July 2020 News Magazine

A HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION | YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

HENRYCOUNTY.COM HAMPTON • LOCUST GROVE • MCDONOUGH • STOCKBRIDGE JULY 2020

REIMAGINED

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION PAGE 5

INDUSTRY PROFILE

HENRY COUNTY MANUFACTURING REMAINS STABLE PAGE 6

CHAMBER FEATURE

REIMAGINED — HENRY COUNTY SCHOOLS TO WELCOME 350 NEW EDUCATORS PAGE 13

2 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

MISSION STATEMENT To serve as a voice for the business community, provide quality service and programs that meet the needs of members, improve the economic environment of the community, and create a legacy of leadership for the future.

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DID YOU KNOW?

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You can increase positive perception among consumers and business owners when you’re identified as a member of a chamber of commerce.

VISIT TOGETHER4HENRY.COM FOR COVID-19 UPDATES

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IN THIS ISSUE 4

CHAIR MESSAGE

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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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CHAMBER NEWS

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INDUSTRY PROFILE

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LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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CHAMBER FEATURE

Chair Christy Chewning recognizes educators as catalysts for economic strength

Commitment to inclusion

Manufacturing Industry — Stable during COVID-19

Visit Henry County GA collects two tons of food to aide hospitality industry

Welcome to new and renewing members

Henry County Educators recognized in Top 100

Youth Leadership Henry Prepares for Class of 2021; Welcomes New Board Chair

HCS to Welcome 350 New Teachers for 2020-2021 School Year

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Magazine is published by the Henry County Chamber in partnership with the Henry Herald.

For editorial information contact Barbara Ingram, bingram@henrycounty.com.

For advertising opportunities contact Mary Ann Holland, (770) 957-9161 x223, maryann.holland@henryherald.com.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

CHRISTY CHEWNING Member Engagement Coordinator Central Georgia EMC 2020 Chair Henry County Board of Directors

PROSPERING THROUGH EDUCATION It is July, our school system is getting ready to Launch. During this event, we recognize the HCS administration, staff and educators set a go back to school. When I think about my school path forward to provide a sound education to days, many influences come to mind. One teacher our students, which will subsequently promote from High School stands out above the others, Ms. businesses, economic development, and workforce Idessa Wherry. Ms. Wherry had a reputation for development. being the hardest teacher in my high school which also made her I want to thank our Education the best teacher in the school.

Committee for their leadership If you want to go I had the privilege to be in her throughout the year in supporting quickly, go alone. If classroom in 9th grade and 11th our schools. This program as well you want to go far, grade for English and Literature. as our STAR Student and Teacher go together.

During those years, I learned to banquet are not possible without — African Proverb diagram sentences and learned new the leadership of our Education words like bumfuzzled. Ms. Wherry Committee. expected the best, encouraged As you see educators in the us, and prepared us for college. community, let them know that they BELONG here I am sure you have a similar story that can be in Henry County. Ask how you can ENGAGE with told. Teachers touch our lives and they should be them and support them as teachers. Thank those that celebrated. have chosen to LEAD in our school system. I know This month, we get the opportunity to celebrate our incoming teachers at the HCS Educator 4 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

that working together with sound education, we will PROSPER.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE COMMIT TO INCLUSION The Henry County Chamber of Commerce is committed to championing efforts toward a more understanding, equitable, and inclusive environment. Last fall, the Board of Directors approved a new initiative to identify opportunities and create understanding around diversity.

HENRY CO. CHAMBER JOINS NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY Last month, the Henry County Chamber of Commerce announced it has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.

The Henry County Chamber will join the U.S. Chamber’s national townhall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner on this important initiative, the Henry Chamber will host local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.

“Whether in Atlanta and the need for hate-crimes legislation or Washington, DC, and the call for nationwide initiatives, there is still a great deal of work to be done,” explains Joseph Henning, Chamber president and CEO. “With the Chamber and CVB, we are going beyond a simple statement of condemnation and looking at actions that can result in measurable results.”

