NOVEMBER 2014 Newsletter

henrycounty.com a henry county chamber of commerce publication

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 2014

Hampton • Locust Grove • McDonough • Stockbridge

in this issue

Chamber’s 14th Annual Golf Classic ... A Success!

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

September 30 was a perfect day for golf as over 100 golfers took to the links for the Chamber’s 14th Annual Golf Classic at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. The course was filled as every hole had at least one sponsor set up to interact and network with the golfers. A great time was had by all.

First place – McDonough Presbyterian Church

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.

Chamber members receive complimentary issues of both Georgia Trend and Southern Journal Magazine?

Second place – United Community Bank

Special thanks go to Piedmont Henry as presenting sponsor and to Outback Steakhouse for food during the awards presentation. Thanks to all the sponsors who made the Golf Classic a success Presenting Sponsor Scorecard Sponsor Third place – Wells Fargo

Flag Sponsor

Mulligan Table Sponsor

Save The Date!!

To celebrate the holiday season with fellow members and good cheer, we’re planning a holiday party to end the year!

Thursday December 4 • 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

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Chairman’s Message Henry County is Preparing for Progress!

Charlie Scott

Henry County leaders are working together to diversify our economy and believe that the County is strategically located to accomplish that goal. Recent events and announcements have certainly contributed to opportunities for the county to position itself as a manufacturing and technology hub in Metropolitan Atlanta.

Indeed, much is set to happen in Henry County. On the heels of an announcement that Total Systems of Columbus, GA is creating 450 jobs in a new Henry County facility, Governor Deal has visited Henry County twice for additional major announcements. The Governor held the ground breaking for the $260 million managed lane project intended to bring congestion relief to the area. Additionally, it is worth noting, he chose Henry County to make his historical announcement regarding the deepening of the Savannah Ports.

Local Leaders recognize the significance of these announcements and have been working to prepare to meet the challenges and pursue the opportunities.

In a model of cooperation, the Henry County School system and business leaders, through the Chamber sponsored E2 initiative, have focused on education in the community. As a result, the County now enjoys one of the States premiere Career Academies and along with its partners at Southern Crescent Technical College, Clayton State University and Gordon State College is prepared to deliver a workforce with exceptional programs in advanced manufacturing, logistics and other technical skills critical to today’s workforce.

Both elected officials as well as business leaders recognize the special opportunity that we now have before us. “We are focused on growing the manufacturing, hi-tech, entertainment, and medical sectors of our economy and recognize that our location along key

corridors can make our goal a reality.”, said Commissioner Brian Preston, whose district is at the intersection of these opportunities. Recognizing that there have been significant area investments in movie studios and medical facilities, local leaders are working strategically to grow those industries in Henry County.

“Henry County will be the gateway to the Atlanta region for the ports, and we are getting prepared to take full advantage of the opportunities the Port of Savannah expansion represents,” says Henry County Chamber President David Gill.

“We have to be smart and recognize both challenges and opportunities the Port expansion will bring to our community.

We are blessed to be in a strategic location and have a strong legislative delegation that has coordinated with Governor Deal to help us best prepare to meet these opportunities with success.”

Gill added, “Businesses looking for a manufacturing location in Georgia will recognize the value of rail, available skilled workforce, and close proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Along with abundant water resources and growing infrastructure, Henry County is becoming ideally suited

for companies looking to locate new industry within our State.”

Henry County is ready to capitalize on these opportunities. Representative Strickland added, “Local leaders have investigated barriers to entry, worked together to remove them and are now ready to diversify our economy and grow jobs.”

Broadband providers know that Henry County is taking their preparedness seriously. Local leaders have called on broadband providers to ensure that Henry County has the bandwidth to accommodate predicted industrial growth. “AT&T is honored to serve Henry County with a robust fiber network,” said Beth Shiroishi, President, AT&T Georgia, “We are able to provide fiber to any business that wants access to today’s high-speed global economy. AT&T is committed to Henry County and recognizes the great opportunities ahead for economic growth within their community.”

Other critical components of economic development are also in place.

