March 2018 HCCC Newsletter

henrycounty.com

A HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION

MARCH 2018

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

HAMPTON • LOCUST GROVE • MCDONOUGH • STOCKBRIDGE

IN THIS ISSUE Chair’s Message

2

Business Profile

3

Calendar

4

SBDC

5

Youth Leadership Henry

6

Henry Happenings

7

Chamber Membership

10

Business After Hours

11

Business Boosters Luncheon

12

Ribbon Cuttings/ Job Readiness

13

STAR Breakfast

15

Comfortably South of Atlanta The Henry County Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice for the business community, provides quality services and programs that meet the needs of its members, improves the economic environment of the community and creates a legacy of leadership for the future.

Do you pay Worker’s Compensation Premiums for your business? You can save 7.5% on your premiums through the Chamber’s Drugs Don’t Work program. We will provide you with all the documents you need to participate in this program as a benefit of your Chamber membership.

SPRING BREAK PLANNING In Your Own Backyard

T

he weather is finally getting warmer and minds are turning towards spring break planning. Although journeys south to see the mouse or to enjoy the sound of the sea are alluring, that may not be in the cards for you this year. Don’t worry, Henry County offers local, affordable and hugely entertaining options!

To help start the planning process, pick up one of the new 2018 Henry County Visitors Guides. These guides are full of restaurant recommendations, details about things to do and even some fun “Under the Radar” tips.

The fold out map in the middle of the guide can maximize your time by helping to plan out the best route to the various attractions. It is a great companion piece to the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website, VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com, which has even more information, blogs and a calendar of upcoming events. Guides are available at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, at local hotels or a free copy can be requested from the CVB’s website.

Now is the time to make memories with your family. Here are a few ideas for how to create moments worth sharing this year.

• Southern Belle Farm will open the gates early for Spring Break. Ride the pedal carts, visit the animals, take a hayride and end the day with a sweet treat from the market. Their giant “Southern Belle Farm Rocks” rocking chairs make great places for photo-opts.

• Take a tour of Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Chances are that you know where the speedway is but have never taken the 1 hour track tour that includes three laps around the track in their tour van. A selfie in Victory

Lane anyone?

• Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary is free to visit, but did you know they also have a wonderful behind the scenes paid tour? Their Walk on the Wild Side tour takes you inside the first set of fences with an experienced guide to not only get up-close-and-personal with the tigers and bears, but also to learn more about each animal’s story.

• Call the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum to set up a free guided tour of their hangar filled with Vietnam-era Cobra and Huey helicopters. An experienced pilot, most likely a veteran, will show you around, tell you about the aircraft and even let you climb into the cockpit of the various aircraft.

Shhhh. Don’t tell the kids they are getting a history lesson.

• Henry County’s parks are full of surprises.

Throughout Henry County’s extensive park system you can find paintball and airsoft fields, a BMX track, a disc golf course, walking, hiking and biking trails, an amazing veterans museum and even a place to watch remote controlled airplanes. The best part?

The majority of these experiences are very affordable or even free.

• For indoor fun, check out the Starlite Family Fun Center. Starlite’s McDonough location features skating, laser tag, an arcade and even an indoor playground for the little ones. With special spring break rates, the whole family can cut loose and enjoy.

So with these tips in mind, pick up (or order) your copy of the 2018 Henry County Visitors Guide and start planning for a fun, affordable Spring Break.

Henry County Day at the Capitol!

Join Us Tuesday, March 13, 2018, As Henry County Goes to the Capitol!

Room 230 8:00am - 11:30am

HenryCounty.com

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

JUNE WOOD

Wayne Lowrey Executive Vice President at United Community Bank 2018 Chair of Henry County Chamber of Commerce

Your Chamber at Work…

One of my favorite sporting events to watch is college basketball’s March Madness. Seeing these teams compete at a high level create many highlights.

What I enjoy most is the team aspect of this game. Usually, the most successful team is the one that plays as a unit, all in sync working for a common goal.

