Chamber Link - Dec Proof

DECEMber

2010

T h e o f f i c i a l p u b l i c at i o n o f t h e M i l l e d g e v i l l e - B a l dw i n C o u n t y C h a m b e r o f C o m m e rc e a n d t h e D e v e l o p m e n t Au t h o r i t y

Studio Designs

New Name — Same Commitment

90 Hwy. 22 West Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: 478-454-4221 Fax: 478-454-4337

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Merlin Fechner

Tena Wheeler

President

Human Resources

Chuck McCuen

Phil Treadway

Facilities

Materiel

Danny Smith

Richard Vandal

Operations

Operations

Dan Conover

Michael Anderson

Operations

Finance

Florella Crouch

Johnny Simons

Quality

Engineering

December 2010

Capitols, Columns and Culture

478-453-9311

MilledgevilleBaldwin County Chamber of Commerce Your Business and Community Partner...Focused on the Future!

Volume 2, Issue 3

2010-2011 Executive Board of Directors Chairman of the Board - Lyn Chandler Past Chair - Bill Jones (Magnolia State Bank) Chair-Elect - Keith Barlow (The Union-Recorder) Partners for Progress - Terry Kennedy (Exchange Bank) Treasurer - Greg Tyson (Georgia Power) Chamber CEO - Tara Peters Vice Chairs¨ - Dual Role Chamber of Commerce and Partners for Progress Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wes Cummings (Captain D’s) Events Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheree Prestridge (Century Bank &Trust) Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Aldridge (Georgia Power) Membership Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Fain (Beckham-Fain Insurance Group) Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renee Fontenot (Georgia College & State University) Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jody Yearwood (Georgia Military College) Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Eubanks (Baldwin County Sheriff ’s Department) Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryan Jackson (Oconee Regional Medical Center) Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merritt Massey (Merritt Massey State Farm)

Additional Vice Chairs¨ -

Partners for Progress Board Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalie Goodrich Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Langston Community Relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Martin

2010-2011 Board of Directors Karen Rowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Karen Rowell State Farm Insurance) Robert Dawkins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Badcock Home Furnishings) Barry Chambers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Wendy’s) Kelly Jaworski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Pickle Barrell) Andy Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (The UPS Store) Alan Horton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Oconee Regional Medical Center) Travis Strickland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Studio Desings Printing, LLC) Ron Weigle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (SunTrust Bank) Kathie Kueven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Kathie’s Tax Service) Mike Tran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (L.A. Nails) Nolan Stephens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dr. C. Nolan Stephens-Healing Hands) Linda Hewette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Wells Fargo Advisors) Charolette Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (BB&T)

PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS ADVISORY COMMITTEES Business & Industry Jeff Wilkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Wilkinson Used Cars) Mike Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Mike Wood Home Builders) Charlie Ross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Georgia Power) Brian Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Century Bank & Trust) Travis Strickland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Studio Designs Printing, LLC) Richard Bentley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Wilkinson Insurance) Larry Garrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (G & S Gas) Merritt Massey/Karen Rowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (State Farm Insurance)

Community Leadership

Contributed Photo

December 2010

Richard Bentley/Barry Jarrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(City of Milledgeville) Ralph McMullen/Linda Fussell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Baldwin County) Geneva Braziel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Board of Education) Angie Gheesling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Development Authority) Jane Sowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Convention & Visitors Burea) Belinda Washlesky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Milledgeville MainStreet) Heather Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Digital Bridges)

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Season’s Greetings Chamber membership gives you access to a variety of tools and advertising options that can help increase your bottom line.

Happy Holidays Joyous Noel

Feliz Navidad Merry Christmas

Blessings At Yuletide

For more information on all that the chamber can do for you call 478-453-9311

No matter how you say it, we hope it’s grand!

Thank you for your generous support all year long.

GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE

201 East Greene Street Milledgeville, Georgia 31061

(800) 342-0413 (478) 387-4947 www.gmc.cc.ga.us 4 - The Link

December 2010

partners for progress

PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS

COMMITTEES MOVING FORWARD The Chamber of Commerce Partners for Progress initiative has accomplished several important goals over the past few months due to the hard work and dedication of the Chamber Board of Directors vice chairs and their committee members.

A long standing goal of the Partners Economic Development committee was successfully accomplished in October and we’re proud to announce that Milledgeville and Baldwin County are now a Governor’s Office of Workforce Development Certified Work Ready Community!

This achievement allows us to compete with not only communities in Georgia, but nationally and internationally as well. The fact that we can claim and provide a quality workforce for practically any business or industry speaks volumes to prospective businesses, agencies and relocating citizens such as retirees.

