April 2014 HCCC Newsletter

henrycounty.com a henry county chamber of commerce publication

APRIL 2014 in this issue Chairman’s Message 2 Business Profile 3 Calendar 4 Ribbon Cuttings 5 Belles, Bulls, and Buck$ 6 Henry Happenings 7 Chamber Briefs 10 Chamber Membership 10 Business After Hours 11 Business Boosters Luncheon 12 Connection Visits 13 Edward Jones 14

Comfortably South of Atlanta 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.

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

Hampton • Locust Grove • McDonough • Stockbridge

STARs Make Our County’s Future Look Bright The Henry County Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the top students at each of the county’s high schools each year at the Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Breakfast. This year’s breakfast was coordinated by Committee Chairman, Judy Coker and was held February 27 at Eagle’s Landing Country Club.

Thirteen students and teachers were honored, each a leader in their individual schools. To be selected as a STAR student for one’s high school, a senior must have highest SAT score and be in the top ten percent of their class. Each STAR student selects the STAR teacher, typically the teacher making the most impact or having a great impact upon that student.

Ashley Fleck from Eagle’s Landing High School was recognized as the overall 2014 STAR Student for Henry County, with Ms. Gail Ballard as her teacher of choice. At the time of the recognition, Ashley was awaiting acceptance from Georgia Tech, Harvard and MIT where her hopes are to study biomedical engineering with subsequent future plans of becoming a surgeon.

Dr. Ethan Hildreth, Superintendent of Henry County Schools and himself a former STAR student, gave an inspiring keynote address that followed musical selections featuring the Dutchtown High School Select Women’s Ensemble.

Chamber members receive discounted premiums on select insurance programs?

Save money – contact the Chamber today to participate!

2014 STAR Students

STAR Committee Chairman, Judy Coker

vid Gill, HCCC Ashley Fleck with Da 2014 STAR Student, O (left) and Dr. Ethan Hildreth, President and CE s Superintendent Henry County School

The Henry County STAR Student and Teacher honorees for 2014 are: School Bible Baptist Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dutchtown High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy . . . .

Eagle’s Landing High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Henry County High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Locust Grove High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Luella High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ola High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stockbridge High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Strong Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Union Grove High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Woodland High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STAR Student Russell Almand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Taylor Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jonathan Duong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tiffany Dorsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ashley Fleck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

David Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bailey Mann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nicole Yingst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hanna Warlick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Luis Aleman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Carter Adkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meredith Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ashlyn Oakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STAR Teacher Kim Edwards Salvatore Angelica William Harris Jennifer Williams Gail Ballard Captain Steve Seal Dr. Marjorie Powell Dean Goldgar Lori Vincent Gerard Petty Angie Rice Katherine Barrett Dr. Pat Faulkner

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce salutes each of these accomplished students and teachers!

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HenryCounty.com

Chairman’s Message

February events showcase Henry County talent & dedication

Charlie Scott

Two events in February demonstrated the talent and dedication of Henry County residents. Both were designed to showcase our community and both delivered as promised.

The two events were the Henry County Day at the State Capitol and the STAR Student and Teacher recognition banquet at Eagles Landing Country Club.

Henry County Day at the Capitol was the opportunity for us to visit the Capitol, meet with our legislative delegation and have a short visit with senior state officials.

More than 75 citizens of Henry County traveled to the Capitol on February 10 to show our support for the delegation and to make Henry County’s presence known. In addition to those who participated in the visit, community Representatives delivered over 40 home baked pound cakes for the offices and coffee urns around the Capitol.

The Chamber prepared gift bags for all of the legislators containing Henry County products, including barbecue sauce, race cars, magazines and other items representing Henry County industries. The youth of Henry County were not left out as athletic teams from Eagles Landing Christian Academy and Ola High School were recognized by special resolutions in the State Senate. The Senate Chaplain for the day was Rev. William

Herndon who also chairs the Henry County Development Authority. HCCC Chair-Elect June R. Wood received a proclamation on the Senate floor recognizing her contributions during her career with Georgia Power. The Capitol was entertained by the Ola Middle School symphony orchestra during the midafternoon.

The Henry County group was able to meet with Attorney General Olens, Secretary of State Kemp, State Senator Jeffares, Representatives Rutledge, Yates, Strickland and Knight. The group also heard from representatives of the State Road and Tollway Authority and Georgia Department of Transportation about upcoming transportation projects in Henry County. Members of the group also met individually with U.S. Senator Chambliss, State Senator Jones and other members of the delegation. There was no doubt that Henry County made its presence well known.

