henrycounty.com a henry county chamber of commerce publication
DECEMBER 2013
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
Hampton • Locust Grove • McDonough • Stockbridge
in this issue Chairman’s Message 2 Business Profile 3 Calendar 4 Henry Happenings 5 Ribbon Cuttings 6 Youth Leadership Henry 7 Membership Appreciation Luncheon 10 Business After Hours 11 Leadership Henry/SCORE 11 Business Boosters Luncheon 12 Chamber Connection Visits 13 Chamber Briefs 14 Chamber Membership 14
Your Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Staff
Comfortably South of Atlanta Photo by Ronnie Owings, Pro Studio, Inc. The Henry County Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice for the business community, provides quality services and programs that meet the needs of its members, improves the economic environment of the community and creates a legacy of leadership for the future.
Did You Know...
Chamber members support Chamber members? In fact, Chamber members are encouraged to attract business and support from fellow Chamber businesses by offering member-to-member discounts!
Save the Date
Chamber’s 47th Annual Banquet Saturday, Feb 1, 2014 – See Page 10 For Details
2
HenryCounty.com
Chairman’s Message
Embrace Inevitable Change, and Keep On Caring! It’s a Privilege to Live in Henry! Eddie Ausband
The holiday season isn’t quite what it used to be. I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s just different from years past. Consider: Decorations hit store shelves the day after Halloween -- a full month before they went on sale 20 years ago. For many of us, it’s no longer “over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go,” but “up I-75 to Hartsfield-Jackson, Terminal B, Gate 18 and on to our final destination we go”. Relaxing with family and friends and opening a few small gifts has become a months-long marathon to see who can amass the most stuff to give away only to have it re-gifted some days or years down the road. Ahh, simpler times. Just like the differences in the holiday season then and now, our way of life in Henry County has seen tremendous change in the past 25-30 years. Being a life-long resident of this county may give me perspective different from many of you who have relocated here. I can remember a sleepy hamlet where everyone knew everyone, how you needed to special-order your Christmas ham and turkey well in advance from the local market, and when the only traffic delays occurred when an extra-long freight train wound its way through Locust Grove. Today, our population
has exploded. Houses have sprung up in onceopen fields. Transportation definitely has become a challenge. But with all those changes, opportunities have been born. I’m proud to say that our local officials, civic leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and the entire community of Henry continue to seize those opportunities. We are today a thriving, caring, benevolent community that rises to challenges, embraces inevitable change and makes it work for our citizens. This past year, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as Chairman of your Chamber of Commerce. In my view, the membership of the Chamber has accomplished much to encourage economic development, educational excellence and controlled growth. Our membership consists of your neighbors, friends and colleagues -- business owners and representatives who want to see our community
innovate, thrive and drive our economy. They are succeeding. It’s difficult to pinpoint our biggest successes this year because there have been many. But the Chamber’s committees, along with our talented staff, have certainly excelled in getting our voice heard at the Capitol, in continued expansion of educational opportunities here and in working across governmental jurisdictions to accomplish mutually beneficial initiatives. We can be proud of our smooth transition in leadership from long-time President, Kay Pippin, to our new leader, David Gill, who is already proving we picked the right person for the job. And perhaps most of all, we can be proud that even through challenging times and massive change, our membership has held steady to its vision of fostering an environment that provides world class business opportunities and quality of life that contribute to our success as a county ... and the place we all call home. How could one not be proud to lead such a group? As we welcome Charlie Scott, CEO of Piedmont Henry, as the 2014 Chairman, I would like to, again, thank you for all your support throughout 2013. I hope your holidays are happy and your new year everything you wish for.
Eddie Ausband is President of The Ausband Agency, Inc. / Nationwide Insurance and CEO of Revanta Financial Group, LLC.
