DECEMBER 2014 HCCC Newsletter

henrycounty.com a henry county chamber of commerce publication

DECEMBER 2014

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

Hampton • Locust Grove • McDonough • Stockbridge

in this issue Chairman’s Message 2 Business Profile 3 Calendar 4 SBDC 5 Chamber Briefs 6 Leadership Henry 6 Henry Happenings 7 Chamber Membership 10 Ribbon Cuttings 10 Youth Leadership Henry 10 Business After Hours 11 Business Boosters Luncheon 12 Chamber Connections 13 Annual Membership Luncheon 15

...from the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Staff

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.

Sent out electronically every Friday, the HCCC e-newsletter shares news and information about Henry County Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) members and of upcoming #HCCC events along with community news, weather and traffic.

Save the Date

HCCC 48th Annual Banquet Saturday, Feb 7, 2015 – Eagle’s Landing Country Club–www.HCCCAnnual Banquet.com

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Chairman’s Message Looking back ... looking forward

Charlie Scott

The holiday season traditionally has several hallmarks, a period to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, a season to enjoy the fellowship of family and friends, the ending of a year and celebration of the New Year. I personally will be coming to the end of my term as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board, all of the Chamber volunteers, and the Chamber staff for a dynamic and successful year. I want to also encourage all members to attend the Chamber Christmas Party sponsored by Holiday Inn and Suites in Stockbridge on December 4th to enjoy the fellowship of fellow Chamber members and friends. Finally, I would like to take a few minutes to review the year and welcome 2015 for the Chamber.

This year we have accomplished a great deal at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. We celebrated two milestones in education in the County with the opening of the first building at the Henry County Campus of Southern Crescent Technical College. We also participated in the opening of the new building of the Academy for Advanced Studies, a charter College and Career Academy colocated with Henry County High School. Both of these important educational facilities were goals with the Chamber of Commerce sponsored E2 Alliance and the Chamber is proud of the realization of these goals, assisted in part by the active support and

2015

2014

participation of the Chamber.

The Chamber expanded its physical plant with the acquisition of an adjacent building lot to be available for future expansion. Fortunately, through a combination of purchase and resale of a portion of the lot, the Chamber was able to acquire this .87 acre tract with effectively no cost to the Chamber. This important acquisition assures the Chamber of sufficient land to accommodate its potential growth needs for the foreseeable future.

The Chamber of Commerce again planned and executed, in conjunction with our sponsors, a very successful Intergovernmental Retreat where many of the County’s leaders were able to network and to gain the benefit of educational programs necessary to assist in the decision making process for the future of the County. I am confident that some of the information and

ideas presented at the retreat will fundamentally change the way we market Henry County for economic development. I want to thank our sponsors, the Henry County Development Authority, Central Georgia EMC, Georgia Power and Snapping Shoals EMC for their participation in this worthwhile event.

Though not universally recognized as such, the Chamber is a non-profit entity funded solely from income from dues, payments for services and fundraising events. The Chamber completed two successful events this year, the annual Chamber Golf Classic and Belles, Bulls and Buck$ which enabled the Chamber to function as efficiently as possible. My thanks to the volunteers and staff that made these possible. Our other fun events included a successful annual banquet, which recognized outstanding citizens and the annual Membership

Charlie Scott is President and CEO of Piedmont Henry

Appreciation luncheon and costume party.

The networking and other meetings of the Chamber provided a great number of opportunities for our members to meet and enjoy the company of fellow members. Particularly for new members whose goal was to integrate their businesses into the Chamber community.

Business Boosters Luncheons, Business After Hours social events, Chamber Connection visits as well as other planned events create a broad crosssection of intermingling for the membership.

The Chamber experienced its first full year of leadership by our new President, David Gill, who has demonstrated that the Chamber is in excellent hands with David at the helm.

I also want to commend the staff whose work is vital to the success of the Chamber and their outstanding contributions to the mission of the Chamber.

Finally, I want to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, guests and other participants in the Chamber who have made this year successful.

As I wind down my year, I am looking forward to turning the baton over to our ChairElect, June Wood, who I have great confidence will provide outstanding leadership of the Chamber board next year.

Between June’s leadership, the competence of the staff and the enthusiasm and support of our members and volunteers, I am assured that the good works will continue. My very best holiday wishes to each of you.

