April 2013 HCCC Newsletter

a he n ry co u n t y chamber o f commerce p u bl i ca t i o n

APRIL

2013

in this issue Chairman’s Message

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Business Profile

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Calendar 4 Henry Happenings

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H amp t o n

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L oc u s t

G ro v e

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

M c D o n o u gh

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S t oc k br i dge

Henry County Celebrates Industry Appreciation Week April 1st -5th

Business Classes 6 2013 Star Students

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Ribbon Cuttings

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Business After Hours

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Business Boosters Luncheon 12 Belles, Bulls & Buck$

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SCORE 13 Chamber Briefs

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Chamber Membership

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Youth Leadership Henry

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Edward Jones

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Celebrating Henry County’s Existing Industry Henry County’s strategic location – just minutes from Atlanta and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport – and our outstanding labor force, abundant higher education opportunities and high quality, but affordable, housing continue to make Henry County a powerful location to live, work and play. This is evidenced in a drive through of any of the county’s Class A office and industrial parks, which is like a trip through the Fortune 500.

Henry County is home to a diverse array of businesses and

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.

they each serve a vital role in moving our economy FORWARD. When it comes to Henry County industries, the list reads like a “Who’s Who” of some of the world’s top corporate names.

From corporate headquarters, distribution centers and support services to manufacturing and technology, more and more companies are choosing Henry to grow their businesses. Home Depot and Georgia Pacific are just two of the most recent additions to the county’s landscape who have discovered the power of location and community that Henry County offers.

For the fourth consecutive year, Henry County

will recognize our local industries during INDUSTRY APPRECIATION WEEK, April 1-5, 2013. Industry Appreciation Week provides the community an opportunity to express our gratitude to the many companies, large and small, who have discovered the power of location in Henry County. These industries have invested millions in our community and employ thousands of our residents, contributing heavily to our economy and way of life. In this issue, we showcase these businesses and celebrate how they are helping to move Henry County forward.

Henry County is Proud Home to … Logistics • Healthcare • Corporate Services • Manufacturing • Retail • Travel & Tourism Just a Sampling of Henry County’s Leading Industries ALPLA, Inc. Americold Atlas Roofing Corporation AT&T Behr Process Corporation Bennett International Group, Inc. Briggs & Stratton Products Group Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company Carter’s, Inc. Ceramic & Metal Coatings Corp.

Clark Dietrich Metal Framing, Inc. Crayex Corporation Ecolab Georgia Pacific De Wafelbakkers Disco, Inc. Encompass Group, LLC Exel Logistics/Kimberly Clark Federal Aviation Administration Ford Parts & Distribution GENCO Logistics/Levi Strauss GENCO Logistics/Sears

Georgia Crown Distributing GA Power Customer Care Center Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Henry County Government Henry County Schools Home Depot Distribution Center Home Depot RLC IFCO Systems North America Inline Plastics Corporation John Deere Distribution Center Ken’s Foods, Inc. KIK-Georgia, Inc.

Kuehne & Nagel/Pirelli Kuehne & Nagel/DirectTV Kumho Tire USA, Inc. Lennox Industries Luxottica Retail Group Maurice Sporting Goods Metro Metal Works, Inc. Millard Refrigerated Services Nestle USA, Inc. Ozburn-Hessey Logistics Pep Boys Distribution Center PVH

Piedmont Henry Hospital Simmons Mfg. Comp., Inc. Sims Superior Seating, Inc. Smead Manufacturing Company Southern States, LLC Sports Authority Summit Racing Equipment Toppan Interamerica, Inc. Toys “R” Us Whirlpool Xerox

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Chairman’s Message DATA TELLS US WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE HEADED….

Eddie Ausband

In addition to conducting the business of the Chamber, members of our Board of Directors are treated to an informative program during each of our monthly meetings. On February 27, 2013, we had the opportunity to hear and see an outstanding presentation given by Mike Alexander, Research and Analytics Division Manager of the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Mr. Alexander provided a demographic and economic snapshot of Henry County. This presentation gave a broad overview of national and regional trends that have been identified through the most current data and research, including the 2010 Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Community Survey.

Between 2000 and 2010, the Metro Atlanta region continued to grow, adding over 1 million people. The region experienced significant change in the composition of race and ethnicity. Henry County experienced growth for all categories of race, but particularly among the Black and Hispanic population. The region as a whole saw an increased shift of concentrations of minorities away from center cities into suburban communities.

As the region grows in diversity, it is also experiencing significant shifts in the age of the population. In 2000, 1 in 10 residents was over age 60.

By 2030, this figure will be 1 in 5 residents. By 2040, the Metro Atlanta region will have over 1 million more senior citizens than it did in 2010, which will impact core community planning needs, including housing, transportation and healthcare. Henry County will experience its share of growth

in the aging population, but generally, it will be characterized by “Up and Coming Families.”

This is characterized as a mix of Generation X (those born between 1964 and 1977) and Baby Boomers (those born between 1944 and 1963).

Typically, the majority of households are families with young children.

Families in Henry County will still have to wrestle with commute alternatives to get to job centers. Sixty percent of the population of Henry County is employed outside of the county. An analysis of travel patterns further shows that residents of Henry County commute to all corners of the Metro Atlanta region. The types of jobs that residents will commute to will be changing.