Henry County is served by Central Georgia EMC, Snapping Shoals EMC and Georgia Power, ensuring that prospective industries will have ready availability to

Charlie Scott is President and CEO of Piedmont Henry

reliable and adequate power resources.

Henry County Development Authority Member Geoff Cauble agrees, “Community leaders are pulling together at the right time. We believe that tremendous opportunities are on the horizon and that working together to promote our workforce capabilities, our unmatched water resources, and working with the private sector to ensure we are fiber ready, makes our community competitive for commercial investment.”

With great opportunities come great challenges. Commissioner Preston agrees, “There is more work to do. We are grateful for the managed lanes, confident that it is a great first step in traffic congestion relief. We are working with the State to establish an interchange meant to divert truck traffic from our citizens and exploring the designation of industrial corridors that make sense for our residents and industry as we prepare for the expected growth. We believe that we have the leadership to meet those challenges.”

Senator Rick Jeffares explains, “I have been impressed with the community collaboration. The Water Authority recently slashed its impact fees, the Development Authority has focused on competitiveness identifying and eliminating barriers to entry while marketing our attributes to targeted prospects and our State and local officials worked with the Governor to prepare our workforce and reduce traffic congestion.”

The Chamber of Commerce is committed to continuing this effort. We have passionate leaders working together to ensure we are ready to take on the opportunities that can boost quality economic development and improve the quality of life for residents looking to live, work and play in Henry County. We invite you to join us and become a part of this effort. #shopHenry

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Business Profile Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc About the Organization Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. is a private non-profit community action agency that was created in 1964 to provide human services directed towards helping people become more self-sustaining and self-sufficient.

The purpose of the agency is to mobilize and utilize all public and private resources of Clayton County and other federal, state or local funds towards the alleviation of poverty in Clayton County.

The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

Mission Statement: “Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. is committed to the amelioration of the conditions and circumstances of poverty of people of Clayton County and surrounding areas. The agency advocates for the disenfranchised and provides for the delivery of essential services through structured programs which are designed to improve the quality of life, self-sufficiency and promotes responsible community involvement.”

Rev. Charles W. Grant was one of the original pioneers and was determined to provide the

Every LIFE has a story.

Celebrate it!

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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

oppor tunity for low income individuals and families to have a quality life. He began in 1964 going door-todoor gathering and sharing information that all people are created equal and committed to helping people help themselves. He was the Deputy Director from 1964 – 1980, and Executive Director of Clayton County CSA, Inc. from 1980 – 2014. He was highly

known and respected by politicians (local, state & federal), community leaders, groups and organizations and was admired by all who met him. After fifty years of service Rev. Grant passed away in April 2014 and is truly missed by his staff, and all of his many friends, family and those he served during his tenure with the agency.

Community Support The agency has seventy-six full time employees and six part time employees, and offers various program and activities to assist the low income individuals and families of Clayton, Fayette and Henry counties to become selfsufficient and self-sustaining. The agency offers numerous Programs such as CSBG - Emergency Assistance/Case Management, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Head Start, Weatherization, Transportation, Legal Aid, among others.

By coordinating and collaborating

with other human service agencies in Clayton, Fayette and Henry counties, Clayton County CSA, Inc is able to assist eligible residents with information and referrals, short term emergency financial assistance, training and technical assistance, etc. to sustain and maintain selfsufficiency.

Chamber Involvement Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc has been a member of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce since 1997.

Beechie Yates, who worked with Rev. Grant as his assistant for forty years, is now the Executive Director and is very committed to carrying on Rev. Grant’s legacy.

They believe that being a Chamber Member provides the opportunity of getting to know the businesses in Henry County and what they have to offer and that the information provided by the Chamber’s newsletters, meetings, special events, etc. are very

Beechie S. Yates, Executive Director

instrumental resources for everyone to gain knowledge of the county and what it has to offer.

“The Henry County Chamber of Commerce businesses refer individuals/families to our agency for assistance with programs we operate in Henry County” said Yates. “The staff and Board of Directors consider the Chamber members to be a very good source to promote the mission and purpose of the agency, and the benefits available to Henry County residents”.