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Business Profile United Community Bank About the Organization United Community Bank specializes in providing personalized community banking services to individuals, small businesses and corporations. Known as “The Bank that SERVICE Built,” United Community Bank is consistently recognized for its outstanding customer service by respected national research firms.

Since becoming established in Henry County in 2004, United Community Bank has since opened three locations in Henry County, which are located in Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge. The company has 24 employees in Henry County and 1,525 employees across the southeast.

United Community Bank ranked highest in the Southeast Region in the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study released in May 2014. The study is based on responses from more than 80,000 retail banking customers of more than 130 of the largest banks in the United States regarding their experiences with their retail bank.

Community Support United Community Bank employees are actively involved in other community organizations.

Wayne Lowrey is a member of the Board of Directors for the Hands of Hope Clinic and past board chairman; Ken Palmer is a past President and Board Member of Flint River Council of Boy Scouts

Every LIFE has a story.

Celebrate it!

Greg Cannon

770-914-1414

www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com

and past President and member of Board of Directors for Southern Regional Hospital Foundation; Marlene McKee serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Prevent Child Abuse Henry County; and Pam Milling is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Henry County and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Neighborhood Advisory Board.

“United Community Bank is committed to supporting the communities we live and work in.

This translates into good business for our bank; when the community thrives and grows, so do we.”

Chamber Involvement United Community Bank is an active member of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. Several of their employees are actively involved with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. Wayne Lowrey currently serves on the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board. He also serves on the Chamber’s Golf Committee along with the committee Chairman, Scott Freese. Jason Montrois is currently enrolled in Leadership Henry; Gina Curran serves on the Ambassador Committee; Pam Milling is a member of the Board of Directors for Leadership Henry and serves on the Ambassador Committee and CCC Committee; and Marlene

McKee and Ken Palmer serve on the Government Affairs Committee.

“Being a member of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce is definitely a benefit for United Community Bank as it continually offers a conduit for networking and marketing opportunities”, says Wayne Lowery. “The Chamber of Commerce also offers development programs like Leadership Henry.

Our bank participates in this program which provides leadership training along with an excellent overview of government, healthcare and education in Henry County.

Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce is a constant and consistent advocate for businesses in Henry County”. He goes on to say that he would recommend

BELLAMY-STRICKLAND Chevrolet • Buick • Pontiac • GMC Trucks

770 -954-3000 BELLAMY STRICKLAND

I-75 . 155 Hwy McDonough

I-75 • Exit 216 145 Industrial Blvd.

McDonough, GA

Sponsor The 2015

STAR Breakfast

Ken Palmer, East Metro Regional President United Community Bank

any business in Henry County to join the Chamber of Commerce for the networking and marketing opportunities it provides; and the support the Chamber of Commerce gives the business community as an advocate of local business interests.

Student / Teacher Appreciation Recognition Breakfast The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee is proud to once again host Henry County’s STAR Breakfast at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. During the annual event, Chamber officials will honor our county’s 2015 STAR Students and Teachers. Chamber members are invited to show support for the STAR Breakfast by sponsoring at one of the levels below.

Supernova — $500 — Recognized at the STAR Breakfast, newspaper articles and on the STAR printed program. Three of your representatives may attend the breakfast and have your picture taken with the STAR student and

For more information about United Community Bank, contact: 770-507-5855 Gina_Curran@ucbi.com Ucbi.com

STAR teacher for the press release Shining Star — $300 — Recognized at the STAR Breakfast and on the STAR printed program. Two of your representatives may attend the breakfast.

Rising Star — $150 — Recognized at the STAR Breakfast and on the STAR printed program. One representative may attend the breakfast.

Contact the Chamber at (770) 957-5786 for additional information.

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DECEMBER 2014 Sunday

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3 8 AM Leadership Henry BOD, BR

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5:30 PM Annual Holiday Party, Holiday Inn & Suites, Stockbridge

Saturday

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8 AM Youth Leadership Henry BOD, BR

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11:30 AM HCCC Exec Comm, BR

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Chamber Staff David Gill, President & CEO Laura Luker, Director of Tourism Lydia Pierre, 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 Shane Persaud, Vice Chair for Government & Education, Communities in Schools of Henry County

8:30 AM CVB BOD, BR 8:30 AM Education Comm, TR

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7:30 AM HCCC BOD, BR

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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 Sharon Ponder, Bennett International Group, LLC 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 Scott Whitmire, Georgia Power

Chamber Closed

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 Rodney Bowler, Superintendent, Henry County Schools Bill Herndon, Chairman, Henry County Development Authority Tony Cardell, Henry County Water Authority Donna Braddy, Chair, Leadership Henry

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

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770-957-9005 StrawnInsurance.com

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Is Your Business Leaving Money on the Table?