Charlie Scott is President and CEO of Piedmont Henry

The STAR Student and Teacher recognition was the showcase of talented students and teachers. On February 27th the Chamber of Commerce honored Ms. Ashley Fleck of Eagles Landing High School as the 2014 Henry County STAR student and Mrs. Gail Ballard as the 2014 Star Teacher. To be named STAR student, Ms. Fleck had to achieve the highest score on the SAT in a single session and be in the top ten percent of her class. She was joined by 12 other students recognized as their high school’s STAR student. The Dutchtown High JROTC unit opened the program, followed by the Dutchtown High School select women’s ensemble. To hear these bright young STAR students talk about their hopes and dreams was rewarding and the keynote address by Dr. Ethan Hildreth was inspiring. The future of Henry County was truly on display – and it was impressive.

All of these events were made possible through the generous support of Chamber of Commerce members who donated their time, funds and work product to pay for transportation, gifts, recognition and meals for these events. Truly we have a lot of “Stars” in Henry County and it was rewarding to see them all shine.

HenryCounty.com

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Business Profile LOGIC Technologies, Inc.

About the Company In 1980 Gordon Simpson founded LOGIC Technologies, Inc. with the focus of providing reliable environmental/refrigeration control solutions, although the company also provides other types of control solutions. Realizing that then current (1980’s) technology would soon be outdated, Gordon and his associates set about creating a new design that could provide a cost-effective and reliable solution without functional restrictions. They developed the Signal Server Technology, or SST. Signal Server Technology is a method of interfacing real-world signals into a network environment. The system allows for plant-wide system control that can be configured for each customer’s specific requirements. The DBC/OS32+ operating system provides drivers to monitor and control standard PLC I/O rack component systems produced by major manufacturers (such as AB, GE, Opto22, Koyo, etc.) The operating system and associated refrigeration control software has evolved over the years into a product that can be configured to literally handle all types of customer environmental control system needs.

Since the system’s inception, it has been successfully utilized to integrate with the following types of control systems: refrigeration; process; conveyor; material handling operations; recipe; decision support (data collection & reporting); production monitor network systems; attendance/job costing systems; and facility security systems.

The philosophy of this company is to be a controls system provider that is more than a vendor – they strive to be a trusted business partner. As such they seek first to understand each customer’s unique process requirements in order to implement the optimal solution.

LOGIC Technologies engineers take the time to study each customer’s unique processes before tailoring a solution, rather than persuading a customer to conform their processes to fit a standard system.

Once the processes are fully understood, a control/software solution is developed using core system component libraries.

The comprehensive functionality of the core libraries facilitates the ability to provide customers with a timely custom solution

that integrates with their business flow. The end result is a custom solution that typically costs less than other systems that can require a customer to dramatically alter their operations and process flow. To date, more than 450 SST systems have been implemented, producing successful results.

The company promotes an open architecture control environment to produce plant floor automated solutions with extensive applications for the ammonia refrigeration industry on an international scale. Fortune 500 clients throughout the U.S., South America and the Pacific Rim rely heavily on the quality and durability of their systems.

Community Support LOGIC Technologies, Inc. provides solutions for an international market; however, when possible, the company sponsors local youth sports teams and events.

Chamber Involvement LOGIC Technologies, Inc. has been a member of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce since 1996. “Our customers are located around the world, which obviously requires focus on national and international markets, as well as extensive travel. Our Chamber of Commerce membership therefore serves to keep us informed about happenings and changes within the local community where we’re based,” says Gordon.

Gordon Simpson President / CEO

For more information about LOGIC Technologies, Inc: 770-389-4964 sales@logictechnologies.com www.logictechnologies.com

The Best of Taste & Tourism If you have been in Henry County for any length of time you have probably either attended or heard of “Taste of Henry,” the main fundraiser for A Friend’s House. It is an opportunity to taste your way through Henry County with samples from restaurants, grocers and more.

This year there will be a new way to sample the flavors of Henry County, but not with your taste buds.

The Henry County Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with A Friend’s House and McDonough Hospitality and Tourism to add a tourism component to the event.

Guests will be greeted by interactive displays from local attractions, event facilities and hotels before entering the Jason Harper Event Center. In between sampling the restaurants’ offerings, visitors can

“clean” their tourism plate by visiting each tourism booth then turn the cleaned plate in for a chance at great door prizes. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tasteofhenry.org.

For tourism vendor information contact Laura Luker at (770) 9575786 or lluker@henrycounty.com.

