March 2014 Momentum Magazine by Rome Floyd Chamber

Momentum March 2014

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

Bekaert Reinvests $25 Million to Revitalize Plant Phillip Ford Becomes New OTR Wheel Engineering CEO Small Business of the Year Named

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID Rome, GA 30161

TABLE OF CONTENTS March 2014

Published by:

Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce 1 Riverside Parkway Rome, Georgia 30161

Momentum 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

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

Content by:

Blake Buford

Communications Coordinator Shorter University Writers:

Armondo Wright Jessica Wright Carrie Deese

For Advertising and Editorial Information: 706-291-7663

On the Cover

In this Issue...

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

Manufacturing Spotlight:

Bekaert...................................................................... 6-7

Newcomer Profiles:

Phillip Ford, CEO, OTR Wheel Engineering... 8-9 Susan Mosley, Acupuncturist, Healing Arts Center of Rome...................... 12-13

Small Business Spotlights:

Logical Systems............................................... 14-15

Feature:

Habitat For Humanity ReStore................... 16-17

Membership Report: Bekaert recently announced a $25 million investment project for the Rome facility. The project will upgrade equipment as well as retain 120 jobs.

Confluence Recap.......................................... 20-21 New Members and Renewals............................. 21 Advertiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Index.................................................... 22 March 2014 3

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear Reader, It is a pleasure to be a part of an organization dedicated to its mission, to promote prosperity and growth in Rome and Floyd County for and through its business memberships. During the course of the year we will continue to highlight this mission along with focusing on education, community marketing and more. We are proud of the education in Rome and Floyd County. Floyd County School’s graduation rate increased from 75.7% in 2012, to 78% in 2013 and Rome High School’s graduation rate increased from 84.3% in 2012, to 86.7% in 2013. The graduation rate for Georgia increased from 69.7% in 2012, to 71.5% in 2013. The goal for both systems: 100%. We continue to see great results from our Floyd County College and Career Academy, an institution which received the largest grant available for charter schools in Georgia, as well as from our four colleges: Shorter University, Berry College, Georgia Highlands College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College. With the addition of Georgia Regents University, we are pleased to offer more educational opportunities than ever to our community! Education equals economic development and the creation of jobs, which will help our community thrive. In Momentum magazine we like to introduce you to our membership, manufacturers, small businesses and community. This issue has a Manufacturing Spotlight on Bekaert, a Small Business Spotlight on Logical Systems, Newcomer Profiles on OTR CEO Phillip Ford and acupuncturist Susan Mosley. This edition also features New Members and Renewals. As the 2014 Chairman of the 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 who are committed to the future of Rome and Floyd County. Sincerely, Anne H. Kaiser Georgia Power Company 2014 Chairman of the Board, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce

Community Events March

7-8

Shrek the Musical Location: 601 Broad Street (Rome City Auditorium) Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

He will be speaking in several high school and middle school assemblies during the week on the subject “Be a winner!”

Event Description: Rome Middle School’s show choir “Grand Illusion” Berry College Half-Marathon/ 10k/ 5k will be presenting Shrek The Musical. Location: 2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW

Time: 8:00 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Workshop Location: 279 Technology Parkway Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Event Description: Join runners from across the Southeast as they experience the largest campus in the world on foot - Berry College.

23-26

Time: 11:30 a.m. - Meet & Greet 2:05 p.m. - First Pitch

Event Description: Please join us for a FREE Educational Workshop for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Atlanta Braves Exhibition Game Sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care of Georgia. Location: 755 Braves Boulevard NE

Timeless Truths for Truthless Times Location: 314 Burnett Ferry Rd SW (Fellowship Baptist Church) Time: 6:30 p.m.

Event Description: Dr. Hale will bring a series of messages on truth.

Event Description: State Mutual Stadium will host the Atlanta Braves in a special exhibition game against the Braves Future Stars. The Future Stars team will be made up of players from the Rome, Mississippi and Gwinnett Braves.

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.