In recent weeks, that call has been heard loud and clear. Putting forth a statement condemning the actions of some is not enough. Both the Chamber and the JOSEPH HENNING, President & CEO Convention and Visitors Bureau are committed to holding Henry County meaningful conversations with our community in an Chamber of Commerce effort to create a more inclusive community for residents, visitors, and employers.

We invite anyone who is interested to join us for community dialogues to be held monthly. The first conversation will be Monday, June 29, at 10 a.m. and available virtually via Facebook. It will feature our Board Chair-elect Lincoln Parks with WebMobileFusion and his guests discussing Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers. If you would like to join the conversation, visit our events calendar at www.HenryCounty.com.

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE BOOK CLUB MONDAY, JUNE 29, 10:00AM, VIA ZOOM & FACEBOOK LIVE

The Henry County community is invited to join the discussion around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The discussion will be centered around the book Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell.

DISCUSSION LEADER

LINCOLN PARKS

CEO, WebMobileFusion Chair-Elect Henry County Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER TAKING STEPS FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION November 2019

Chamber Board approves new DEI Committee initiative

December 2019

Meeting with Women’s Chamber President to discuss opportunities to collaborate

March 2020

Piedmont’s Executive Director of Diversity JoAnne Hill speaks at Women’s Empowerment Summit

March 2020

Partnership with Georgia Hispanic Chamber launches

April 2020

U.S. Census 2020 Kicks Off

The work of this national initiative will build on the work already undertaken by Henry County Chamber.

June 2020

Chamber, CVB Boards approve statements on racial equity and social justice

“Last fall, the Chamber’s Board of Directors approved the initiation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee,” concludes Henning. “That committee has been meeting and identifying opportunities to improve social justice. With recent tensions across the country, that work is even more important and necessary.”

June 2020

Chamber partners with other business organizations in Georgia and across nation to work for equity

June 2020

Henry County Chamber launches community dialogue/book discussion series with Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers

“The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with Henry County Chamber on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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INDUSTRY PROFILE HENRY COUNTY MANUFACTURING REMAINS STABLE DURING COVID-19 Manufacturing by the Numbers 93 Establishments | 3,193 Average Employment | $46,174,198 Total Wage | $1,112 Average Weekly Wage Georgia Department of Labor, 4Q, 2019 Manufacturing is one of several established industries in Henry County. The Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) reports 93 manufacturing establishments operating in the county with an average employment count totaling 3,193, in fourth quarter 2019.

The Henry County Development Authority (HCDA) points out that regional, national, and international manufacturing companies choose to make Henry County their base of operations in metro Atlanta and the Southeast for several reasons, but the key factors include: • An area workforce of 776,000+ workers • Less than 2 hours by air to 80% of the U.S. market • Minutes from Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest.

• Atlanta Metro’s best access to the Port of Savannah • A water surplus with capacity to support growth for 30+ years The manufacturing industries in Henry County range in many sizes and scope from large to global. Many of the firms in Henry County are classified as advanced manufacturing – those that are producing products with a high level of innovation and complexity such as ALPLA, a global organization that established its US headquarters here a decade ago. Another advanced manufacturer with a highly innovative production site in Henry County is Southern States, which has its national headquarters located in Hampton, GA. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Henry County industries have fared well. In an online Townhall held with Henry County leaders in June, HCDA Executive Director Josh Fenn informed the audience that through May, the HCDA was aware of a total of four “warn notices” made with DOL for businesses expecting substantial layoffs. Since then, three have re-opened and are operating at or above 80% capacity as allowed in meeting the Health Department or CDC guidelines. “Our industries are keeping Headquartered in McDonough, GA, TOPPAN people working, keeping INTERAMERICA INC. has been a member of the Chamber incomes going, keeping since 2003. The firm celebrated its 30th year in business in 2018. property taxes going on the industrial side,” commented Fenn. “The industries stepped up donating PPE, supplies, lunches, whatever they can do to help, they really want to be a part of the community and they’ve shown that.”