Yates and the CSA staff are very determined to continue and add to the services Rev. Grant worked so hard for and give eligible citizens a hand-up rather than a hand-out.

For more information about Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc, contact: 1000 Main St, Forest Park, GA 30297 (404) 366-0517 Beechie Yates, csabsy@aol.com www.claytoncountycsa.org

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NOVEMBER 2014 Sunday

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9 AM-Noon SBDC 8 AM Leadership Henry 8:30 AM Community 8 AM Youth Leadership QuickBooks Class, HR BOD, BR Connections Comm, BR Henry, BOD

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13 10 AM Small Business Council, BR 11 AM Business Boosters Luncheon, HR

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

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19 7:30 AM HCCC BOD, BR 12 PM Ambassadors Luncheon

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Chamber Closed

30 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

Chamber Closed 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

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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Heather Chaney, Program Coordinator, Clayton State University Small Business Development Center I am not the only one who thinks I can successfully handle every crisis that comes my way all by myself. Secretly, I wear a cape; at least I do in my mind.

No, I can’t leap buildings in a single bound, I don’t have x-ray vision, or an array of costumes.

I am a former small business owner who failed to delegate.

Most superheroes have sidekicks.

Where would Batman be without the Justice League or Wolverine without the other X-Men? Most small business owners attempt to go it alone down the path of entrepreneurship. Stop playing superhero and ask for help (seek some sidekicks).

Take off your cape and do these two things in the next week.

• Recruit three people to help you with your business. They could be family, friends, a mentor; but ask three people to be your entrepreneurial sidekick.

Most people want to help, but they don’t know how unless you tell them what you need. Stop keeping it to yourself. These three people could ultimately become your board of directors or at the

very least your sounding board.

• Focus on what you do best, your competitive advantage, and outsource the rest. You will burn out (if you haven’t already) trying to wear all the hats in your business. You only have one head; how can you wear more than one hat? Make three lists: what you don’t like to do, what you can’t do, and what you shouldn’t do. That will help you focus your energy on what really matters: growing your business.

My advice to you: recognize this behavior and start delegating. What hats do you not like to wear? Who could you hire (unpaid intern, virtual assistant, part-time associate) to help you with some of these tasks? Start with a small task, for example updating your blog or website, and see how much time and energy you free up.

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Chamber Briefs.

Congratulations to...

Noah’s Ark on having cast members of the Atlanta Jake Carter of Southern Belle Farms on being filme “Red Band Society” visit their facility which was featured in Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 under 40. referred to as a “true oasis of healing” when mention in the blog of The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Hampton Elementary Charter School, Tussahaw Elementary, and Walnut Creek Elementary who all earned the highest-progress honor from the Department of Education.

Yule Forest on having American film actress, Chloe Moretz visit the Pumpkin Patch while visiting their Georgia hometown of Atlanta as mentioned in Mail Online.

Piedmont Henry Hospital on their new Piedmont Primary Care Physician- Omotayo Akinmade, M.D

Whaley Hammonds Tomasello, P.C. on being Jailhouse Brewing Company, on having Jailhouse named the Fourth Fastest Growing Firm in the Beer available in Publix Supermarkets. country.

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!

Youth Leadership Henry kicks off its Class of 2015

The Youth Leadership Henry Board of Directors met the members of the Class of 2015 at their evening reception on Tuesday, October 21. The event was graciously hosted by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service at their Henry location at Heritage Park.

After an opportunity to meet and mingle over a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres, the class and their parents learned about the “nuts and bolts” of the program.

They heard a little overview of each class meeting - teambuilding, public safety, education, healthcare, state government, county history; then discussed how our class will give back by doing a service project for the community and participation in the annual Hands On Henry project. This year’s class service project will be hosting a community-wide youth job fair on April 25, 2015 (mark your calendars).

Board member Coreda Shaw shared with the assembled class and their parents some vital information about planning for post-secondary study and success in life after high school. This group of Sophomores from all across our community will be prepared, have a plan, and know how to work it to achieve their goals!

The highlight for everyone in

attendance were the remarks by Representative Brian Strickland. A lifelong Henry Countian whose family has deep roots here, he shared a little about his life and commitment to our community.