The lingering effects of the recession can still be felt in the Atlanta region. In 2012, employment growth was negative in Finance, Government and Construction – sectors that had historically driven growth. Henry County can expect most future job growth to come in service industries, such as Accommodation and Food Services and

Retail Trade, but will also experience growth in some higher wage categories, including Educational Services, Public Administration and Health and Social Assistance.

Other factors that will influence the growth and economic prosperity for Henry County include household wealth and educational attainment. The recession has impacted both jobs and home values, which has influenced the household wealth of the region. The average home value in Henry County is generally between $120,000 and $190,000, and the average household income for the cities in Henry County is around $65,000. Average household income for the city of Hampton falls just below $60,000 while it is just above $70,000 in the city of Stockbridge. McDonough and Locust Grove fall in between. Educational attainment is strongly tied to the earning potential of an individual over their lifetime. Henry County posted a 72% graduation rate (2010-2011).

It is helpful that we have so much data readily available as we make plans for the future of our communities as well as our own businesses.

The challenge is are we “planning our work and working our plan” to assure our community’s future prosperity? Much has to change if we are to continue to raise the bar on the quality of living and doing business in Henry County. That’s why your Chamber of Commerce is actively engaged in education initiatives, transportation improvements, enhanced healthcare opportunities, and more, that will help shape the future of Henry County.

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

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Business Profile Hudson Bridge Animal Clinic

About the Company Hudson Bridge Animal Clinic was built in 1992 at the intersection of Hudson Bridge Road and Flippen Road in Stockbridge by Dr. William “Bernie” Toole, who continues on staff today serving a very loyal clientele. A graduate of Louisiana State University, Dr. Toole worked as an associate veterinarian in the Atlanta area before opening the Stockbridge clinic. It was the excellent customer service and exceptional veterinary care he provided his clients and their pets that laid the foundation for the practice to grow and to succeed.

Today the clinic is owned by Dr. Travis Aycock, a graduate of the University of Georgia who earned both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees at UGA and who is equally as committed to providing high quality, compassionate and affordable healthcare to pets and their owners as Dr. Toole. Dr. Aycock joined the clinic in 1999, became a partner in 2003, and took the practice over in 2011. The transition was easy due to the close friendship and common philosophies he and Dr. Toole share. Dr. Aycock and Dr. Toole join together with Dr. Sherry Harper to offer veterinary medical and surgical services for dogs, cats and the occasional furry exotic pet.

In addition to the three full-time veterinarians, the Clinic employs 15 full-time and three part-time employees. Services offered include general surgery, wellness examinations and vaccinations, ultrasound and radiology, urgent and emergency care, dentistry, and boarding. In addition, an on-site laboratory

enables the doctors to process blood samples and perform microscopic tissue examinations.

The staff of this clinic enjoys getting to know their human clients as well as their pet patients. “We’ve seen many children grow up along with their family pet(s),” says Dr. Aycock.

“This is a special bond that we feel blessed to share and it is an important reason that we all chose this profession. We witness the joy and love that having a pet brings to our clients and we come to feel that every pet we see is a part of our own family.”

Community Support The veterinarians of Hudson Bridge Animal Clinic enjoy participating in career days at local schools where they get the opportunity to interact with and answer the imaginative questions of children. In addition, they host girl and boy scout groups at the hospital where Dr. Aycock provides a hospital tour and ends with a question and answer session, with the goal of relating a typical day at the hospital in a fun and interactive way. These often become “show and tell” sessions enabling children to see and touch some of the tools used and offering a chance to discover some of the strange and mysterious things vets encounter from time to time. The clinic also cooperates with and supports several of the local rescue groups and humane organizations in Henry and surrounding counties, providing services at a reduced cost so that these dedicated volunteer groups can continue to do their important work.

Chamber Involvement Hudson Bridge Animal Clinic has been a member of the Chamber for over twenty years. “Our clinic has always been proud of its membership in the Chamber,” states Dr. Aycock.

“We believe that Henry County has a strong business community with leaders in many industries. The Chamber provides a place for local business owners to take advantage of those great minds and to learn from them how to be strong leaders in their own fields. The Chamber offers many opportunities to network and grow your business and it is active in promoting member businesses to new residents and visitors to the county.”

For more information about Hudson Bridge Animal Clinic: (770) 389-3400 hudsonbridgeac@gmail.com www.hudsonbridgevet.com

Networking: It’s About Relationships

By Alisa Kirk, CSU SBDC Think back to your last networking event. Did you stand around, looking for friendly faces, waiting to hand out your business card and tell someone what you do? Did you collect a handful of business cards to take back to the office? What did you do with them (tell the truth)? Did you keep one or two that you wanted to remember and throw the rest away?

I meet with business owners all the time who say that they go to networking events and don’t see any new business from them. To them I reply, “That’s not why you go to a networking event!”

It’s true - if you go to an event looking for new business, you may come away disappointed. Instead, you should go looking for a couple (between one and three) connections that can lead to a business relationship.