Partners for Progress.

munity of Henry County to make sure We are very fortunate to have a your voice is heard. It is much more ef- strong delegation representing Henry fective as a collective group rather than County. Acting on solicitation from a single voice. the Chamber of Commerce’s EducaOn March 13, 2018 the Henry tion and Economics group (E2), this County Chamber of Commerce will group’s recent success in funding two partner with the Henry County Devel- buildings for Henry’s Southern Cresopment Authority to sponsor Henry cent Technical School Campus delivCounty Day at the Capitol. This event ered an extraordinary benefit to workprovides an excellent opportunity for force development in our community. the Henry County business commu- Along with increased transportation nity to visit with our Henry County funding for the County’s road projects, Delegates, discuss current topics and it is easy to show that a Henry County voice our concerns over issues affect- team effort can be a slam dunk.

As a business owner, you may feel “double teamed” if you go it alone to address an issue or “fight city hall.”

Think of the strength in numbers the Chamber of Commerce can provide.

Your Chamber of Commerce works as a team, representing the business com- ing our county.

state and local officials is available on the Chamber website, www.henrycounty.com. We recommend either a phone call or a letter to get the most immediate attention, as emails sometimes get caught up in the volume of blast emails sent to all members of both the U.S. Congress and the Georgia Legislature.

If you are not currently a member of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, I invite you to join the team. We are Your Chamber at Work…

Contact information for federal, Partners for Progress.

HenryCounty.com

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Dave Newman,

County Schools and added additional

Executive Director Operation Lunchbox

schools for Henry County. During the

About Operation Lunchbox Operation Lunchbox is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in June of 2014. It is a local food relief organization, working with the Board of Ed to end hunger with homeless and underprivileged students.

Operation Lunchbox provides nonperishable foods for children in Henry,

2015 year, approximately 350 students were given groceries on a weekly basis.

By the end of the 2016-2017 school year, Operation Lunchbox had a total of 30 schools which included two in Clayton, five in Butts, and twenty-three in Henry County. For the 2017-2018 school year, Operation Lunchbox is now in 2 schools in Clayton County, 6 in Butts County, three Atlanta Public Schools

Butts, Walton, and Clayton counties

and 31 Henry County Schools.

every week. We work with the schools

Chamber Involvement

to provide bags for children to take home on the weekends. They strive

Being involved with the chamber

to be a constant in the lives of these

has allowed Operation Lunchbox to

children so that they have confidence

have more exposure in the business

that there will be something in the

community. The Operation Lunchbox

pantry for them when they are hungry.

has fully exercised their membership

Community Support

and has formed relationships that allow

Operation Lunchbox began serving

them to accumulate more volunteers

students in the Henry and Butts

and donations.

County school systems in January 2015

Operation Lunchbox

providing groceries in two schools in Henry County and one in Butts County,

113 Park 42 Drive Suite C

feeding approximately 90 students. In

Locust Grove 30248

late 2015, Operation Lunchbox obtained

678-333-4900

the grocery program for all of Butts

www.operationlunc hbox.org

HenryCounty.com

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SUNDAY

MONDAY

MARCH 2018 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

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FRIDAY

2

SATURDAY

3

8 AM YOUTH LEADERSHIP HENRY, BOD, BR

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5

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7

8

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15

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8 AM LEADERSHIP HENRY, BOD, BR

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11AM BUSINESS BOOSTERS LUNCHEON, HR

HC DAY AT THE CAPITOL

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20 8:30 AM CVB BOD, BR 10 AM MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE, BR

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21

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8 AM HCCC EXEC COMMITTEE, BR

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5:30 PM BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, FAMILY SUPPORT CIRCLE

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8 AM HCCC BOD, BR

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Wayne Lowrey, Chairman, United Community Bank Sharon Ponder, Chair-elect Bennett International Group Christy Chewning, Secretary / Treasurer, Central Georgia EMC Rod Meadows, Immediate Past Chair, Meadows, Macie & Sutton, PC Josh Duncan, Vice Chair for Government & Education, Edward Jones Morrelle McCrary, Vice Chair for Economic & Cultural Devp, RAM-Tech PC Solutions Laura Turner, Laura Turner, CVB Chair and Vice Chair for Chamber Development David Gill, HCCC President & CEO

CLASS OF 2018: Christy Chewning, Central Georgia EMC Patti Brown, SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding David Curry, Henry County Tax Commissioner Josh Duncan, Edward Jones Investments Eugene Edwards, President, Henry County NAACP Morrelle McCrary, RAM-Tech PC Solutions Greg Hammonds, Whaley Hammonds Tomasello, PC CLASS OF 2019: Laura Turner – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sen. Brian Strickland – Smith, Welch, Webb & White Lincoln Parks – Web Mobile Fusion Shaun Mock – Snapping Shoals EMC Richard Sylvia – Chairman, One Henry Professional Services team David Campbell – Georgia Power