The event is being held April 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

HenryCounty.com

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APRIL 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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Wednesday

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2 8 AM Leadership Henry BOD, BR

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thursday

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8:30 AM Community Connections Comm, BR

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Friday

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Saturday

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8 AM Youth Leadership Henry BOD, BR

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On Henry Day 19 Hands 8:00 AM–Noon

11:30 AM Government Affairs Comm, HR

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8:30 AM CVB BOD, HR 10 AM Membership Comm, BR

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21 11:30 AM HCCC Executive Comm, BR

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Chamber Staff David Gill, President and CEO Laura Luker, Director of Tourism Diane Ide, Director of Communications Gary Sparrow, Membership Director Phyllis Reeves, Information Specialist 2014 Board of Directors Executive Committee Charlie Scott, Chairman, Piedmont Henry June Wood, Chair Elect, Individual Member Leonard Moreland, Secretary/Treasurer, Heritage Bank Eddie Ausband, Immediate Past Chair, The Ausband Agency, Inc. Brad Thomas, Vice Chair for Economic & Cultural Development, Snapping Shoals EMC William Strickland, Vice Chair for Chamber Development, Bellamy-Strickland Chevrolet-Buick-GMC

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3 PM One Henry Econ Devp Comm, BR

10 AM Small Business Council, BR 11 AM Business Boosters Luncheon, HR

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Taste of Henry/ 6 – 9 PM at Jason T. Harper Event Center

25 6:30–9:30 PM

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7:30 AM HCCC BOD, BR 12 PM Ambassadors Luncheon

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At Southern Belle Farm

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Shane Persaud, Vice Chair for Government & Education, Communities in Schools of Henry County Jeff Mills, CVB Chair David Gill, HCCC President and CEO

CLASS OF 2014 James Chafin, Henry County State Court Lisa Kinchen, Southern Journal Magazine Leonard Moreland, Heritage Bank William Strickland, Bellamy-Strickland Chevrolet-Buick-GMC Brad Thomas, Snapping Shoals EMC

CLASS OF 2015 Herschel Arant, Central Georgia EMC Greg Hammonds, Whaley Hammonds Tomasello John Newman, Classic Landscapes, Inc. Rhett Tucker, Checks Superstore Laura Turner, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta June Wood, Individual Member

CLASS OF 2016 Toni Davis, Individual Member Wayne Lowrey, United Community Bank Melissa Malcom, Melissa P. Malcom, LLC Steve Nail, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Shane Persaud, Communities In Schools of Henry County Denise Sowell, Cap1tol Street Financial Services Group

Ex Officio Members Tommy Smith, Chairman, HC Board of Commissioners Mayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonough Mayor Robert Price, City of Locust Grove Mayor Steve Hutchison, City of Hampton Mayor Tim Thompson, City of Stockbridge Dr. Ethan Hildreth, Superintendent, Henry County Schools Bill Herndon, Chairman, Henry County Development Authority Roderick Burch, Henry County Water Authority Mary Evans-Battle, Chair, Leadership Henry

CHAIR APPOINTEES Rod Meadows, Meadows & Macie, PC Nick Williams, Eagle’s Landing Family Practice

Strawn & Co.

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Insurance

February 21 Highway to Heaven Ministry

Helping you find the right direction for all your insurance needs.

105 Pine Grove Rd. Locust Grove, GA 30248 Contact: Rev William Hansford (678) 593-3281 www.highwaytoheavenministry.org

March 4 LiveOn Health Center

PERSONAL

BUSINESS

Strawn & Co., Insurance is among south Atlanta’s oldest and largest independent insurance agencies. Our agency was founded

by W. Norman Strawn Sr. in 1972 with the purpose of providing property, casualty, life and health insurance needs for local families and businesses. From a small staff of two, Strawn & Co., Insurance has grown to a highly automated center that helps us stay abreast of the continual changes in our industry.

Our team of knowledgeable

HEALTH

insurance professionals is experienced in creating personal and commercial insurance policies designed to fit your needs. Our friendly staff will work with you on a one-on-one basis to develop not only the perfect policy, but a lasting relationship.

When you work with Strawn & Co., you’ll experience the exceptional service and attention to detail that you can only find with an independent insurance agency.

Call or Come in Today!

16 Hampton Street McDonough, GA 30253

770-957-9005 StrawnInsurance.com

80 Vinings Drive McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Dr. Ernie Fletcher (678) 284-6300 www.liveoncenter.com

Business Lessons from an MBA Experience

Heather Chaney, Clayton State University SBDC I am often asked as a former small business owner who is graduating in May with an MBA, do small business and MBA go together? I want to share with you (without the cost of tuition) some of the things that I learned in the MBA program that I wished I had

known earlier.