The traditional definition for network is, “An arrangement of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines.” It’s the “intersecting” part that we need to think about. The next time you’re at an event, engage your fellow participants in conversation. Make the talk about them and find out what you have in common. Pick two or three people who might make a good business

relationship and follow up with them the next day. Tell them you enjoyed talking with them and give them something of value. For instance, if you found out that the person is planning a trip to Hawaii, send him/her a link to an article on places to go in Hawaii.

By giving to your new contacts and not asking for anything in return, you will have started a relationship that will pay off down the line, the next time they hear of someone who needs your service. You will be the person they think of, and your payoff will be in a referral. Remember, in networking, it’s the relationship that counts.

Members Can Earn $$ Two Ways – Just By Referring New Members!

• Receive $50 off your next membership renewal or a gift card by bringing in a completed membership application – with payment -- for a new member • Receive $25 off your next membership renewal or a $25 gift card for a referral that leads to a new (paid) member Membership forms are available on the Chamber website. Contact Gary Sparrow at 770-957-5786 or gsparrow@henrycounty.com with your referral.

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APRIL 2013 Sunday

Monday

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

thursday

Friday

Saturday

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Industry Appreciation Day

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9 8:30 AM Golf Comm-BR 3:30 PM Media Rel-BR

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12-1 PM Collette Vacations Preview on French Riviera-HR

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23 8:30 AM Edu Comm Conf Call 5 PM SBDC Start Smart Class-HR

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8 AM Youth Leadership Henry BOD, Bd Rm

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24 7:30 AM HCCC BOD-BR 12 PM Ambassador’s Luncheon

20 Hands on Henry Day 8:00 AM - Noon

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

10 AM Membership Comm, BR 11:30 AM Exec Comm-BR 5 PM SBDC Start Smart Class-HR

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11:30 AM Gov Affairs-HR

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5:30 PM Business After Hours, Sign-A-Rama

30 8:30 AM CVB BOD-BR 5 PM SBDC Start Smart Class-HR

Chamber Staff Kay Pippin, President 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 Hospital 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 Kay Pippin, President CLASS OF 2013 Eddie Ausband, The Ausband Agency Greg Cannon, Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors 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 Hospital Bill Herndon, Chairman, Henry County Development Authority Roderick Burch, Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority Michelle Nunnally, Leadership Henry Jonathan Hinton, Chair Appointee Gerald Hudgins, Chair Appointee Nick Williams, Chair Appointee

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Comfortably South of Atlanta Once Upon a Mattress presented by The Henry Players April 4-7 Thursday – Saturday: 7:30 p.m. & Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

Henry County Performing Arts Center

3rd Annual Zebra Dash April 6 – 9:00 a.m.

Once Upon a Mattress is a musical Noah’s Ark

comedy written as an adaptation Join Noah’s Ark for a very fun of the Hans Christian Andersen 5k run/walk that will get you fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. up close and personal with the animals in their habitats! This is the perfect activity for all ages and all skill levels - so bring your friends and family out for a good time (rain or shine)! There will be a silent auction and guests are encouraged to bring a donation, either monetary or in the form of produce or cleaning supplies.

All proceeds from the event Richard Petty will benefit Noah’s Ark and will Driving Experience help feed and care for the sweet animals.

April 5-7

Atlanta Motor Speedway

For more information visit www. drivepetty.com or call 1 (800) BEPETTY.

The Color Run April 6 Atlanta Motor Speedway

Tree Top Night Climb April 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Panola Mtn. State Park

Come see the stars through the tree branches. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. Register in advance. For ages 8 and up.

Meets at the Mountain Lake; call for directions. $10 per person $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. The Color Run is about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes and sizes toeing the start line. The three miles of the Ladies Night Out Color Run will leave you covered April 11 – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in color from head-to-toe. For McDonough Square more information, visit www. McDonough Merchants on thecolorrun.com. the historic downtown square welcome you and all of your girlfriends for a night out on the

it’s happening in Henry town to receive prizes, discounts, and more! For complete details, contact 770.898.9311.

NASCAR Racing Experience April 12-13 Atlanta Motor Speedway

Taste of Henry April 19 – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Jason T. Harper Event For more information visit www. Center at Heritage Park

nascarracingexperience.com or Taste of Henry showcases over 25 call (877) RACE-LAP. local restaurants with dishes that are sure to satisfy every palate.

The taste-size portions let you PTO Community Day sample a variety of different flavors April 13 and restaurants. From delicious main courses to appetizers and 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. desserts - if its great food, you Hampton Middle School are sure to find it at Taste of This event is sponsored by the Henry. For ticket sales locations Hampton Middle School PTO as and more information visit www. a fundraiser for the school and tasteofhenry.org to promote students’ activities.

There will be a yard sale, book Georgia Cities Week booth, concessions, a bake sale, April 20-27, 2013 arts and crafts, inflatables and Visit city websites for a list of more! Booths are $25. For more activities. information contact Melanie Hendrix (mhendrix@henry.k12. ga.us) or Christine Finchum (PTO rep) at hms-pto@hotmail.com.

Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine April 26 Atlanta Motor Speedway Competing nearly every Friday night from April through August, local competitors power up for weekly drag racing among several divisions. Everything from fullblown dragsters to grandma’s grocery-getter will compete in side-by-side, heads-up drag racing along the speedway’s pit road eighth-mile drag strip. The ShowN-Shine Car Show offers fans a chance to show off their rides in the comforts of the NASCAR garage. Participating Show-NShine vehicles will be displayed on the frontstretch prior to the start of opening ceremonies, allowing fans an opportunity to walk on the track and look at the show cars up close. Admission is only $8 and children five and under are free.

Visit www.atlantamotorspeedway. com for more information or call (770) 946-4211.

Cinderella performed by the Atlanta Festival Ballet April 27 - April 28 Saturday - 7:00 p.m. & Sunday – 2:00 p.m.

Henry County Performing Arts Center

Atlanta Festival Ballet presents the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Let yourself be swept away as Cinderella is helped by her Fairy Godmother and breaks away from her evil step-sisters and stepmother, to find her prince.

A Walk In The Past Festival & Car Show April 27-28-Nash Farm Park

The festival will have a large variety of vendors offering quality antiques, southern pottery, folk art, handmade crafts, great food, car show and a children’s area.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberries Mid-April (anticipated open date) Southern Belle Farm

The Atlanta South Comic Con April 14 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

The Atlanta South Comic Con offers family fun, a costume contest, comics and collectibles. It will feature Author Joanne Padgett, author of “Vampires of Camelot,” Theo Crane, known as “Big Tin,” Don Teems and Michael Koske from The Walking Dead and comic book artists Rodney Rhodes, Drew Ceraci and Matt Smith. Tickets can be purchased online at www. atlantasouthcomiccon.com or at the door for $3 for adults and kids under 5 are free.

Is there anything more delicious than fresh strawberries picked right from the vine? Pretty soon you can bite into juicy, ripe strawberries from McDonough’s own Southern Belle Farm. Visit www.southernbellefarm.com or Facebook for crop updates.

Spring ArtFest April 21 - Noon – 5:00 p.m.

McDonough Square

Diverse artists market, live entertainment, demonstrations, “Tastiest Pound Cake Contest” and People’s Choice Award. For complete details, contact 678.522.4020.

Locust Grove Day April 27 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Municipal Complex

The parade will begin at 10:00 AM at the Locust Grove library and travel through Historic Downtown Locust Grove ending at the City Hall complex where the festivities of the day will take place. The event is free to the public and consists of over 100 vendors of arts, crafts, food and entertainment. An evening event consists of a band for the traditional “street dance”.

For more information, call 770957-5043. To participate in the parade please call 770-692-2323 and to have a booth during the event please call 770-957-6171.

Stuntfest 2013 April 28-Atlanta Motor Speedway

Stuntfest 2013 will include a car show, stereo competition, bikini contest, drag racing, hip-hop talent show, live entertainment, stage shows, classic to exotic and the mild to wild. For more information, contact Stuntworld USA at (404) 307-1570 or visit www. stuntfestcarshow.com.

Mark Your Calendar

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SBDC Business Classes offered at the Chamber in April

Sign up Today!

Leadership Henry Participates in Henry County Day at the Capitol The 2013 Leadership Henry Class, the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Henry County government officials, and business leaders braved the weather and traffic to attend Henry County Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, February 13th. The group took the opportunity to showcase Henry County and to meet

and speak with state officials.

Henry County Day at the State Capitol is organized by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Henry County Development Authority.

The Leadership Henry Class and local officials were welcomed by Henry County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Eddie Ausband,

Demetrius Douglas from District 78, Emanuel Jones from District 10 and other Henry County Representatives.

State Representatives Andrew J. Welch (R-McDonough), Brian Strickland (R-McDonough), Dale Rutledge (R-McDonough), David Knight (R-Griffin), and John Yates (R-Griffin) were also on hand to speak with the group and answer questions.

Governor Deal posed on the steps of the capitol rotunda with the entire Henry County Day delegation.

Before departing from the Capitol, the Leadership Henry Class met with Georgia Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, observed a legislative session from the Gallery, and met with State School Superintendent John Barge.

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

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Chamber Proudly Honors 2013 STAR Students

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee hosted the 2013 Student/ Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) breakfast to recognize this year’s Henry County STAR students. The event, held at Eagle’s Landing Country Club, honors one student from each high school already ranked in the top ten percent of his/ her class who achieved the highest SAT score. The 13 students recognized represent a combination of public and private schools. Each student invited and acknowledged their favorite high school teacher as his or her STAR teacher.

Anthony Ciccarello, a Union Grove High School senior, was recognized as the STAR Student for Henry County for achieving a near perfect SAT score.

His plans are to attend The Air Force Academy in Colorado. He selected his Honors English teacher during 9th grade, Ms. Jackie Hand, as his STAR teacher. This was Ms. Hand’s second time to be selected as a STAR teacher. “Anthony is both humble and bright; one who sits and listens and absorbs. He’s a person whose thoughts and opinions you want to hear because you know he is knowledgeable – and

you respect his views,” says Ms. Hand.

Henry County State Court Chief Judge Ben Studdard III, himself a former Henry County STAR student, provided an inspiring message for the students and teachers, reflecting back over his education and experiences. Each student voiced what the award meant to them, what college they planned to attend and what Henry County could do to entice them to live and work upon completion of their education.

