A HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION | YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
HENRYCOUNTY.COM HAMPTON • LOCUST GROVE • MCDONOUGH • STOCKBRIDGE AUGUST 2020
Re-opening! THUMBS UP!
CHAIR’S MESSAGE
Roger Pike and Nichole Dawson, Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, awarded a UH-1 Huey Helicopter Ride to Shameka Thomas, Yard Birdz, at the Urban Air Adventure Park grand re-opening in June.
ADJUSTING YOUR MASK AND SETTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE PAGE 4
INDUSTRY PROFILE
YEAR-ROUND RECREATION ATTRACTIONS RE-OPEN PUTTING SAFETY FIRST PAGE 6
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE BOOK CLUB BOOK LIST IDENTIFIED FOR REMAINDER OF 2020 PAGE 13
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5 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.
DID YOU KNOW: The chamber may also promote your grand opening/ ribboncutting ceremony and assist with public relations efforts.
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VISIT TOGETHER4HENRY.COM FOR COVID-19 UPDATES
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IN THIS ISSUE 4
CHAIR MESSAGE
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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
Adjusting Your Mask and Setting a Course for the Future
Community Dialogues Encourage Sharing, Understanding
Indoor Recreation – Safety Focus Enables Re-Openings
SBDC offers no-fee online small business training
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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP Welcome to new and renewing members
Community Dialogue Books Named for Remainder of the Year
Youth Leadership Henry 2021 Application Period Ends August 26
Leadership Henry Class of 2020 Unveils “Big Games” Legacy Project
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
ADJUSTING YOUR MASK AND SETTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE Due to a surge of coronavirus cases in July, the Henry County School system has adjusted its plans for returning to the classroom. Ultimately, for schools to open their campuses and return children to the classrooms, we must all work together to control the virus in our community. Controlling the virus will help us get our children back to classrooms, but it will also help our businesses to remain open. By following the basic CDC Guidelines, wearing a mask, washing our hands frequently, and keeping a minimum 6 ft. distance between us, we can each do our part to drive the virus down to non-threatening levels of spread. In our current reality, a need for remote learning will continue until our actions have a positive impact on stopping the spread of the coronavirus in our community. During this prolonged battle with COVID-19, businesses can use this time of recovery to begin looking at their plans and adjusting for the next year. As you start planning, is there something you need to make your business more successful? Do you know of a source to go to for that information? The Henry County Chamber of Commerce is actively advocating for resources to support our local 4 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
businesses. Our partners at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clayton State University are offering online training classes for small businesses through 2020 at no cost. A wealth of courses such as Business Plan Essentials, QuickBooks, or Shifting to E-Commerce are available with advance registration at https://www.georgiasbdc.org/ training/. We have also partnered with SCORE Atlanta where you can be matched up with a Business Mentor. Our friends from SCORE Atlanta are taking online referrals during the pandemic supporting Henry County businesses by appointment. You can take advantage of their online resources and webinars here: https://atlanta.score.org/content/browse-library-0. I know you are reading this and saying that sounds great but I just don’t have the time. You may think that you can’t afford to take a moment away from your business. But working on your business is ultimately more important than working in your business. Take the time to improve your know-how and skills. It will make your business even stronger. The Henry County Chamber of Commerce wants to be your partner in making your business better!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE COMMUNITY DIALOGUES ENCOURAGE SHARING, UNDERSTANDING In June, we launched the Community Dialogue Series with Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers. Led by Chamber Chair-elect Lincoln Parks with WebMobileFusion, the conversation featured Pastor Jay Dockweiler with The Church at SouthEdge and Officer Harrison Smith with Henry County Police Department. JOSEPH HENNING President & CEO Henry County Chamber of Commerce
Nearly 200 community members joined us for the conversation via Zoom and Facebook Live. Since its launch, the video has been viewed nearly 2,500 times and shared more than 100 times.