CLASS OF 2020: Scott Mahone, Mercer University Genie Moore Kedon Williams, Southern States, LLC Kerry Arnold, Heritage Bank Sharon Ponder, Chair-elect, Bennett International Group Linda Clark, C & C Fence CHAIR APPOINTEES Kate Troelstra – Clayton State University Mike Griffin – Griffin Insurance Agency Peto Fallas – Fallas Family Vision EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Deborah Armstrong, Henry County Hospital Authority Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, Superintendent, Henry County Schools Tony Carnell, HC Water Authority HC Development Authority Brian Andrews, Leadership Henry

Don Dunlap, Youth Leadership Henry Mayor Robert Price, City of Locust Grove Mayor Steve Hutchison, City of Hampton Mayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonough Mayor Anthony Ford, City of Stockbridge June Wood, Chair, Henry County BOC Leonard Sledge, HC Development Authority

CHAMBER STAFF David Gill, President & CEO Lydia Pierre, Director of Communications Gary Sparrow, Membership Director Phyllis Reeves, Office Manager CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF Laura Luker, Director of Tourism Aisha White, Digital Marketing Assistant

HenryCounty.com

Alisa Kirk, Area Director UGA SBDC at Clayton State University

What is a Stable Business?

This is the time of year that small business owners start thinking about their plans for 2018 and what they didn’t do in 2017. My office gets a lot of calls this time of year from people who reflected over the holidays and resolved to work more on their business in the coming year. I love meeting with those people, but before we can talk about growth, I always steer the conversation to stability.

A stable business: • makes a profit. There has to be money left over to fund the growth, including equipment and inventory purchases, marketing, and hiring additional employees.

• pays its owner a decent salary. Many owners take their salary from whatever money is left after the bills are paid, and as a result, sometimes aren’t able to take out much money. A stable business can pay its owner a reasonable salary each month.

• is operating legally, both in structure

and in human resource practices.

The most common problems are not having a business license, not having a legal formation that protects the business, and keeping as independent contracts people who legally should be employees.

• has a separate bank account for the business. Many business owners either pay personal bills from the company account, or use their personal account for business transactions.

• has adequate insurance. If a business doesn’t have adequate protection in the form of insurance, that business is one disaster/mistake away from bankruptcy.

• has a handle on who the customers are and which products/services sell.

Not knowing the customer well (what the customer thinks, why he/she buys, what the customer would like to see happen) is the kiss of death. No busi-

ness can grow without analyzing why people buy from it (and why they buy from competitors instead). Just as important is keeping track of what is selling and what is not, and having a contingency plan when most of the revenue is dependent on one product/ service or customer.

• keeps good records on financial transactions.

If business owners don’t keep good track of all the money flowing into and out of the company, it is impossible for them to make decisions about growth. The most common comment I hear is, “My CPA did my taxes and said my business made $100,000 in profit, but I have no money.”

All of the above items, and more, are vital to have in place before a business can consider growing. If your business isn’t stable, create a plan to make 2018 the year you turn it into a real business.

Strawn & Co., InSuranCe Serving the Community for Over 45 Years

Business Insurance

Auto, Property & Liability, Workman’s Compensation, Equipment, Bonds

Personal Insurance

Home, Auto, Recreational, Umbrella

Life & Health Insurance

527622-1

Individual and Group

16 Hampton Street McDonough, GA 770-957-9005

118 F Palmetto Rd. Tyrone GA 770-357-0030

3846 Ga. Hwy 42 Locust Grove, GA 770-357-0017

5

www.strawninsurance.com

HenryCounty.com

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Youth Leadership Henry learns about the impact of healthcare in our community

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ELITE MEMBERS CHAIRMAN’S CLUB

We had a great day learning about the history and role of the hospital in our community, its vertical integration and economic impact; in a program put together by community liaisons Pam Milling and Carmen Hough.

We started with an overview of the hospital and its history by CNO Paula Butts, learning about its evolution from Henry General all the way to its current status as a part of the Piedmont system.

