August 2013 HCCC Newsletter by Henry County Chamber of Commerce

a he n ry c o u n t y chamber o f c o mmerce p u bl i ca t i o n

AUGUST 2013 in this issue Chairman’s Message

Business Profile

Calendar 4 Henry Happenings

Youth Leadership Henry

Chamber Connection

Ribbon Cuttings

Leadership Henry

Golf Classic

Business After Hours

H amp t o n

L o c u s t

G r o v e

Y OU R B U S IN E S S I S OU R B U S IN E S S

M c D o n o u gh

S t o c k br i dge

Welcome New Chamber Members! The Chamber recently welcomed several new members at a reception hosted by Eagle’s Landing Country Club. In addition to honing their networking skills, they learned about a variety of benefits that Chamber membership offers as they moved about the tables.

Business Boosters Luncheon 12 Edward Jones

Chamber Briefs

Chamber Membership

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.

Is your business ready

HCCC Nominations Committee is seeking a slate of candidates for 2014 Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

for Race Weekend?

Make plans now for a positive impact ... August 30 – September 1

See page 14.

HenryCounty.com

Chairman’s Message HENRY COUNTY WINS! Eddie Ausband

As a Chamber we talk a lot about economic development. We work closely with the Henry County Schools on education initiatives because we know industries want a skilled workforce. We talk about quality of life and access to quality healthcare and affordable housing as critical elements to attracting new companies and new residents to Henry County. Another crucial economic driver that is often overlooked in the economic development discussion is the tourism industry. Oftentimes the term “tourism” conjures up images of beach vacations, historic sites and European travel, but it could be a wedding, business trip or a large event like the upcoming NASCAR race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Henry County attracts its fair share of the latter types of tourists, but you may be surprised at what is one of the largest tourism drivers in Henry County – youth sports tournaments. In fact, in 2012 Henry County hosted more than 30 softball and baseball tournaments which drew approximately 40,000 visitors with an economic impact of $14 million. Not only are these guests contributing to Henry County’s economy, they require little if any services in return – in essence they represent “free” money for our county in terms of local tax dollars. According to the latest data from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, in 2011 tourists spent more than $202 million in Henry County which contributed almost $6 million in local taxes and almost $8 million in state taxes. They spent money at hotels, restaurants, gas stations and retail centers helping support the more than

2,000 local jobs provided by the tourism industry. For the last several years Henry County has been privileged to host the largest single weekend amateur sports tournament in the U.S. with more than 520 baseball teams participating this year. The event takes place in March, a month that for the hotels in most communities is slow but is actually Henry County hotels’ highest occupancy month -- thanks to this tournament. The USSSA Super NIT is the kick-off for the tournament season which runs through July. The hotels’ occupancy rates reflect the influx of visitors during this timeframe. In fact, the recent USSSA AAA World Series resulted in just under 1,400 total room nights for the competition’s four days. Henry County is fortunate enough to also have the largest soccer complex in Metro Atlanta. It hosts four large soccer tournaments which brings in teams from out-of-town as well as out-of-state. For 2013 it is estimated that the direct tourist spending from just these four soccer tournaments will

total more than $2 million. While our county’s recreational facilities give local youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, these large, out-of-town tournaments using these same facilities are contributing heavily to Henry County’s bottom line and to that of its businesses. The Henry County Chamber of Commerce/ Convention and Visitors Bureau works with the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department to retain the tournaments we have and to attract new ones to the area. While nothing is 100% recession proof, tournament related travel is fairly resilient. Parents may not be willing or able to pay for a big family vacation, but they often do whatever it takes to enable their children to participate in sporting activities like these tournaments. Investments in facilities like our sports fields that bring in these tourism activities and events are a stable foundation for future economic development. They help to sustain jobs for our residents, add to our quality of life, and infuse tourism dollars into our economy.

Eddie Ausband is President of The Ausband Agency, Inc. / Nationwide Insurance and CEO of Revanta Financial Group, LLC.