His description of the positives that come from living a life of hard work, ethics and character were illuminating to those in attendance. A successful young attorney who is currently also representing House District 111 in the Georgia General Assembly, Brian showed and challenged these young people to become servant leaders in our community themselves.

The class is looking forward to their Teambuilding day on November 4, where they will get to know each other very well by working together on a variety of teambuilding activities at Camp Fortson.

Stay tuned right here next month when you open Henrycounty.com and see pictures and a description of the day’s activities.

If you want to keep up with class events and programs, 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.

HenryCounty.com

it’s happening in Henry

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Fall Festival

Comfortably South of Atlanta Fall Festival & Chili Cook-off November 1 – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM McDonough Square www.mcdonoughga.org Night at Tanger - Secret of Savings Interactive Web Game November 3-30 Tanger Outlet Center Experience the magic of the museum and the Secret of Savings, join Larry and his motley group of historical characters of Night at the Museum 3 and play our Night at Tanger - Secret of Savings game to win one of two Night at the Museum Family Adventures and a $10 Gift Card to shop at Tanger Outlets!

Henry. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy that will go to children in need in the County. There will be live music and lots of holiday fun and games for all ages.

For more information contact lspeere@aol.com or 770-957-0768 http://www.

SpeerEntertainment.com

Henry County Backyard BBQ Cook-Off November 8 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Jason T. Harper Event Center – Heritage Park The Best Barbeque chefs from all over will battle against the average backyard grill master in this family event to determine who makes the BEST BBQ Driving 101 in Henry County! But November 7-9 that’s not all....Grill Master Atlanta Motor Speedway Cooking Show, Paintball Learn more at www.

Shooting Gallery, Cornhole/ driving101.com or call (877) Tailgate Toss, SEC Football 722-3527. games on the big screen, balloons, face painting, Noel In November moonwalks and more.

November 8 Come join us for family fun!

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM HCBBQ@ Locust Grove Recreational preventchildabusehc.org or Center 770-507-9900. Adults $15, A family friendly holiday event to benefit Connecting Children 10 and under $5.

Merchants Holiday Open House & Holiday Festival of Arts/The Grinch November 09 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM McDonough Square Visit the Square for Holiday shopping, dine and enjoy the activities on the Historic Square. Check out The Grinch, he’ll be there! Bring your camera and make your picture with The Grinch from 1 PM – 4 PM. Hampton Veterans Day Observance November 11 – 11 AM Depot Park Veterans Day Ceremony November 11 – 11 AM Veterans Wall of Honor – Heritage Park City of Stockbridge Veteran’s Day Parade November 11 - 10:00 a.m.

Stockbridge Cemetery (4380 North Henry Boulevard) 770-389-7900 The Henry Players present: A Nice Family Gathering November 13,16, 20-23 Stockbridge Arts Center “A Nice Family Gathering” is a story about a man who loved his wife so much,

he almost told her. It’s Thanksgiving Day and the first family gathering at the Lundeen household since the Patriarch died. At the gathering, Dad comes back as a ghost with a mission; to tell his wife he loved her, something he neglected to tell her while he was alive.

After all, they were only married for 41 years. The problem is, she can’t hear or see him. The trouble begins when Mom invites a date for dinner. www.henryplayers.com

Legends Racing Winter Flurry Series – Week 1 November 15 Atlanta Motor Speedway Legends and Bandolero racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway in the fall with off-season racing as NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow prepare for the summer Thursday Thunder series. Kids ages six to 11 are admitted for just $5 while adults pay only $12; admission is free for children ages five and younger. Visit www. atlantamotorspeedway.com for more information or call (770) 946-4211.

2015 Miss GA USA/Miss GA Teen USA November 20-22 Henry County Performing Arts Center Pageant Live from McDonough visit: www. missgeorgiausa.com Richard Petty Driving Experience November 21-22 Atlanta Motor Speedway Learn more at www. drivepetty.com or call 1 (800) BE-PETTY.

the tree lighting will consist of music by Mackie Creek Band, the lighting of the City Hall grounds, and the arrival of Saint Nick. Come settle that turkey dinner with your friends and family in Locust Grove before shopping at nearby outlets and retail stores.