HR Director Jana Warren discussed the variety of careers in the healthcare field, mentioning those that weren’t “medical” as well, so our class could see the wide variety of opportunities available.

Finding out about the vital role of Hands of Hope and Children’s

Healthcare was beneficial to our participants.

Executive Director Elizabeth “B.J.” Mathis shared the story of the free medical clinic’s founding by amazing community member Janet Turner, as well as discussing its mission and how it allows for non-emergency care of indigent Henry Countians, reducing the strain on the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Carmen and Pam did a great teambuilding activity with the class, which helped them learn the importance of inter-team communication in solving problems.

Carmen trained the class on how to be a Stroke Champion so they would know how to act FAST to save lives, and how to train their parents, friends and classmates as well. We had a fascinat-

ing tobacco awareness session, followed by an overview of the summer volunteer program at the hospital (which piqued the interest of several classmembers!).

We were visited by Laura Turner from the Hudson Bridge location of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In addition to learning about their work in our community, she did sessions illustrating the importance of handwashing, and surpsising information about the amount of sugar in seemingly innocuous drinks.

We wrapped up our day with tours of the Laboratory, Cath Lab, and Radiology departments. These were real eye-openers for us as we learned how much these departments do to assist the physicians treating patients, and the positive

impact of recent advances in technology on their work.

This was a really awesome day for the class.

We encourage you to “like” our Facebook page (where you can see pictures and videos from our day), and follow us on Twitter @YLHenry so you can learn “virtually” with us!

Thanks to the execs, departments manager and staff members from Piedmont Henry Hospital and Hands of Hope and CHOA who gave up a Saturday to share with the members of our class. It was an amazing day!

CHAMPIONS

HenryCounty.com IT’S

HAPPENING

GEORGIA TINY HOUSE FESTIVAL

IN

HENRY

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS

MARCH 4, 8AM www.atlantamotorspeedway.com

MARCH 16 – 31, 1PM – 6PM, TANGER OUTLET CENTER, LOCUST GROVE The EASTER BUNNY is coming to Tanger Outlets beginning Saturday, March 16th through Saturday, March 31st. Daily 1 - 6 PM. Plan now to bring your child and experience the magical gardens on the path to see the Easter Bunny for your special photo memories. The Easter Bunny will be in the commons area next to suite 200 near Old Navy!

YELLOW POLLEN STREET FESTIVAL

EASTER SAVING SALES AT TANGER

MARCH 2 - MARCH 4, ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY The Georgia Tiny House Festival is coming to Atlanta Motor Speedway! See the latest in tiny home modifications and designs! www. atlantamotorspeedway.com

RUSTY WALLACE RACING EXPERIENCE

MARCH 17, 10AM – 5PM, DOWNTOWN HAMPTON www.cityofhamptonga.gov

HAMPTON EASTER EGG HUNT

MARCH 24, 2PM, MCBRAYER CITY PARK

LOCUST GROVE EASTER EGG HUNT

MARCH 24, 10:00AM, CLAUDE GRAY PARK (99 FRANCES WARD DRIVE, LOCUST GROVE, GA 30248) Bring your little ones ages 2 - 12 to hunt for eggs and take photos with the Easter Bunny! The Easter Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 AM at Claude Gray Park (99 Frances Ward Drive, Locust Grove, GA 30248).

MARCH 29 – APRIL 1, TANGER OUTLET CENTER, LOCUST GROVE (SELECT STORES OPEN EASTER) Build a better basket this Easter with terrific savings from Tanger Outlets.

Easter Sales start on Thursday, March 29th through Sunday, April 1st with the added benefit of the amazing TangerStyle 25% off coupons. Select stores will be open on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 from 11AM - 6PM. Be sure to check the List of Easter Open Stores below and download your 25% savings coupons and the best offers at TANGERSTYLE DEALS!

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The Henry County Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) celebrates their 51st Annual Awards & Dinner Meeting!

Held each year the first Saturday of February, this signature event is dedicated to celebrating leading business owners and entrepreneurs, corporations and supplier diversity advocates, government and community leaders.

Held in February, this community event of the year is the Henry County Chamber of Commerce combined Annual Awards and Dinner Meeting also known as the Chamber Banquet.