HenryCounty.com

Business Profile Clayton State University

About the University Clayton State University, a unit of the University System of Georgia where dreams are made real, is located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta. Clayton State is an empowering experience, an inclusive diversity, an engaged and experiential preparation and a supportive community for its 7,000 students enrolled in degree credit programs that, in the words of the University’s mission, provide “career-oriented education with a solid liberal arts foundation.” Clayton State first opened its doors in September 1969, and has been serving residents of Henry County since that time. The University first started offering classes in Henry County (in Locust Grove) in 2002. The college employs approximately 1,550 individuals. President Hynes’ tenure at Clayton State has featured the University putting into action a comprehensive strategic plan and its first brand campaign, “Dreams Made Real.” Clayton State was ranked third among state universities in economic impact in a 2012 study by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth, and fifth among public regional colleges in the south by U.S. News & World Report and was referred to as a “treasure of a Georgia university” by James magazine. Dr. Hynes has also overseen the opening of the Laboratory Annex Building, the doubling of the University’s on-campus residential housing, a record enrollment of more than 7,000, and the establishment of growing partnerships with the Clayton, Henry and Fayette public schools; all initiatives that track to a new strategic plan. During that same time, Clayton State has twice been named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s list of the Top 100 Workplaces in Atlanta. In March 2013, the Georgia Legislature approved funding for a new, $19.8 million science building. Additional labs and classroom space for the natural sciences have been a need for Clayton State since the University’s expansion from 4,675 students in 2001 to more than 7,000 students currently. Indeed, given the science course and lab requirements in the core curriculum, the lack of a dedicated science building has limited the University’s enrollment, in effect limiting the number of students who can make their dreams real at Clayton State. In addition to meeting the needs of the University, the new science building will also help the University meet critical needs in several fields in Atlanta’s Southern Crescent; notably in nursing, healthcare managers for Southern Crescent medical facilities, science educators, and entrepreneurs in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines. Clayton State’s graduate programs include: Master of Arts in Liberal Studies; Master of Arts in Teaching English; Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics; Master of Business Administration; Master of Health Administration; Master of Science in Nursing; Master of Archival Studies; Master of Science in Psychology; and Master of Education in Leadership.

Community Support The current Selig study shows that Clayton State’s economic impact on the Southern Crescent for FY12 was $256 million and 2,377 jobs. Over the past five years, according to the Selig studies, Clayton State’s economic impact has increased 39 percent, from $184 million. Within the same timeframe, the number of jobs the University was responsible for increased 37 percent, from 1737 jobs. Dr. Hynes says the results are gratifying, and part of the big picture of Clayton State’s role in the community, since such studies focus on spending and its economic impact, but do not attempt to measure the value the University System adds in terms of quality of life, the creation of a highly educated workforce to meet the needs of businesses, government and communities, or the overall health of communities. Clayton State’s Small Business Development Center provides valuable assistance to Chamber member businesses and start-up ventures in the community, as well as training classes relevant to business owners. In addition, Clayton State students, faculty and staff participate in or support a number of charitable organizations in Henry County such as The Calvin Center in Hampton. Chamber Involvement Clayton State’s membership with the Henry Chamber provides an invaluable service to the University in terms of giving the college a direct connection to a constituency that is of vital importance to the University. Like the other aspects of Clayton State’s community involvement, this relationship benefits Clayton State in more areas than just the economic or business arena. It also benefits Clayton State academically, since experiential preparation of students is one of the tenets of how Clayton State makes dreams real for students. For more information about Clayton State University: 678-466-4000 Email: info@clayton.edu Website: www.clayton.edu

Dr. Thomas Hynes, President

HenryCounty.com

AUGUST 2013 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

thursday

Friday

Saturday

8 AM Youth Leadership Henry BOD, Bd Rm

8 AM Leadership Henry BOD, Bd Rm

11 AM Business Boosters Luncheon at Academy for Advanced Studies, McDonough

8:30 AM Golf Comm, Bd Rm 3:30 PM Media Relations Comm, Bd Rm

20 8:30 AM CVB BOD, Bd Rm 10 AM Membership Committee, Bd Rm 11:30 AM HCCC Executive Committee, Bd Rm

Intergovernmental Retreat - Carrollton 5:30 PM Business After Hours, Tanger Factory Outlets Center

Intergovernmental Retreat - Carrollton

7:30 AM HCCC BOD, Bd Rm Noon, Ambassadors Luncheon Chamber Staff David Gill, President & CEO Laura Luker, Director of Tourism Diane Ide, Director of Communications Gary Sparrow, Membership Director Phyllis Reeves, Information Specialist 2013 Board of Directors Executive Committee Eddie Ausband, Chairman, The Ausband Agency, Inc. Charlie Scott, Chair-Elect, Piedmont Henry Leonard Moreland, Secretary/Treasurer, Heritage Bank Danny Brown, Immediate Past Chair, SERVPRO® of Henry, Spalding & Clayton Counties & Decatur

Brad Thomas, Vice Chair for Economic & Cultural Development, Snapping Shoals EMC William Strickland, Vice Chair for Chamber Development, Bellamy-Strickland Chevrolet June Wood, Vice Chair for Government & Education, Georgia Power Jeff Mills, CVB Chair David Gill, President & CEO CLASS OF 2013 Eddie Ausband, The Ausband Agency Steve Nail, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Shane Persaud, Building Design Partnership, LLC Jake Carter, Southern Belle Farm Denise Sowell, Capitol Street Financial Services