This followed with a community poll to determine the next books in the series. As a result, July featured Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk About Race led by Chamber Board Member Kena Ceasar with Ameris Bank. She was joined in the discussion by Mercer University’s Director of Inclusion Dr. Ansley Booker, The Center for Stress Management’s Dr. Damafing Thomas, and Gezzo’s Anita Hsu. Both conversations may be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page as well as on its YouTube channel.
Future book discussions/community dialogues will feature: • Tayo Rockson’s Use Your Difference to Make a Difference • Michael Eric Dyson’s Tears We Cannot Stop • Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me • Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be an Antiracist To join the discussion, registration may be found on the Chamber Events Calendar at www.HenryCounty.com. Let’s continue the process of sharing and understanding. Let’s be civil and supportive. Let’s continue to make Henry County the best place to live, work, play, and visit.
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE BOOK CLUB MONDAY, AUGUST 31 10:00 AM VIA ZOOM & FACEBOOK LIVE The Henry County community is invited to join the Chamber in a monthly book discussion centered around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The next book discussion will be Use Your Difference to Make a Difference by Tayo Rockson.
HENRY CO. SMALL BUSINESSES MAY SEEK GRANT SUPPORT environments, and the expansion of economic opportunities. The program is designed to target assistance to those in low and moderate-income households. Grants of up to $20,000 may be available. The individual grant amount will be based on application review and the number of applicants. All applicants must submit applications through the secure, online portal and meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for grants: • Be located within Henry County, Georgia; • Have 50 or fewer employees; To assist local small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, Henry County is introducing the Henry County Small Business Restart Grant using Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) CARES Act funding. Administered through the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the County intends to award $2 million in grants for job retention and creation through the CDBG-CV funds for this special economic development program under HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) guidelines. Grants will be reviewed and approved by a task force of community leaders. The primary purpose of the CDBG-CV program is to prepare, prevent, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in communities through the provision of housing, living
• Be in an industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 emergency; • Demonstrate the incurred income loss because of the COVID-19 emergency; and • Demonstrate the need for working capital for eligible expenses (see below for eligible expenses). •
Businesses that employ and will retain or will hire LMI (Low and Moderate Income) persons for jobs that don’t require specialized training or education beyond a high school diploma. For more information, visit www.Together4Henry.com.
Those eligible to apply for grants can do so beginning August 1. HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
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INDUSTRY PROFILE
FUN BOWL OF HENRY COUNTY
300 HIGHWAY 155 SOUTH MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (770) 898-4272 WWW.MYFUNBOWL.COM/HENRYCOUNTY MEMBER SINCE JANUARY 2002
Urban Air Adventure Park employees are trained and diligently deployed in maintaining CDC cleaning guidelines.
INDOOR RECREATION SAFETY FOCUS ENABLES RE-OPENING
After COVID-19 brought the year-round business of indoor family fun and entertainment to a halt in March, the recreation venues dotted throughout Henry County placed following the Governor’s Executive Orders and the CDC Guidelines as the clearest path to reopening. After closing for weeks to comply with COVID-19 shelter in place orders, in-door entertainment centers throughout Henry County spent the time well in planning to re-open in late May and June. To ensure the safety of their patrons, the owners and management teams invested the time and resources necessary to re-tool their cleaning and compliance strategies, conducted hours of intensive employee training around the CDC guidelines, and outfitted their facilities to adhere to the Governor’s executive safety orders for re-opening. Check the websites to find a variety of attractions available at each venue. They vary in their offerings of activities such as bowling, skating, billiards, climbing walls, trampolines, arcade, laser tag, and games for all ages. Birthday parties for kids or private adults and corporate events are available at all locations with a culinary staff ready to provide customized service. A safe approach to guaranteed family fun is prioritized and common to all locations.
URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK 1970 JONESBORO RD MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (678) 552-1908 WWW.URBANAIRTRAMPOLINEPARK.COM MEMBER SINCE APRIL 2019
STARLITE FAMILY FUN CENTER 425 PLAZA PKWY MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (770) 898-0100 WWW.STARLITEFAMILYFUNCENTER.COM MEMBER SINCE FEBRUARY 2016
DAVE & BUSTER’S
239 HWY 81 W. MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (770) 282-3906 WWW.DAVEANDBUSTERS.COM MEMBER SINCE SEPTEMBER 2019
PIN STRIKES ENTERTAINMENT CENTER 300
Social distancing and masks are worn by friends who love to bowl and meet for lunch often at Fun Bowl of Henry County. 6 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
3478 MOUNT ZION ROAD STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30253 (770) 302-0786 WWW.PINSTRIKES9.COM MEMBER SINCE NOVEMBER 2006
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT I-75 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LANES PROJECT UPDATE The I-75 Commercial Vehicle Lanes (I-75 CVL) project is part of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP). The I-75 CVL project adds two truck-only lanes along I-75 in the northbound direction between I-475 north of Macon and SR 155 near McDonough in Henry County. The CVLs will be separated from the general purpose (GP) lanes by concrete barriers.
UGA OFFERS NO-COST ONLINE SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING Small Business Development Center courses, training free through 2020 Online courses and business success training programs offered by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will be provided at no cost to small business owners through 2020. “During this time, it is more important than ever for us to continue to offer accessible and high-quality educational resources for small businesses,” said Allan Adams, UGA SBDC state director. “We’re happy to have the opportunity to temporarily offer all our training programs at no cost as small business owners get back on their feet.” The UGA SBDC is able to offer the programs at no direct cost through new federal funding allocated to the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and through corporate sponsorships. Programs will be offered through each of the UGA SBDC’s 17 center locations throughout the state. Training participants will also have the opportunity to connect with their local UGA SBDC consultants to learn more about the resources available. To find an upcoming training program, visit: www.georgiasbdc.org/training
The I-75 corridor is part of the designated statewide freight network and is one of the most heavily utilized freight corridors, not only in the state, but in the country. As the nation’s fourth busiest port, the Port of Savannah continues to expand with most freight movements from the Port occurring along I-75 to the metro Atlanta region and points beyond. In addition to the Port of Savannah, I-75 also serves freight movements northbound from the state of Florida, which is Georgia’s top trading partner in terms of total freight tonnage. The significant freight volumes along I-75 today will only continue to increase. The proposed truck-only lanes project is the first of its kind in the United States and will support the state’s economic competitiveness in the global marketplace through the efficient movement of freight. Separating trucks and passenger traffic by adding truck-only lanes will add capacity for commercial vehicles, improve operational efficiency through travel-time reliability and congestion reduction for both trucks and passenger vehicles, and improve safety for all along the I-75 corridor. Delivery of this project in 2028 incorporates the 2017 Executive Order of One Federal Decision/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) acceleration. VIRTUAL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
In consideration of the continuing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Transportation is providing opportunities for virtual public engagement regarding the future of this crucial transportation and mobility solution proposed along I-75. A virtual meeting presentation by Matthew Fowler, Georgia DOT program manager is now available for viewing at https://youtu.be/-CbUGYfT4qY. Continuing to provide opportunities for virtual public engagement with social distancing measures in place, the Chamber anticipates to host a virtual Public Information Open House (PIOH), currently slated for fourth quarter (Q4) 2020 – more information will be provided at a time closer to this event.
RIBBON CUTTING
TRE DEUCE’ TRAVEL
TO SCHEDULE A TELECONFERENCE APPOINTMENT WITH THE UGA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY, SEND A REQUEST TO MORROW@GEORGIASBDC.ORG OR CALL (678) 466-5100
Contact: Angelique Carey 289 Jonesboro Road, Ste 468 McDonough, GA 30253 (844) 725-7222 • http://www.tredeucetravel.com HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWING MEMBERS ABSOLUTELY FLOWERS
GEZZO’S WEST COAST BURRITOS
ACADEMY OF BRAIN-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS (ABLE) CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
HENRY COUNTY BRANCH OF THE NAACP
ALPLA, INC. ARC HOMES REALTY GROUP, LLC BETTER LETTER MAILING SERVICES, INC. CHICKEN SALAD CHICK STOCKBRIDGE
NEW MEMBERS
METRO SOUTH ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS MOMENTUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH
HENRY COUNTY FULLER CENTER FOR HOUSING, INC.
MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
HOME 2 SUITES BY HILTON ATLANTA SOUTH / MCDONOUGH
NEW BEGINNINGS INTERNATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
HORIS A. WARD FUNERAL HOMES FAIRVIEW CHAPEL
PACE PHYSICAL THERAPY PERSONNEL OPTIONS, INC.
IMAGE BUILDERS ADVERTISING
CIRCLE A EXCAVATION, INC.
IMPACT WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SVCS. AUTHORITY, INC.
JOHN DEERE PARTS DISTRIBUTION CENTER
CMIT SOLUTIONS OF ATLANTA SOUTHERN CRESCENT
JONES & KOLB C.P.A.
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF GEORGIA IN HENRY COUNTY
KIRBY G’S
PYKE & ASSOCIATES, PC SACRED JOURNEY HOSPICE, INC. SERVPRO OF HENRY & SPALDING COUNTIES STATE FARM INSURANCE KIM MAYS AGENCY
KATHRYN R. SIMS
CORE MEDICAL, LLC
KIWANIS CLUB OF HENRY COUNTY
STATE FARM INSURANCE LISA CRADDOCK AGENCY
COVENANT CARE PEDIATRICS
LADY FENCER, INC.
STOCKBRIDGE IRON, INC
CREEKSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
LOGIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STORAGE XXTRA
DO SOMETHING SOLUTIONS
MCDONOUGH HOSPITALITY & TOURISM BOARD
TANGER FACTORY OUTLET CENTERS, INC.
MCDONOUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY
TRANSLANE LLC
EAGLE’S BROOKE APARTMENTS, LLC EAGLE’S LANDING LONGEVITY & SKIN ENHANCEMENT
MCDONOUGH LIONS CLUB
EDWARD JONES - LIN WATTS FINANCIAL ADVISOR
MERCER UNIVERSITY REGIONAL ACADEMIC CENTER
UNDERDUE SOCIAL SERVICES, INC. URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK USHEALTH ADVISORS
ELITE MEMBERS SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ELITE MEMBERS
CHAIRMAN’S CLUB
ALLEGIANT LOGISTICS LLC
SHAY DIXON 1 ANDREW DRIVE STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281 (850) 341-7609 INFO@ALLEGIANTAGA.COM
DIVERSIFIED UTILITY SERVICES TODD DAY 5371 COOK RD MORROW, GA 30260 (470) 427-3655 TODD.DAY@DUSLLC.COM
EDWARD JONES THELVIE WINSTON FINANCIAL ADVISOR THELVIE WINSTON THE COMMERCE BUILDING MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (770) 288-4151 THELVIE.WINSTON@ EDWARDJONES.COM
M3 CREATIVE STUDIO MICHAEL MUELLER 3904 JODECO RD MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (404) 441-8793 MICHAELMUELLERMEDIA@ GMAIL.COM
TOTAL SANITIZER
EBONY GURNDY 118 SURGE STONE LANE STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281 (414) 698-7557 EBONY@TOTALSANITIZER.COM
WOODSPRING SUITES ATLANTA MCDONOUGH
CHAMPIONS
8 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
ANDREA HINSLEY 625 INDUSTRIAL BLVD. MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (470) 781-5500 GM.GAA96@WOODSPRING.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 Henry County Stakeholder’s Forum Virtual Town Hall Summer Series
IT’S HAPPENING IN HENRY JOSEPH HENNING,
President and CEO, Henry County Chamber of Commerce
MARY ELIZABETH DAVIS, Superintendent, Henry County Schools
JOSH FENN,
Executive Director, Henry County Development Authority
CHERI HOBSON-MATTHEWS, Henry County Manager
HENRY COUNTY STAKEHOLDERS FORUM MOVES COUNTY TOWARD HEALTHY RECOVERY On June 8, 2020, the Henry County Stakeholders Forum – Summer Town Hall Series broadcast the first of a four-part conversation. Produced by Chamber President and CEO Joseph Henning, each webisode featured a panel that discussed efforts to move Henry County toward a healthy recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fourpart program offered insight on topics that are locally impactful and often of national discourse. The series featured an unprecedented assembly representing four of Henry County’s key organizational, economic growth influencers – Henry County Schools Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis, Henry County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews, Henry County Development Authority Josh Fenn, and Joseph Henning.