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Southern States provides essential products and services to electric utilities in the U.S. and Canada to support the nation’s electric power infrastructure such as high voltage switching products which transfer bulk power, switch loads to balance the system, and protect assets from damaging overcurrents.

Members of The Henry County Manufacturing Sector Have Long Supported the Henry County Chamber of Commerce ALPLA, INC. 289 Highway 155 S McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 305-7205 www.alpla.com Member since: 2008 DE WAFELBAKKERS 108 Declaration Drive McDonough, GA 30253 (501) 370-1169 www.dewafelbakkers.com Member since: 2011

SANGSIN TECHNOLOGY AMERICA 1559 Hwy 155 S McDonough, GA 30253 www.sangsin.com Member since: 2020 SOUTHERN STATES, LLC 30 Georgia Avenue Hampton, GA 30228 (770) 946-4562 www.southernstatesllc.com Member since: 2003

GOODYEAR AVIATION PRODUCTS 100 Business Center Drive Stockbridge, GA 30281 (678) 284-6097 Member since: 2004

TOPPAN INTERAMERICA, INC. 1131 Highway 155 S McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 957-5060 www.tia.toppan.com Member since: 2003

INLINE PLASTICS 100 Constitution Dr. McDonough, GA 30253 (678) 466-3467 www.inlineplastics.com Member since: 2015

VITALABS, INC 1451 Hwy 20 W McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 478-0006 www.vitalabs.com Member since: 2018

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VISIT HENRY COUNTY, GA, CONNECTING HENRY COLLECT TWO TONS OF FOOD FOR HOSPITALITY COMMUNITY Visit Henry County, GA, and Connecting Henry collected more than two tons of food for hospitality staff impacted by COVID-19 during the Help for Hospitality Food Drive.

Representing more than 2,600 people, Henry County’s hospitality community has been greatly impacted by interruptions to business caused by COVID-19. The pandemic shut down attractions and events, limited restaurants to take-out and dramatically reduced the number of travelers staying at hotels, leaving the staff from many locations furloughed, laid off or with reduced hours.

“Our Partner Relations Manager, Janna Szeto, knew from the early stages of this pandemic that the hospitality employees, not just the businesses, were going to need significant support and require us to pivot our efforts during this time,” said Visit Henry County, GA Director of Tourism Laura Luker, “Because of her rapport with our partners, she was able to identify specific needs and begin immediately working towards a solution.”

The Help for Hospitality Food Drive kicked off on April 14 as a way to collect food for the employees of this hard hit industry. During the last six weeks, donations of food and money have allowed Visit Henry County, GA and Connecting Henry to collect more than 4,800 pounds of non-perishable food.

According to FeedingAmerica.org, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, 1.2 pounds of food equals one meal. This means that through the generous donations of local citizens and businesses more than 4,000 meals will be able to be provided to local displaced hospitality workers and their families.

“It has been our pleasure to serve

Janna Szeto, Partner Relations Manager wit Visit Henry County, GA, and Barbara Coleman, Executive Director, Connecting Henry, were the organizers of the delivery of two tons of food to support members of the Henry County hospitality community impacted by the COVID-19 economic shutdown.

and a privilege to work with Visit Henry County, GA to collect food for the Help for Hospitality Food Drive,” said Connecting Henry Executive Director Barbara Coleman. “Any one of us can find ourselves in a difficult situation through no fault of our own. Due to the outpouring of support and generosity from the caring citizens of this community, we exceeded our goals to help put food on the table for countless families. A special thank you to all that participated.”

All food has been given to Helping in His Name Ministries to be distributed to families in need. Any Henry County resident who was or is employed by a hospitality business is eligible. Any hospitality staff in need of assistance should contact Connecting Henry at (770) 288-6230 in order to schedule a pick-up of an emergency food box at the Helping in His Name in Stockbridge.

The Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a division of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. The CVB’s mission is to inspire tourism by engaging partners and the community in order to build a sense of hospitality for Henry County visitors and stimulate economic development.

UGA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS CONSULTATION The UGA Small Business Development Center provides Henry County small businesses with opportunities to engage professional business consultants at no cost. For answers to your management questions, contact their business consultants for professional individualized consultation. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

Consultants have earned advanced degrees in business or management and have extensive practical experience.