Lesson One: Paper people and real people are not created equal. Every class included a team project, and we were instructed to use resumes to determine who would qualify for a position on the team. As a small business owner, you know that resumes only showcase a paper person (job skills, education, and work history), while the real person (core competencies and work ethic) are not given a place to shine. How can you see an applicant’s real skills in the interview process?

Lesson Two: Numbers can be misinterpreted. While I learned to read financial documents and calculate a multitude of ratios, the endless case studies were less about what number the calculator spit out, but rather how to interpret that number. As a small business owner, do you know what your numbers mean?

Is your business doing better or worse than industry standards? Are your values within a normal range for your industry? A number simply doesn’t tell the whole story of your business.

Lesson Three: The value of good leadership. While the MBA program stresses teamwork, most smart people would rather complete a project on his/her own to insure that everything gets done correctly. As a small business owner, do you struggle with delegation? Do you allow others to take a leadership role in the business? Are you developing leaders in your business?

Take it from a former entrepreneur turned student; I thought I learned all the lessons needed to succeed in the MBA program from my small business ownership days. I was wrong.

HenryCounty.com

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

April 25 ~ Southern Belle Farm

What do you get when you combine carnival games, a $5,000 reverse raffle, mechanical bull rides, hay rides, men running in hoop skirts, and crazy games of chance like “Cow Chip Bingo (yes, it is exactly what it sounds like)? This may sound like the lead-in to a bad joke but it is actually the 2nd Annual Belles, Bulls & Buck$ at Southern Belle Farm on April 25.

For a $50 ticket guests will be entertained by emcee Earl Parker, be treated to a delicious dinner by Shane’s Rib Shack, beer from JailHouse Brewing Company, have a chance to ride Debo the mechanical bull, take a hayride around the farm AND a chance to win $5,000.

Fun bucks can also be purchased to play a variety of carnival type game or to trade

for homemade strawberry ice cream and/ or boiled peanuts.

Raffle tickets and cow chip bingo tickets can be purchased online at http:// tinyurl.com/BellesBullsBucks Things to know: • Raffle Tickets -- $50 -- Chance at $5000 (includes dinner and drinks) • Cow Chip Bingo Tickets -- $10 -Chance at 50% of bingo proceeds up to $1000 • Fun Bucks -- $1/ea or $20 for 25 -Redeem for snacks and to play carnival games (winning games makes you eligible for larger prizes) The race is on to see who can raise the most for their non-profit and earn the

right to wear the hoop skirt at Southern Belle Farm for the Running of the Belles.

The contestants are: Steve Nail -- A Friends House Gary Mosley -- TBD Jason Montrois -- Henry County Scholarship Foundation Clate Wall -- Henry County Council For Quality Growth Sam Pagan -- Communities in Schools Lt. Tim Lively -- Georgia Wounded Heroes Matt Still -- Paris in Pike Tony Johnsey -- Rotary Only contestants who raise at least $500 will run so donate now if you want to see a particular gentleman all gussied up and “ready to run.” Donations can be made to support your candidate at: http://tinyurl.com/ BellesBullsBucks Sound like too much fun to just be a guest? Be a sponsor and get the best of both worlds:

Belle of the Ball - Platinum $1000 • 8 comp raffle tickets with reserved seating • On-site signage (yard sign with logo and logo on Banner, “big check”, table tents, photo background, and within the HCCC website event listing) • VIP Parking for 4 cars The Buck Stops Here - Gold $500 • 4 comp raffle tickets with reserved seating • On-site signage (yard sign with logo and logo on banner, table tents, and

HCCC website event listing) • VIP Parking for 2 cars 8 Second Ride - Silver $300 (game sponsor) • 2 meal tickets (raffle entry not included) • Game of choice (from list) • On Site signage around booth For more information contact Laura Luker at (770) 957-5786 or lluker@henrycounty.com.

OF CLAYTON COUNTY OF DECATUR OF HENRY & SPALDING COUNTIES

FIRE & WATER- CLEANUP & RESTORATION 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Danny Brown General Manager 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

HenryCounty.com

it’s happening in Henry Comfortably South of Atlanta

Easter Bunny Photos March 29 – April 19 • 1:00-6:00 p.m.

Tanger Outlets – Locust Grove Hop on over to Tanger for Spring pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Prices are reasonable and the setting is charming. Plan now to bring your child for those memorable Spring or Bunny photos! Located in the commons area, next to Old Navy.

The Color Run April 5 Atlanta Motor Speedway The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Now the single largest event series in the United States, The Color Run has exploded since its debut event and has more than tripled in growth, hosting more than 170 events in 30+ countries in 2013. The Color Run is about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes and sizes toeing the start line. The Color Run will leave you covered in color from headto-toe. For more information, visit www.thecolorrun.com/atlanta.