CLASS OF 2014 James Chafin, Henry County State Court Lisa Hunter, Southern Journal Magazine Leonard Moreland, Heritage Bank David Pittman, Bennett International Group William Strickland, Bellamy-Strickland Chevrolet Brad Thomas, Snapping Shoals EMC CLASS OF 2015 Herschel Arant, Central Georgia EMC John Newman, Classic Landscapes, Inc. Laura Turner, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta June Wood, Georgia Power Greg Hammonds, Whaley Hammonds Tomasello Monty Ray, Briggs & Stratton

Ex Officio Members Chairman Tommy Smith, HC Board of Commissioners Mayor Chris Moore, City of Hampton Mayor Robert Price, City of Locust Grove Mayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonough Mayor Mark Alarcon, City of Stockbridge Ethan Hildreth, Superintendent, Henry County Schools Charlie Scott, CEO, Piedmont Henry Bill Herndon, Chairman, Henry County Development Authority Roderick Burch, Henry County Water Authority Mary Battle, Leadership Henry Jonathan Hinton, Chair Appointee Gerald Hudgins, Chair Appointee Nick Williams, Chair Appointee

HenryCounty.com

Comfortably South of Atlanta Henry County Farmers Market Thursdays 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Jason T. Harper Event Center at Heritage Park Locally grown vegetables, handmade salsa, some of the freshest peaches in Georgia, jams/jellies and more! For complete details, call 770.288.8421.

For more information, visit www. thegraffitirun.com.

it’s happening in Henry zero to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds! General Admission tickets are just $20, kids 6-12 are $10, and kids 5-under are FREE. http://www.atlantamotorspeedway. com/events. This event will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Murder Mystery Theater Night August 14 – 6:00 p.m. French Market & Tavern The French Market and the Henry Players have teamed up to provide an evening full of fun and “killer” food. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for cocktails from the cash bar. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. with a 4 course dinner and an interactive murder mystery. Call 770-914-9312 for reservations/tickets.

Ladies Night Out • August 8 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Downtown McDonough Square McDonough Merchants on the historic downtown square welcome you and all of your girlfriends for a night out on the town to receive prizes, Park it at the Market Fridays through September discounts, and more! For complete details, contact 770.898.9311. Exotic Driving Experience – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. August 16-18 McBrayer Park Tax Free Weekend Atlanta Motor Speedway Purchase fresh produce, baked at Tanger goods, jewelry, artwork and crafts! Exotic Driving Experience gives August 9-10 Georgia Grown, Georgia Made. For you the opportunity to get behind information about being a vendor at Tanger Outlets the wheel of various supercars with Park it at the Market, please contact Tax Free Weekend is Back! Shop coaching and feedback provided by Candy Franklin at 770-946-4306 or Tanger Outlets during the Tax Free a professional driving instructor. Get Weekend Sale Friday August 9th and behind the wheel of such vehicles as cfranklin@cityofhampton-ga.gov Saturday August 10th. This is a great the Ferrari F430, the Lamborghini time to save on all your favorite brand Gallardo, the Aston Martin Virage, the HCSA Fall Soccer names to meet your back-to-school Porsche 997 S and more. For more Registration • August 3 shopping needs. Save even more with information, visit www.exoticdriving. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. your Tangerstyle 20% Off coupons com. North Mt. Carmel Park Soccer is the fastest growing sport in good at participating retailers. America. Parents and tots sessions Simply pick up your Tangerstyle are available for 2-3 year olds and coupons at the start of your shopping Richard Petty Driving recreation leagues are forming for trip at Tanger’s Shopper Services, Experience 4-19 & for adults over 30. located between Nine West (Suite August 16-18 222) and Nike. Atlanta Motor Speedway The Graffiti Run • August 4 For more information visit www. Global Rallycross Atlanta Atlanta Motor Speedway drivepetty.com or call 1 (800) BEThe Graffiti Run will be the most August 10 PETTY. colorful day of your life. The 5k course Atlanta Motor Speedway is more about having a blast with friends and family than it is about You’ve seen racing, but you’ve never Middle Georgia Model busting out four minute miles. Just seen anything quite like this! The Global Railroad Club exhibit show up in all white clothing, and Rallycross Championship makes its August 17- 18 – Saturday throughout the course you will enter debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm; “Graffiti Zones,” where the team will compact-style cars attack the course of douse you in color. Following the asphalt and dirt racing surfaces, with Sunday - Noon – 5:00 p.m. run, enjoy music, food and festivities. cars being capable of accelerating from Hampton Depot

The Mid-Georgia Model Railroad Club will be setting up a model train display at the Hampton Train Depot. This display is brought to you by the City of Hampton through the Main Street program. See the display on Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 11am-5pm. This is a FREE event. This event will be broadcast live on ESPN.

for battle. Expert runners and first timers of all ages will start out hot and dry and end up drenched and cooler in the Drenched 5K. For more information, visit www.rundrenched. com.

Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine Atlanta Motor Speedway Competing nearly every Friday night McBrayer Movietime from April through August, local and Hampton’s Got Talent competitors power up for weekly drag auditions racing among several divisions. The Show-N-Shine Car Show offers fans August 17 – 6:30 p.m. a chance to show off their rides in McBrayer Park Hampton’s Got Talent auditions will the comforts of the NASCAR garage. beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the movie Admission is only $8 and children five and under are free. Visit www. will start at dark. atlantamotorspeedway.com for more information or call (770) 946-4211. Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb NASCAR Hauler Parade August 17 August 29 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park Join us “on rope” for an adventure Downtown Hampton exploring the canopy above. Come to Hampton to watch the Participants will use rope and harness NASCAR Hauler’s cruise in for race for this moderately strenuous activity. weekend. After the parade enjoy a One group will start at 1PM; another plaque dedication and a Block Party group will start at 3PM. Please arrive on Cherry Street! 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 NASAR Sprint Cup parking. 770-389-7801 Series Qualifying Brad Keselowski Q&A The Concorde Cup Soccer United Sprint Car Tournament Series Racing August 16-18 August 30 North Mt. Carmel Park Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Night Racing is back at Drenched 5K Atlanta Motor Speedway this Labor August 17 Day Weekend! NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying will set the field for Atlanta Motor Speedway Whether you are young, old, slow or Sunday’s AdvoCare 500, followed by fast, everyone has fond memories a question-and-answer session with of hot summers where the best NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion way to cool off was a friendly spray Brad Keselowski. After that, the drivers of the hose, an ice cold bucket of of the United Sprint Car Series will water poured over a friend’s head, take on the quarter-mile “Thunder water balloons and water guns out Ring” in the debut of sprint car

racing at AMS. Admission is just $20 and kids 12 and under are free with an adult ticket. Call (877) 9-AMSTIX, (770) 946-4211, or visit www. atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Great Clips / Grit Chips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race • August 31 Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR’s top stars return to the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second of three evenings of NASCAR night racing. Saturday’s action will include NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice, followed by 300 miles of highspeed havoc as Brian Vickers, Elliott Sadler, Austin Dillon and other NASCAR stars slam doors in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race under the lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Adult tickets start at $30. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult ticket in General Admission seating. Call (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race September 1 Atlanta Motor Speedway The superstars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the track’s third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Labor Day weekend. Watch the sparks fly as the world’s best drivers, including Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and reigning champion Brad Keselowski, battle to the checkered flag for much needed points entering the postseason. Adult tickets start at $39 and student tickets start at $19. Call (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Mark Your Calendar

HenryCounty.com

Chamber Connection Visits Youth Leadership Henry seeking applications for the Class of 2014 Youth Leadership Henry is a program that enables high school sophomores to learn about all facets of their community, and how they can participate in making Henry County a better place to live, work, and play. Applications are now being accepted for the Class of 2014, and will be accepted until August 28, 2013. Applicants must be sophomore residents of Henry County who: are currently attending school, commit to full participation in the program, receive two recommendations and approval from both principal and parents to participate, and have at least an 84 numeric grade point average. Youth Leadership Henry requires a seven-month commitment from eachoftheparticipatingstudents.The program fee is $100.00 per person. This cost helps defray expenses including lunches, graduation dinner, and transportation and is due immediately upon receipt of acceptance to the class. The

schedule for the 2013-2014 class is as follows: Reception & Orientation Tuesday, October 22, 2013 (6:30 p.m.) Monthly Programs Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Saturday, December 7, 2013 Saturday, January 18, 2014 Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Saturday, March 22, 2014 Saturday, April 19, 2014-Hands on Henry Graduation Tuesday, May 6, 2014 (Evening) Applications can be completed online at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/2JVBJKD

Tapestry Hospice

James Motor Works Linda King, DDS

A list of the questions is available for applicants wishing to use a word processor to create their responses and then copy them into the survey – ask for the form (or for responses to other questions) by sending an email to youthleadership@ leadershiphenry.com

Perfect Portrait Family Dentistry

Charlene Alexander, CPA

On Wednesday, June 26th, two groups of Chamber Ambassadors dropped in on some of our 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 next!

rapy Physical The s n o lc a F ta Atlan

Newton Electric

Crichton Mullings

ecare h Family Ey McDonoug

mbing Harding Plu

Correct Med

e Pediatrics Locust Grov

Just For You Women’s Healthcare

“For 40 years, Strawn & Co., Insurance has operated under the vision and values set by my father. He held himself directly accountable for the success of his clients, valuing relationships much more than transactions. I saw his integrity in action, sometimes at the expense of the company - but always what he thought was right. He built his name upon the respect and honesty of these long-term partnerships. And as a Strawn, I couldn’t work any other way.” - Rusty Strawn, President