The meeting was held at Eagles Landing Country Club, 100 Eagles Landing Way, Stockbridge, GA 30281 and was sponsored

by Piedmont Henry Hospital. The group enjoyed a social hour of networking with complimentary

libations co-sponsored

by Chamber Members SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and, Whaley, Hammonds, Tomasello, P.C. whose representatives also serve on the Board of Directors for the Chamber. The social hour occurred prior to a served meal, followed by a fast-paced program which includes the ceremonial passing of the gavel from one Chairman to the next.

After the Passing of the gavel, Incoming 2018 Chair

of the Board, Wayne Lowrey of United Community Bank, thanked Rod Meadows of Meadows, Macie & Sutton P.C for his service as chair of the board in 2017 and for his leadership before presenting him with the “Chair” as a gift from the Board. Past, Present and retiring Board Members were also recognized at the event.

See below for a rundown of Saturday night’s award winners and the criteria:

2017 AWARD WINNERS

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2017 Melissa & Glen Golden , JailHouse Brewing Company

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2017 Patti Brown, SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties

THE BILLY CARTER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD 2017 Cheri Hobson-Matthews, Henry County Manager

​CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Leonard Moreland, Heritage Bank

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HenryCounty.com

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PUBLICATION OF HENRYCOUNTY.COM IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE SUPPORT OF THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THANK YOU!

City of McDonough

Superintendent

Robert Price, Mayor

Billy Copeland, Mayor

(770) 957-5043

770-957-3915 523164-1

1709 Highway 20 West Westridge Business Center McDonough, GA 30253

OF POWER AND INFORMATION.

HENRY COUNTY

523166-1

www.henry.k12.ga.us

770-957-5786

CHAMBER of COMMERCE 523165-1

770-957-6601 770-914-6178 FAX

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

523169-1

523163-1

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis

523168-1

City of Locust Grove

22 N. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, Georgia 30253

213070-1

City of Stockbridge

Powering Our Communities Henry County is our home too.

That’s why, for 90 years, we’ve partnered with local chambers, development authorities and elected officials across Georgia to help bring jobs and investment to the state – more than 134,000 jobs and $25.5 billion capital investment over the past decade alone.

Anthony S. Ford Mayor 770-389-7910

523170-1

523171-1

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 Board of Directors Proudly Serving Henry County

523161-1

523172-1

Board Members reserve your space on this page- Contact Rita at the Henry Herald 770-957-9161 x 227 or email: rcamp@henryherald.com

HenryCounty.com

To our RENEWING Chamber Members A-COM ANDY GAWRON STATE FARM INSURANCE ANIMAL CONTROL EXPERTS, LLC BB&T - BRANCH BANKING & TRUST

FIRST NATIONAL BANK - HERON BAY FUN BOWL OF HENRY COUNTY GEORGIA ELITE SPORTS ACADEMY INC

BEST INSURANCE GROUP

GOODYEAR AVIATION PRODUCTS

BROOKS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

HARDIN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES

CAPSTONE SIGNS & GRAPHICS

HIRE DYNAMICS

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE COURTYARD

BY MARRIOTT ATLANTA MCDONOUGH

EAGLE’S LANDING COUNTRY CLUB FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC FAMILY SUPPORT CIRCLE, INC. FIRST NATIONAL BANK - HAMPTON

PEP BOYS RAMADA THE RESERVES NETWORK SECURITY FINANCE SHERWINWILLIAMS

SUNBROOK ACADEMY

JODY HICE JOYCE RODGERS

TIRESOUTH, INC.

MBA WELLNESS CENTERS, LLC

TOYOTA OF MCDONOUGH / SCION OF MCDONOUGH

MCDONOUGH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEW AMERICAN FUNDING PAIN CONSULTANTS AT PIEDMONT, LLC

BLAKE BENNETT STATE FARM BLAKE BENNETT 362 RACETRACK RD. MCDONOUGH GA 30252 (678) 782-5556

COMPASS SELF STORAGE RHIANNA WALLEN 230 MCDONOUGH PARKWAY MCDONOUGH GA 30253 (855)-322-6672 EXT 707

HALPERN ENTERPRISES, INC. STEVE WEST 5200 ROSWELL ROAD ATLANTA GA 30342 (770) 451-0318

GREAT CLIPS ANGELA BONE 1545 HWY 20 W MCDONOUGH GA 30253 (678) 782-3397

HIGH PRIORITY PLUMBING & SERVICES, INC. DENISE VOJNICH P.O. BOX 83068 CONYERS GA 30013 (770) 860-8110

JIM ‘N NICKS BBQ TAMMI DUNCAN 1480 HWY. 20 W MCDONOUGH GA 30253 (470) 367-4397 TWO WHEEL ADVENTURES CHRIS CARR 184 COVINGTON ROAD GRIFFIN GA 30223 (678) 896-5909

SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

THE KIDS SPECIALISTS, HENRY PEDIATRICS, LLC

ITALIAN OVEN

ANCHORS UNLIMITED, INC. ROBERT PHILLIPS 112 PARK 42 DRIVE SUITE A LOCUST GROVE GA 30253 (770) 914-2243

910 Dailey Mill Road McDonough, GA 30253

770-692-3819 Greg Cannon owner

195815-1

EAGLE’S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

HUDGINS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

THE PALMS AT LAKE SPIVEY

To our NEW Chamber Members

www.companioncarega.com

527623-1

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770-946-8088 Nail-Air.com

UNITED FOOD FORCE, INC. THE UPS STORE ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

HenryCounty.com

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MARCH

2018

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 • 5:30 – 7:00 P.M. HOSTED BY

24/7 Emergency Response

Family Support Circle, Inc 109 South Lee Street, Stockbridge, GA, 30281 Henry County Education Training Center

678-284-1602

educatedplumber.com • Plumbing • Sewer • Drain • Water Heaters • Leak Detection • Septic Pumping and Repair

This month, the Chamber Business After Hours will be hosted by Chamber member, Family Support Circle, Inc.!

Take this opportunity to come to this Business After Hours and learn more about their educational youth development programs in Georgia as well as their efforts to build a school in Haiti while you mingle with colleagues and enjoy a

cultural experience and a mix of some delicious HaitianAmerican hors d’oeuvres along with some beer, wine and refreshments.

Business After Hours are free networking events for members and their invited (adult) guests.

About Family Support Circle, Inc. FSC 21st Annual Fundraising & Awards Gala Every year, FSC hosts an annual fundraising gala in order to raise funds for purposes pertaining to our

youth excellence programs across Philadelphia, Georgia, and Haiti. This year, the funds being raised are in effort to build a new school building for our youth in Haiti and to help sponsor multiple youth this summer in our Summer Enrichment Programs here in Georgia.

We would love to have you join us for a night of dinner, awards, music, and more with guest speaker, Commissioner Chair, June Wood!

Your support is greatly appreciated!

JANUARY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS RECAP

This month, The Chamber Business After Hours was hosted by Chamber Member, BB&T! Those in attendance took this opportunity to come to this Business After Hours and learn more about the products and services of others while mingling with colleagues and enjoying some delicious food along with some wine and refreshments.

Special Thanks to those who brought Door Prizes!

• Heritage Bank • Wells Fargo • Market South Properties Business After Hours is a monthly networking event designed to bring 40-50 business professionals together to meet and build relationships in an informal setting. Each event is hosted by a different Chamber member and is a great way to meet new people and see the diverse business community in Henry County.

TO HOST A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT:

770-957-5786

HenryCounty.com

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MARCH

2018

JANUARY

BUSINESS BOOSTERS LUNCHEON RECAP

March 15, 2018 • HCCC Hudgins Room • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Topic: Understanding Tax Assessment Sponsored by Hands of Hope

Speaker: John Selfe, Chief Appraiser for Henry County The Tax Assessors Office determines the fair market value of all taxable real and personal properties in the county. Their goal is to annually produce a digest that is both uniform and reflects Fair Market Value, as defined in OCGA 48-5-2.

In addition, the digest must conform to all requirements of Georgia Law and the Rules and Regulations as set forth by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The Tax Assessors Office will embrace the growth

in the community and will strive to serve the citizens of the community by providing excellent customer service and implementing new strategies that will aid us in meeting our goals in an increasingly complex environment.

Attendees can expect to learn about: • Tax Assessment Process • Appeals Process • Common Misconceptions Lunch will be catered by:

$3.00 will be applied for those who pay at the door.

To cover catering costs, no-shows will be expected to make payment.

About our Sponsor:

Hands of Hope is a nonprofit medical clinic which gives “hope” to the underserved and uninsured residents of Henry County through quality medical and dental care resulting in individual and community health and well-being. The clinic is easily accessible and conveniently located on the campus of Piedmont Henry Hospital and operates thanks to the dedication of volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists Jim ‘N Nick’s and others.