Where You RecoveR Affects hoW You RecoveR

At Kindred, we understand that when people are discharged from a traditional hospital, they often need continued care to recover completely. That’s where we come in. Our nationwide network of transitional care hospitals is designed for medically complex patients who require continued care and extended recovery time.

We specialize in: • ventilator weaning and management • complex wound care • short-term rehabilitation • dialysis • IV antibiotic therapy Doctors, case managers, social workers and family members don’t stop caring simply because their loved one or patient has changed location. Neither do we.

Come experience the uniqueness of

Visitors’ Days Saturdays at 10 and 11 a.m. February 1

Kindred Hospital Rome 304 Turner McCall Blvd Rome, Georgia 30165 706.378.6800 • 888.487.9519 fax GA TDD/TTY# 800.255.0135 www.kindredrome.com

March 1

April 5

“We’re so much more than school!” 2960 New Calhoun Hwy NE • Rome, GA www.unitychristianschool.org • (706) 292-0700

Issues and Opportunities Conference

March 12 - March 14 Members of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce are invited to attend this high paced, informative and fun trip to Washington, DC. Geared towards priorities and results, attendees will have the chance to discuss issues and policies affecting the business community with members of Congress and their professional staff.

For more information please visit www.romega.com. March 2014 5

Text By: Armondo Wright better together How Bekaert’s $25 million reinvestment will update essential equipment and retain 120 jobs In 1970, Bekaert opened in Rome, GA becoming the first Bekaert production facility in North America. The first product to be manufactured was bead wire and more than 40 years later, bead wire is still king, with hose wire a close second. The Revitalization of Bekaert Recently, Bekaert announced a $25 million revitalization plan, a project two years in the making. The funds will go toward replacing old, inefficient wire-drawing equipment and bead-wire making equipment. It will also allow the retention of 120 jobs. “Bekaert’s reinvestment continues to show the importance of our existing industry,” said Floyd County Commission Chairman Irwin Bagwell. “This announcement of retaining jobs in our community is always welcomed and I am glad that Bekaert has found Rome and Floyd County a great place to continue to do business.” Why This Plant? Several factors contributed to the Rome location receiving the investment. The plant’s safety record over the last two years (which includes one million man hours without a lost-time injury), quality of products produced at the Rome facility and profits over the last two years “We have one of the safest plants in the Bekaert family, we have the best quality in bead-wire and the plant is profitable,” said Gary Downey, plant manager. The planned March 2014 6

Did You Know? *About 1 in 4 tires globally contain Bekaert wire! That’s a lot of wire! projects are expected to be finished by the end of 2015. The revitalization will allow Bekaert to consolidate its operation which will free up existing buildings for future projects that may arise. The new, more efficient equipment will allow Bekaert to remain a viable competitor in the steel wire industry. “We [Bekaert] are the number one supplier for hose reinforcing wire and with this revitalization project we believe we will be the number one supplier for bead-wire in North America as well,” Mr. Downey said. The Importance of a Strong Workforce For any manufacturer, finding a strong workforce is half the battle. Mr. Downey attributes much of Bekaert’s success to being located in Rome, allowing them to hire and retain skilled employees. “Obviously, we have a great workforce here! We have competitive wages and benefits. Some of our current employees started working at Bekaert the first year of operation and have stayed with us to this day.” It has taken hard work from every aspect of the Bekaert organization to get the company to where they are now. “I think it’s really important that we give credit to the entire team for making this project happen.” Mr. Downey said. “This $25 million revitalization project will help keep the doors at the Rome facility open for years to come. The combined efforts from everyone---production staff, maintenance staff and department managers all stepped up and helped make this possible. We’re just grateful to Bekaert for seeing this as the right facility for the investment.” Background Bekaert Corporation was founded in 1880 by Leo Leander Bekaert, in Zwevegem, Belgium. Bekaert now has customers in 120 countries and employs 25,000 people worldwide (1,800 employees in North America). The Rome facility is Bekaert’s largest plant of its kind. The approximate 250 employees who split three eight-hour shifts produces approximately 70,000 metric tons of Plant Manager Gary Downey. Mr. Downey is a member of the Chamber industrial steel wire products each year. Board of Directors, the immediate past chair of the Greater Rome Existing Industries Association (GREIA) and former member of the For more information on Bekaert please visit our Rome-Floyd County Development Authority. online business directory located at www.romega.com. March 2014 7