HenryCounty.com
3
Business Profile
Sweeties Flea Market – Wesley Hallman, Owner/Manager
About the Company If you’ve ever traveled down Highway 19/41 from Jonesboro to just south of the Atlanta Motor Speedway, chances are good that you’ve taken note of Sweeties Flea Market. It’s been a long-time favorite stopping place to plunder and search for “treasures.” Sweeties Flea Market began in 1947 and has been a long-time member of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. It is Georgia’s oldest outdoor flea market and the “perfect place to sell and buy collectibles, furniture, apparel, and other arts and crafts” according to their website. Started by Red Settlemeyer, the market was named for his wife, whose was referred to as “Sweetie” by everyone who knew her. The business employs three full-time associates. Wesley Hallman and two business associates, seeing the appeal of weekend flea marketing, bought Sweeties in May 2005. They successfully offer booths (complete
with storage) by the month as well as on a one-day basis. If you’ve cleaned out your garage or attic and need a venue to sell your treasures, Sweeties can help. The market is open on Saturdays & Sundays from 6:00 am – 4:00 pm. Sweeties enforces a few regulations to ensure the seller and the products being sold meet certain standards – and they reserve the right to maintain the quality of the business without apology. Wesley boasts “we have clean bathrooms and a great concession stand with the best pork chop sandwiches in Henry County! We strive to offer a great flea marketing experience for both the buyers and the sellers.” Community Support Sweetie’s sponsors Lovejoy High School’s football program each year and has also sponsored Dutchtown High School’s sports programs. They have been a Partner in Education with Luella Middle School and donate to the
Hampton Police Department and other local fundraisers. Most of all, they provide a safe and familyfriendly environment for the community to shop for or sell a wide variety of items. Chamber Involvement Sweeties Flea Market has been a Chamber member for nearly 20 years. “Joining the Chamber has been a good partnership for the Flea Market,” says Wesley. “The Chamber keeps us updated on important issues facing residents and businesses alike. We look forward to continued success in Henry County. We recommend to any business that membership in the Henry County Chamber of Commerce is the best way to stay current on what matters in our county.” For more information about Sweeties Flea Market: (770) 946-4721 www.sweetiesfleamarket.com
The 2014 STAR Breakfast Sponsor The 2014 STAR Breakfast Student / Teacher Appreciation Recognition
The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee is proud to once again host Henry County’s STAR Breakfast at 8 a.m. on February 27, 2014 at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. During the annual event, Chamber officials will honor our county’s 2014 STAR Students and Teachers. Chamber members are invited to show support for the STAR Breakfast by sponsoring at one of the following levels:
Supernova
— $500 — Recognized at the STAR Breakfast, newspaper articles, STAR printed program, and on HCCC website as a premier sponsor Three of your representatives may attend the breakfast and have your picture taken with the STAR student and STAR teacher for the press release
Shining Star
— $300 — Recognized at the STAR Breakfast, on the STAR printed program, and on HCCC website Two of your representatives may attend the breakfast
Rising Star
— $150 — Recognized at the STAR Breakfast, on the STAR printed program, and on HCCC website One representative may attend the breakfast
Contact the Chamber at (770) 957-5786 for additional information.
HenryCounty.com
4
DECEMBER 2013 Sunday
1
Monday
2
Tuesday
9
10
8 AM Leadership Henry BOD, BR
11
16
17
5:30 PM Chamber Holiday Party, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Stockbridge
Friday
6
Saturday
7
8 AM Youth Leadership Henry BOD, BR
13
14
19
20
21
26
27
28
12
3:30 PM Community Connections Committee, BR
15
thursday
5
4
3 8:30 AM Education Committee, BR
8
Wednesday
11:30 Government Affairs Committee, HR
18
8:30 AM CVB BOD, BR 7:30 AM 2014 HCCC BOD 11:30 AM HCCC Executive PHOTO SHOOT, BR Committee, BR 7:40 AM HCCC BOD, BR
22
23
24
29
30
31
Chamber Staff David Gill, President & CEO Laura Luker, Director of Tourism Diane Ide, Director of Communications Gary Sparrow, Membership Director Phyllis Reeves, Information Specialist 2013 Board of Directors Executive Committee Eddie Ausband, Chairman, The Ausband Agency, Inc. Charlie Scott, Chair-Elect, Piedmont Henry Leonard Moreland, Secretary/Treasurer, Heritage Bank Danny Brown, Immediate Past Chair, SERVPRO® of Henry, Spalding & Clayton Counties & Decatur Brad Thomas, Vice Chair for Economic & Cultural Development, Snapping Shoals EMC
25 CHAMBER CLOSED
William Strickland, Vice Chair for Chamber Development, Bellamy-Strickland Chevrolet June Wood, Vice Chair for Government & Education, Georgia Power Jeff Mills, CVB Chair David Gill, HCCC President & CEO CLASS OF 2013 Eddie Ausband, The Ausband Agency Steve Nail, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Shane Persaud, Building Design Partnership, LLC Jake Carter, Southern Belle Farm Denise Sowell, Capitol Street Financial Services CLASS OF 2014 James Chafin, Henry County State Court Lisa Kinchen, Southern Journal Magazine Leonard Moreland, Heritage Bank
David Pittman, Bennett International Group William Strickland, Bellamy-Strickland Chevrolet Brad Thomas, Snapping Shoals EMC CLASS OF 2015 Herschel Arant, Central Georgia EMC John Newman, Classic Landscapes, Inc. Laura Turner, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta June Wood, Georgia Power Greg Hammonds, Whaley Hammonds Tomasello Rhett Tucker, Checks Superstore Ex Officio Members Chairman Tommy Smith, HC Board of Commissioners Mayor Chris Moore, City of Hampton Mayor Robert Price, City of Locust Grove Mayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonough Mayor Mark Alarcon, City of Stockbridge Ethan Hildreth, Superintendent, Henry County Schools
Charlie Scott, CEO, Piedmont Henry Bill Herndon, Chairman, Henry County Development Authority Roderick Burch, Henry County Water Authority Mary Battle, Leadership Henry CHAIR APPOINTEES Jonathan Hinton, Chair Appointee Gerald Hudgins, Chair Appointee Nick Williams, Chair Appointee
HenryCounty.com
Comfortably South of Atlanta Gift of Lights Through January 3 Atlanta Motor Speedway
Celebrate the holiday season as Atlanta Motor Speedway turns into one of the area’s biggest drive-through Christmas light parks! NEW for this year, the route will take visitors on a portion of the famed 1.54 mile oval. For more information visit www. atlantamotorspeedway.com. • December 2-5: 11Alive Cana-Thon week. Bring a nonperishable food item for a discount upon entry benefiting the 11Alive food drive. • December 9-12: Winter Coat & Blanket week. Bring a gently used or new blanket or winter coat for a discount upon entry. • December 16-19: Toys for Tots Donation week. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a discount upon entry. Photos with Santa November 30 – December 23 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tanger Outlet (Commons Area between Hanesbrand & Old Navy)
Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus right down Tanger Lane!! You don’t want to miss your opportunity to have professional pictures made with Santa this year. Prices are reasonable and the setting is charming. Plan now to bring your child for those memorable Santa photos! Santa Arrives on November 30th, the Saturday after
Thanksgiving! Santa will be available: • Saturday, Nov 30th - Sunday, Dec 1st • Thursday, Dec 5th - Sunday, Dec 8th • Friday, Dec12th every day through Dec 23rd; • **Saturday, Dec 21st, special extended hours from 10 am until 6 pm Cut Your Own Christmas Tree & Tour Open Daily - 9:00 a.m. – Dark Yule Forest Hwy. 155
Families can make holiday memories as they choose and cut their own tree, and pick out live wreaths and garland while enjoying free apple cider and candy canes. Hayrides and Christmas tours are available on the weekends. Farm tours are also available weekday mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information visit www.aboutyule. com. Old Fashioned Christmas Through December 15 Southern Belle Farm
When some think about an old-fashioned Christmas --they think about traditions, including decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot apple cider and listening to Christmas carols. Bring the whole family for a fun time on the farm this winter. Enjoy hot apple cider, homebaked goodies, and take home a precut Christmas tree to start the holiday decorating! Check their website for hours and details www.SouthernBelleFarm.com Stockbridge Holiday Festival December 3 - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Clark Park & Merle Manders Conference Center
• Santa & Mrs. Claus
it’s happening in Henry • Live Entertainment • Tallest Elf in the World • Holiday Train Rides • Live Reindeer • Refreshments • Face Painting • And Much More! Christmas @ Home December 5 – 7:00 p.m. Downtown Hampton
This is a HBMA annual event with a Christmas parade, snow, Santa, and live reindeer. Parade begins at 7 pm. Businesses are open until 9 pm. Check Hampton’s website for the parade route and float registration. All You Need is Love December 6 – 7:00 p.m. Merle Manders Conference Center
This is a benefit celebrating the 15th Anniversary of A Friend’s House. There will be a full buffet dinner, music by The Standard Quartet, a silent auction featuring gift baskets, art and autographed memorabilia. Tickets are $100. For more information contact Nan Jenkins at (678) 732-1630. Christmas Gala & Fundraiser December 7 – 7:00 p.m. Season’s Bistro
Christmas in the Grove December 7 – 10:00 a.m. Downtown Locust Grove
Ladies Night Out December 12 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Bring the whole family to Downtown McDonough Square
celebrate the Christmas season! The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. in Historic Downtown Locust Grove. Afterward enjoy live entertainment, craft vendors, food, a visit with Santa, and more! Christmas Tree Lighting December 7 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Downtown McDonough Square
Legends Races: Winter Flurry Week Two December 14 It’s not Christmas until you Atlanta Motor Speedway
have witnessed, first hand, the tree lighting on the historic, downtown McDonough Square. Fun for the entire family! For complete details, contact 770.957.3915. McDonough Christmas Parade December 7 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Downtown McDonough Square
Celebrate the Christmas Season with the McDonough Christmas Parade! Enjoy as creative floats travel around the downtown McDonough Square throwing candy and wishing Happy Holiday’s to crowd! For complete details, contact 770.957.3915. Giving the Gift of Hope December 8 – 12:30 Merle Manders Conference Center
All proceeds benefit Henry County Cancer Services. The event will include a buffet luncheon, silent auction, raffle, music and entertainment. For additional information contact Joanie Whitson at (678) 858-3997.
Christmas with the Arts December 8 – 3:00 p.m. The Christmas Gala is hosted by Henry County Community in Schools of Henry Performing Arts Center
County and will feature drinks, hors D’ouvres, a silent auction, live music and dancing. Formal attire required.
McDonough Merchants on the historic downtown square welcome you and all of your girlfriends for a night out on the town to receive prizes, discounts, and more! For complete details, contact 770.898.9311.
Enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, theatre and art! This year the event will feature the Visual Arts Collective Art Contest Display. Tickets are $5 each.
NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow battle for short-track supremacy on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s “Thunder Ring,” the facility’s frontstretch quarter-mile oval track. Each event features multiple classes of Legends and Bandolero racing. Fans can purchase infield passes at the Security Command building near the speedway’s main entrance. Infield access costs just $12 for adults, $5 for children ages six through 11 and admission is free for children ages five and younger. Cost to race is just $25. Minors and their guardians are required to complete a minor waiver before children ages 17 and younger can enter the infield; the waiver and instructions can be found at www.atlantamotorspeedway. com. For more information, visit www.legendsofga.com or www. atlantamotorspeedway.com. Atlanta Festival Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” December 14, 2013 @ 7:00 PM December 15, 2013 @ 2:00 PM Henry Performing Arts Center
The magic of “The Nutcracker” captivates audiences of all ages. A mysterious party guest, a heroic prince and the “Land of the Sweets” come to life in Atlanta Festival
5
Ballet’s delightful holiday classic. Visit: www.atlantafestivalballet.com for more information. Silly Santa Fun Run December 14 – 10:00 a.m. Salem Baptist Church
Join Get Set Grow & the Willett Foundation at Salem Baptist Church in McDonough on December 14th for the Silly Santa Fun Run benefiting Toys for Teens. Truett’s Grill New Year’s Eve Nugget Drop December 31 7:00 p.m. – Midnight Truett’s Grill – McDonough
Truett’s Grill is again hosting a family-friendly alternative to the typical New Year’s celebration. The highlight of the evening will be during the New Year’s Eve countdown when a giant nugget is dropped into faux honey mustard to ring in 2014. In addition to the Nugget Drop, the restaurant will host a variety of fun-filled, free activities for all ages. At the stroke of midnight Truett’s will throw their infamous Chick-fil-A Cows with one “special” cow and that “special” cow comes with FREE Chick-fil-A for a year!!