By Alisa Kirk, Area Director, Clayton State University SBDC If you worked hard to earn $100, would you take the money?

If you’re in business, I sincerely hope you answered, “Yes!” It makes sense that if you earn money, you expect to receive it.

Yet many small business owners are leaving money on the table by not using that sale to create more business. Let me explain.

I see entrepreneurs every day who are work extremely hard but don’t get the maximum value for their work by performing the preliminary task (marketing) or follow-up task (customer contact). Maybe they didn’t adequately market their event and people who might have come didn’t know about it. Maybe they got some great clients in the door, but didn’t follow up with them later to offer

further services.

There’s usually a simple explanation for why you leave money on the table: you’re busy.

Managing a business where you perform several roles can be taxing, but as I often tell my clients, you do the hard work (creating the product, holding an event, performing a service) and neglect the easier work. It doesn’t take much more work to ask people to share news of your business with their friends and colleagues or to call customers later to find out how they liked your service or if they need more assistance.

As you’ve probably heard, it’s much cheaper to keep a customer than to create a new one. Marketing through your customers can be low-cost and very effective, since most buying decisions are made after soliciting recommendations from friends,

family, and colleagues. If your customers are happy, they’ll recommend you to others. Why not speed the process and ask them for the recommendations?

One more point: many entrepreneurs lose out on marketing and future sales opportunities because they don’t ask. That’s right, they don’t ASK. I recently had a client working on her elevator pitch, and we did a little role playing, with me as a prospect. When she was done, she waited expectantly for my feedback. I just stared at her.

Finally, she asked me, “Well, what do you think?” I replied, “You didn’t ask me for anything specific, so I didn’t answer.” It was eye-opening.

Bottom line: constantly look for opportunities for marketing and sales, and when you get the chance, ask.

The Educated Plumber 770-474-5555

www.eduplumber.com 195819-1

Strawn & Co.

HenryCounty.com

HenryCounty.com

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Chamber Briefs.

Congratulations to...

Shane Persaud who was presented the Community Service Award at Commissioner Bruce Holmes Youth Foundation event

Leadership Henry Local Government Day

Government in Henry County was the topic for the first class day for the Leadership Henry Class of 2015. Members of the class spent the day learning the ins and outs of what it takes to make Henry County function. The first stop was the Henry County Administration Building to hear from local government officials on things like taxes, roads, community development, and more.

The next stop included lunch at Kirby G’s before heading over to the judicial center complex to hear from Henry County Solicitor General Trea Pipkin. The class received a detailed presentation on the court system in the county and received a tour of the judicial facilities afterwards. The class also took part in October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities by donning their pink attire.

Ackerman Security Systems on raising and donating over $2,000 to Northside Hospital Cancer Institute benefiting their Breast Care Program.

Class members hear a presentation from the Henry County Tax Commissioner’s Office.

Sutherland’s Foodservice, Inc. on being a finalist for the 2014 Georgia Family Medium Business of the Year Award.

Class members listen to a presentation given by Henry County Solicitor General Trea Pipkin

Class members in front of the Judicial Center complex wearing pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Join Us At The Chamber Annual Banquet February 7

Jailhouse Brewing Company on being the Winners of the Pro Division at Brew Your Cask Off!

The Chamber’s 48th Annual Meeting/Dinner will be held at the Eagle’s Landing Country Club on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 6:00 pm.

Presenting Sponsor for the banquet is Piedmont Henry. Tickets are $125 per person and tables of ten can be accommodated. The ticket order form is available on the Chamber’s banquet website at www.hcccannualbanquet. com, or you can call the Chamber at 770-957-5786 to purchase tickets. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, January 23, 2015.

Get Set Grow on raising $6507.43 from this year’s Scrub Run 5K and presenting a check to the Back Pack Food for Kids Program.

Chamber Board of Directors Chairman, Charlie Scott will officially pass the gavel to the 2015 Chair, June Wood. We will recognize the recipients of the 2014 Business of the Year; the Billy Carter Public Service Award; the Volunteer of the Year and the Citizen of the Year.