Newcomer Profile: Phillip Ford

s the new CEO of OTR Wheel Engineering, Mr. Phillip Ford’s principle roles are to provide vision and direction for the company, to help the company grow and make sure OTR is targeting the right segments. No stranger to relocating for work, Mr. Ford’s move to Rome isn’t his first relocation... it’s his 17th!

Background

CEO of OTR Wheel Engineering

clients. We currently have a crew in Japan working for one of our major customers, Honda. It is fast paced but controlled. My job is to set the systems and processes in place to help things continue to move smoothly.”

Mr. Taylor in July or August. In October we came to an agreement and I began in November. I guess it all boiled down to networking.”

Favorite Part of the Job

“My favorite aspect of this job is setting the structure, processes and disciplines in place. Getting to work with customers is also something I have previous experience with. I truly enjoy working with the people we have here.”

Life Outside the Office

“I’m an avid outdoorsman. I love to golf and be involved in the community, I think that it’s important as a corporate citizen, but also as a person. (Laughing) My wife is a 100% volunteer and she volunteers me 100% of the time.

“I’m originally from a small town in Alabama. I was born and raised on a farm with seven brothers and one sister. We were a large farm family. I graduated high school and Favorite TV Show decided to attend technical “My favorite show from the college for two years. After, past would probably be Seinfeld. I became a tool and die Currently its NBC’s The Blacklist.” apprentice before eventually deciding to go back to college. Favorite Book I attended the University “Good to Great: Why Some of Alabama and earned my Companies Make the Leap...And Phillip Ford with his wife of 26 years industrial engineering degree. I Michelle, daughter Madison Ford (22) and Others Don’t, a book by Jim son Joel Ford (19). started working several different Collins.” jobs, worked for many companies Becoming CEO Words to Live by and about 10 relocations later “This job was referred to me. At “Structure. Discipline. Process. I decided to get my MBA from the time I was the president of a When working on any task you Georgia State in 2003.” company in Texas and we shared need these three things. These The Environment at OTR some customers with OTR. I was words are the core of what keeps “OTR is very fast paced! Fred visiting one of our customers when OTR Wheel Engineering running Taylor, the founder of OTR has he mentioned that his company smoothly and all of our employees done an incredible job over the bought tires from OTR. He said are taught this.” years of keeping the pace fast and that OTR was looking to strengthen the floor productive. We currently and grow and he suggested I talk Welcome to Rome, Phillip Ford! have 14 locations from China to with Mr. Taylor. One thing led to Sri Lanka with many international another and I started talking with March 2014 8

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Structure. Discipline. Process. When working on any task you need these three things. These words are the core of what keeps OTR Wheel Engineering running smoothly.â&#x20AC;? - CEO Phillip Ford

March 2014 9

Expansions

STEMCO

STEMCO, a specialized truck equipment manufacturing company announced a $6 million investment with the creation of 50 jobs.

New Announcements

2013 was tremendous for expansion in Rome and Floyd County. Here are some of the major investments made into the community.

← International Paper

International Paper, a pulp and paper company announced a $150 million expansion and the retention of 460 jobs.

→ Mohawk Industries

Mohawk, a flooring manufacturer announced a $31 million expansion and the retention of 230 jobs.

←

Syntec Industries

DermaTran Health Solutions

Syntec Industries, the leading supplier of carpet and other market-specific products to OEM’s in the marine, manufactured housing, multifamily housing and recreational vehicle markets, announced a $7.7 million investment and 20 additional jobs.

DermaTran, a group of compounding pharmacies that specialize in the compounding of topical pain creams, announced a $7 million investment and the addition of 116 jobs.

←

↓

Bekaert Corporation

Bekaert, a world market and technology leader in steel wire transformations and coatings announced a $25 million investment and the retention of 120 jobs.