Community Bar-B-Q Hands of Hope 1480 HWY 20 West Clinic, Inc. McDonough, GA 30253 1010 Hospital Drive, 678-619-5098 Building B The discounted cost for Stockbridge GA this catered lunch for those 30281-7384 who register and pay online 770-507-1344 is $12 for Chamber members handsofhopeclinic. and $20 for non-members. org/ An additional charge of

For the January 2018 Business Booster Luncheon, our speaker was Commissioner Chair June Wood. She talked about Imagine Henry 2040, which is an Approved Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP or COMP Plan), Henry County Government Accomplishments and the need to update the comprehensive plan.

In Georgia, comprehensive plans must be updated every 5 years, as required by the Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning. She discussed what the development of a comprehensive plan helps a community do.

She also discussed the Vision for Henry County, which is that Henry County will be the most admired place to live, work, play and pray.

As far as priorities for the year 2018,

BELLAMY-STRICKLAND Chevrolet • Buick • Pontiac • GMC Trucks

770-954-3000

Every LIFE has a story.

Celebrate it!

BELLAMY STRICKLAND

Greg Cannon

www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com

527619-1

770-914-1414

I-75 . 155 Hwy McDonough

527618-1

I-75 • Exit 216 145 Industrial Blvd.

McDonough, Ga

Member Directory • Member to Member Discounts • News & Events

Henry County is currently in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan which will result in a new Future Land Use Plan.

She mentioned that citizen engagement and input is critical and that we, as a county, need to decide how and where we grow and what kind of growth offers the best benefit.

Special Thanks to all who brought Door Prizes!!

• Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. • Compass Self Storage • Central Georgia EMC • Wild Wing Café This luncheon was catered by: • Wild Wing Café (McDonough, GA) • 36 Mill Rd, McDonough, GA 30253 • 770-898-2420

Also visit us at HenryCounty.com

HenryCounty.com

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Welcome!

RIBBON CUTTINGS The Importance Of Job Readiness: Tips From An Employer Friday, January 19, 2018 GREAT CLIPS Contact: Angela Bone 1545 Hwy 20 W McDonough, GA 30253 678-782-3397

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 T-MOBILE Contact: Brian Pendleton 2019 Jonesboro Rd Ste 25 McDonough, GA 30253 (610) 864-0447

Tuesday, February 6, 2018 JIM ‘N NICK’S BBQ Contact: Tammi Duncan 1480 Hwy 20 West McDonough, GA 30253 (470) 367-4397

TO INTRODUCE AND CELEBRATE YOUR BUSINESS IN STYLE, PLEASE CONTACT GARY SPARROW, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR AT 770-957-5786 OR VIA EMAIL GSPARROW@HENRYCOUNTY.COM

Preparing for a new job can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the workforce or have been on hiatus for a while. And while expectations and trends do change over the years as far as job skills and readiness go, there are some basic rules that never go out of style. Being professional, doing some research before an interview, and looking the part will go a long way toward helping you get the job of your dreams.

Unfortunately, those are skills that many people don’t find important these days. As an employer, some of the most basic “soft” skills-knowing how to speak on the phone, dressing for a business environment, being on time--are the ones I look for the most in a potential hire, and are the ones I find the least.

So you’ve taken classes, or you have experience in the field; what next? That’s not enough to get you hired. What will get you the job is knowing how to look someone in the eye when you’re having a conversation, having excellent etiquette in person and over the phone, and knowing that other people’s time is valuable.

Here are some inside tips on how to get the job you want.

Know what they’re looking for There are few things worse than getting to a job interview only to find out they want something completely different than what you can offer. Do a bit of homework ahead of time--you can start on the company’s website--to find out exactly what they’re looking for in an employee. What are the requirements for the position you want to interview for? Make sure you’re familiar with all the duties of the job and that you can perform them. For some great tips on what many employers are looking for, head to Homeadvisor.com.

Mind your manners

It’s extremely important to be polite, engaging, and thoughtful during your interview, and that means having excellent manners. Refrain from speaking over your interviewer, sit up straight in your chair, and come in prepared with any paperwork you may need (at the very least, a valid driver’s license or other state-issued ID). Never bring a cell phone into an interview.