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

Together Making Henry Better Our Chamber … Our Community Presenting Sponsor:

HenryCounty.com

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it’s happening in Henry Comfortably South of Atlanta Yule Forest on Hwy 155 2014 Stockbridge Tree Farm open 7 days a week, Holiday Festival 9:00 AM – dark Tuesday, December 2, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 3565 N. Hwy. 155, Merle Manders Conference Stockbridge, GA 30281 Center & Clark Park 770-954-9356 or

Features: Santa & Mrs. Claus, Live Reindeer, Live A Farmstead Christmas!

Entertainment, Holiday Train Southern Belle Farm Rides, Tallest Elf in the World, Mon – Fri 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Face Painting, Refreshments, and Sat 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Much More!

Sun 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Come enjoy Christmas festivities Christmas at Home Parade through December 14th.

Call 770-288-2582 or visit www. Thursday, December 4, 7:00 PM southernbellefarm.com for details. – 9:00 PM www.aboutyule.com

Gift of Lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway Through January 1, 2015 Atlanta Motor Speedway

Lights celebrate the holiday season as Atlanta Motor Speedway turns into one of the area’s biggest drive-through Christmas light parks! Hundreds of displays with over a million lights will help get you in the holiday spirit. For more information visit www. atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus Saturday, December 6th, 9:00 AM -12:00 PM Hampton Train Depot

Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your Tickets $5 each. Visit www. Candle Light Christmas Eve Service own camera for pictures also. henryartsalliance.org for info.

Christmas Tree Lighting on the McDonough Square December 6th, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Historic McDonough Square 5 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253

Santa Saturday on the McDonough Square December 13th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic McDonough Square 5 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253

This is a FREE event for children, sponsored by the Hampton Main Street Program. Please contact Denise McKay at 770-946-4306 or dmckay@cityofhampton-ga.gov Come join the fun, caroling Have your picture made with for more information. and lighting of the tree on the Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your McDonough Square. Stay for the own camera for pictures also.

Christmas in The Grove parade that follows.

Saturday, December 6th, Parade at 10:00 AM Historic Downtown Locust Grove

McDonough Christmas Parade December 6th, 6:00 PM Historic McDonough Square Downtown Hampton 5 Griffin Street, Come see Santa and his LIVE Pictures with Santa; Craft Fair; McDonough, GA 30253

Santa’s Sole Train 5K December 13, 9:00 AM

December 24th, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Historic McDonough Square 5 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253

Candle Light Christmas Eve Service on the McDonough Square with Connecting Point Church.

New Year’s Eve Geranium Drop December 31st, 8:00 PM Historic McDonough Square 5 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253

Benefiting Pur(shoe)ing Joy, Ring in the New Year on the McDonough Square!

McDonough

Truett’s Grill New Year’s Eve Nugget Drop December 31 the Christmas Parade. Santa Legends and Bandolero racing 7:00 p.m. – Midnight will be in the parade to start the returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway Truett’s Grill – McDonough

Legends Racing – Winter Flurry reindeer. The parade will line up Puppet Show; Visit from the Ice Gather the family and friends and Series – Week 2 December 13th at Hampton Elementary School Princess; Jumpies spend a fun filled time watching Atlanta Motor Speedway

at 6:00 pm. Downtown businesses are open late and provide tasty holiday treats. There will be snow machines and pictures with Santa! This event is sponsored by the Hampton Business & Merchants Association. For more information, please contact Sharon Tarpley at 770-946-5490

mrich@locustgrove-ga.gov / 770-692-2320

in the fall with off-season racing Santa Saturday on the as NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow Christmas with the Arts McDonough Square prepare for the summer Thursday December 7th, Thunder series. Kids ages six to 11 December 6th, 3:00 PM at Henry County are admitted for just $5 while adults 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Performing Arts Center pay only $12; admission is free for Historic McDonough Square An afternoon of music, dance, children ages five and younger.

5 Griffin Street, Visit www.atlantamotorspeedway. theatre and art.

Featuring Visual McDonough , GA 30253 com for more information or call Have your picture made with Arts Collective Art Contest Display. (770) 946-4211.

Holiday season.

Truett’s Grill is again hosting a familyfriendly alternative to the typical New Year’s celebration. The highlight of the evening will be during the New Year’s Eve countdown when a giant nugget is dropped into faux honey mustard to ring in 2014. In addition to the Nugget Drop, the restaurant will host a variety of fun-filled, free activities for all ages.