Taste & Tour April 8 – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Merle Manders Conference Center Tour the newly renovated facility, feel the southern charm and enjoy the hospitality. Sample the finest foods and sweets by Cakes and Catering by Originals while mixing and mingling with several other event vendors showcasing inspiring ideas to create a unique wedding event just for you. For more information and to RSVP contact originalscatering@comcast.net.

Legally Blonde: The Musical Presented by the Henry Players April 10-13 Henry County Performing Arts Center Based on the adored movie, LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL stays true to form with a peppy score and playful book. This musical is ridiculously enjoyable from start to finish. Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside-down, however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law School.

Spring Taste & Style Highlights April 12-13 – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tanger Outlets Stroll an array of gourmet food trucks and taste some of the best selections of unique food offerings the metro area has to offer! Throughout both days don’t miss out on interactive family fun. Tangerstyle Stops will be set up around the event area for you to receive additional savings

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and special giveaways. Become a horses! This year’s “Dash” will Tangerclub member and receive a be held on Saturday, April 19th. free goody bag as your gift!

Please call 770-957-0888 for more information.

Miss Locust Grove Pageant April 12 – 1:00 p.m.

Spring ArtFest Locust Grove April 21 -10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

City Hall Auditorium McDonough Square Age brackets from birth to 18. Featuring a diverse artists market, Applications available at City artists demonstrations, live Hall, Zebra House or by email at entertainment, a “Tastiest Pound misslocustgrove@gmail.com.

Cake” Contest, food vendors, baked goods, and the Cat in the Locust Grove Easter Egg Hunt Hat (from 2-4). Bring the family, April 12 – 10:00 a.m. bring your friends, bring your Locust Grove City Hall Front Lawn camera! It is a great time to shop for unique Mother’s Day gifts!

Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure April 12-13 Atlanta Motor Speedway Learn more at: www.racingadventure.com or call (828) 615-8366.

Belles, Bulls & Buck$ Taste of Henry April 25 – 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

April 18 – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Southern Belle Farm Jason Harper Event Center This event has it all. Music, Get your taste buds ready! Where prize money, food, beer, games, else can you try culinary delights mechanical bull rides, cow from upscale gourmet fare to chip bingo…and men in hoop downhome southern cooking all skirts. Learn more and purchase under one roof? Taste of Henry tickets at http://tinyurl.com/ BellesBullsBucks. showcases over 25 local restaurants with dishes that are sure to satisfy Locust Grove Day every palate. New this year will be April 26 a taste of Henry County’s tourism Locust Grove City Hall Lawn assets. Tickets can be purchased at Enjoy a 50/50 raffle, a band, Moye’s Pharmacy, the McDonough vendors and more.

Welcome Center, the Henry County Chamber and online at 5k Foam Fest April 26 www.tasteofhenry.org.

Atlanta Motor Speedway Get filthy Clean! This is the only Pick-Your-Own Strawberries obstacle mud race that doubles Mid-April (anticipated open date) as a human car wash! They don’t Southern Belle Farm Is there anything more delicious just bring mud and obstacles; they than fresh strawberries picked throw more foam at you than a right from the vine? Pretty soon pack of toddlers in a bubble bath! you can bite into juicy, ripe Visit www.5kfoamfest.com for strawberries from McDonough’s more information. own Southern Belle Farm. Visit www.southernbellefarm.com or Facebook for crop updates.

Swan Lake presented

by Atlanta Festival Ballet April 26-27 – Saturday 7:00 pm – 9:00 p.m. & Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Henry County Performing Arts Center Tchaikovsky’s first ballet, Swan Lake is considered by many to be one of the greatest classical ballets of all time. Its romance and beauty has allowed the classic ballet to mesmerize audiences for more than 100 years.

Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama presented by Classic Collectors Insurance April 26 & 27 Atlanta Motor Speedway The must-see car show event of the year is at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama presented by Classic Collectors Insurance! Motoring enthusiasts of all types will not want to miss this!

Featuring national award winning show vehicles, a BIGFOOT ® monster truck exhibition, Autocross sponsored by AARP and a huge manufactures midway featuring hundreds of vendors. Vehicle entry for the Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama will be open to most anything with an engine, ranging from muscle cars, imports and trucks to big rigs, motorcycles and even boats and RVs. Visit www. atlantamotorama.com for more information.

Companion Care

4th Annual Zebra Dash April 19 Noah’s Ark Whether you’re a serious runner or just want to have some fun, this 5K has something for everyone.