Mark Your Calendar
6
HenryCounty.com
October 18 Traxx Lounge & Grill
October 24 RAM-Tech PC Solutions
716 Hwy 155 South McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Pamela Wade (678) 432-9091 www.facebook.com/#!/ pages/Traxx-LoungeGrill/151606894876559.com
103 Jonesboro Rd, Ste F McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Morrell McCrary (678) 999-2172 www.ramtechpcs.com
October 24 1st Stop Georgia Driving Academy
October 25 Express Oil Change & Service Center
October 29 Creative HomeCare
October 30 Victory Tabernacle Church International
103 Jonesboro Rd, Ste C McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Freddie Briggs (678) 432-1551 www.1ststopga.com
810 Rock Quarry Road Stockbridge, GA 30281 Contact: Sandra Williams (770) 478-5859 www.sendplumber.com
November 6 The Reserves Network
1555 Highway 20 West McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Lisa King (770) 914-3370 www.thereservesnetwork.com
60 Willow Lane McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Bruce Herrington (770) 957-7181 www.swaexpressoil.com
111 Ford Drive McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Michael Strickland (770) 288-2555 www.igotthevictory.com
November 8 Verizon Wireless Communications 1557 Highway 20 South McDonough, GA 30353 Contact: Marie Jones (770) 957-0600 www.thewcinc.com
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO’S ACCOUNTABLE, JUST READ THE NAME ON THE DOOR. “For 40 years, Strawn & Co., Insurance has operated under the vision and values set by my father. He held himself directly accountable for the success of his clients, valuing relationships much more than transactions. I saw his integrity in action, sometimes at the expense of the company - but always what he thought was right. He built his name upon the respect and honesty of these long-term partnerships. And as a Strawn, I couldn’t work any other way.” - Rusty Strawn, President
PROUDLY OFFERING PERSONAL, BUSINESS & HEALTH INSURANCE As an independent insurance agency, Strawn & Co., Insurance is free to focus on what really counts: providing your family and/ or business with the most comprehensive coverages and competitive premiums available. This type of focus for our customers has kept Strawn & Co., Insurance one of the leading providers of property, casualty, life & health insurance in south Atlanta.
Call or Come in Today! 16 Hampton Street McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-9005
HenryCounty.com
7
Youth Leadership Henry Building a Team Members of the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2014 met on November 5 at the Fortson Center in Hampton for their Teambuilding Day. This group of 45 Henry sophomores from public and private schools developed a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps through a series of teambuilding exercises facilitated by the Fortson staff. The ground and aerial activities were fun, and helped the class to bond. Next, these young people look forward to participating in Public Safety/Education Day on December 7. Want to keep up with Youth Leadership Henry? Follow them on Twitter or Instagram at “YLHenry.” Or visit “Youth-LeadershipHenry” on Facebook page – and be sure to “LIKE” it!
Four Reasons Why Your Business Should Support Local K-12 Schools Judiffier Pearson, Business Consultant Clayton State University SBDC Business and education are two vital streams that feed American culture. In the new economy school and work are intertwined, encouraging a cooperative relationship between these entities. The increasing conflicts between resources and goals motivate educators. But what motivates business owners? Partnering with education can benefit businesses on a spectrum from mutually beneficial financial gain to purely philanthropic satisfaction. Here are four reasons why your business should support local K-12 schools: 1. Your business needs an adequately prepared work force that enables you to compete in local, national and global markets. In addition to the basic skills and core competencies traditionally taught in schools, businesses need
diverse student populations to be prepared for the higher order thinking and reasoning skills required in an increasingly knowledge-based, servicedriven economy. Your business support may be able to improve the academic and technical skills of your future entrylevel employees and the community’s future workforce as a whole. 2. Your business can improve its top line and bottom line. When you tie cash support to school-generated sales in your business, there is a fiscal symbiosis that takes place called mutualism. This means that both parties benefit from the transaction. For example, a local restaurant that hosts a school “spirit night” may designate a block of time for students, parents, and teachers to come to dine and celebrate. After which, the owner may agree to pay 10% of all sales made during that time to the school. In addition to the potential increase in sales, the cash donation is tax deductible. 3. You can raise the visibility of your business and improve public relations. When you take out ads, offer patron support, show up for events, serve in the
classroom, etc., you not only meet the immediate need of the school and gain the appreciation of stakeholders, but you also build a presence in the school community and increase understanding of your business’ products and services. 4. You gain the satisfaction of giving back. Individual participants within your organization can derive personal satisfaction from assisting in the development of productive citizens. Supporting schools can be a culturebuilding and bonding activity for you, your managers, and employees at every level in your company. If you would like to take advantage of how a strong business-education partnership can benefit your company, be sure to take strides to materialize your intentions. Build school support initiatives into your business strategy and into your financial plan as a budgeted line item. Overall, your support leads to a better quality of community life that improves the economic health of your business, heightens the potential for local economic development, and bolsters the impact of small businesses on the American economy.