Anthony will go on to represent Henry County at the next level of competition. Congratulations to all these future leaders!

Henry County’s 2013 STAR Students

Keynote Speaker, Judge Ben Studdard

Anthony Ciccarello Receives Award from HCCC Chair Eddie Ausband

- Rusty Strawn, President

PROUDLY OFFERING PERSONAL, BUSINESS & HEALTH INSURANCE 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.

The Chamber thanks the many businesses whose involvement and support makes this function possible: SUPERNOVA SPONSORS

Dottie WISE

Associate Broker dottie.wise@metrobrokers.com metrobrokers.com/dottie.wise

SHINING STAR SPONSORS

Call or Come in Today!

16 Hampton Street McDonough, GA 30253

770-957-9005

404.843.2500 Office 678-443-8407 Direct 404.683.0912 Mobile METRO BROKERS 1401 Highway 20 West McDonough, GA 30253

Each Firm is independently Owned and Operated

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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 Hampton

Ethan Hildreth Superintendent

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

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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. We’re ON so you can be.®

R. W. Coley

Chris Moore, Mayor Mayor

ethan.hildreth@henry.k12.ga.us 22 N. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253

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

City of McDonough Billy Copeland, Mayor

770-957-3915

McDonough

865 Hwy.20/81 West McDonough, GA 30253

770-898-1988

StockbriDge

850 Eagles Lndg. Pkwy.

Stockbridge, GA 30281

770-507-5855

LocuSt grove

4870 Bill Gardner Pkwy.

Locust Grove, HA 30248

770-288-3500

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

770-957-5786

P.O. Box 400 17 East Main Street South Hampton, Georgia 30228

FIRE & WATER- CLEANUP & RESTORATION 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

General Manager 934 DAILEY MILL ROAD McDONOUGH, GA 30253 dbrown@servpro8537.com

(770) 997-5689 (404) 378-9998 (678) 432-3003 FAX: (770) 914-1078

City of Stockbridge Mark Alarcon, Mayor

SouthernJournalMag.com

770-946-8088 Nail-Air.com

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

770-775-7857 www.cgemc.com

Every LIFE has a story.

Celebrate it!

Danny Brown

Nationally Known - Locally Owned

Henry County’s choice for

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

City Hall: 770.946.4306 Fax: 770.946. 4356

OF CLAYTON COUNTY OF DECATUR OF HENRY & SPALDING COUNTIES

770-389-7910

Greg Cannon

770-914-1414

www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com

Companion Care Cremation Services

910 Dailey Mill Road McDonough, GA 30253

770-692-3819 Greg Cannon owner

“Lillie”

www.companioncarega.com

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Thinking About Going Places?

Have you ever wanted to go to the French Riviera?

Or have you been before and want to go back and enjoy a leisurely seven- night stay in Nice?

Experience the impressive Rothschild Villa and Gardens, a seaside palazzo overlooking the Mediterranean which boasts seven themed gardens, paintings, and other antiquities. Or explore the fairytale principality of Monaco on a sightseeing tour featuring the Casino of Monte Carlo and the Cathedral of Monaco, where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III are buried.

If the French Riviera sounds enticing to you, or if you’re interested in travelling, please bring a sandwich and join us for a fun brown-bag lunch and informational meeting at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce located at 1709 Highway 20 West in

McDonough on Wednesday, April 10th , at noon as we “preview” the French Riviera. Call the Chamber at (770) 957-5786 to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Sign Up Now! Saturday, April 20, 2013 8:00 a.m. – Noon Submit a Project, Volunteer or Sponsor www.handsonhenry.org

March 6 RevLocal

March 7 Tracy Thompson American Family Insurance

191 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30303 Jonathan Burgess 770-380-4322 www.revlocal.com

7444 Hannover Pkwy • Suite 210 Stockbridge, GA 30281 Tracy Thompson • 678-734-3565 insurance-agency.amfam.com/GA/tracy-thompson/

March 8 Eagle’s Landing Country Club Racquet Center

March 12 Communities in Schools of Henry County

100 Eagle’s Landing Way Stockbridge, GA 30281 Michelle Calderon • 770-389-2000 www.eagleslandingcc.com

66 Veterans Drive McDonough, GA 30253 Shane Persaud • 770-288-6230 www.cis-henry.org

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

I-75 . 155 Hwy McDonough

I-75 • Exit 216 145 Industrial Blvd.

McDonough, GA

770-954-3000

March 14 SmoQue House BBQ

1375 Rock Quarry Road, Suite 202 Stockbridge, GA 30281 Monique Eason 678-814-4868 www.smoquehousebbq.com

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business AFTER HOURS

February’s Business After Hours at The Fireplace Place was “Egg-stra” Special!

April Business After Hours Save the date…It’s Business After Hours at its best at Sign* A* Rama.

February’s host, The Fireplace Place, grilled all the food (even delicious desserts) served at their Business After Hours on Big Green Egg grills, a product they sell along with a whole room full of accessories. Attendees toured showrooms filled with

fabulous fireplace options while enjoying the hospitality of this great Chamber member. Owners Klayton and Dawn Tapley and their staff graciously explained their services and answered questions about their products.