A 1K Fun Run or run the whole 5K. Paved pathways and rugged trails make this 5K an experience to remember! Finish the whole 5K and you’ll be running with our

Cremation Services

910 Dailey Mill Road McDonough, GA 30253

770-692-3819 Greg Cannon owner

“Lillie”

www.companioncarega.com

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HenryCounty.com

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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 ethan.hildreth@henry.k12.ga.us

770-946-8088 Nail-Air.com

City of McDonough Billy Copeland, Mayor

770-957-3915

Henry County’s choice for

22 N. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253

Henry County Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau 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

770-775-7857 www.cgemc.com

City of Stockbridge Tim Thompson, Mayor 770-389-7910

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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

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March Chamber Briefs ...

In Memory Of:

Henry County lost a real “founding father” in James (Jim) L. Henderson, Jr., a lifetime resident of Hampton, who passed away February 21, 2014 at age 89. Jim was founder and one of three principals in J & J, Inc., a manufacturer of nickel alloy fittings, pipe and rod. He served for many years as a member of the Henry County Development Authority, a trustee of the Henry General Hospital Foundation and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Fortson Charitable Trust and the review committee for applicants from his congressional district to the United States military service academies. He also served on the board of local banks in Hampton and Griffin. In 1998 Jim and his wife, Coralice, were the recipients of the Chamber’s Herman Talmadge Visionary Award. Our sincere condolences go to Mrs. Henderson and the family.

Kaiser Permanente of Georgia ranking highest in member satisfaction in the South Atlantic region for the fifth consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Member Health Plan Study released March 10, 2014. The South Atlantic region comprises Georgia, The City of McDonough earned a 2013 North Carolina and South Carolina.

Tree City USA designation as well as a Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation after meeting requirements Gas South, one of Georgia’s leading for the recognition. natural gas providers, recently expanded its service area to include commercial customers in Florida. The expansion is the first for Gas South beyond Georgia’s borders.

Piedmont Henry on providing a new hospice care program, managed

by Hospice Advantage with Piedmont Henry hospitalist Emmanuel Onasile, M.D. serving as physician liaison overseeing patient care and assisting in support for both the patient and their family during end-of-life decisions.

If you are a Chamber member with good news to share, send your logo and/or photo and information to dide@henrycounty.com, and let us congratulate YOUR business!

Welcome to our NEW Chamber Members Virgil Cole on being named Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services for Henry County Schools.

Ackerman Security Systems on their participation in the raising over $133,000 Congratulations to: for the 14th annual Radiothon with Kate Koplan, MD, Sports Radio WCNNMPH, who joined Kaiser AM 680 The Fan on February 6, 2014.

Permanente of Georgia as associate medical SERVPRO on director of quality and signing a fourpatient safety. In that year deal with role, Koplan will focus the PGA Tour on population health and Champions and disease management, quality and process Tour designating them as the Tour’s improvement, and enhancing the overall care “Official Cleanup and Restoration experience.

Company.”

Cook’s Pest Control Co. Gary Cartwright 6647 Evans Dr Rex, GA 30273 (770) 506-0120 Direct Alarm David Dunson 233 W. Taylor St. Griffin, GA 30223 (770) 412-1150

Estates at McDonough Tammy Marks 601 Nail Road Mcdonough, GA 30253 (770) 898-4000 Gander Mountain James York 1970 Jonesboro Rd McDonough, GA 30253 Hampton Court Emily Glass 100 S. Hampton Rd. Hampton, GA 30228 (770) 707-0720

Highway to Heaven Ministry Rev. William Hansford 105 Pine Grove Rd. Locust Grove, GA 30248 (678) 593-3281

Peachtree Planning Corporation-Terrell Dinkins 900 Plymouth Drive Lake Spivey, GA 30236 (404) 260-1651

Merchant Broker Association T.E Carter 235 Peachtree Street NE Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 883-7496

TRP Partners Gezanne Gehris 511 Benjamin Way Suite 108 Dalton, GA 30721 (706) 270-0026

To our RENEWING Chamber Members Ackerman Security Systems All American Quality Foods American Cancer Society BB&T - Branch Banking & Trust Benton Village - A Senior Living Community Carver Tire Company, Inc. Castrol Premium Lube Express Clayton State University

Community Bible Fellowship Church Cycle Nation of McDonough E. R. Snell Contractor, Inc. Harbin’s Mechanical Services, Inc. Hardin Computer Technologies McDonough Family Eyecare Metro Metal Works, Inc. Minuteman Press Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Parts and Repair Technical Services, Inc. Pep Boys Randstad Southern Journal Magazine Sweetie’s Flea Market Toyota of McDonough / Scion of McDonough Westbury Health & Rehab - McDonough Zion Baptist Church

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business AFTER HOURS

In Order to Enjoy Belles, Bulls & Buck$ on April 25, There Will be NO Business After in Hours in April Be sure to purchase a $50 ticket for an evening packed with games, good times, dancing, a catered meal by Shane’s Original Rib Shack, beer from Jailhouse Brewing Company -- and a chance at the $5,000 reverse raffle.