→ March 2014 10

The Healing Arts Center of Rome

��

318 Broad Street

(706) 331-4631 www.HACRome.com

Yoga Therapy, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Wellness Coaching,

��

Energy Work, Bellydancing , Momm&y & Me, Meditation,

GREENE’S��

Pilates, and Children’s Programs

Family Owned Since 1948 • www.GreenesJewelers.com

New Services always being added!

328 BROAD ST. • Phone 706-291-7236

Looking for in-town Team Development? Check out what WinShape Wilderness has to offer. WinShape Wilderness has combined the power of setting, hospitality, content and experiential learning to create a place where your team can be more effective.

Call 706-238-7715 or visit winshapewilderness.org

March 2014 11

A Needle Never Felt So Good Georgia native Susan Mosley joins the Healing Arts Center of Rome, offering acupuncture as a new medical alternative

Text By: Jessica Wright

rom the Virgin Islands to California, Hawaii, Maine, Florida and Utah, Susan Mosley has traveled all over the country, and now she finds herself nestled back in her former home state of Georgia. Ms. Mosley is a woman of many interests and talents, and her most recent path has led her to become the new acupuncturist of downtown’s Healing Arts Center. At the Center, Ms. Mosley’s primary job is using acupuncture to help heal the Rome community. Ms. Mosley, who is “always up for a new adventure,” was working as a respiratory therapist at a hospital in California when she first witnessed and became interested in the healing powers of acupuncture. Ms. Mosley saw the doctors using acupuncture for treatment on kids who had cancer, cerebral palsy and other various diseases. She saw the treatments decreasing the children’s pain medications, giving the children better range of motion in their joints and showing no signs of side effects. Ms. Mosley called the treatments “miraculous” and has been working in acupuncture ever since. “I was looking for something different, and here it is,” said Ms. Mosley. “Just to see the look of relief on people’s face– it’s very gratifying.”

March 2014 12

“I was looking for a new addition to the Center,” said Beth Hughes, owner of the Healing Arts Center. “I wanted someone who local doctors felt like they could work with, as well as someone who was well qualified in the field of acupuncture. I wanted someone who had a masters degree in acupuncture, and Susan has that.” During Ms. Mosley’s interview, Ms. Hughes mentioned she was having pain in her mouth from a dental implant, and that was all Ms. Mosley needed to get straight to work.

going on in medicine.” Away from the acupuncture room, Ms. Mosley loves being outside, hiking and gardening, learning to do things more organically and naturally. One of her main reasons for wanting to be in Rome was the variety of outdoor things to do. “Every place has its advantages, and it has its disadvantages, but it’s important that you take your own happiness with you,” Mosley reflected. “Some people use way too many needles at one time, but Susan treats everyone as individuals depending on what they need,” said Michelle Pasley, owner of

Acupuncturist Susan Mosley uses a technique of wrapping the end of the acupuncture needle with herbs, and lighting it to release a healing fragrance.

“She said, ‘Let’s get that taken care of,’ and before I knew it, I was having acupuncture done in the middle of the interview; and it worked!” Hughes exclaimed. “It took that acute pain I was having right away.” Ms. Mosley also works at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta on Sundays to keep her licensure and to continue working with children. She finds it important to continue learning the newest forms of medicine and treatment. “I know what works and what doesn’t work, and I am familiar with all the current treatment options,” said Ms. Mosley. “That’s one reason I want to keep my license current, so I can keep up with what is

Comfort Zone, the massage sector of the Healing Arts Center. “I’ve had some bad acupuncture experiences in the past that were painful, but Ms. Mosley has the perfect touch.” “I wish everyone would give it a try,” said Ms. Mosley. “I think everybody should walk around with an acupuncture needle in their head and they would be a lot happier,” Ms. Mosley laughed. For more information on The Healing Arts Center of Rome please visit our online business directory located at www.romega.com. March 2014 13

(Left to Right) Kevin Hall, Matt Stover, Chris Carey, Matt Rosser and Kevin Dancause make up the Logical Systems team.