Hampton’s Lighting of the Tree Thanksgiving Night – November 27 – 7:00 PM Depot Park

November Outlet Madness and Moonlight Madness Sales November 27-30 Gift of Lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway Tanger Outlets November 22 – January 1 As soon as the Thanksgiving meal is finished, it is time to Atlanta Motor Speedway Lights Celebrate the holiday get ready for some serious outlet shopping fun and the season as Atlanta Motor season’s biggest savings at Speedway turns into one Tanger Outlets! At 6:00pm of the area’s biggest driveon Thanksgiving night, through Christmas light Thursday, November 27th, parks! Hundreds of displays Tanger will kick off the holiday shopping season with over a million lights with its annual Moonlight will help get you in the Madness Sale event. Find holiday spirit. For more exclusive, After Thanksgiving information visit www. deals starting at 6:00pm and atlantamotorspeedway.com. continuing throughout the entire weekend, November Lighting of the Tree (Locust 27 - 30. Download the Grove City Hall) special offers available November 27 all After-Thanksgiving Locust Grove City Hall Grounds Weekend long on www.

To begin earlier this year, tangeroutlet.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!

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

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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

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Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome to our NEW Chamber Members American Diabetes Association Beatriz Gaffney 233 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303 404-320-7100

Neal Electrical Solutions Alyssa Neal 7520 Southlake Pkwy Jonesboro, GA 30236 770-471-2357

Bravo Group Real Estate Services Joseph Watkins 102 Love Street Stockbridge, GA 30281 678-833-2872

Keller Williams Atlanta Partners Priscilla McCammon 108 Dogwood Ridge Hampton, GA 30228 678-878-6048

Fathom Realty Sylvia Gause 410 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 4245 Cumming, GA 30041 704-806-6779

Stockbridge Inn Jay Master 7265 Davidson Pkwy. N Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-474-1700

Kirk The TV Guy, LLC Kirk Stephenson P.O. Box 143553 Fayetteville, GA 30214 404-935-6171

Subway Margie Lynn 2135 Highway 155 North McDonough, GA 30252 770-914-6595

To our RENEWING Chamber Members ABC Montessori School Black Tie Formal Wear, Inc. Courtesy Cleaners Creative HomeCare Delta Plumbing, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Fancy That Fine Jewelry Georgia Crown Distributing Co. Get Set Grow Event Management Hampton Business & Merchants Association Heartland Hospice Henry Arts Alliance Henry County School System Joe S. Chafin, DMD, PC June Wood L & M Business Forms, Inc. Legacy Ford Hyundai Legal Shield - Beverly Van Gorder

LiveOn Health Center MBA Wellness Centers, LLC McDonough Arts Council, Inc. McDonough Methodist Academy Paw Pad, Inc. The Power Plus International Inc. Primary Pediatrics / Pediatrics After Hours Pumpkin Patch at Yule Forest (The ) Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc. Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center Showcase Signs, Inc. Snider-Killingsworth Insurance & Risk Management Tabernacle of Praise Church Troy University - East Atlanta Wash Me Fast Wells Fargo Western Inn

October 17, 2014 Reeves Creek Trail

October 15, 2014 Angelle’s Hospice & Palliative Care

October 10, 2014 Verizon Wireless Communications of McDonough

October 10, 2014 1010 Computers, LLC

415 Flippen Rd. Stockbridge, Ga. 30281 770-389-7900 www.cityofstockbridge.com

2030 Avalon Pkwy., Suite 435 McDonough, Ga. 30253 Cassandra Freeman • (678) 432-2300 angelleshpc.com

1557 Hwy 20 West McDonough, GA 30253 Derrick Davidson • (770) 957-0600

1107 McDonough Place McDonough, Ga. 30253 Kendall Jackson • (404) 585-6253 www.1010computers.com

October 8, 2014 American Heritage Gun Range

October 7, 2014 Kiwanis Henry County Fair • Heritage Park

775 Highway 42 North McDonough, GA 30253 Sherri Fort • (678) 432-4867 americanheritagegr.com

McDonough, GA 30253 Vanessa Conwell • (678) 583-5079 www.kiwanisclubofhenrycounty.org

HenryCounty.com

business AFTER HOURS

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, there will be no Business After Hours in November.