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The first part of the forum took off like a rocket on Social Media as a crucial topic was on the docket — Preparing the County for the 2020-21 Preparing School Year. Henry County Schools (HCS) Communications and Public for School Relations Executive Director, JD Hardin, moderated the discussion that Year featured the HCS Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis. While still early in the planning process, Dr. Davis outlined the many special considerations and accommodations that are aligning to support the overall health of all employees and students for the upcoming school year. The HCS administration, she noted, is working closely with the HCS board of education in developing and implementing the best strategies for a safe back to school experience ready to flex in overcoming any obstacle.
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In part two of the series, the Henry County Stakeholders Forum chose to address the moral case for greater Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Diversity, in the workplace. Activated in February 2020, the Chamber committee Equity, & partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on this national initiative Inclusion which inspired the topic for the second webisode that aired on June 22. Moderated by Carolyn Wright Fraser, chair of the Chamber’s DEI Committee and Edward Jones Financial Advisor, the dialogue revolved around practical steps that the government, privately-owned businesses, and not-for-profit businesses can take when approaching inequality in any occupation and bring about positive change.
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The third webisode discussed the Status of Economy in Henry County and Key Drivers on July 13 with moderator Leah Brown, Director of Status of Existing Industry and Marketing, Henry County Development Authority Economy (HCDA). Josh Fenn, HCDA Executive Director, led the conversation & Key highlighting many facts about the county’s upsides and downsides in Drivers terms of employment rate, economic growth, and established industries, demonstrating overall that Henry County is faring better than expected and much better than most counties in Georgia during the COVID-19 crisis. The fourth Town Hall broadcast on Monday, July 27, with County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews, provided an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the county’s budget and strategic plans.
Watch each webisode on Chamber’s Facebook page and YouTube channel available on demand for playback. 10 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
August 2020
Crafters Mart on the McDonough Square August 1, 9 AM – 1 PM, Downtown McDonough Join us on the McDonough Square, shop and dine with our Downtown Merchants. We’ll have Vendors/Arts/Crafters, and farm fresh produce available. For more info, contact us at 678-782-6230. Summer Concert Series on the Square August 8, 7 PM – 10 PM Join us on the Downtown McDonough Square for a fun night of music. Bring your chairs and/ or blankets with family and friends and relax to the sounds and stars on the square. Buck Baker’s Seat Time Racing School August 8, 10 AM – 6 PM, Atlanta Motor Speedway For more info, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com Scarecrow Contest Registration Begins, McDonough August 10 – September 30, City of McDonough 770-957-3915 The Scarecrows begin to set up Saturday, September 26 through Wednesday, September 30. All Scarecrows should be completely set up by October 5th to qualify for judging. The SquareCrow Village will come alive with different designs and will remain up in the McDonough Square the entire month of October. Come enjoy the fun, choose your favorite Scarecrow and don’t forget to vote. Voting begins October 1st and goes through October 30th. Winning Scarecrows will be announced at the Fall Festival Saturday, October 31st on the square. Ladies Night Out August 13, 6 PM – 9 PM, Downtown McDonough Square Come see all of the fun activities the Downtown McDonough Businesses have planned for you and don’t forget to register for the gift basket!