Several Chamber members

won great door prizes and three unfortunate members were not present to hear their name called for the $150 Chamber jackpot: Taylor Rice; Ron Castillo; and Dennis Fanning. The jackpot will be $200 for the March Business After Hours.

Thursday, April 25 • 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm 1977 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, (770) 957-5913 Come enjoy an exciting time with Kenn and Katherine Yancey and their staff and see firsthand how signs are made. There will be a sign making demonstration and a chance for a lucky Chamber member to win up to $500 in new signs for your business. Find out how to grow your business by using effective signage. Remember…”a business with no sign is a sure sign of no business!”

Sign*A*Rama will have a special guest, Kim McClure, owner of Ad Girl Consulting.

Kim will share the many benefits of promoting your business using low-cost TV commercials as low as $2.50 per 30 second commercial. Kenn says, “I’m a huge fan of low-cost, high-return TV advertising. It works for me.”

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet and greet and learn more about growing and promoting your business by using

effective signage. Come enjoy the food, fun and networking. Special catering provided by the new Cheddars Casual Café restaurant.

Enter to win “FREE” gift certificates to Cheddar’s Casual Café.

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. All you do is bring plenty of business cards as you network with fellow Chamber members, learn about the host business and have 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.

See you at Sign*A*Rama April 25th for a fun-filled evening!

Klayton & Dawn Tapley and staff Host

Guests enjoyed food prepared on Big Green Eggs

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business

Boosters luncheon

April Business Boosters Luncheon

“The Henry Housing Summit” April 18, 2013 • HCCC Hudgins Room • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM JOHN HUNT Founder & President, ViaSearch, Inc. Senior Analyst, Smart Numbers, Inc.

Since 1995, ViaSearch has surveyed over a quarter million homebuyers from Seattle to Washington, D.C. and points in between. ViaSearch is the only company in the nation providing continuous, ongoing consumer research for the housing industry reflecting homebuyer demographics and motivation, product preferences and shopping habits.

Smart Numbers, Inc. provides residential real estate information, analysis and forecasting for brokers, builders and developers and mortgage and banking professions in six Southeastern markets. The data that Smart Numbers produces accurately predicted the housing downturn as early as September 2005. Smart Numbers was the only company to provide data to the Senate Banking Committee in October 2009 helping Senator Johnny Isakson successfully extend the Home Buyer Tax Credit. Smart Numbers is regularly quoted in

publications such as the Wall Street Journal and the AJC. The company has also been featured many times as an expert on housing on CNN, Fox and all three Atlanta network stations.

The housing market has a dramatic impact on Henry County’s economy. Attend this BBL to: • Get the latest report on the housing market’s current status • Find out where the housing market is headed • Discover ways the housing market can impact YOUR business – directly or indirectly The cost for this catered lunch is $12 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members.

Reservations are required for planning purposes and reservations can be made and paid online at www.henrycounty.com. Go to the Events calendar and the BBL for April 18. To cover catering costs, no-shows will be billed.

– The February BBL –

Can a New Way to Work Make H appier, More Productive Employees AND a Better Henry County?

The February 21 Business Boosters Luncheon featured Tedra Cheatham, CEcD, Executive Director of The Clean Air Campaign, who provided the following wrap-up for members not able to attend: Can a New Way to Work Make Happier, More Productive Employees AND a Better Henry County?

Each day in metro Atlanta, workers get in their cars, strap on their seatbelts and prepare to make the average 17.5 mile trip to work by themselves. However, over 400,000 metro Atlantans choose a different way to work, eliminating 1.1 million miles of vehicle travel, keeping 550 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe, and saving those commuters a combined $500,000 on gas and car expenses. Interested in saving money and improving air quality? Try out Georgia Commute Options.

Georgia Commute Options is a bundling of free services that help commuters and employers make the switch from driving alone to

reduce traffic and improve air quality. Alternatives to driving alone can include carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, teleworking, working a compressed work week, biking or walking to work.

Many Henry County employers already work with The Clean Air Campaign to administer programs and services such as: • Telework consulting • Sustainability reporting • Employee commute mapping • Relocation assistance • Educational events • Pre-tax benefits for employers Commuters who participate in commute options programs can receive: • Financial incentives • Recognition in the workplace • Ridematching assistance Commute options save both time and money as well as create happier and more productive employees. Some employers have found that with the increase of carpoolers at their workplace,

parking lot maintenance or expansion hasn’t been necessary, saving the employers tens of thousands of dollars. Other companies who have started a formalized telework program have seen an increase in worker productivity by 10-20%. It can also make the employer more attractive to new talent and cut down on real estate needs.

The partnership between Henry County employers and The Clean Air Campaign has created new opportunities to help get employees out of traffic, reduce workplaces’ environmental footprint, and create goodwill in the community.

Are you helping make Henry County an even better place to live and raise your family through you and your company’s choices?

For more information on Georgia Commute Options and how these programs can make a difference at your workplace, visit GaCommuteOptions.com.

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Grab your boots, dust off your cowboy hat and prepare for an evening of dancing, music and a bucking bull on Friday, May 10, at Southern Belle Farm. All this and a chance at $5,000 are part of the Chamber’s revamped spring fundraiser, Belles, Bulls & Buck$.