Score and the Henry Chamber have had a co-operative working relationship for many years. Every Friday, highly experienced SCORE mentors provide FREE counseling to business owners and prospective owners at the Chamber offices. You can register for these services by going to the following site: atlanta.score.org/mentors

In addition, you can register on that site for FREE on line webinars.

Upcoming webinars include: Winter Weather Preparedness - 11/6 at 2pm Eastern/ 11am Pacific 5 Steps to Grow a Strong Online Presence - 11/11 at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific

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A September Business After Hours To Remember with the City of Stockbridge The City of Stockbridge hosted the Henry County Chamber of Commerce September Business After Hours(BAH) on Thursday evening, September 25 at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge. Outback Steakhouse, who is also a Chamber member and Stockbridge business, satisfied our appetites with several of their culinary delights. In addition, the City of Stockbridge gave away three $25 gift cards to Outback!

The event was bustling with Chamber members and representatives from the City of Stockbridge. Also in attendance were

members of the Stockbridge City Council Mayor Tim Thompson, and Councilman Alfonso Thomas.

Chamber President and CEO, David Gill, opened the event by thanking the City of Stockbridge for hosting the Chamber and second, Outback Steakhouse for catering for the event.

Mayor Tim Thompson spoke proudly about the newly renovated Conference Center and its various uses. Producer, director, and an actress, Lynna Schmidt also shared interesting information on the Henry Arts Alliance

and its programs.

The evening culminated with the Chamber distributing a variety of door prizes and mingling. It was a privilege to have the City of Stockbridge host such a successful After Hours event.

Thanks to all that attended and added to this great event! Don’t forget that there is no Business After Hours in November or December but to get ready for our Holiday Party in December. Details coming soon! Be sure to like us on FACEBOOK for more pictures and follow us on Twitter @ Henry_Chamber!

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business

Boosters luncheon

November Business Boosters Luncheon

September Business Booster Luncheon The September Business Booster Luncheon was a great event with food from OB’s BBQ and a wonderful presentation from Jordan Cavallin of Gordon State College of McDonough where she spoke about the future of Gordon State College in Henry County.

She also spoke about the new McDonough

Campus located within the Academy of Advanced Studies which is able to cater to traditional college age students as well as adults that are working on their degree while juggling work and family responsibilities. There was even a wonderful testimonial from a student currently enrolled at the McDonough

Campus in a degree program that offers him both convenience and value.

Special thanks to Dr. Ric Calhoun, Interim Director of Gordon State College at McDonough and Jordan Cavallin, who kindly accepted the invitation of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and held a short speech about Gordon State College.

“Show and Tell BBL” November 13, 2014

Catered by: Dottie Looking for new ways of sharing your company’s story and products?

“Show and Tell” was one of the earliest games you played in kindergarten. You loved it so much you still remember it half a lifetime later. Your teacher had you play it so you could learn how to share with others, and how to speak in public, essential skills that still serve you today.

If you’re a self-employed entrepreneur, it is up to you to draw potential customers to your business. The act of telling them about your craft is what we call sales.

When you played “Show and Tell” in kindergarten, you inspired many people to want what you had;

Come out to our “Show and Tell BBL” and bring out your inner child in your business and enthusiastically sell what you love to do.

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 by Thursday November 6 for planning purposes and can be made and paid online at www.henrycounty.com. Go to the Events calendar, then the BBL for November 13, 2014. To cover catering costs, no-shows will be billed. Lunch will be catered by Sam’s Southern Eatery.

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 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!