PROUDLY OFFERING PERSONAL, BUSINESS & HEALTH INSURANCE

June 18 Red Wing Shoes

1975 Jonesboro Road McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: David White (404) 274-5284 www.redwingshoes.com

June 19 American Family Insurance Eric Schwadron 2160 Highway 20 West McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Eric Schwadron (678) 783-5330 www.amfamga.com

As an independent insurance agency, Strawn & Co., Insurance is free to focus on what really counts: providing your family and/ or business with the most comprehensive coverages and competitive premiums available. This type of focus for our customers has kept Strawn & Co., Insurance one of the leading providers of property, casualty, life & health insurance in south Atlanta.

June 24 Web Mobile Fusion McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Lincoln Parks (678) 561-3185 www.webmobilefusion.com

June 25 Apollo Staffing

Call or Come in Today! 16 Hampton Street McDonough, GA 30253

770-957-9005

HenryCounty.com

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO’S ACCOUNTABLE, JUST READ THE NAME ON THE DOOR.

94 Vinings Drive McDonough, GA 30253 Contact: Jamie Cummings (678) 608-2933 www.staffapollo.com

HenryCounty.com

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! OF CLAYTON COUNTY OF DECATUR OF HENRY & SPALDING COUNTIES

Ethan Hildreth Superintendent

FIRE & WATER- CLEANUP & RESTORATION 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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 Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau 1709 Highway 20 West Westridge Business Center McDonough, GA 30253

770-957-5786

22 N. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253

General Manager McDonough

McDonough 865 Hwy.20/81 West 865 Hwy.20/81 West McDonough, GA 30253

McDonough, GA 30253

770-898-1988 770-898-1988

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

City of Stockbridge

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

Every LIFE has a story. Celebrate it!

Danny Brown

Mark Alarcon, Mayor SouthernJournalMag.com

770-389-7910

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

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

Greg Cannon

www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com

Companion Care Cremation Services

910 Dailey Mill Road McDonough, GA 30253

770-692-3819 Greg Cannon owner

it all. Contact us. We’re ON so you can be.®

770-775-7857

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

www.cgemc.com

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

“Lillie”

www.companioncarega.com

Henry County’s choice for

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

770-914-1414

HenryCounty.com

Leadership Henry announces the Class of 2014 The Leadership Henry Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of the Leadership Henry Class of 2014. These leaders will be participating in a series of monthly programs that develop their understanding of areas such as public safety, healthcare, education, economic development, government, and Charlotte Allen Henry County Emergency Center Dr. Kimberly Anderson Henry County Schools Brian Andrews Brian Andrews State Farm Agency John (Jack) C. Bowdoin Heritage Bank

community service; through interaction with local practitioners in each area. The class culminates in April 2014 with the planning and execution of Leadership Henry’s annual Hands On Henry project, enabling class members to give back to the community while reinforcing leadership skills by working with

Frank Askew Snapping Shoals EMC Shelly Clark Oracle Claire Cline United Way of Greater Atlanta Nicole Elkins Heritage Bank J.D. Hardin Henry County Schools Deborah W. Harper Georgia Power Company

Dottie WISE

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 McDonough, GA 30253

Luke McCarter Hearn Luke Hearn State Farm Agency Olivia (Katie) Himebook Henry County Tax Commissioner Kristie Kirksey-Grier Encompass Group, LLC Amanda Maddox Henry County 911 Patrick McHugh 15th Street Pizza

Brent Meredith Snapping Shoals EMC Sharon McDonald Kaiser Permanente Danielle Roberts Axam-Roberts Legal Group Greg Russell Piedmont Henry Hospital Shelly Selby Piedmont Henry Hospital Ben Thomason Central Georgia EMC

Michael A. Strickland Victory Tabernacle Church International Mark Wheeler Patriot Fire Protection Scott Whitmire Georgia Power Company Christopher T. Williams Georgia Power Company

Developing skills for leadership tomorrow

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

I-75 . 155 Hwy McDonough

Each Firm is independently Owned and Operated

volunteers on multiple service projects across Henry County, selected to improve the beauty of our community and to benefit many of the county’s non-profit organizations. We are proud to share the names of those selected to participate in this rigorous and rewarding program.