HCCC Note: A number of opportunities exist for businesses to partner with or support Henry County Schools (Partners in Education, Communities in Schools, Career Academy, etc.). Contact the Chamber for more information.
8
HenryCounty.com
9
Publication of Henrycounty.com is made possible in part by the support of the Board Members of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. Thank You! Ethan Hildreth Superintendent 770-957-6601 770-914-6178 FAX
Billy Copeland, Mayor
22 N. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253
Henry County Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau
770-957-3915
1709 Highway 20 West Westridge Business Center McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-5786
Eddie Ausband, CFP 8 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.389.9060 x102 eausband@revanta.com
City of Stockbridge Mark Alarcon, Mayor 770-389-7910
FIRE & WATER- CLEANUP & RESTORATION 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
Every LIFE has a story. Celebrate it!
Danny Brown General Manager
ethan.hildreth@henry.k12.ga.us
770-946-8088 Nail-Air.com
City of McDonough
Henry County’s choice for
OF CLAYTON COUNTY OF DECATUR OF HENRY & SPALDING COUNTIES
770-775-7857 www.cgemc.com
934 DAILEY MILL ROAD McDONOUGH, GA 30253 dbrown@servpro8537.com
(770) 997-5689 (404) 378-9998 (678) 432-3003 FAX: (770) 914-1078
Nationally Known - Locally Owned
Greg Cannon
770-914-1414
www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com
Companion Care Cremation Services
910 Dailey Mill Road McDonough, GA 30253
770-692-3819 Greg Cannon
“Lillie”
owner
www.companioncarega.com
If you’re looking for the perfect location, we can help. Along with SelectGeorgia, our powerful new state-of-the-art system for finding the best site or building for your company, our team of professionals provides world-class service to meet all your site location needs. We are here to be part of your team by providing our expertise, products, and services to you free of charge. From target industry knowledge to site analysis to visit coordination, we do it all. Contact us. We’re ON so you can be.®
McDonough
McDonough 865 Hwy.20/81 West 865 Hwy.20/81 West McDonough, GA 30253
McDonough, GA 30253 770-898-1988 770-898-1988
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 75 FIFTH STREET NW, SUITE 175 ATLANTA, GA 30308 ECONDEVGA@SOUTHERNCO.COM WWW.SELECTGEORGIA.NET
Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Proudly Serving Henry County
StockbriDge
StockbriDge 850 Eagles Lndg. Pkwy. 850 Eagles Lndg. Pkwy. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-507-5855 770-507-5855
LocuSt grove
LocuSt grovePkwy. 4870 Bill Gardner 4870 BillGrove, Gardner Locust HAPkwy. 30248 Locust Grove, HA 30248
770-288-3500
770-288-3500
HenryCounty.com
10
Shane’s Sponsors Chamber’s 3rd Annual Membership Appreciation Luncheon Halloween at The Henry County Chamber of Commerce has taken on new meaning. It is a time when we say “Thank You” to Chamber member businesses in a fun way. For three years the Original Shane’s Rib Shack has provided a delicious barbecue lunch, complete with dessert for 150 people on the Chamber grounds. Over 30 members participated in the fun by arriving in unusual and creative costumes for an opportunity at prizes for the top three costumes as judged by three “secret” judges. This year’s costume winners were: The First Place $100 Award – Pam Wade with Traxx Lounge & Grill for her original “To Go Box” costume; Second Place $75 Award – Scott Bales with CapSouth Partners for his “Injured UGA Player;” and Third Place $50 Award was presented to Amy McCoy with The School Newsletter for her Hippie attire. Honorable mention goes to
all the other brave souls who wore their costumes proudly. Even the Chamber staff participate – including an unrecognizable host, David Gill, who mysteriously joined the party as Bigfoot! “This is one of the Chamber events we don’t want to miss” said Doug and Marsha Carter, owners of Showcase Signs, Inc. “We find it so easy to network at this event due to the costumes. We seldom get away from the business, but for this event we make an exception!” Several Chamber members won a great variety of door prizes and gift cards. While Chamber events always provide excellent networking opportunity, this particular event affords the Chamber an opportunity to say “THANK YOU” to those who belong to the Chamber and who work to make it a strong and integral part of our community.