Areas of expertise can be provided in the following areas:

Develop and update business plans Identify sources of capital Set up record-keeping systems and analyze financial records Identify foreign markets for products or services Conduct specialized research geared to your specific needs Create marketing strategies and advertising campaigns Increase opportunities to sell to federal, state, and local governments

For more information call (678) 466-5100 or email morrow@georgiasbdc.org.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS

RENEWING MEMBERS

ABSOLUTE BEST AIR, INC. DAVID LONGINO 427 MCDONOUGH PARKWAY MCDONOUGH GA 30253 (404) 849-1938 DAVIDLONGINO@ ABSOLUTEBESTAIR.COM

GEORGIA PRO CLEANERS DORIAN FISHER 306 HARVEST RUN MCDONOUGH GA 30252 (470) 776-4644 GEORGIAPROCLEANERS@ GMAIL.COM

STOCKBRIDGE MHC, LLC DEBBIE GASKIN 555 DAVIS ROAD STOCKBRIDGE GA 30281 (770) 389-4002 STOCKBRIDGE@SUMMITCOMMUNITIES.COM

AUDUBON ESTATES MHC LLC BELEN GUZMAN 200 WILLOW LANE MCDONOUGH GA 30253 (770) 957-6676 AUDUBONESTATES@SUMMITCOMMUNITIES.COM

MOLLI PRUITT MOLLI PRUITT P.O. BOX 60 SUNNYSIDE GA 30284 (678) 939-2442 MOLLIPRUITTLPC@GMAIL.COM

SYLVAIN FUNERAL HOME REGGIE SYLVAIN 2750 HIGHWAY 42 N. MCDONOUGH GA 30253 (678) 782-5095 RSYLVAIN@BELLSOUTH.NET

PARADISE HAVEN TRAVELS LLC NICOLE SICARD 950 EAGLES LANDING PKWY, SUITE 467 STOCKBRIDGE GA 30228 (404) 801-8200 NICOLE@PHTRAVELS.US

WILLIAM JACKSON, JR. WILLIAM JACKSON JR MCDONOUGH GA 30252 (770) 833-7583 JACKSONJRWILLIAM@YAHOO. COM

BEEHIVE BEAUTY BAR & SALON, LLC KIM WISTROM 1884 KEYS FERRY RD MCDONOUGH GA 30252 (678) 764-2760 BEEHIVEBEAUTYBARMCD@ GMAIL.COM

AT&T GEORGIA ENVISION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES RED WING SHOES STATE FARM SHERRY DEVOUSE-DENNARD VETERANS SUPPORT GROUP W. D. LEMON & SONS FUNERAL HOME EYE CONSULTANTS OF ATLANTA RESIDENCE INN - MCDONOUGH J29ELEVEN PROPERTY SOLUTIONS, LLC 15TH STREET PIZZA AND PUB LESLIE A. ERWIN, P.C. UNITED BANK OF JACKSON F5 FINANCIAL - JOSH DUNCAN

ELITE MEMBERS

KMT SYSTEMS, INC. THE HOT DOG CO.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ELITE MEMBERS

CHAIRMAN’S CLUB

PIERRE BRANDING GROUP NOAH’S ARK ANIMAL REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. SUTHERLAND’S FOODSERVICE, INC. UNITED COMMUNITY BANK BELLAMY - STRICKLAND CHEVROLET, BUICK-GMC ACADEMY PROPERTIES CAP1TOL STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP GEORGIA SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION HARDING PLUMBING & SUPPLY, INC. SEILER & ASSOCIATES, INC. WHALEY HAMMONDS TOMASELLO, P.C. DAVIS AGENCY - ALLSTATE EAGLES LANDING SENIOR LIVING

CHAMPIONS

FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS LOGGINS KERN & MCCOMBS ROBINETT CONSULTING, INC TONY MOYE

8 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Proudly Serving Henry County