They Make IT Work How a networking solutions company has thrived for over 30 years in an ever-changing technological world.

elebrating over 30 years in business, Logical Systems has evolved from a software company to a networking company that provides both infrastructure solutions and computer solutions. “The previous owner of Logical Systems started out writing computer programs and steered the company toward work with public utilities and school media centers,” said Logical Systems president Chris Carey. “As computers started to emerge and pop up in the classrooms and computer labs, the company transformed and adjusted.” With their roots in data networking, Logical Systems has a lot of opportunities to install cable in schools, provide audio and visual support as well as some phone support. “The company used to be mostly focused on working with schools K-12 but now we have many commercial and private companies, mom n’ pop stores and even manufacturers who use our services.” Mr. Carey and his wife purchased the company eight and a half years ago, but Chris has worked for Logical Systems for March 2014 14

Chris Carey and the Logical Systems team re-cable Model Elementary School.

more than 13 years. “Before I bought it, I was predominately in sales and marketing. I would be focused on marketing one day, and set up PCs in a school another day. Even though my title was sales and marketing I would do whatever needed to be done that day.” In a company like Logical Systems, wearing different hats is an important aspect of the job. “We have one office and four technicians. Two of the technicians focus on cable installation and two are more focused on the service side. When a project comes up, we all end up doing whatever needs to be done. I may be bidding on a million dollar project to re-cable a school system one day and installing cable the next day. There are no real hierarchies here. If someone is going to perform an installation and they need extra help, I may be the owner of the company but when we get there, my employees have the responsibility of taking charge and using Logical Systems President Chris Carey is heavily involved with his community me in the capacity they need.” Having a self- and serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Chamber Board sufficient and team oriented company is a of Directors. In 2010, he was chosen as the Wesley F. Johnson Award of Merit recipient. high priority for Mr. Carey. Each employee has their own specialties and becomes a leader when the opportunity arrives.

“When I was in college my mom suggested I take some computer classes... being young and unwise I told her PCs were a fad... it just goes to show, listen to your mom!” Though computers are found in just about every home these days, it wasn’t always that way. There was a time Mr. Carey couldn’t have imagined a career centered around PCs, thinking they would never become mainstream. “When I was in college my mom suggested I take some computer classes...being young and unwise I told her PCs are a fad... it just goes to show, listen to your mom!” Mr. Carey, a marketing major in college first took computer programming courses as part of his curriculum. “After college I started a business with some friends, we were dreaming of having an animation company like Pixar... but that didn’t work out. I eventually started working for a computer company selling machines. It was a combination of tiring out from that and the whispers that computer salesmen were becoming less needed, that networking seemed like the next progression. I took courses at Coosa Valley Tech (Georgia Northwestern Technical College) but most of what I’ve learned has been through experience.” Though Mr. Carey doesn’t own the only networking company in town, he said it’s the customer service that ultimately sets them apart. “IT people are stereotyped as these know-it-alls who use confusing terminology and talk down to clients. We’ve worked hard to combat that stereotype. We’ve been in business over 30 years, been awarded the Small Business of the Year in 2011 and we’ve had many of the same clients for 15-20 years. We focus on getting the right equipment for our client’s need, not upselling and not downselling but doing it just right. Our prices are affordable and we care about our clients, we look for long term partnerships with them.” For more information on Logical Systems please visit our online business directory located at www.romega.com. March 2014 15