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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!

City of McDonough

Henry County Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau

Billy Copeland, Mayor

1709 Highway 20 West Westridge Business Center McDonough, GA 30253

770-957-3915

770-957-5786

8 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.389.9060 x102 eausband@revanta.com

Tim Thompson, Mayor 770-389-7910

770-946-8088 Nail-Air.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 75 FIFTH STREET NW, SUITE 175 ATLANTA, GA 30308 ECONDEVGA@SOUTHERNCO.COM WWW.SELECTGEORGIA.NET

Henry County’s choice for

Eddie Ausband, CFP

City of Stockbridge

If you’re looking for the perfect location, we can help. Along with SelectGeorgia, our powerful new state-of-the-art system for finding the best site or building for your company, our team of professionals provides world-class service to meet all your site location needs. We are here to be part of your team by providing our expertise, products, and services to you free of charge.

From target industry knowledge to site analysis to visit coordination, we do it all. Contact us.

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Rodney Bowler Superintendent 770-957-6601 770-914-6178 FAX rodney.bowler@henry.k12.ga.us 22 N. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253

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

Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

770-288-3500

Proudly Serving Henry County

4870 Bill Gardner Pkwy.

Locust Grove, HA 30248

HenryCounty.com

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Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome to our NEW Chamber Members All Advanced Fence Co. LLC Steve Long 1680 Meredith Park Drive McDonough GA 30253 (770) 480-1600 Caduceus Occupational Medicine Leela Barney 414 Hwy 155 South, Suite 15&16 McDonough GA 30253 (770) 302-6990 Global Solutions Robin Sagarese 4902 Bill Gardner Parkway Locust Grove GA 30248 (404) 583-5366 Goodwill of North GA Brenda Marshall 235 Peactree Street Atlanta GA 30303 (678) 760-4515 Ketpainting LLC Kevin Taylor 872 Brownlee Rd Apt 121 Jackson GA 30233 (678) 699-8505

NLC Tech Services Jimmy Potts 49 Hampton Street McDonough GA 30253 (678) 449-6353 Pampered Beauty Nail Spa & Boutique Dannelle Crowe 2105 Jonesboro Road McDonough GA 30253 (404) 819-1092 Party Galore Catherine Brownlee 4942 Bill Gardner Pkwy Locust Grove GA 30248 (678) 593-5498 PPJB Enterprises, Inc. Parminder Grewal 158 John Frank Ward Blvd McDonough GA 30253 (678) 432-0702 Unforgettable Memories Photo Booth Burt Watkins 558 Bethlehem Rd. Locust Grove GA 30248 (404) 557-9086

October 23, 2014 Farmer’s Insurance

October 24, 2014 Life Enrichment Realty

October 28, 2014 Kona Ice

October 30, 2014 Autumn Leaves of Stockbridge

Contact: Phyllis Brumfield 297 Country Club Dr Stockbridge, GA 30281 (678) 814-4933 www.farmersagent.com/pbrumfield

Contact: Audrey Clark 3434 Highway 155 Locust Grove, GA 30248 (678) 583-3411 www.lifeenrichmentrealty.com

To our RENEWING Chamber Members 92.5 FM The Bear Advanced Family Eyecare of Hampton American Family Insurance - Lillett Johnson C & C Fence Company Caritas Medical Center Charlene Alexander, CPA, PC CTP Transportation Products Edward Jones Investments - Paul Rippa Encompass Group, LLC Express Oil Change & Service Center Hooters of McDonough HydrauliCircuit Technology, Inc. Locust Grove Pediatrics, LLC

Magnolia Golf Group Microtel Inn & Suites Mike Biggers Mike Vining Heating & Air New Creation Christian Academy Office of the District Attorney, Flint Judicial Circuit P&D Printing, Inc Paychex, Inc Pin Strikes Entertainment Center Premier Restoration, Inc RAM-Tech PC Solutions Stockbridge Presbyterian Church United Community Bank

Contact: Larry Carder 80 Candler Rd. McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 880-5627 www.kona-ice.com

Contact: Kathy Rainwater 100 Monarch Village Way Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 376-6753 www.autumnleaves.com

Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2015 builds esprit de corps

The Youth Leadership Henry class of 2015 had its first outing together on Tuesday, November 4. While their parents were out voting and working, the class members were getting to know each other and building cohesiveness as a class.