lst Place – Pam Wade
2nd Place – Scott Bales
Chamber Staff (from left): Captain Jack (Gary) Sparrow; Phyllis Reeves,Lady Diane Ide; David (Bigfoot) Gill
3rd Place – Amy McCoy
Dottie WISE
Associate Broker dottie.wise@metrobrokers.com metrobrokers.com/dottie.wise 404.843.2500 Office 678-443-8407 Direct 404.683.0912 Mobile METRO BROKERS 1401 Highway 20 West McDonough, GA 30253
Chamber Members in Costume
BELLAMY-STRICKLAND Chevrolet • Buick • Pontiac • GMC Trucks BELLAMY STRICKLAND
I-75 . 155 Hwy McDonough
Each Firm is independently Owned and Operated
I-75 • Exit 216 145 Industrial Blvd. McDonough, GA
770 -954-3000
Join Us At The Chamber Annual Banquet February 1 The Chamber’s 47th Annual Meeting/Dinner will be held at the Eagle’s Landing Country Club on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 6:30 pm. Presenting Sponsor for the banquet is Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Tickets are $125 per person and tables of ten can be accommodated. The ticket order form is available on the Chamber website at www. henrycounty.com/pages/2014HCCCAnnualBanquet, or you can call the Chamber at 770-957-5786 to purchase tickets. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, January 17, 2014. Chamber Board of Directors Chairman, Eddie Ausband, will officially pass the gavel to the 2014 Chair, Charlie Scott. We will recognize the recipients of the 2013 Business of the Year; the Billy Carter Public Service Award; the Volunteer of the Year and the Citizen of the Year.
Nominate 2013 Award Winners
Recognize community leaders for their exemplary service, devotion to others or contribution to improving quality of life by nominating them for Business of the Year; The Billy Carter Public Service Award, Volunteer of the Year or Citizen of the Year. The criteria for each award, nomination form and a listing of past winners are available on the Chamber website at www.henrycounty.com/pages/2014HCCCAnnualBanquet. Deadline for nominations is Friday, December 27, 2013. Don’t delay – nominate someone today!
HenryCounty.com
What Does The Affordable Care Act Mean To YOUR Business? The Small Business Association (SBA) and SCORE (ServiceCorps of Retired Executives, a volunteer organization that provides mentoring for businesses at no cost at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce location) are holding a series of free seminars entitled: “All a Small Business Needs to Know about the ACA.” The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been law since 2010; however, there has been so much confusion about the new law that many small business owners are at a loss to understand its impact on them or their employees. Workshops will address both the big picture and details of implementation. The first part of the session will review the key components of the ACA with its potential Medicaid expansion that would generate 70,000 new jobs in Georgia and create major opportunities for small business expansion throughout the state. Other aspects include: coverage for people under 26; protection for children; elimination of the drug “doughnut hole;” preventative care; quality improvement; work force expansion and greater access via community health centers. The next portion of the workshop addresses “The Opportunities and Obligations of Health Reform for Your Small Business in a Rapidly Changing Environment.” Topics explored include:
- What steps should be taken now? - Understanding the Individual and Employer Mandates - What opportunities are available? - What is the status of SHOP exchange (marketplace)? - What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor? - How will small employers be affected? - Are you up-to-date on the latest proposed rules? The workshop is being presented by two exceptionally well qualified people: Amanda Ptashkin is the first presenter and is an attorney who works for Georgians for a Healthy Future. She is one of the few state-certified “navigators”. Navigators are trained to assist individuals and businesses in determining which insurance plans are best for them. Kim Agah is the presenter for the second half of the workshop. Kim is a Vice President with CBIZ Benefits and Insurance, one of the largest benefits specialist firm in the nation. She has worked for 20 years in the employee benefits industry and is an expert in contract review, claims, utilization and benefits design. For exact locations and dates of upcoming ACA workshops, go to http://atlanta.score. org and click on the “local workshops” tab.
Leadership Henry Class Learning About County Government
Members of the Leadership Henry Class of 2014 learned about Henry County government during October. After receiving an overview of county government from Michael Harris, the class broke out for roundtable discussions with several commissioners and department heads for a fact-filled morning. The class enjoyed a delicious lunch at Kirby G’s before heading to the judicial center where Solicitor General Trea Pipkin explained the court system. They were able to interact with other judicial leaders as well. The class is looking forward to attending the Regional Leadership Day at the Capitol next, where they will learn about water issues and participate in discussion with other leaders in the region.
11
October’s Business After Hours Is Hard to “Copy!” The paint was barely dry on the walls of Consolidated Copiers new McDonough location in Westridge Industrial Park when they hosted the October 24 Chamber Business After Hours. It was a great way to introduce their new location and services to over 75 Chamber members who attended. Consolidated Copiers pulled out all the stops, offering beer and wine and great food, with door prizes drawn for a half hour, leading up to their grand prize – a flat screen TV won by Shane Persaud with Communities in Schools. Stephanie
Robinson, Senior Sales Supervisor with Consolidated Copiers, welcomed everyone and awarded door prizes. She even put together a signature cocktail for the event, the “Moscow Mule.” The names called and people not present to win the Chamber’s $250 jackpot were: Travis Turner; Bob Hardin; and Mimi McKee. Visit the Chamber’s Facebook page to see all the photos from the event.
Shane Persaud was the lucky winner of The flat screen TV
Waiting to Win a Door Prize
Great Food!