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The Kids Specialists Hosted A FunFilled February Business After Hours The February 27 BAH at The Kids Specialists in Stockbridge had Chamber members on their feet and dancing! Young patient Brandon Cantilang lived up to the introduction given him as “someone to watch/the next American Idol/a future Bruno Mars” as he sang and danced for attendees – even getting Chamber President and CEO, David Gill dancing.

Dr. Catherine Mauer and her staff planned a fun-filled evening as Chamber members learned about The Kids Specialists and the care and concern they offer their pediatric patients. “We don’t just treat an illness or injury,” says Dr.

Mauer, “we treat the whole patient from birth through 18 years of age.

We’re like family.”

As part of her philosophy of treating the whole patient, Dr. Mauer’s practice participates in the “Reach Out and Read” program of metro Atlanta. Amy Erickson, Executive Director of Georgia’s Reach Out and Read program was there and she presented The Kids Specialists with a certificate for their participation and leadership in the program. Chamber members brought dozens of books for the clinic’s reading corner.

A number of door prizes

were given away to the first person to correctly answer trivia questions. A large gift basket from The Kids Specialists was awarded to Ed Taylor with First National Bank.

The following names were drawn for the $350 Chamber jackpot: Dennis Kerce with Alan Vigil Ford Lincoln Mercury; Scott Rohde with MedPrepSouth; and Wilda Vlazquez with Filet of chicken. Since they were not present to win, the jackpot increased by $50 for March.

To see more photos from this Business After Hours, check out the Chamber’s Facebook page.

It’s sure to be one of Henry County’s most talked-about and fun events – and you don’t want to miss it!

To purchase tickets online, visit http://tinyurl.com/BellesBullsBucks.

Brandon Cantilang has Chamber attendees dancing

Ms. Erickson (3rd from left) presents Reach Out and Read Certification to Dr.Mauer and staff

Ed Taylor, FNB wins TKS gift basket

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business

Boosters luncheon

Melissa Malcom Makes Healthcare Changes More Understandable

April Business Boosters Luncheon

Cast Your “Net” At the Chamber

The February 20 Business Boosters Luncheon featured fellow Chamber member, Melissa Malcom, a local attorney who specializes in employment law, with a keen sense of Affordable Healthcare Act changes. Attending Chamber members enjoyed an interactive presentation/ question and answer approach to recent changes impacting their own insurance, the insurance

of their family members and/or the insurance coverage of their employees. They learned about the potential pitfalls of making inadvisable decisions regarding whether/how to provide healthcare coverage for their business.

Melissa has studied the Obamacare changes closely and offers advice and interpretation to those who find it difficult to keep up with the changes. If you would like more one-on-one time with Melissa to discuss your company’s scenario, impact on your family or to brainstorm different approaches to healthcare, contact her at (678) 833-9178 or visit henrycountylaw.com.

Smoque House BBQ, located in Stockbridge, provided a wonderful meal. Some participants won door prizes and Benton Village was selected to give a two minute elevator speech about their facilities and services. To view all the photos from this luncheon, visit the Chamber’s Facebook page.

And discover...

Henry County Chamber Hudgins Room April 17, 2014 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Join us for a program of networking at its finest as you practice the art of getting to know your fellow Chamber members. You’ve heard of “Speed Dating…..” Come and learn “Speed Networking” as you try to learn about as many attendees as possible.

• What is unique about the person sitting next to you?

• What do you have in common as business owners? As Chamber members?

• How can they help you sell your products or promote your business?

You don’t want to miss the April 17 Business Boosters Luncheon. You’re sure to leave this

Melissa Malcom Explains the Healthcare Puzzles

Catered by:

program more informed about other Chamber attendees than when you first arrived. Make sure THEY know the most important things about YOU and YOUR BUSINESS! Be the one they think of first when they need YOUR services!

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 April 17. To cover catering costs, no-shows will be billed. Lunch will be catered by Hooters of McDonough.

Smoque House BBQ provided a tasty lunch

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Chamber Connection Visits On Wednesday, February 26th, 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!