Publication of HenryCounty.com is made possible in part by the support of the Board Members of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Christy Chewning, Chair, Central Georgia EMC Lincoln Parks, Chair-elect, Web Mobile Fusion Sharon Ponder, Immediate Past Chair, Bennett International Group Shaun Mock, Secretary/Treasurer, Snapping Shoals EMC Laura Turner, CVB Chair, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Dr. Elna Poulard, Vice Chair for Government and Education, Family Support Circle Morrelle McCrary, Vice Chair for Economic and Community Development, RAM-Tech PC Solutions Steve Nail, Vice Chair for Chamber Development, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning Joseph Henning, President & CEO

CLASS OF 2020 Scott Mahone, Mercer University Genie Moore, Mary Kay Consultant Kedon Williams, Southern States, LLC Kerry Arnold, Heritage Bank Sharon Ponder, Bennett International Group Steve Nail, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning CLASS OF 2021 Carolyn Wright Fraser - Edward Jones Financial Adviser Morrelle McCrary, RAM-Tech PC Solutions Christy Chewning, Central Georgia EMC Dr. Elna Poulard, Family Support Circle Kevin Demmitt, Clayton State University Thomas Williams, Kaiser Permanente CLASS OF 2022 Brent Huckaby, BB&T Lincoln Parks, Web Mobile Fusion

Kena Ceasar, Ameris Bank Maggy Martinez, Starbound PR Firm Lydia Pierre, Pierre Branding Group CHAIR APPOINTEES Laura Turner, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Dr. Murray Williams, Southern Crescent Technical College Shaun Mock, Snapping Shoals EMC EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, Henry County Schools Superintendent Scott Harrison, Henry County Water Authority Amy Kuhns, Leadership Henry Chair Kay Embrey, Leadership Henry Representative Don Dunlap, Youth Leadership Henry Chair Mayor Robert Price, City of Locust Grove

Mayor Steve Hutchison, City of Hampton Mayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonough Mayor Anthony Ford, City of Stockbridge Chair June Wood, Henry County Board of Commissioners Josh Fenn, Henry County Development Authority CHAMBER STAFF Joseph Henning, President & CEO Barbara Ingram, Director of Communications Gary Sparrow, Director of Membership Phyllis Reeves, Office Manager CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF Laura Luker, Director of Tourism Aisha White, Digital Content Manager Janna Szeto, Partner Relations Manager

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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CHAMBER NEWS CAROLYN FRASER NAMED TO CHAMBER BOARD

CHAMBER WBL STUDENTS ARE COLLEGE BOUND

Carolyn Wright Fraser has been named to the 2020 Board of Directors, Class of 2021. Fraser’s appointment comes three months after she accepted the Committee chair for the Chamber’s newly activated Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Fraser replaces Josh Duncan who resigned from the board after relocating to Florida earlier this year.

Fraser, owner of Carolyn Wright Fraser – Edward Jones Financial Advisor and member of the Henry County Chamber since 2015, opened her Edward Jones business in 2013 serving Henry County communities. She was appointed to serve as the Diverse Inclusion Leader to lead the firm’s commitment to providing dedicated support and development for ethnically diverse Edward Jones financial advisors. Fraser joins a group of other Edward Jones financial advisors across the United States to lead this essential initiative.

The Chamber welcomed two Henry County Schools Work-based Learning students to its staff in September 2019. Masson Forte, a senior at Hampton High School and Madison Gordon, a Senior at Stockbridge High School, joined the Chamber, supporting the Communications team and providing front-line customer service.

The two seniors continued to take on Chamber assignments as they sheltered in place and graduated in their high school graduations in mid-June.

“What I like most about my job at the Chamber is that I’m a part of an amazing team that provides educational opportunities and encourages local businesses with the latest marketing and promotional techniques.”

Fraser is an active member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, member of the Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., executive board member with the Clayton-Henry South Metro Pan Hellenic Council; ambassador with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce; and chairperson of the Luella High School Council.