If you can’t leave it in your car, be sure to turn it Be on time off and keep it in your purse or pocket. Use proIt doesn’t matter what field you’re working fessional language, no matter what the circumin, showing up on time is essential. When you’re stances are. Whether it’s an office environment interviewing for a position, double check the time of when you need to be there and make or a mechanic’s garage, any interviewer will apsure you know the name of who you’re sup- preciate professionalism. posed to meet. Leave early in case unforeseen Dress the part circumstances--like bad traffic or being unable Dress for the job you want. That means no to find the right building--eat up your time. jeans, no sneakers, clean hair and fingernails, Be prepared and proper hygiene. Don’t assume that because Even if you’ve worked in your field for many it’s a business-casual environment you should years, it’s always a good idea to do some research dress down; show your interviewer that this poon the company you’re interviewing with. Look sition means something to you. up how many years they’ve been in business, Remember that one of the best ways to snag who founded it, what their values are, and how the job you want is to be prepared. Do some remany people they employ. Being knowledgeable search, get organized, and treat every interview about the company will show your interviewer that you take this job seriously, and that’s always like it’s the most important one. With some a good thing. Check out this article for more planning and the right attitude, you’ll have the good advice on how to get started. job of your dreams in no time.

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Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

527621-1

Call or visit any of our twelve financial advisors in the Henry County area. To find an Edward Jones office near you, call 1-800-ED-JONES or visit www.edwardjones.com.

David R Dodd Jr. 220 Jonesboro Rd McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 898-1735

John H Dorminy IV, AAMS® 190 Turner Street McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 957-0250

Carolyn W Fraser 2863 Highway 155 Locust Grove, GA 30248 (770) 288-3377

Jeremy W Lange, CFP®, AAMS® 29 E King Road Hampton, GA 30228 (770) 707-2390

Josh Duncan The Commerce Building 2100 Keys Ferry Ct McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 288-4151

Ansley Sturgill 125 Westridge Industrial Blvd Suite 100 McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 957-9885

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

Gerry Simon, AAMS® 130 Eagle Springs Court Suite B Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 389-8912

Paul D Rippa, AAMS® 2141 Highway 155 North McDonough, GA 30252 (678) 583-5090

David E Shofman 5487 North Henry Blvd Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 506-1994

Vanessa Conwell 4998 Bill Gardner Parkway Ingles Shopping Center Locust Grove, GA 30248 (678) 583-5079

Zondria Bond 2141 Highway 155 North McDonough, GA 30253 (678) 583-5090

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STUDENT TEACHER ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNITION BREAKFAST

The STAR Student program is designed to reward both academic aptitude and academic excellence. STAR Students must achieve two distinct objectives.

To qualify as a STAR, a student must have the highest score on a single test date on the threepart SAT as well as being in the top 10% or top 10 students in their class based on grade point average. We had 18 great student examples of those who have met those standards. It is a pleasure to recognize them, as well as the 18 teachers whom the students have selected as the teachers who have had the most influence on their academic achievement.

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce has a strong history of support for education. In addition to supporting academic achievement, the Chamber is active in encouraging the Board of Education to achieve the highest of educational standards. Whether it is providing recognition to top students, or working to make new teachers to Henry County feel welcome at the annual Teacher Induction Luncheon, the Chamber has as

one of its top goals the support of Henry County Schools.

We extend to you our congratulations of what you have achieved and we look forward to

your future contributions to our community and society.

Congratulations to 2018 County Wide STAR Student Meet Patel from Luella High School

and Mr. Dean Goldgar as STAR Teacher.

This recognition could not be held without the financial and other support of our sponsors.

HenryCounty.com

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Same-day care right around the corner for minor injuries & illnesses, immunizations and physicals.

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896 Highway 81 East McDonough, GA 30252

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1855 Hudson Bridge Rd Stockbridge, GA 30281

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To save your spot, call 404.334.2481 or visit piedmont.org.

Piedmont QuickCare at Walgreens is operated by Piedmont Medical Care Corporation. The healthcare providers at Piedmont QuickCare at Walgreens are employed, contracted or affiliated with Piedmont Medical Care Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. The healthcare providers are not employees, associates and/or agents of, or supervised by, Walgreen Co. or any Walgreens subsidiary or affiliated company.