Carlisle Transportation Products

Introspective Solutions Counseling

ments Green Apart Carrington

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees &Smoot hies

s MHC, LLC Audobon Estate Atlanta Festival Ballet

Grace Management Family Medical

Meadowlark Apartments

ciates, PC Pyke & Asso

Dottie WISE Susan Clowdus & Associates Realtors, Inc.

Southside Baptist Network

The Image Doctor

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

Every LIFE has a story.

Celebrate it!

Greg Cannon

770-914-1414

www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com

McDonough, GA 30253

Welcome Home Real Estate Group

Woodlawn Park Apartments Each Firm is independently Owned and Operated

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FINANCIAL FOCUS Prepare for Health Care Costs During Retirement As you save and invest for retirement, what are your ultimate goals? Do you plan on traveling the world? Purchasing a vacation home? Pursuing your hobbies? People often think and plan for these costs. Yet, too often, many of us overlook what potentially could be a major expense during our retirement years: health care. By preparing for these costs, you can help yourself enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

Many of us may ignore the impact of health care costs because we just assume Medicare will pay for everything. But that’s not the case. In estimating health care costs during retirement, you may find that $4,000 to $6,000 per year per person for traditional medical expenses is a good starting point, although the amount varies by individual. Furthermore, this figure does not include the costs of longterm care, which can be considerable.

To illustrate: The national average for home health aide services is nearly $45,000 per year, and a private room in a nursing home is nearly $84,000 per year, according to a recent survey by Genworth, a financial security company.

So what can you do to help cope with these costs? Here are a few suggestions: • Estimate your costs. Try to estimate what your out-of-pocket health care costs might be, based on your health, your age at retirement, whatever supplemental insurance you may carry and other factors.

• Know the key dates. Things can change in your life, but try to identify, as closely as possible, the age at which you plan to retire. This will help you spot any coverage gaps before you become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Also, be aware of the seven-month window for enrolling in Medicare, beginning three months before your 65th birthday.

• Review your insurance options.

Medicare-approved insurance companies offer some other parts to Medicare, including Part D, which covers prescription drugs; Medigap, which covers gaps in Parts A and B (in-hospital expenses, doctor services, outpatient care and some preventive services); and Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage, which is designed to replace Parts A, B, Medigap and, potentially, part D). You have several options for Part D, Medigap and Medicare Advantage, each with varying coverage and costs, so choose the plans that best fit your needs. (To learn more about Medicare and supplemental insurance, go to www.medicare.gov.)

• Develop a long-term care strategy. To meet long-term care costs, you could selfinsure or purchase insurance coverage.

To learn about long-term care insurance solutions, contact your financial advisor.

• Invest for growth and rising

Feeling like you paid too much in taxes this year?

This year, evaluate whether you can benefit from: 1. Tax-advantaged investments. If appropriate, consider taxfree municipal bonds to provide federally tax-free income.* 2. Tax-advantagedretirementaccounts.Considercontributing to a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or 401(k) to help lower your taxable income.

3. Tax-advantaged college savings accounts. Contribute or gift to a college savings plan for your children or grandchildren. *May be subject to state and local taxes and the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice.You should consult with a qualified tax specialist or legal advisor for professional advice on your situation.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

income. Health care costs typically rise as you move further into retirement, so make sure that a reasonable portion of your assets is allocated to investments with the potential for both growth and rising income.

• Think about health care directives.

If you were to become incapacitated, you might be unable to make health care decisions — and these decisions may affect not only your quality of life but also your financial situation, and that of your family. Talk to your legal advisor about establishing a health care directive, which allows you to name someone to make choices on your behalf.

Health care costs during your retirement may be unavoidable. But by anticipating these costs, you can put Health care costs during retirement may yourself in a position to deal with them be unavoidable – plan ahead to be in — and that’s a healthy place to be. the best position to deal with them.

Call or visit today to learn more about these investing strategies.

Financial Advisor Financial Advisor John H. Dorminy IV, AAMS® Paul D. Rippa 190 Turner Street 2141 Highway 155 North McDonough, GA 30253 McDonough, GA 30252 (770) 957-0250 (678) 583-5090 Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

Financial Advisor Lin Watts, AAMS® 305 Olde Towne Way McDonough, GA 30252 (678) 583-1325

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Thank You 2014 STAR Breakfast Sponsors!

BELLAMY-STRICKLAND Chevrolet • Buick • Pontiac • GMC Trucks BELLAMY STRICKLAND

I-75 . 155 Hwy McDonough

I-75 • Exit 216 145 Industrial Blvd.

McDonough, GA

770 -954-3000

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