CHAMBER EDUCATORS RECOGNIZED IN THE TOP 100 LEADERS In mid-May, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named its annual list of Top 100 Educators in the field of education in metro Atlanta. The list includes five Henry County Chamber Members:

MASSON FORTE

Hampton High School, Class of 2020 Youth Leadership Henry, 2018 Ladies Unlimited, Lieutenant Student Government Association, Senior Vice President Black Student Union, President College Plans: Kennesaw State University Major: Clinical Psychology

Charlotte Booker

Georgia Association of Educators President

Jacob Chacko

Clayton State University College of Business Dean

Mary Elizabeth Davis Henry County Schools Superintendent

“During my time at the Chamber I have obtained many life and professional skills that I know will be essential to me on my journey towards success.”

MADISON GORDON

Stockbridge High School, Class of 2020 Valedictorian Chuck Gilliam

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Head of School

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Thomas J. “Tim” Hynes, Jr. Clayton State University President

College Plans: Florida A&M University Major: I will major in Biology and go into my career as a forensic pathologist.

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP HENRY PREPARES FOR CLASS OF 2021 WELCOMES NEW BOARD CHAIR June was a busy, transitional month for Leadership Henry. The board created a memorable online graduation celebration for the Class of 2020, they finalized the roster and designed an innovative new leadership experience for the incoming Class of 2021 and installed the new 2021 Board Chair.

Out-going Leadership Henry Chair, Henry County Manager Cheri Matthews guided the organization through months of leadership and growth activities before COVID-19.

The organization moved to online activities during the last several months of sheltering in place. The 2020 Class received personalized graduation in lieu of the traditional graduation celebration.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP HENRY IS MAKING LEMONADE Leah Brown, Director of Existing Industry and Marketing with the Henry County Economic Development Authority, received the Edward S. Bridges Community Spirit Award for Leadership Henry.

Taylor Welch, SWAG Instructor with Connecting Henry, is the 2020  recipient of the Joyce Rodgers Heart of Henry Award for Leadership Henry.

LEADERSHIP HENRY ANNOUNCES 2021 BOARD CHAIR Leadership Henry named Amy Kuhns, M.Ed., director of the Henry County Counseling Center with McIntosh Trail Community Service Board, to chair its board of directors for 2021. Kuhns has worked in the mental health industry for 20 years. She obtained her Master of Education in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of West Georgia. Since then, her career has been spent working in the community mental health sector and with children and families with Henry County Juvenile Court.

Kuhns is passionate about community service. She serves on the advisory council for Communities in Schools of Georgia in Henry County

Amy Kuhns, M.Ed., director of the Henry County Counseling Center with McIntosh Trail Community Service Board

and is active in teaching crisis intervention training to local law enforcement officers.

Kuhns has been a Henry County resident since 1998 and resides with her husband Thomas and her son, Grayson. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, college football and spending time with friends and family.

We’ve made it a little more than halfway through the calendar year; the Summer Solstice now behind us we are officially into the Summer season. The quintessential summer drink, of course, is lemonade, and our Youth Leadership Henry class is mixing up a pitcher.

As the newest coronavirus started spreading in our nation, they watched their schools close and migrated to remote learning.

Many of their parents also had to adapt to working remotely as all but “essential” businesses closed. Some of their parents work in occupations where staying home wasn’t an option, and they watched them leave each day with no certainty that they would be safe. After hearing “flattening the curve” so much this spring, our class members will never look at a “normal distribution” in math class dispassionately again. The old saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is applicable to the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2020.

Rather than bemoan the loss of mobility and access to friends and activities; our class members got to work. Several worked remotely to help Henry’s Complete Census Committee by posting their pictures with quotes about the importance of census participation for our community. Many cheerfully took over household chores; cleaning, preparing meals, doing yardwork etc. Our class members could be found watching over younger siblings, helping with homework, and generally assisting their parents.

One thing our class members did not want to give up was their participation in their Youth Leadership Henry class. They unanimously voted to postpone their County Tour and Graduation until such a time as they could participate with the other members of the class that they had gotten to know over their time together since they started the program in September. The majority felt that they’d like to complete the program before the new school year started, and combining the last two programs would allow for a late July date, to maximize the potential for an in-person event, with precautions in place. We are looking forward to having the last program day and Graduation for the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2020 on Saturday July 25 – look for our recap next month.