HenryCounty.com
12
business
Boosters luncheon
January Business Boosters Luncheon Henry County Chamber Hudgins Room January 16, 2014 • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Learning How to Borrow for Your Business “Access to Capital” was the topic of the October 17th Business Boosters Luncheon where attendees learned how the Small Business Administration (SBA) works with other agencies such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). SBA Lending Specialist, Rosemarie Drake was on hand, along with representatives from Hamilton State, Heritage, United Community, Wells Fargo and
Fidelity banks to provide information on how to navigate the process to gain business loans. Ms. Drake explained the SBA’s 7(A) Loan Program and SBA 750 Agreements with banks, covering what types of businesses qualify for those loans and what types of documentation are required to obtain the loan. She talked about the importance of knowing how you will use the dollars requested. In Georgia through October 2013
1,277 SBA loans were approved, with $718,000 being the average amount loaned. The lender approves the loan and submits the paperwork to the SBA who either concurs with the loan – or not. Both the lending bank and the SBA are integral to the process. In addition to accurate paperwork, a background check is required as well as a passing credit score. For more information on SBA and the loan process, contact Rosemarie Drake at 404-331-0100, ext 702.
Rosemarie Drake speaking on SBA Loans at BBL Oct 17
“Maximizing Your Chamber Membership” You’ve paid your dues and joined the Chamber – now what? Ask not what the Chamber can do for you, but what YOU can do using the Chamber as a resource! Did you know that the Chamber can be part of your Marketing Strategy? Did you know that the Chamber can advocate for your business? Or that the Chamber enables you to purchase health insurance at a lower cost? Or that if your business doesn’t have a website that you can use your page on the Chamber website? Did you know that a Chamber ribbon cutting gets you in the paper three times? Or that you can do a televised spot on SCB-TV that runs for a full week?
There are a host of networking and training opportunities and so much more that you can receive from your Chamber investment. Join us and find out how to make your membership work for you. The cost for this catered lunch is $12 for Chamber members who register and pay online or $15 at the door and $20 for non-members who register and pay online or $23 at the door. Reservations are required for planning purposes and reservations can be made and paid online at www.henrycounty.com. Go to the Events calendar, then the BBL for January 16. To cover catering costs, no-shows will be billed.
HenryCounty.com
Central Georgia EMC Bestows Funds Upon The Chamber On October 15, 2013 Central Georgia EMC Board Member, Warren Holder, and CGEMC Communications Specialist, Rodney Christopher, presented the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Henry County Development Authority and Henry County Schools with
checks totaling $24,000 to go toward education, community, and economic development activities. The funds result from unclaimed capital credits that remain with CGEMC after five years. These unclaimed capital credits remaining after five years
can now stay in the communities served by Central Georgia EMC for the sole purposes of funding education, economic development and 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in the EMC service area. Many thanks to CGEMC for their continued support of the Chamber!
13
Chamber Connection Visits On Wednesday, October 16th, Chamber Ambassadors dropped in on the following members just to say thank you and to bring them a gift bag containing goodies provided by fellow Chamber members. We appreciate and value the support of all members. Keep an eye out for our Ambassadors -- they may be by to see YOU the next time!
Premier Elevator Company, Inc. Koppar Corporation
L to R: Warren Holder, David Gill (HCCC), Bob White (HCDA), Dr. Ethan Hildreth (HCS), Rodney Christopher
North Park At Eagle’s Landing
CapSouth Partners, Inc .
Allstate Financial Services – David Clea ry
roperties Academy P
arpet, overing & C F & F Floor C
althcare Schilling He
Inc.
onough The Crossings at McD
Plumbing Distributors, Inc.
McDonough Music, LLC
Edward Jones Investments – Lin Watts
HenryCounty.com
14
December Chamber Briefs ... Congratulations to:
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP Welcome to our NEW Members
Cheddar’s Casual Café in McDonough for not only celebrating its first anniversary, but for being the number one selling Cheddar’s restaurant in the nation.
Clayton State University for launching a new Digital Film Technician Certificate Program in February 2014 that will enable students to achieve a level of film/media productions skills that can promote employment in our community’s filmmaking projects and the industry.
Consolidated Copier Services, on being selected as a 2013 Elite Dealer by The Week in Imaging (www.theweekinimaging.com), an online information and news publication for resellers of office technology, supplies, and services. Don Dunlap for receiving the Community Service Award presented by the Andrew McBride Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for his many areas of volunteer work in the community. Gordon State College on its expanded academic programs in Henry County, where an estimated 1,000 of Gordon’s students live. To Henry County residents who will see transportation improvements resulting from support for SPLOST IV.
Piedmont Henry for donating a rose vial to LifeLink Georgia that will be part of the national organ donor float in the 2014 Rose Parade. Piedmont Henry on the implementation and November 1 launch of EPIC, the hospital’s new, comprehensive electronic medical records and practice management system.
Southern Crescent Technical College on the launch of a new and exciting Georgia Film Institute’s “Producer Training Series” to provide skills and opportunities relative to the film industry that is sweeping Georgia.
