about the benefits of membership today!

March 2016 13

Visitor’s Guide

Points of Interest

Downtown Rome 12

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nue Ave 5th

9

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 & Welcome Center 12 Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren Cancer Center

Floyd County

Points of Interest

13 Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum GA -1 GA -156 14 Chieftain’s Museum 15 Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rome Visitors Center US 27 33 22 16 Ridge Ferry Park 17 Shorter University GA-53 18 18 Mount Berry Mall 23 19 Cave Spring 30 20 Lock & Dam Park 26 13 14 25 GA-20 16 15 29 21 Coosa Valley Fairgrounds 17 GA-293 21 24 22 Stonebridge Golf Course 31 23 Berry College 28 GA-20 27 24 Floyd Medical Center GA-100 20 25 Harbin Clinic 34 411 26 Redmond Regional GA-101 19 US32 US-27 Medical Center 27 Darlington School page 12 Hanging Around Rome 28 Georgia Northwestern

by Studio Siri Technical College 1205 Dean Ave. www.studiosiri.com 29 Unity Christian School 706-409-3022 30 State Mutual Stadium Inside Front Cover page 11 page 15 31 Saint Mary’s Catholic School Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q River City Bank Hardy Realty & 32 Georgia Highlands College 2103 Shorter Ave. 228 N. Second Ave. Development Co. www.sonnysbbq.com www.rivercitybankonline.com 1609 Martha Berry Blvd.

33 Richard B. Russell Regional Airport 706-236-2123 706-234-1441 www.hardyrealty.com 34 Georgia School for the Deaf 706-291-4321 page 7 page 11 35 Downtown Welcome Center Back Cover

Advertiser’s Index

March 2016 14

Greater Community Bank 1490 Martha Berry Blvd. www.greatercb.com 706-295-9300

Greene’s Jewelers 328 Broad St. www.greenesjewelers.com 706-291-7236

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

705 SHORTER AVENUE

AVENUE 510 BROAD STREET AVENUE 908 WEST 908AVENUE WEST AVENUE 705 SHORTER 510 BROAD STREET2901 SHORTER

60,000sq.ft.warehouse office 2 story building.

5,037 sq. �.Cedartown. restaurant60,000 w/ fullsq. kitchen ft.warehousew/office Great office or retail loca�Cedartown. on.

2 story w/ building. area, loading dockBo� & cooler/freezer on 4.64$600,000.

Bo�om Building oor leased. $600,000. kitchen & seating for180.dock On2.5 area, loading &acres. cooler/freezer on 4.64 updated & remodel in 2003. om oor leased. acres. $1,100,000. Nick 706-252-0303 Bill Summer, 706-346-1233 $275,000. Steve 770-547-2401 acres.Graves, $1,100,000.

Nick Rogers, 706-252-0303 $1,800/month.

Tom Sipp, 706-346-4077 BillRogers, Summer, 706-346-1233

411 BROAD 1611 MARTHA BERRY BLVDDRIVE 100 E. SECOND AVENUE 1807 PARRISH 1611 MARTHA BERRY BLVD 100 STREET E. SECOND AVENUE

901 BROAD 412STREET E. FIRST STREET 915 NORTH BROAD STREET 901 BROAD STREET

Four spaces.

1,259 sq. ft. suite. $1,750/month.

Clocktower Square.

Old car 1,259 washsq. next to $1,750/month. ft. suite.

Old car wash next to lease.Church. $475,000.

Utilities included. Jimmy Byars, 706-506Several suites available. St. Mary’s Church. $475,000.

Utilities included.

Jimmy Byars, 706-506- Available St.for Mary’s Jimmy Kelley,Jimmy 706-346-7031 9051 Carol Hatch, 706-346-1646 Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051 9051 Byars, 706-506-9051

CENTRAL PLAZABROAD STREET 915 NORTH

Story, 5,775 sq. ft., new roof & HVAC. Class A free standing, 4,800 �. office with offi 32,000 sq. �. sq. warehouse ce Suntrust building, Class A freeDowntown. standing, 4,800 sq.Two �. offi ce Suntrust building, Downtown.

Second level is street level at4 rear. $349,000 building. For lease, $4,000/ month. space and sprinklers.

For lease $6,000/ 4 suites available. building.

For lease, $4,000/ month. suites available.

Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250 Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051 month.

Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051 Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051 Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

CENTRAL PLAZA

1605 MARTHA BERRY BLVD 96 THREE 4967 MARTHA 1605 MARTHA BERRYRIVERS BLVD DRIVE 4967 MARTHA BERRY HWY. 208 BROAD STREET BERRY HWY.

2nd oor, currently the home of CEVIAN Design Lab. Bill Summer, 706-346-1233

208 BROAD STREET

Four spaces.

Available for lease.

Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

CENTRAL PLAZA

Two Story, 5,775 sq. ft., new roof & HVAC. Second level is street level at rear. $349,000 Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

411 BROAD STREET

5,037 sq. �. restaurant w/ full kitchen kitchen & seatingfor180. On2.5acres. $275,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

2901 SHORTER AVENUE

208 BROAD STREET

Great restaurant or office space, completely renovated w/2 bedroom apartment. $160,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

411 BROAD STREET

3,000 sq.space, �. officompletely ce space w/ u�li�2nd es. oor,Great building 2.5 12’x 12’ restaurant or office 3,000 sq. �10K . offisq. ceft.space w/onu� li�acres. es. TwoGreat restaurant or office currently the home of space, completely For lease, $3,000/ month. rollup$3,000/ doors w/ parking for 20. $650,000. renovated w/2 bedroom apartment.

For lease, month. renovated w/2 bedroom apartment.

CEVIAN Design Lab. Jimmy 770-547-2401 Byars, 706-506-9051 Bill Summer, Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250 $160,000.

Steve Graves, 770-547-2401 Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051 $160,000. Steve Graves, 706-346-1233

2nd oor, currently the home of CEVIAN Design Lab. Bill Summer, 706-346-1233

4967 MARTHA BERRY HWY.

Great office or retail loca�on.

Building updated & remodel in 2003. $1,800/month. Tom Sipp, 706-346-4077

1807 PARRISH DRIVE 32,000 sq. �. warehouse with office space and sprinklers. For lease $6,000/ month. Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

100 E. SECOND AVENUE

Two Story, 5,775 sq. ft., new roof & HVAC. Second level is street level at rear. $349,000 Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

Suntrust building, Downtown.

4 suites available.

Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

Four spaces.

Available for lease.

Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

Old car wash next to St. Mary’s Church. $475,000.

Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

1,259 sq. ft. suite. $1,750/month.

Utilities included. Jimmy Byars, 706-5069051

Clocktower Square.

Several suites available.

Carol Hatch, 706-346-1646

412 E. FIRST STREET

1611 MARTHA BERRY BLVD

Class A free standing, 4,800 sq. �. office building. For lease, $4,000/ month.

Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

915 NORTH BROAD STREET

901 BROAD STREET

412 E. FIRST STREET

Clocktower Square.

Several suites available.

Carol Hatch, 706-346-1646

96 THREE RIVERS DRIVE

10K sq. ft. building on 2.5 acres. Two 12’x 12’ rollup doors w/ parking for 20. $650,000.

Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

5,037 sq. �. restaurant w/ full kitchen kitchen & seatingfor180. On2.5acres. $275,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

1807 PARRISH DRIVE

3,000 sq. �. office space w/ u�li�es.

For lease, $3,000/ month.

Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

96 THREE RIVERS DRIVE

2901 SHORTER AVENUE

Cedartown.60,000sq.ft.warehousew/office area, loading dock & cooler/freezer on 4.64 acres. $1,100,000. Nick Rogers, 706-252-0303

32,000 sq. �. warehouse with office space and sprinklers. For lease $6,000/ month. Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

1605 MARTHA BERRY BLVD

10K sq. ft. building on 2.5 acres. Two 12’x 12’ rollup doors w/ parking for 20. $650,000.

Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

908 WEST AVENUE

2 story building.

Bo�om oor leased. $600,000.

Bill Summer, 706-346-1233

Great office or retail loca�on.

Building updated & remodeled in 2003. $1,800/month. Tom Sipp, 706-346-4077

High end, beau�fully restored office/retail commercial space.

Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

706-291-4321

Along main road & ready to move in!

Tons of parking, visiblity; $210,000 or rent $2,700/month. Charles Long, 706-252-0610

510 BROAD STREET 705 SHORTER AVENUE

THE GRIFFIN - 215 BROAD ST.

7 MILL STREET - CAVE SPRING