ReStoring Homes and ReStoring Peace

Text By: Carrie Deese How Habitat for Humanity ReStore has become a thrift store with a mission

weat, hard work and love are what has kept Habitat for Humanity going for the past 30 years in the Rome and Floyd County community. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit that helps families by providing affordable homes and also by renovating homes to make them more efficient for home owners in need. What some may not realize is that Habitat for Humanity also has a ReStore where people may donate furniture, appliances, books, movies and anything else that would be needed in homes. The only items that the ReStore does not sell are clothing and toys. “After a family’s house is finished, we present the family with a hammer to represent the work that has gone into their home and the work it will take to keep their March 2014 16

home; we give them a Bible because our mission is to share the love of God; we give them the keys to the house and we give a gift certificate to the store so they can furnish their home,” said Bruce Day, Executive Director of Rome and Floyd County Habitat for Humanity. Rome and Floyd County Habitat for Humanity celebrates being active for 30 years in 2014. The ReStore has been in the community for almost ten years, five of those being at their current location, at 10 Central Plaza. The ReStore serves as a steady flow of earned income that is funneled back to Habitat for Humanity. “Volunteers are a welcome sight for us,” said ReStore Director and Manager Louise Schroeder Branham. “We would love for people to come and work, specifically volunteers who will come on a regular basis. You do not have to be a college student

to volunteer. Anyone may come in and we can put them to work in the ReStore or with the organization,” said Ms. Branham. “We also have a strong need for people with knowledge in construction, people who can lead some of the building efforts.” In the past 30 years volunteers have come together as a team to build and renovate 51 houses and do numerous minor repairs. They also jump to action when a natural disaster hits and people have their homes and valuables destroyed. “For me, I always call the store ‘great buys for a great cause’. The store is a very important part of what we are trying to do. It is not just a typical thrift store, it is a thrift store with a mission,” said Mr. Day. For more information on Habitat for Humanity Restore please visit our online business directory located at www.romega.com.

(Top Left) - Volunteer and Berry College student Emily Melchior enters data into the computer. (Bottom Left) Berry College volunteer Drew Kratzer helps a customer lift his new furniture into a truck. (Right) ReStore Director and Manager Louise Schroeder Branham and Bruce Day, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity both help the nonprofit to run as smoothly as possible. (Bottom) - The Habitat for Humanity ReStore serves as a fund-raising opportunity for Habitat for Humanity. Community members donate furniture, appliances and household items and the ReStore sells them at affordable prices. The money made from purchases goes into funding Habitat for Humanity operations.

March 2014 17

Twinkle twinkle little star, Transfer money wherever you are. MOBILE BANKING MADE EASY

by River City Bank

March 2014 18

The Lewis Chemical Company Named Small Business of the Year

Larry Alford and Anne Kaiser present Gregg and Diane Lewis with the Small Business of the Year Award.

Congratulations to The Lewis Chemical Company for being named Small Business of the Year at the 2014 Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Scoring was based on a variety of criteria including: growth and success, community involvement, impact on the economy, obstacles overcome, Chamber involvement and creative approach to business. Lewis Chemical Company has been among Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 fastest-growing privately held companies in each of the past three years. It has expanded from Gregg Lewis and his wife, Diane to 35 full-time employees spread over two locations in Rome. The company traditionally hires upward of a half-dozen local students each year to “learn as they earn”. The Lewises have also been active with the Chamber, including leading the Researchers Roundtable. Ms. Lewis serves on the Chamber Board of Directors and was the former chair of the Greater Rome Existing Industries Association. Congratulations to The Lewis Chemical Company!

Larry Alford Named Ambassador of the Year Larry Alford, ServiceMaster by Twins was awarded the 2013 Ambassador of the Year Award at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting. He was presented the award by his wife Missy Alford, 2012 Ambassador of the Year. Mr. Alford is an active member of the Chamber and a fixture at Chamber member ribbon cuttings and events. “I think it’s so important to be involved with the Chamber,” said Mr. Alford. “Working with the Chamber provides a lot of opportunity to Missy Alford, 2012 Ambassador of the year, and Anne Kaiser, Chamber network and meet Chairman, give the 2013 Ambassador new people.” of the Year award to Larry Alford, ServiceMaster by Twins.

Anne Kaiser Named 2014 Chamber Chairman 2013 Chamber Chairman Doc Kibler ends his tenure with the ceremonial passing of the gavel to Anne Kaiser, Georgia Power. “With taking on any role you can only hope that when you leave it, that organization is just a little stronger for having had you,” said Mr. Kibler. I’ve enjoyed my time as Chairman of the Chamber and exit knowing Ms. Anne Kaiser will do a tremendous job in providing leadership 2013 Chamber Chairman Doc Kibler and direction for the passes the gavel to 2014 Chamber Chairman Anne Kaiser. Chamber.”