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP BUSINESS AFTER HOURS RECAP
URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK MCDONOUGH INTRODUCES NEW NORMAL BUSINESS AFTER HOURS LEADERSHIP HENRY
POSTPONES 2021 CLASS
In an abundance of caution as COVID-19 cases continue to rise this summer, the board of directors for Leadership Henry has voted to defer the class of 2021 until next year.
The Grand Re-Opening of Urban Air Adventure Park McDonough featured the Chamber’s June Business After Hours on Thursday, June 25, the first to be held since COVID-19 pandemic. Required mask wearing and social distancing along with Urban Air’s new compliance measures kept everyone safe during the event. Highlights included introductions and networking with new Chamber members, the meal prepared by Urban Air’s chef, and the many opportunities to enjoy Urban Air’s unique entertainment features.
URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK
1970 JONESBORO RD MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 (832) 603-0913 WWW.URBANAIRTRAMPOLINEPARK.COM/ LOCATIONS/GEORGIA/MCDONOUGH
“Over the next year,” explains Joseph B. Henning, president & CEO of Henry County Chamber, “we plan to add more personal and community leadership discussion and activities to the program. In addition, we hope to expand the conversations in the community about leadership principles.” Leadership Henry is a program of Henry County Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber members attending the Business After Hours at Urban Air Adventure Park in June were grateful for the opportunity to network while wearing masks and social distancing.
THE PATH TO LEADERSHIP IN 2021 Applications for the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 20202021 are now open! Youth Leadership Henry is an annual program sponsored by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of Youth Leadership Henry is to identify emerging leaders, to bring them together in an atmosphere conducive to the free exchange of ideas, and to provide them with an enlightening educational experience. Participants are taught leadership skills while learning about the various government, economic and social sectors of the community. Upon completion of the program, participants will have an increased awareness of the vital issues and needs of the community and challenged to be responsible and engaged leaders. Visit our website at www.YouthLeadershipHenry.com and click on the “About” tab for details. Here you will find the schedule for next year’s class for your review to ensure your student is available for all class dates before they apply. There is a wealth of
As a leader, one must recognize the importance of teamwork for overall success. Members of the Youth Leadership Class of 2020 above participate in group activities where working together and depending on each other is essential to pass a series of challenges/obstacles.
information on the website which includes a sample application for your student to practice and prepare their answers for when they are ready to submit their forms. Submissions must be received, with necessary signatures and in full completion, no later than August 26, 2020. HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
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CHAMBER FEATURE
LEADERSHIP HENRY CLASS OF 2020 UNVEILS
“BIG GAMES” LEGACY PROJECT
The “Big Gmes” project includes large-scale versions of Chess, Checkers, Connect Four, and Jenga.
Given the current circumstances of the pandemic, the Leadership Henry Class of 2020 was finally able to take their long-awaited rite of passage with their brand new announcement. A key component in the completion of the Leadership Henry Program is leaving a legacy project for the community. As the Class of 2020 members considered several ideas, the “Big Games” concept blossomed. They decided to unveil this concept to the community in socially distanced ribbon cutting style on June 27, 2020. The 2020 Leadership class uniquely chose to leave their legacy in all four cities of Henry County. The “Big Games” project involved placing large life-size versions of Connect Four, Chess, Checkers, and Jenga in McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove. 12 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
Leadership Henry Class of 2020 chose to leave a crafty personalized touch on the Jenga set located in the city of McDonough, home of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce!
CHAMBER FEATURE
CHAMBER WELCOMES 400 NEW HCS TEACHERS FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR! The Chamber and participating sponsors proudly welcomed nearly 400 new teachers to Henry County Schools for the 2020-2021 school year by sponsoring the 2020 Educator Launch, formerly Teacher Induction Program (TIP) on July 21, 2020. The Launch is part of a week-long orientation of teachers new to the Henry County School System. Due to COVID-19
the annual large gathering luncheon was modified with the teachers doing a drive-by to pick up lunch and a bag of school supplies from the Chamber.