Express Oil Change & Service Center Bruce Herrington 60 Willow Ln. McDonough GA 30253 Ideal Home and Lawn LLC Luke Mills 222 Thorpe Rd. Jackson GA 30233 June Wood 950 Eagles Landing Way Suite 291 Stockbridge GA 30281 Life Enhancing Solutions Tony Bright 922 Highway 81 E #265 McDonough GA 30252 Manor on Main Personal Care Home Tressa Marryshow 17 W. Main St Hampton GA 30228 PNC Bank McDonough Shawn Edwards 210 JonesboroRoad McDonough GA 30253
Power Plus International Inc. Jerry Barber 143 McDonough Parkway McDonough GA 30253 Subway - Locust Grove Firoze Jiwani 4629 Bill Gardner Parkway Locust Grove GA 30248 T-Mobile Johnston St. Louis 2019 Jonesboro Rd. McDonough GA 30253 Traxx Lounge & Grill Pamela Wade 716 Hwy 155 South McDonough GA 30253 Victory Tabernacle Church International Michael Strickland 111 Ford Dr. McDonough GA 30252
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
All the candidates who ran for municipal offices and who were willing to put themselves out there and to serve. To those who won the following city elections: Hampton: Steve E. Hutchison, Mayor; Charles Hearn, Sr, Marty Meeks, Mary Ann Mitcham, City Council At Large Locust Grove: Keith Boone, Sammy Brown and James Rosser, City Council McDonough: Billy Copeland, Mayor; Roger Pruitt, City Council at Large; Rufus L. Stewart, City Council D1; Sandra Vincent, City Council D2; Craig M. Elrod, City Council D3 Stockbridge: Tim Thompson, Mayor; Anthony S. Ford and Lakeisha T. Gantt, City Council at Large
To our RENEWING Members Advanced Family Eyecare of Hampton C & C Fence Company Caritas Medical Center Delta Plumbing, Inc. Eagle’s Landing Country Club Edward Jones Investments - Paul Rippa Georgia Power Company HydrauliCircuit Technology, Inc. Introspective Solutions Jacobs and Associates L & M Business Forms, Inc. Legal Shield - Beverly Van Gorder Linda King DDS, MAGD Locust Grove Pediatrics, LLC Mike Vining Heating & Air New Creation Christian Academy
O.B.’s BBQ - McDonough Oral Surgery Associates & Dental Implant Centers Paras Integrated Health, PC Perfect Portrait Family Dentistry Primary Pediatrics / Pediatrics After Hours Pro Studio, Inc. Pumpkin Patch at Yule Forest (The ) Sign-A-Rama Stockbridge Presbyterian Church The Kids Specialists, Henry Pediatrics, LLC Thomas Concrete of Georgia, Inc. United Community Bank United Community Bank Wash Me Fast Web Mobile Fusion Western Inn
HenryCounty.com
15
FINANCIAL FOCUS What does debt ceiling resolution mean to investors? After plenty of haggling, and a fair amount of political theater, Congress reached a last-minute agreement to raise the debt ceiling and end the partial government shutdown. Most people would agree that a fully functioning government that can pay its bills on time is a positive thing — and it’s certainly good news for investors, because a default on the part of the U.S. government could have had serious repercussions in the financial markets. But what’s next? We may find out fairly soon, because the legislation that passed only funded the government through Jan. 15 and raised the debt limit through Feb. 7. But as an investor, you don’t have to wait until next year to respond to these ongoing political issues. Consider taking the following steps: • Look for opportunities. The stock market didn’t overreact to
the drama in Washington. Also, despite the likely short-term drag on the economy caused by the partial government shutdown, U.S. companies have shown that they are able to increase earnings, even with slow sales growth — and corporate earnings are a key driver of stock prices. These are all good signs for investors. And stock valuations (as measured by priceto-earnings ratios) are reasonably attractive. So, now may be a good time to pursue new investment opportunities, assuming they’re appropriate for your individual needs, goals and risk tolerance. • Be prepared for volatility. The financial markets have their “likes” and “dislikes” — and one thing they don’t like is uncertainty. So, despite the fact that the markets stood up pretty well during the shutdown/debt ceiling episode,
it’s still quite possible that we’ll see some volatility in the weeks ahead. To prepare yourself for these potential fluctuations, you’ll want to own an appropriate mix of investments — which means you may need to rebalance your portfolio. A diversified portfolio can’t guarantee profit or protect against loss, but it can reduce the impact of volatility — and it can help keep you calm, too. • Be aware of interest rate movements. If the debt ceiling had not been raised, it’s highly possible that we would have seen a spike in interest rates, which could have hurt the value of your bonds. (When interest rates rise, investors won’t pay full price for existing bonds because they can get newly issued ones at the higher rates.) But even though we avoided this scenario, you’ll still need to be on the alert for interest-
rate movements over the next several months — especially if the Federal Reserve discontinues its bondbuying program, which is designed to help keep long-term rates low. Still, it’s probably not a good idea to totally avoid bonds in anticipation of rising rates, because bonds can help balance your portfolio if stocks were to decline. Nonetheless, keep a close eye on the Fed’s actions, and be prepared to make changes if it appears that rates may indeed jump. Apart from registering your opinion with your elected representatives, you can’t control what happens in Washington. But, no matter what political conflicts are taking place, you can control your investment decisions — and you can continue with a strategy that can help you make progress toward your long-term financial goals.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
A diversified portfolio can’t guarantee profit, but it can reduce the impact of volatility.
During this holiday season and every day of the year, we wish you all the best.
Financial Advisor Lin Watts, AAMS® 305 Olde Towne Way McDonough, GA 30252 (678) 583-1325
Financial Advisor John H. Dorminy IV, AAMS® 190 Turner Street McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 957-0250
Member SIPC
www.edwardjones.com
Financial Advisor Paul D. Rippa 2141 Highway 155 North McDonough, GA 30252 (678) 583-5090
16
HenryCounty.com