The online application for next year’s class is open on our website at youthleadershiphenry.com – if you know a rising Henry County HS sophomore (public, private, home school, or even virtual school) with leadership potential, please encourage them to apply.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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CHAMBER FEATURE

REIMAGINED

HENRY COUNTY SCHOOLS TO WELCOME 350 NEW EDUCATORS Many changes are in store for the 2020-2021 school year as Henry County Schools prepares for students and teachers to return to schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new normal begins with a “reimagined” Educator Launch, formerly known as Teacher Induction Program or “TIP” in mid-July. This year, Educator Launch will be onboarding 350 new teachers joining Henry County Schools in the upcoming school term.

The “Reimagined” Educator Launch transforms a mid-July, week-long orientation into remote settings with everyone logging in from different locations for their various sessions.

Distance is No Match for Determination Typically, most of the training is held at one location giving new teachers an opportunity to meet and interact with various HCS district leadership, staff, and other instructors, helping to acclimate them with their new employer, fellow teachers and how things work. Affording new teachers these intangible benefits is a goal that HCS leadership is reimagining for Educator Launch. With a theme that “Distance is No Match for Determination,” the plan includes opportunities to welcome the newest staff members in a grand fashion, including support from the community, but in a virtual environment.

“Of course, we would always like to have everyone together as we welcome this newest class of Henry County Schools employees,” commented JD Hardin, Executive Director of HCS Communications & Public Relations. “While they may work in separate buildings, schools, and departments, they are now a part of one big family. The chance to meet in person really builds that sense of family for them all, too. Now we will adjust our approach to ensuring they still get that sense albeit from a safe distance.”

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In 2019 as in previous years, new HCS teachers enjoyed lunch and received gift bags sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at the 2019 Educator Launch closing event. This year’s activities will be delivered in remote settings in compliance with social distancing.

Chamber Sponsorship of Annual Educator Launch The Henry County Chamber of Commerce will support Henry County Schools in its pursuit of educational excellence by sponsoring the 2020 Educator Launch activities held on July 22, 2020. In previous years, the sponsorship has included a lunch celebration where large tote bags filled with classroom supplies were awarded to each of the teachers new to HCS in the upcoming school year.

This year, the Educator Launch luncheon will be transformed in compliance to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines which will involve teachers participating in the July 22 activities from remote locations. Participating Chamber sponsors will welcome the new teachers with a special lunch and gift bags as always with delivery adjustments to accommodate the various locations.

CHAMBER FEATURE

2019 EDUCATOR LAUNCH Supporting the Educator Launch of new teachers new to HCS is looked forward to by participating Chamber members each year. This year’s Educator Launch activities will take place online with the teachers in remote locations. Plans are underway for creating a welcoming event that involves each of the 350 new 2020-2021 HCS teachers.

EDUCATOR LAUNCH (FORMERLY TIP) SPONSORSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE Chamber members are asked to sponsor the welcoming activities for this year’s Educator Launch by donating funds and/or providing 350 items for teacher gift bags. All items for the gift bags must be received by 4:00 PM on July 16, 2020.

Preferred Items for Teacher Gift Bags The Chamber has compiled a list of preferred items, developed by teachers, for the gift bags. These items are often needed in the classroom each year. As a participating sponsor, Chamber members who donate 350 items for new teachers help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for teachers to stock their classrooms while introducing their business to a large segment of potential patrons.

To download Educator Launch sponsorship details and the list of preferred items, visit http://www.henrycounty.com/events/details/educator-launch-17250 or contact Phyllis Reeves, preeves@henrycounty.com, 770-957-5786.

THANK YOU! PLATINUM SPONSORS A special thanks is extended to each of the Chamber members who contributed $500 to support the 2020 Educator Launch of 350 new teachers to Henry County Schools for the 20202021 school year.

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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YOUR AD COULD BE HERE.

14 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com

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