The class met at the Chamber of Commerce, and boarded the bus to be taken to the Fortson 4-H Center in Hampton. The facility is ideal for teambuilding activities, and their excellent staff kept the class safely engaged the whole time they were there.

The day started with a variety of fun activities on the ground. These helped

class members, from various public and private schools across Henry County, get to know each other. Using tennis balls, ropes, hoops and more not only provided fun but helped with learning names and schools and such in the process.

Getting off the ground, the class did a variety of activities on cables and planking that required critical thinking, teamwork, and mutual dependence to complete the task at hand. Class members learned a lot about each other’s’ strengths, and how to tap into them to achieve a goal.

The “high” light of the day were the activities on the rock wall and zip line. Participants learned how to

correctly wear a harness and helmet; how to communicate to ensure safe participation by all, and how important team support is for the success of the person on the zip line or wall. There was ample opportunity for all of the class to do both of these activities, and those that desired, were able to enjoy them again before returning to the Chamber.

If you want to see some of the day’s activities, we encourage you to “like” the Youth Leadership Henry facebook page. Each monthly class meeting is shown there, so friends and family of the participants, and interested community members, can celebrate their

achievements with them. This month there are several hundred photos on the page, as well as a variety of videos

showing many of the activities.

The class is looking forward to Public Safety/Education day. Be sure

to look at next month’s Henrycounty. com insert in the Henry Herald to see what they did.

HenryCounty.com

business AFTER HOURS

December Business After Hours

Chamber’s 4th Annual Holiday Party

OctoberandBusiness After Hours enjoy the show with several About Business After Hours:

October Business After Hours was hosted by Cycle Nation of McDonough who put on a wonderful event with a Mexican taco buffet, refreshments, a photobooth, and complete with a comedy show! The Marketing Director & Event Coordinator at Cycle Nation, Timothy Gonzalez, invited not only HCCC members, but the public to the event as well.

Nearly 100 attendees came to show their support. Members were able to mingle with other professionals

Sponsored by:

The air is getting colder, the holidays are near, a time for celebration with those we hold so dear!

We’re having a holiday party and please say you’ll be here.

Let’s celebrate the season with good friends and good cheer!

Central Georgia EMC’s Commitment to the Community On October 16, 2014, Central Georgia EMC’s Board Member Warren Holder presented the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Henry County Development Authority, and the Henry County Board of Education with checks totaling $25,500 to go toward education, community, and economic development activities.

These funds come from unclaimed capital credits that remain with CGEMC after five years. Unclaimed capital credits were once remitted to the state of Georgia Department of Revenue, under Georgia’s Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (DUPA).

Unclaimed capital credits remaining after five years can now stay in the

communities served by Central Georgia EMC for the sole purposes of funding education, economic development and 501 (c) (3) charitable organizations in the EMC service area.

Many thanks to CGEMC for their continued support of the Chamber!

Pictured (l to r): Central Georgia

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EMC Key Accounts Representative Brandon Stooksbury, Henry County Schools Superintendent Rodney Bowler, Henry County Chamber of Commerce Director David Gill, Henry County Development Authority Chairman Bill Hendon, and Central Georgia EMC Board Director Warren Holder.

comedians and headliner, Dave Stone who came to the Business After Hours and shared their comedic talent with everyone.

The evening could have been even better for three Chamber members whose names were drawn from the Chamber Jackpot. Unfortunately for Tammie Duncan of O.B’s BBQ, Vanessa Jackson from Hudson’s Self Storage and Mr. Eric Oakley Thomas Concrete of Ga, were not in attendance and missed their chance at $100.

Business After Hours is a monthly networking event designed to bring 40-50 business professionals together to meet and build relationships in an informal setting. Each event is hosted by a different Chamber member and is a great way to meet new people and see the diverse business community in Henry County. If you would like to host a Business After Hours, please contact, Lydia Pierre at: lpierre@henrycounty.com.

HenryCounty.com

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business

Boosters luncheon

No December BBL

To all of you ...

October Business Booster Luncheon HCCC’s October business luncheon was very informational and with construction set to begin on Henry County’s managed lanes project in October, it is important that the community understand the resulting benefits that can occur to improve the state of traffic in our community.

