henrycounty.com a henry county chamber of commerce publication
SEPTEMBER 2015
in this issue
Chair’s Message 2 Business Profile 3 Calendar 4 SBDC 5 Youth Leadership Henry 6 Leadership Henry 6 Chamber Briefs 6 Henry Happenings 7 Golf Classic 7 Chamber Membership 10 Business After Hours 11 Business Boosters Luncheon 12 Teacher Induction Program 12 Chamber Connections 13 Ribbon Cuttings 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.
Hampton • Locust Grove • McDonough • Stockbridge
CVB Offers a “Leg Up” to Local Tourism Partners
Henry County’s tourism partners are getting a marketing leg up from the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB launched a new tourism marketing grant program in June. Eligible tourism businesses or events were able to apply for grant funding for various marketing initiatives. Five applicants were awarded grants for marketing projects for the 3rd Quarter. These grants will supplement the grantees’ existing marketing plans to broaden their reach for specific initiatives or events. Through the increased marketing expenditures, future visitors will be exposed to billboards, radio ads and social media ads in areas and through mediums not possible if the partners were to be limited to their own resources. The CVB’s effectiveness is greatly enhanced as the newly created partnerships not only strengthens partners’ marketing, but leverages the CVB’s advertising funds to exponentially increase Henry County’s presence in front of consumers. Ultimately this leads to more business for everyone and a stronger economy. In order to be eligible for these funds, tourism businesses had to be within the CVB’s geographical service area and apply for assistance for a marketing initiative that could attract NEW visitors from outside Henry County. “We received a lot of wonderful applications for projects that have the potential to draw a whole new audience to Henry County,” stated Jeff Mills, Chairman of the Henry County CVB Board of Directors. “We believe that through this grant we can better position Henry County as a destination and we look forward to continuing this program.” One of the organizations that received a grant was the Academy Theatre/
Chambers have numerous committees and serving on one of them provides numerous networking opportunities as well as professional leadership development.
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS
Member Appreciation Luncheon Friday, October 30, 2015 Get your Costumes Ready! Prizes, Food & more!! Catered by Shane’s Rib Shack
Henry Arts Alliance. “Receiving this grant means a lot to the Henry Arts Alliance and the Academy Theatre,” stated Lynna Schmidt, President of the Henry Arts Alliance. “With this grant and the support of the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau we are better able to reach a wider audience and make them aware of the County’s outstanding artistic talent. Bringing audiences in from outside the County for our performances and events, not only supports our programs but supports economic development in our county. We are proud to receive this grant and look forward to this partnership with the CVB.” This tourism marketing grant will be a quarterly program, though available funding may vary. Applications for the fourth quarter are due by October 1. Henry County Chamber President David Gill praised the program saying, “This is a win-win, not just the CVB and the grantees, but of all of Henry County.” For questions about the program or a copy of the grant criteria and application contact Laura Luker at lluker@henrycounty.com or (770) 957-5786.
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