Save the Date Monday, September 30 2013 Chamber Golf Classic Time is Running Out

I-75 • Exit 216 145 Industrial Blvd. McDonough, GA

770 -954-3000

This year’s HCCC Golf Classic is fast approaching. The event will be held at Heron Bay Golf & Country Club on Monday, September 30, 2013. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, but you must hurry to secure your place at this prestigious event. This year’s tournament will feature cash prizes for first, second and third place teams and the putting green contest winner. There will be three hole-inone contests: two for an automobile and one for an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2013 Masters for your entire team. Golfers are sure to enjoy the performance of a professional long driver from MOI Golf. Sponsorships are available for as little as $100. Cost for a team of four that registers early (by August 1) is $750. Teams registering after that date will pay $800. As always there will be lunch on the course, and hors d’oeuvres provided by Outback during the awards presentation, as well as beverages throughout the day. Make your plans now for this fun event before time runs out! For more information about sponsoring the 13th Annual Golf Classic or to register a team, contact Gary Sparrow at 770-957-5786 or gsparrow@henrycounty.com.

HenryCounty.com

business AFTER HOURS

August Business After Hours Hosted by:

June 27 Business After Hours A Toast to Kay Over 200 friends, colleagues and fans turned out to bid a fond farewell to Kay Pippin on June 27th as she retired for the second time in her career. Kay served as president of the Chamber for over 11 years. Mayor Mark Alarcon was the spokesperson for the mayors of Henry County’s four cities, who collaborated to present her with a proclamation. Our

heartfelt thanks to: The Original Shane’s Rib Shack for the delicious food; the cities for the use of the beautiful Merle Manders Conference Center for the occasion; Absolutely Flowers for their special floral arrangement; and Web Mobile Fusion’s Lincoln Parks for his technology services. We extend our best wishes to Kay and Darrell and the Pippin family.

Thursday, August 22 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm 1000 Tanger Drive, Suite. 200 Locust Grove (770) 957-5310 The August 22nd Business After Hours is at Tanger Factory Outlets Center in Locust Grove. Tanger is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 43 upscale outlet shopping centers in 26 states coast to coast and in Canada, totaling approximately 12.9 million square feet leased to over 2,700 stores operated by more than 460 different brand name companies. More than 180 million shoppers visit Tanger Factory Outlet Centers annually. Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove joined the Tanger portfolio in 1994 and continues to create economic growth and development for the area. Tenant mix continues to meet changing shopper demand as the center recently expanded to offer now more than 320,000 sq ft of retailers, including newest additions such as Brooks Brothers Factory, Columbia Sportswear, Talbots, American Eagle and Kay Jewelers. For nearly 20 years our center has been Atlanta’s southern crescent favorite place to shop for the most popular name merchandise at the lowest guaranteed prices direct from the manufacturer. We are anxious to continue that tradition into another decade of positive shopper experiences. Join us on August 22nd for delicious

appetizers and yummy treats. Receive a free goody bag with special coupons and discounts and enter to win valuable prizes from Tanger retailers. Learn about our upcoming breast cancer campaign and how to rack up gift card money by purchasing Tanger gift cards for your business in bulk! Enjoy learning how to: tie a proper bowtie; create a designer wrap look for the fall; create attractive hairstyles with hair wraps; fold clothes in a matter of seconds; or learn what shoe best supports your foot and how to care for your leather and athletic shoes! Join us for a great time of networking and do-it-yourself fashion fun! It’s also a great time to take advantage of the many Back-to-School offers at Tanger! Business After Hours are monthly networking events hosted by Chamber members for current and potential Chamber members and invited guests (adults only please). The events are free and you do not need to RSVP to attend. Bring plenty of business cards for networking and for a chance at the door prizes. Don’t forget the drawing for the Chamber Business After Hours Jackpot - the lucky member whose name is drawn must be present in order to win. The August jackpot is $400. See you at Tanger Factory Outlets Center August 22nd for a fun-filled shopping opportunity!

(l – r: Darrell Pippin; Mayor Robert Price, Locust Grove; Kay; McDonough’s Mayor, Billy Copeland; Mayor Mark Alarcon, Stockbridge)

HenryCounty.com

business

– June BBL –

Boosters luncheon

Networking is Somewhat Like Dating

August Business Boosters Luncheon August 20, 2013 • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM NOTE THE LOCATION: Academy for Advanced Studies 401 East Tomlinson Street McDonough 30253 770-320-7997

“My Future is So Bright!” Facilitated by John Uesseler, CEO

The Academy for Advanced Studies (AAS), also known as the Henry County College and Career Academy, is dedicated to preparing the students of Henry County Schools with the knowledge and skills necessary to be both college- and career-ready upon graduation from high school. Through partnerships with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority, Clayton State University, Gordon State College, Southern Crescent Technical College, and many local business and industry representatives, the Academy

facilitates a viable and vibrant future workforce for Henry County and the surrounding region. Come see what the excitement is all about -- while enjoying a catered meal by the Academy’s Culinary Arts program and experiencing firsthand the rigor and relevancy of the programs offered by this valuable and unique educational experience. Note the change in location for this special Business Boosters Luncheon, providing participants the full advantage of seeing the AAS and what it has to offer. To