March 2014 19

Confluence innovate. inspire. invent.

<< Confluence day one keynote speaker David Burkus talks to the crowd about the myths of creativity. >> Confluence day two keynote speaker Mitch Free, MFG.com, talks with the crowd about entrepreneurship. << Nina Lovel, Venuedog.com and Carole Hunter, Thermal Seal Duct Inc., pose for a picture at Confluence Business After Hours. >> Thomas Pilliod with Baxter the Robot. Baxter showcases his ability to detect and move objects independently. << Ben Masters takes the stage with April Knight, River City Bank, to talk about an invention he created that helps him in everyday life. >> Zane Cochran, Berry College, showcases Google Glass and discusses how the technology can solve different problems. << The audience puts on 3D glasses during the Vizitech USAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation to watch a series of transformational 3D videos. >> Tonya Davis, BDD Consulting, Confluence Conference Committee Chair introduces the next speaker. March 2014 20

<< During the breaks, attendees get books signed by David Burkus and grab some Swift & Finch coffee. >> Dr. Leonard Reeves, Georgia Regents University, discusses medical education during the “Heal” breakout session.

Plan to Attend Confluence 2015!! Thank you to everyone involved in helping to make Confluence 2014 a success! We hope you left feeling as inspired by the program as we felt by your attendance, your comments and your ideas! Though Confluence innovate. inspire. 2014 just ended, we’re already brainstorming howinvent. to make it bigger and better next year. We hope to see you there!

Confluence

New Members - Welcome! Gleeds USA

New Romans Club

Mr. George Novak 4 Concourse Pkwy STE 215 Atlanta, GA 30328 (770) 395-1500 www.gleedsusa.com

Mr. Phillip Fischer PO Box 2294 Rome, GA 30164 (706) 292-0449

Renewals Aramark - Berry College Atlanta Gas Light Co. Bekaert Corporation Coosa Steel Corp. CSC Sales, Inc Golden Living Center of Rome H & H Lawn Care In-Touch Computer Services Knight’s Jewelers

The Babcock Agency, LLC Longhorn Steakhouse The Garage Professional Screening Toles, Temple & Wright & Information (PSI) Village Theatres Profile Extrusion Company Whittington, Jones & Rudert, R.H. Ledbetter Properties, Inc. CPAs, LLC Ranger Consulting Inc. Regions Bank Rocky Mountain Hydroelectric Plant Rome Coca-Cola Bottling Co. March 2014 21

Advertiser’s Index page 2

page 23

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

Greene’s Jewelers

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

Southeastern Mills

page 5

WinShape Wilderness

back cover

Harbin Clinic

Kindred Hospital

304 Turner McCall Blvd. SW www.kindredhealthcare.com

706-378-6800

Unity Christian School 2960 New Calhoun Highway www.unitychristianschool.org

706-292-0700

Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis 615 W 1st St. www.brinson-askew.com 706-291-8853

page 11

The Healing Arts Center of Rome 318 Broad Street www.HACRome.com 706-331-4631

March 2014 22

2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW www.winshapewilderness.org 706-238-7715

page 18

Berry College Campbell School of Business MBA Program

333 Old Lindale Road www.semills.com 706-291-6528

Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers

312 Broad Street www.fgkjewelers.com 706-291-8811

2277 Martha Berry Highway www.berry.edu/mba 706-238-5896

River City Bank

228 N 2nd Ave SW www.rivercitybankonline.com 706-236-2123

JBM Office Solutions 510 McGhee Dr. www.jbmga.com 706-278-2617

For Advertising and Editorial Information Please Contact: Blake Buford 706-291-7663 bbuford@romega.com

February 2013 23

WORK HARD. PLAY HARD. SHOP WHERE IT’S EASY. - FORD, GITTINGS & KANE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN ROME