1010 Computers, LLC

Ballew Printing

Curry’s Collision

Estates at McDonough

Graffiti’s Pizza

Keyshia Davis of State Farm

Natural Enclosures Fence Company

P&D Printing

Piorra Mattress

Southeast Staging

Verizon Wireless Communications

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FINANCIAL FOCUS Open Enrollment: A Great Time to Review Your Retirement Plan If you work for a medium-to-large company, you may now be entering the “open enrollment” period — that time of year when you get to make changes to your employee benefits. Your benefit package can be a big piece of your overall financial picture, so you’ll want to make the right moves — especially in regard to your employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Take a close look at your 401(k) or similar plan, such as a 403(b), if you work for a school or a nonprofit group, or a 457(b), if you work for a state or local government. And keep these possible moves in mind: • Boost your contributions.

If your salary has gone up over the past year, or if you just think you

have a reasonable “cushion” in your disposable income, boost your contributions to your employersponsored retirement plan. Even if you can’t afford to contribute the maximum amount — which, in 2014, is $17,500, or $23,000 if you’re 50 or older — to your 401(k) or similar plan, try to put in as much as you can afford.

Remember the key benefits of these plans: Your money can grow tax deferred and your contributions can lower your annual taxable income.

(Keep in mind, though, that you will eventually be taxed on your withdrawals, and any withdrawals you take before you reach 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.)

• Don’t miss the match.

Try to take full advantage of your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. Your employer may match 50% of employee contributions, up to the first 6% of your salary. So if you’re only deferring 3% of your income, you are missing half the match — or leaving money “on the table,” so to speak.

• Rebalance, if necessary.

You may be able to change the investment mix of your employersponsored retirement plan throughout the year, but you might find that the best time to review your holdings and rebalance your portfolio is during open enrollment, when you’re reviewing all your benefit options. Try to determine if

your investment allocation is still appropriate for your needs or if you own some investments that are chronically underperforming. And always keep in mind the need to diversify. Try to spread your money around a variety of investments within your plan, with the exact percentages of each investment depending on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. As you near retirement, you may need to lower your overall risk level, but even at this stage of your career, you’ll benefit from a diversified portfolio. While diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss, it can help reduce the impact of volatility on your holdings.

• Review your beneficiary

designations. Your retirement plan’s beneficiary designations are important and, in fact, can even supersede the wishes you express in your will. So if you experience changes in your life — marriage, remarriage, a birth or an adoption, etc. — you’ll need to update the beneficiary designations on your 401(k) or similar plan. It won’t take much time today — and it can help prevent a lot of trouble tomorrow.

You work hard for the money that goes into your retirement plan — so make sure your plan is working hard for you.

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.

Edward Jones can help. We’ll start by getting to know your goals. Then we’ll sort through your current situation and work with you face-to-face to develop a strategy that can help you keep your retirement on track.

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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

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Chamber’s th Annual Holiday Party

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Thursday, December 4 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Stockbridge 638 Highway 138 West Stockbridge, GA 30281 ember, good fun.

Dear Chamber M with cheer and Holiday on as se ay lid is ho ive Let’s begin th e celebrate the season with a fest izes sure w or as do us d pr Please join entertainment an , od fo t ea gr h it Party filled w liday spirit. ho iday to get you in the al Chamber Hol e nu an h 4t e th at d mingle otos and th Let’s jingle an ess and look your best for a ph e Holiday pr th party. Dress to im made possible by our friends at stive hotel fe n festive celebratio – Stockbridge. This beautiful and l events. ia s ec ite sp Su d & an s Inn Hotel for holiday partie op dr ck ba ul rf tire – we is a wonde wear holiday at Inn & or k or w om fr e com oliday Whether you ng you. Be sure to think of the H ay party! ei lid se ho to s ’ look forward an your company pl u yo as e dg ri fore Suites – Stockb is required be P SV R an , es purpos lendar and For planning please add the date to your ca provide so . To November 20th– stering at www.henrycounty.com Lydia. gi for RSVP today by re event, call the Chamber and ask e ber! door prizes for th s” from the Cham “Happy Holiday

se a Ple VP RS

Door Prizes are Needed!

Promote your business...

Donate a Door Prize!

To donate a gift valued at $20 or more, contact Lydia Pierre at lpierre@henrycounty.com or call (770)957-5786.

Event Sponsor: Holiday & Suites – Stockbridge

RSVP Today!

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