A $50 per person ticket will guarantee you a spot at the picnic table to savor a mouthwatering mini Shaniac Burger and Shane’s famous baby back ribs grilled onsite, along with locally brewed JailHouse Brewing Company beer. Once your appetite has been satisfied, grab a partner and hit the dance

floor as the Mackie Creek Band rocks the barn. Two-step your way over to Debo, the mechanical bull, courtesy of Astro Events, where you can see how long eight seconds really is! For those with a taste for competition, enter the Bull Riding Competition for $10 where the person who proves to be the rodeo king (or queen) will walk away with 50% of the competition’s cash.

If dancing, music, food, bull riding and beer aren’t enough to entice you ... how about the chance to take home $5,000? Your ticket enters you in a $5,000 reverse raffle where the last ticket drawn at the end of the evening earns the lucky holder $5,000.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit http://business.henrycounty. com/Events/details/belle-s-bulls-buck-1980.

Make your business a sponsor for this event by contacting the Chamber. The following sponsorships opportunities are available:

$1000 – Platinum Sponsors • 4 Free Tickets • Reserved table • Logo on flyers/posters • Logo in E-Blasts • Logo on Chamber website along with event information • Signage at event • Recognition from stage • Potential onsite marketing opportunities (cocktail table size)

$500 - Gold Sponsors • 2 free tickets • Name on flyers/posters • Name in E-Blasts • Named as a sponsors on Chamber website along with event information • Recognition from Stage • Potential onsite marketing opportunities (cocktail table size)

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce hosts SCORE sessions on Friday mornings. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.

They have been doing this for nearly fifty years.

Because their work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to a local network of 60 unpaid volunteers, they are able to deliver their services at no charge or at very low cost.

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SCORE can provide: • Volunteer MENTORS, experienced business people, who share their expertise via free, confidential business COUNSELING sessions held at either the local Chamber of Commerce and at 233 Peachtree Street in Atlanta • Free business TOOLS, templates and tips online • Inexpensive local business WORKSHOPS and webinars (online 24/7) To arrange for a free mentoring session at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.atlanta. score.org

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April Chamber Briefs ... Congratulations to: The Original Shane’s Rib Shack, on celebrating 11 years since starting their business in Henry County. In honor of their March 9 anniversary, diners that day were treated to prizes, free food vouchers, face painting, a bungee trampoline and special giveaways. Shane’s was recognized as the 2012 Business of the Year by the HCCC in February.

Kaiser Permanente of Georgia on ranking highest in member satisfaction in the South Atlanta region for the fourth consecutive year according to J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Member Health Plan Study recently released.

Barbara Rosolino, a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year, Ms. Rosolino is an Eagle’s Landing High School AP Literature and Composition teacher. She will go on to compete at the state level.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP Welcome to our NEW Members A & H Transport, Inc.

Robyne Chitwood 1233 Old Jackson Road • Locust Grove 30248 770-898-7011

American Cancer Society

Caroline Windom 301 Kelly Drive • Peachtree City 30269 770-632-6937

Copper Bottoms Tanning

Brian O’Neil 4944 Bill Gardner Pkwy • Locust Grove 30248 678-583-4001

DALRC, Inc

Roger Nix 950 Eagle’s Landing Pkwy. • Stockbridge 30281 770-380-9247

Georgia Wounded Heroes

Brian Brakefield P.O. Box 819 • Hampton 30228 404-886-2256

Lincoln Insurance Group, LLC

Tim Thompson 850 Eagle’s Landing Pkwy • Stockbridge 30281 770-692-1991

McDonough Presbyterian Church

Olin McBride 427 McGarity Rd • McDonough 30252 770-957-9890

Mobley’s Carpet & Upholstery

Eagle’s Landing High School boys basketball team and Coach Crump, who won the AAAA State Championship in March. This was the first boys basketball state championship ever won by a Henry County School in GHSA history and the first state championship in basketball since 1960 when the Henry County High girls won the Class A title.

Youth Leadership Henry Class Visits The Capitol

By Jason A. Smith jsmith@henryherald.com McDONOUGH — High school students got an inside look at state government when the Youth Leadership Henry class of 2013 visited the Capitol in Atlanta this week.

The organization’s chairman, Don Dunlap, said 40 sophomores in the program spent time Wednesday learning about what the General Assembly does when it is in session 40 days a year.

“The students met with members of the Henry County legislative delegation in a meeting room below the main floor of the Capitol,” said Dunlap. “Each member of the delegation that was present introduced themselves and what they did in the ‘real world’ and why they chose to serve their community in the General Assembly.”

Dunlap said the students came prepared for their encounter with

the delegation.

“The members of the YLH class posed questions to the members of the delegation on a variety of topics — should we arm high school staff, the Georgia Renaissance Act, mental health legislation, fine arts funding, and many others,” he said. “These young men and women were exemplary models of the kind of citizens we want Henry County to be known for in the Southern Crescent and across the nation.”

Dunlap said State Sen. Rick Jeffares explained the “labyrinthine process” of moving a bill from inception to passage. Reps. Brian Strickland and Dale Rutledge discussed the legislative session from the perspective of a freshman representative, Dunlap said.