Alisa conducts an exercise to help people converse At the June 20th Business Boosters Luncheon Alisa Kirk, Area Director for Clayton State University’s Small Business Development Center compared networking at an event to dating, emphasizing that’s it more about the relationship you make than simply getting a name and phone number. She advised that you leave an event with a minimum of one relationship (not business card), and no more than five. After all, how many true relationships can you adequately and actively accommodate?

learn about the AAS before your visit, or to get directions, go to www.henry.k12.ga.us/aas. 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 August 15. To cover catering costs, no-shows will be billed.

Another suggestion was to find those with whom you have something in common – those are the people it is easy to establish a relationship with. “Most importantly,” says Alisa, “you’re not at the event to sell yourself, your services or your product – you are there to start a relationship. Listen to what the other person has to say, make mental notes, then follow up with that person within 24 hours.” “When they want to know more about you, that’s when you briefly provide them with something you really want

them to remember,”she advised. She also provided attendees with a few “pick-up lines”for those times when a conversation starter is needed. Alisa and Heather Chaney provide a variety of valuable training opportunities for small businesses. To consult with the SBDC, contact one of them at: (678) 466-5100 akirk@georgiasbdc.org hchaney@georgiasbdc.org www.georgiasbdc.org

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

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

Tips for Setting — and Pursuing — Financial Goals You can get lucky by finding a parking meter with time left on it. You can “luck out” by having nice weather on your vacation. You can even be lucky at love. But when it comes to financial matters, you’re better off not counting on Lady Luck — and focusing instead on setting and pursuing goals. Here are some suggestions for establishing and pursuing your financial objectives: • Be specific. You probably have a lot of ideas about what you want to do, but if you’re going to turn these wishes into reality, you need to get specific. So, for example, instead of telling yourself that you want to retire early, set a goal of retiring at, say, 62. You can then use this target number to help guide your overall investment strategy. To illustrate: You can determine that you need to

invest a certain amount of money each year, and earn a certain rate of return, to be able to retire at 62. You can also estimate about how much money you can afford to withdraw from your investment accounts each year to sustain a retirement that begins at 62. • Prioritize your goals. Of course, you want to achieve all your financial goals —and you can have a better chance of doing so if you rank these goals in terms of both importance and timing. For example, you may want to send your kids to college, purchase a vacation home and still be able to retire at age 62. How should you allocate your resources to each of these goals? Should you invest more at any given time for a specific goal? What types of investments are best for each of these goals? Prioritizing your goals can help you answer these and

other questions — and help direct your overall investment strategy. • Be prepared to change your goals. Over time, your family and financial circumstances can change considerably — which means you shouldn’t be surprised, or alarmed, if you have to change your goals accordingly. And you’ll find it easier to maintain this flexibility if you’ve worked diligently to create an investment portfolio with sufficient resources to allow you to change direction, as needed. • Review your progress regularly. If you’re going to eventually achieve your goals, you absolutely need to measure your progress along the way. Are your investments performing the way you had anticipated? Are your goals becoming more expensive than you had initially envisioned? To achieve these goals, are you taking on too much — or too little — risk?

We Understand Commitment.

For decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing financial solutions and personalized service to individual investors.You can rely on us for: • Convenience Locations in the community and face-to-face meetings at your convenience • A Quality-focused Investment Philosophy A long-term approach that focuses on quality investments and diversification • Highly Personal Service Investment guidance tailored to your individual needs

To answer these types of questions, it’s a good idea to review your overall progress at least once a year and then make whatever adjustments may be necessary. As you can see, it will take considerable effort to set, review and (hopefully) achieve your goals. And it can be somewhat complex, too, so you may want to work with a financial professional — someone who takes time to talk with you about your goals, understands your risk tolerance and family situation, and has the training and experience necessary to help you work toward your objectives. But in any case, think hard about your goals and how you might accomplish them. And don’t delay in taking action — because goals are generally easier to attain if you have time on your side.

Don’t count on Lady Luck – focus instead on setting and pursuing financial goals.

Call or visit today.