Visit the Chamber’s Facebook page to view the Educator Launch Photo Album posted on July 21, 2020.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 EDUCATOR LAUNCH SPONSORS
Ameris Bank Bennett International Group Central Georgia EMC Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Family Support Circle Georgia Power Georgia United Credit Union Henry County Schools Heritage Bank
Kaiser Permanente Mercer University Regional Academic Center Piedmont Henry Ram-Tech PCS Solutions SERVPRO Snapping Shoals EMC The Southern Credit Union Truist Bank United Community Bank Xtreme Fun on Wheels
GOLD McDonough FUMC Smith, Welch, Webb & White ALPLA
SILVER JSA Dental Care JSA Dental Care Conyers W. D. Lemon & Sons Bellamy-Strickland
HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
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Powering Our Powering Our Communities Powering Our Communities
MCDONOUGH
865 Hwy.20/81 West McDonough, GA 30253
770-898-1988
STOCKBRIDGE
850 Eagles Lndg. Pkwy. Stockbridge, GA 30281
770-507-5855
LOCUST GROVE
4870 Bill Gardner Pkwy. Locust Grove, HA 30248
Communities Henry County is our home too.why, for Henry County is our home too. That’s why, too. for 90 years, we’ve Henry CountyThat’s is our home 90 years, partnered with local chambers, with local chambers, That’s why,we’ve forpartnered 90 years, we’ve partnered withdevelopment local chambers, authorities and elected development authorities and elected officials across development authorities and elected officials across Georgia to help officials across Georgia to help Georgia to help bring jobs and investment to the bring jobs and investment to the bring jobs and investment to the state – more than 134,000 jobs and state - more than 134,000 jobs and $25.5 billion state – more than 134,000 jobs and $25.5investment billion capital investment $25.5 billion capital capital investment over the past decade alone. over the past decade alone. over the past decade alone.
770-288-3500
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis Superintendent
770-957-6601 770-914-6178 FAX
www.henry.k12.ga.us 22 N. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253
YOUR SOURCE OFPOWERANDINFORMATION.
City of Stockbridge
Anthony S. Ford Mayor 770-389-7910
4640 North Henry Boulevard Stockbridge, GA 30281 https://www.cityofstockbridge.com/
City of McDonough
Billy Copeland, Mayor
136 Keys Ferry Street, McDonough, GA 30253 770-957-3915 • mcdonoughga.org
City of Locust Grove Robert Price, Mayor 3644 Highway 42, Locust Grove, GA 30248
(770) 957-5043 locustgrove-ga.gov
1709 Highway 20 West Westridge Business Center McDonough, GA 30253
(770) 957-5786 henrycounty.com
14 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE.
Do You Need Help
Caring for a loved One?
We offer caregiving services for almost any family and practically any situation.
770-946-8088
www.rahsatlanta.com 673-568-47267
Nail-Air.com
BELLAMY-STRICKLAND Chevrolet • Buick • Pontiac • GMC Trucks
770-954-3000
910 Dailey Mill Road McDonough, GA 30253
770-692-3819
BELLAMY STRICKLAND
Greg Cannon owner
I-75 • Exit 216 145 Industrial Blvd. McDonough, Ga
I-75 . 155 Hwy McDonough
www.companioncarega.com
2 Macon Street Ste. 100-120 • McDonough, Georgia • (678) 554-6410
Video Production for Business We make it easy!
Concept Development • Script Writing • Final Production • Distribution
DISCOUNT $250 OFF Video Package
info@scbtv.com
HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com
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Call or visit any of our sixteen financial advisors in the Henry County area. To find an Edward Jones office near you, call 1-800-ED-JONES or visit www.edwardjones.com.
Craig Carroll 305 Olde Towne Way Mcdonough, GA 30252 (678) 583-1325
Member SIPC I www.edwardjones.com
16 | HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.henrycounty.com