This luncheon was an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask any

questions of the representatives of State Roads & Tolls Authority and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) who were present to provide answers. The provided information regarding the way the I-75 South Metro Express Lanes work and it’s possible rates. They also spoke about the expected time of completion as well as what can be expected during the construction phase. They provided the

attendees with fact sheets which further detailed the project and its objectives.

This information and more can be found on www.henrycounty.com in the resources section.

The Luncheon was sponsored by fellow chamber member, Michael Randall of Safeguard Security Solutions LLC with catering provided by Italian Oven.

and Best Wishes!

2015 “Race to Henry” T-Shirt Design Contest In celebration of the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway moving to March, the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Henry Arts Alliance have partnered with the Speedway to host the 1st Annual“Race to Henry”T-Shirt Design Contest.

For the past six years the CVB has designed and sold commemorative race t-shirts. This year, the featured t-shirt design will be created by a fan of racing and/or art. “We think this is a fun way to celebrate the race’s move to the second race of the season, showcase local artists and get some truly great designs that can help us tell the Speedway’s story, and, through it, Henry County’s story,” stated Laura Luker, Director of Tourism for the Henry County CVB. “The Henry Arts Alliance is delighted to partner with Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Henry County CVB on this fabulous contest,” said Lynna Schmidt, President of the Henry Arts Alliance.

“It is an exciting opportunity for artists of all ages to channel their creativity and design a t-shirt that will be seen all over the United States. How exciting for the winner!”

When the CVB began selling t-shirts 6 years ago, it was mainly to welcome race fans and encourage local spending. Through the years, these shirts have become collector’s items, highly coveted by race fans who must prove they spent at least $50 in Henry County to receive a shirt as part of the “Receipt Redemption Program.”The program has proven successful with approximately 350 shirts given out in less than three days at the August 2014 race. This represents more than $52,000 in local spending.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Henry County Convention andVisitors Bureau and the Henry Arts Alliance on the Race to Henry T-shirt Design Contest,”said Dustin Bixby, Director of Marketing and Promotions for Atlanta Motor Speedway. “It’s a neat way for fans

to show their creativity and support for the NASCAR Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, February 27 through March 1, 2015.”

The design contest is open to anyone who wishes to submit a design. Five finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and the winner will be selected by the general public via social media. The winner will not only have their design on the back of more than 300 t-shirts, but will also win a VIP Race Prize Package.

“What I really love about this contest is the fact that both budding young artists and professional artists are given a chance to enter a design,”continued Schmidt.“Art does not have to be viewed in a gallery. It can be seen in many different places and in many different ways. The art on this t-shirt will be enjoyed by many, many people.”

For questions, contact Lynna Schmidt at 678-358-6995 or Laura Luker at 770- 957-5786.

Dottie WISE

Associate Broker

Companion Care Cremation Services

910 Dailey Mill Road McDonough, GA 30253

owner

404.843.2500 Office 678-443-8407 Direct 404.683.0912 Mobile METRO BROKERS 1401 Highway 20 West

770-692-3819 Greg Cannon

dottie.wise@metrobrokers.com metrobrokers.com/dottie.wise

“Lillie”

www.companioncarega.com

McDonough, GA 30253

Each Firm is independently Owned and Operated

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Chamber

Connection Visits

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Last month Chamber Ambassadors paid a visit to member businesses with goodie bags in hand to say “Thank you� for their membership and promote a better understanding of the benefits of being a chamber member.

We appreciate all of our members and look forward to seeing them more at our many chamber events!

Ashley Furniture

Audubon Estates

Bravo Group

Global Solutions

Heartland Hospice

Introspective Solutions Counseling Services

Julie Griffin BHHS Georgia Properties

Magnolia Insurance Associates

Oral Surgery Associates

Procom Wireless

Right At Home Realty

Subway

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FINANCIAL FOCUS Charitable Giving Pays Off...For Everyone Americans are pretty generous — in fact, 83 percent of us donated money to charitable organizations last year, according to a Gallup survey. And now that we’re entering the holiday season, charitable giving well may be on your mind. Your key motivation for making charitable gifts, of course, is to help those organizations whose work is meaningful to you. However, by supporting these groups, you can also make life less “taxing” for yourself.

Specifically, by making charitable contributions, you may be able to receive some valuable tax breaks. To claim a deduction, though, you need to itemize your taxes, and you need to make sure that the organization you’re supporting is qualified, from a tax-deductibility standpoint. If you’re

unsure whether a group is qualified, just ask to see its letter from the IRS. (Many organizations now post these letters on their websites.)

