a he n r y c o u n t y chamber o f c o mmerce p u bl i ca t i o n
JUNE
2013
in this issue Chairman’s Message
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Business Profile
3
Calendar 4 Henry Happenings
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Hands on Henry 6 Belles, Buck$ & Bulls Winners
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SBDC 10 2013 Golf Classic
10
Business After Hours
11
Business Boosters Luncheon 12 Ribbon Cuttings
13
Chamber Briefs
14
Chamber Membership
14
Edward Jones
15
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.
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The Chamber Bids a Fond Farewell to Kay Pippin Kay Pippin is retiring for the second time in her long career. Having served the residents of Henry County well as the President of the Chamber of Commerce for over 11 years, Kay is turning over the reins in June. Prior to her arrival at the Chamber, she retired the first time in 1997 after 30 years as a respected advocate for public education and public school employees that included over 20 years as a lobbyist in the Georgia General Assembly and with members of Congress. Kay is credited with creating, organizing and growing The Henry Council for Quality Growth to 104 members before leaving to take on the role as President of the Chamber in 2001. During her decade at the helm of the Chamber, membership numbers have grown, staffing and finances have stabilized and the Henry County Chamber has become a leader wielding considerable influence on behalf of its over 700 members. Those who have had the pleasure to work with Kay know she practices an unwritten philosophy when it comes to the work of the Chamber and that is ‘if its good for Henry County, our Chamber is on it!’ Kay’s vision for implementing an annual Henry County Intergovernmental Retreat that brings elected and appointed leaders from the county, cities, school system, hospital authority, development authority and other organizations together with business leaders to promote synergy, camaraderie and teamwork with the goal of fostering
close working relationships and collaboration among decision makers took wings in 2008. These annual retreats have tackled challenging topics such as education, transportation, and quality of life in Henry County and resulted in collaborative efforts to address these issues. As leader of the E2: Education & Economics Initiative, she brought together leaders in the cities, county, education and religious community to promote school readiness, improved graduation rates and education opportunities for Henry County families. Her vision and unyielding commitment to education proved invaluable in helping the county to achieve its own technical college. As Chamber President, Kay’s leadership and direction provides valuable assistance to businesses, both small and large. With only a staff of four she still manages to recruit and steer the course of committees made up of volunteers that help to ensure a program of work encompassing: business training offerings; networking opportunities; advocating for legislation that affects the business community; ensuring educational opportunities that provide tomorrow’s workforce; providing training programs for tomorrow’s leaders; ensuring timely and accurate communications within the membership as well as to the media; and speaking at a variety of forums. Kay is respected in the Chamber arena at both the state and local level. “Kay is an incredible leader, advocate and mentor, all wrapped
into one dynamic and amazing woman. Her tireless pursuit to keep key issues like education at the forefront of the chamber dialogue has been inspirational and highly effective. “Kay has been a mentor and a dear friend to me and to so many of our peers across the state, and we are going to miss her immensely!” states Virginia Gibbs, President of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. A compelling and passionate leader, she is devoted to helping people, organizations and communities be all they can be, earning her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and associates. In addition to her work on behalf of Henry County, Kay served with honor and distinction as a member of the Butts County Board of Education for nine years. Kay and her husband, Darrell, enjoy hosting an expanding family. Andy and Amy are adding a new baby to the family in November, and Bailey and her fiancé, Will Coffer are marrying in June – so Kay has lots to keep her busy! Kay and Darrell are
longtime residents of Butts County where Darrell completed a 34-year career as a high school teacher, coach and vocational supervisor and now teaches GED preparation for Southern Crescent Technical College. The Pippins are members of the Jackson United Methodist Church. Eddie Ausband, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors says “Kay has shown such remarkable leadership over the past 10+ years. Very few people have the talent to both envision and to act, but Kay excels at both. Her organizational skills, capacity to lead and motivate, and her ability to navigate all sorts of political climates have served Henry County in a superb fashion. Kay will be sorely missed by the Chamber of Commerce and as one of Henry County and the southside’s most ardent supporters.” One thing is certain – her legacy sets the bar high and she leaves a pair of mighty big heels to fill at the Chamber of Commerce. Kay has made a substantial imprint on Henry County. 5/24/13 4:32 PM