Financial Advisor Financial Advisor John H. Dorminy IV, AAMS® Lin Watts, AAMS® 190 Turner Street 305 Olde Towne Way McDonough, GA 30253 McDonough, GA 30252 (770) 957-0250 (678) 583-1325 Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

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July Chamber Briefs ... Congratulations to: The Henry Daily Herald for being recognized by Georgia’s press association at their 127th annual convention on Jekyll Island recently for excellence in news and sports coverage. The Herald received: lst place honors for sports column writing and headline writing; 2nd place for best photo gallery on a newspaper website; and a 3rd place recognition for local news coverage. Herald editor Jim Zachary accepted the awards on behalf of his staff

Henry County Schools for receiving word from the U.S. Department of Education that the school district was one of only six districts nationwide to be selected for a Math Professional Development Study, an opportunity that will generate over a quarter of a million dollars for our district to be used solely for the purpose of professional development in mathematics. Henry County Middle School students and staff for their recent recognition by Recyclebank and other environmentally-conscious businesses that named them the winner with the most innovative project during the national Green Schools contest.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP Welcome to our NEW Members

Destinations 4 Fun, LLC Alice Cunningham 289 Jonesboro Rd McDonough, GA 30253

Right at Home Mark Ross 2131 Pace St Covington, GA 30014

Discover Chiropractic Dr. Jeremy Hess Dr. Amanda Hess 5430 N Henry Blvd Stockbridge, GA 30281

Trammell Holdings Incorporated Joseph Trammell 1700 Hwy 155 South McDonough, GA 30253

United Bank of Jackson John Rainwater 150 Covington St. Jackson, GA 30233

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP Thank You to our RENEWING Members

Henry County Schools for the increase in student scores for Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) scores for tested grade levels. These scores are used to compute the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).

Apollo Staffing, Inc. for placing 3rd in the nation on the 2013 list of the Fastest-Growing U.S. Staffing Firms by Staffing Industry Analysts.

A Few Reasons to Welcome Race Fans

• Where else can you buy one ticket and enjoy a concert, a sporting event and receive more free samples than you can carry? • Atlanta Motor Speedway is Henry County’s largest taxpayer (which means residents pay less) • Tourists (many of them race fans)

contributed almost $6 million in local taxes in 2011 (these taxes support SPLOST projects, schools, roads and county government services) • 135,000 more people will now know what it means to be “Comfortably South of Atlanta” Die-hard NASCAR fans will be soon be

making the yearly sojourn to the hallowed grounds of Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Largest Labor Day Party in the USA with three days of racing and a pre-race concert by Billy Currington. The Chamber encourages businesses to display checkered flags and welcome messages on marquees, signs and in store windows. Offer fans discounts with proof of a race ticket purchase or if they are wearing racing apparel. Be creative then let the HCCC/CVB know what you are doing! The HCCC/CVB can help you show your racing spirit with free “We Love Race Fan” buttons and limited edition “Race to Henry” t-shirts on sale for $5. Businesses who would like free buttons or to purchase “Race to Henry” t-shirts should contact Laura Luker at lluker@henrycounty.com. Be a race fan – get your ticket today at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

A Better Plumbing Service ALPLA, Inc. America’s Best Value Inn & Suites Apex Controls, Inc. Apollo Staffing Arthritis Research and Treatment Center Astro Events Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Ann Francis Brittany L Montrois, CPA PC Carrington Green Chapman Insurance Group / Nationwide Insurance City of Hampton Downtown Development Authority Delta Community Credit Union Edward Jones Investments - Jeremy Lange Emory at Eagle’s Landing Facet Technologies First Assembly of God Gas South, LLC Georgia Association of Educators Gold’s Gym - McDonough Grace Management Enterprises, Inc. Haisten Funeral Home Hampton Inn Henry County Branch of the NAACP

Henry County Farm Bureau Kaiser Permanente Kirby G’s Liliana Mejia, D.D.S., L.L.C. McDonough Hospitality & Tourism Board McDonough Lions Club Meadowlark Apartments Moore Bass Consulting, Inc. The New Voice, Inc. Offshore Logistics, LLC Paradise Empowers Pyke & Associates, PC Renfroe Enterprises, LLC Ringer Center of Excellence Sarah’s Country Cooking SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding Counties Shining Light Ministries, Inc., Recovery Home for Women State Farm Insurance - Grant Carter Sundance Creek Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Turning Point Church United Hospice of Atlanta Windamir Development & Construction

CHAMBER BOARD NOMINATIONS

The 2013 HCCC Nominations Committee is seeking a slate of candidates for six seats on the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Candidates must be active Chamber members who agree to accept Director responsibilities for a three-year term. Chamber members will vote on the slate of nominees in September 2013 and those elected will begin their term in January 2014. In addition to the elected seats, representatives from the county, cities and public boards make up the remaining

positions on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Nomination(s) for these positions must be in writing and signed by the Chamber member submitting the nomination. They can be submitted via: email to dgill@ henrycounty.com, fax (770-957-8030, ATTN: David Gill) or by U.S. mail addressed to HCCC Nominations Committee, c/o Henry County Chamber of Commerce, 1709 Hwy 20 West, McDonough, GA 30253. Nominations must be received by the Nominations Committee by August 21, 2013.

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