Here’s how the charitable tax deduction works: If you give $200 to a qualified charity, and you’re in the 25 percent tax bracket, you can deduct $200, with a tax benefit of $50, when you file your 2014 taxes.

Consequently, the net “cost” of your donation is just $150 ($200 minus the $50 tax savings).

Of course, you are not confined to making cash gifts. In fact, if you donate certain types of noncash assets, you may be able to increase your tax benefits. Suppose you give $1,000 worth of stock in ABC Company to a charitable group. If

you’re in the 25 percent bracket, you’ll be able to deduct $250 when you file your taxes. And by donating the ABC stock, you can avoid paying the capital gains taxes that would be due if you had eventually sold the stock yourself.

Keep in mind that if you want to deduct your contributions for the 2014 tax year, you’ll need to make your gifts by Dec. 31. One more reminder: Retain your paperwork.

If you made gifts totaling over $250 to any single charity — or noncash contributions of any items worth over $500 — the IRS requires written acknowledgments for your contributions.

If you want to take a longerterm approach to charitable giving,

while incorporating your gifts in planning for your estate, you might want to consider establishing a charitable remainder trust. Under this arrangement, you’d place some assets, such as stocks or real estate, into a trust, which could then use these assets to pay you a lifetime income stream. When you establish the trust, you may be able to receive an immediate tax deduction based on the charitable group’s “remainder interest” — the amount the charity is likely to ultimately receive. (This figure is determined by an IRS formula.) Upon your death, the trust would relinquish the remaining assets to the charitable organization you’ve named. This type of trust can be complex, so to create one, you’ll

need to work with your tax and legal advisors.

While the tax benefits associated with charitable giving are significant, they should not, ultimately, drive your gifting decisions. You should also consider the effect your gift will have on the other areas of your estate considerations — so make sure you communicate your plans to your family members.

In any case, though, be as generous as you can this holiday season and in the years to come.

Your generosity will be a rewarding experience — for everyone.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones does not provide tax or legal advice.

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Even If You Lose Your Job, To make sense of your retirement You Still Have Choices. savings alternatives, call today During difficult times, it’s easy to feel like things are out of your control. So it’s essential to consider every financial decision carefully, especially when it comes to your retirement savings.

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Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Financial Advisor John H. Dorminy IV, AAMS® Paul D. Rippa Lin Watts, AAMS® 190 Turner Street 2141 Highway 155 North 305 Olde Towne Way McDonough, GA 30253 McDonough, GA 30252 McDonough, GA 30252 (770) 957-0250 (678) 583-5090 (678) 583-1325

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

HenryCounty.com

Recap of HCCC’s 4th Annual Member Appreciation Luncheon October 2014 kicked off HCCC Appreciation month full of great prizes and events to let our members know just how much they mean to the Chamber and all of our community.

More than 150 representatives from member businesses of the Henry County Chamber attended the 4th Annual Member Appreciation Luncheon on October 31, 2014 at the Chamber.

The weather was great and the costumes were better. It was hard to tell the difference between handmade and store-bought Halloween attire and “secret” judges selected the top three costumes.

A $50 cash prize (provided by Nail Heating and Air Conditioning) went to third place winner, Greg Guy & Melanie Smith – Goodyear Aviation Products for their “Kimye” costume. A second place $75 cash prize (provided by Consolidated Copiers) was awarded to Steve Nail – Nail Heating & Air. The first place $100 cash prize (provided by Henry County Chamber of Commerce) was presented to Rick Ingram – Better Plumbing Services for his human toilet costume. Honorable mention goes to all the others, including Chamber Staff who were dressed as the cast of Gilligan’s Island!

The Original Shane’s Rib Shack provided delicious complimentary barbecue fitting the occasion. The Southern Credit Union provided the music and several members provided amazing door prizes to help make the event even more fun.

While Chamber events always provide excellent networking opportunity, this particular event gives the Chamber a chance to recognize all of our members and thank them for being a part of our organization and this community. We Appreciate You!!!

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Cancer doesn’t fight fair.

Neither do we.

Piedmont has brought MD Anderson Cancer Network® to Georgia. To find out how we are better together in the fight against cancer, go to piedmont.org/fight Copyright © 2014 Piedmont Healthcare 04133-0714