State House Rep. John Yates discussed changes to the HOPE scholarship, and State Sen. Emmanuel Jones challenged the YLH class to “lifelong citizenship.” Rep. Andy Welch, Dunlap said, addressed local issues and challenged the class to be active in student government, school council, and to stay abreast of actions by the Board of Education.

Youth Leadership Henry is sponsored by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber President Kay Pippin said the event allowed students to see their elected representatives in action.

“Youth Leadership Henry students heard issues being debated, laws being developed, and history being made. That’s a very productive day,” she said. “Let’s hope this trip motivated some of these outstanding

young people to seek elected office themselves someday.”

Cleaning Clyde Mobley 30 Dogwood Lane • McDonough 30253 770-957-0812

Pascal Insurance Agency

Pascal Effossou 13010 Morris Rd. • Alpharetta 30004 404-456-2723

Rodan + Fields Dermatologists

Lori Blasini 215 Long Drive • McDonough 30253 770-329-8495

Select Staffing

Brenda Weatherford 1188 Highway 155 S. • McDonough 30253 770-898-2677

SmoQue House BBQ

Inez Eason 1375 Rock Quarry Rd. • Stockbridge 30281 404-859-4553

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP Thank You to our RENEWING Members

Action Limousines Benchmark North Park Association, LP Best Insurance Group Cannon - Cleveland Funeral Directors Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Clayton State University Cycle Nation of McDonough E. R. Snell Contractor, Inc. Econo Lodge Edward Jones - Vanessa Conwell First Baptist Church of McDonough Fun Bowl of Henry County Gary A. Bartholomew, DMD Goodyear Aviation Products Harbin’s Mechanical Services, Inc. Hargrave, Freeman & Leto, P.C. Hire Dynamics Koppar Corporation KUMA Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar

Laura S. Crumbley, CPA, PC Massey Services, Inc. McDonough Family Eyecare Metro Metal Works, Inc. Minuteman Press Miracle Method Surface Refinishing of Henry County Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Orkin Pest Control Pinnacle Advertising Specialties, Inc. Pullin Cloud Technologies Reserves Network (The) Southern Belle Farm Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity State Farm Insurance - Brian Brakefield Sweetie’s Flea Market Toyota of McDonough / Scion of McDonough Tri-Copy Office Equipment Villas at South Point Zion Baptist Church

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

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

Help yourself reduce investment stress You probably aren’t too worried about it, but April is Stress Awareness Month. Each year, the Health Resource Network sponsors this month to inform people about the dangers of stress and to share successful coping strategies. Obviously, it’s important to reduce stress in all walks of life — including your investment activities. How can you cut down on the various stresses associated with investing?

Here are a few possible “stressbusters”: • Know your risk tolerance. If you’re constantly worrying about the value of your investments, your portfolio may simply be too volatile for your individual risk tolerance. Conversely, if you’re always feeling that your investments will never provide you with the growth you need to achieve your longterm goals, you might be investing too conservatively.

• Know what to expect from your investments. Uncertainty is often a leading cause of stress. So when you purchase investments that are mysterious to you, you shouldn’t be surprised if they perform in ways that raise your stress levels.

Never invest in something unless you fully understand its characteristics and risk potential.

• Be prepared for market volatility.

Over the long term, the financial markets have trended upward, though their past performance can’t guarantee future results. Yet for periods of months, and even years, these same markets can sputter and decline. So when you invest, be aware of this volatility; if you’re prepared for it, you won’t be shocked when it happens, and you should be able to better keep stress at bay.

• Maintain realistic expectations.

If you think your investments are

going to earn a very high rate of return, year after year, you are more than likely going to be disappointed — and you could easily get “stressed out.” You’re much better off, from a stress standpoint, not to expect eyepopping results.

• Diversify your portfolio. If you were only to own one asset class, such as growth stocks, and that particular segment took a big hit during a market drop, your whole portfolio could suffer, and it could take years to recover — causing you no end of stress. But if you spread your investment dollars among a range of vehicles — stocks, bonds, government securities and so on — your portfolio has a better chance of weathering the ups and downs of the market. (Keep in mind, though, that while diversification may help you reduce the effects of volatility, it can’t prevent losses

or guarantee profits.)

• Think long term. If you only measure your investment success by short-term results, you can feel frustrated and stressed. But when you stop to consider your objectives, you may find that the most important ones, such as a comfortable retirement, are all longterm in nature. Consequently, it makes more sense to measure the progress you’re making with your investments in periods of years, or even decades, rather than days or months. Instead of fretting over your monthly investment statements, compare where you are today versus where you were 10 or 15 years ago. The results may well surprise and help “de-stress” you.

Stress Awareness Month will come and go. But by making the right moves, you can help take some of the stress out of investing for a long time to come.

Feeling like you

paid too much in taxes this year?

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

3. Tax-advantaged college savings accounts. Contribute or gift to a college savings plan for your children or grandchildren. *May be subject to state and local taxes and the alternative minimum tax (AMT).

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with a qualified tax specialist or legal advisor for professional advice on your situation.

Uncertainty is often a leading cause of stress.

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

Financial Advisor John H. Dorminy 190 Turner Street McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 957-0250

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

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

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