Among those who deserve the congratulations are Vice Chair Economic Development Scott Aldridge; Joan Minton and Ralph McMullen of Baldwin County; Mayor Bentley, City of Milledgeville; Angie Gheesling, the Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County; Hank Griffeth, Central Georgia Technical College; Ethel Wynn, the Georgia Department of Labor; Chairman Lyn Chandler of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Peter Boylan, Georgia Military College; Dorothy Leland, Georgia College & State University; Heather Holder, GCSU Digital Bridges and the Knight Foundation and the hundreds of citizens, employers, students and employees who helped make this possible.

Many thanks to Baldwin County for supporting this Partners initiative, it was truly a partnership of all and for all.

Led by Vice Chair Merritt Massey, the government initiative has made great strides toward the goal of possibly consolidating our city and county governments. Massey’s com-

December 2010

mittee has spent several months researching and traveling to gather information from successful communities who have completed this process. They have met with citizens, elected officials and state officials in an effort to determine the best road map to follow. Plans are being made to hold small group forums to promote community engagement on consolidation. Look for more information in the near future and plan to participate in these important conversations.

Leadership Baldwin Vice Chair Beth Eubanks has been working steadfastly on planning the course work for the 2011 Adult Leadership Class. Leadership Baldwin Alumni and the new class will meet with a kick off reception in January. Thank you to these future leaders for their commitment and dedication to growing the leadership base in Baldwin County.

The Youth Leadership Class has held their kick off with the help of GSCU outdoor education department and Kendall Stiles. This class represented a larger number of schools that in the past but bonded together extraordinarily well during the initial session. Other sessions will include a trip to the state capitol and to the Department of Economic Development. Members will participate in the community Legislative Reception. They will hear from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chamber, Allied Arts, Andalusia, Lockerly and the Governor’s mansion in regard to the roles each of these economic engines play in our community. The students will also receive information from representatives of Baldwin County Education, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Business Development, Government and Infrastructure and to learn the importance of giving back to the community via community service and work with non-profits. The course will conclude with a graduation in November of 2011. Needless to say, this community has much to be proud of with our students as future leaders.

Another exciting goal that has been accomplished is the re-establishment of the

Partners In Education program through the Education Committee of the Chamber Partners Initiative.

Chaired by Wes Cummings, this program which has been successful in the past was re-vamped and reenergized. This collaborative effort will focus on the resources each partnership can provide to the students and businesses for the purpose of creating a skilled, educated workforce.

With global competition as it is, this partnership is vital to the success of graduating students as well as sustainability for our business and industry. If you or your business is interested in partnering with one of our schools, please contact the Chamber.

Please make a note to continue following the accomplishments of the Chambers’ Partners Initiative. We welcome your financial support at any level and would love the opportunity to present the program to you.

For more information or to schedule an appointment you may contact the Partners for Progress Chair Terry Kennedy or Tara Peters at the Chamber of Commerce.

partners in education UPDATE John Milledge Academy and its Partners in Education, RJI Inc, Yearwood Technology Group, and The Union Recorder met recently to discuss their partnership action plan.

Items discussed were Yearwood Technology Group helping to promote the use of computers and upgrading systems throughout the school; beautification project which includes the students, parents, and faculty working with RJI Inc. on keeping the front bank of the school landscaped and clean. Also, some class projects which include taking field trips to the Union Recorder to see the entire process of how a newspaper is produced, student written editorials to be run periodically in The Union Recorder, starting a school newspaper run solely by students, and student shadowing.

Thank you to all our Partners In Education for your commitment to our students.

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A DIVISION OF BANK OF EASTMAN

BB&T supports the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce and the community.

150 W. Greene Street and 2345 N. Columbia Street 478-457-3500

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December 2010

BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR

business RESOURCE FAIR The Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Community Wide Business Resource Fair on October 12th at the Georgia College & State University Centennial Center. The event coincided with the Annual Member Appreciation. The event drew over 100 attendees. The business community was able to gain knowledge from a wide range of vendors to assist in the growth of their businesses. The participating vendors included: Middle Ga. Consortium, GA

Dept of Economic Development, GA Dept.of Community Affairs, GA Dept.of Labor, MilledgevilleBaldwin Co. Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, Digital Bridges, GA Technical Procurement Assessment Center, GCSU Internship Programs, CGTC Internship Programs, One Georgia Authority, Middle GA Regional Commission. The Resource Fair was sponsored by: Partners for Progress, Chamber of Commerce, The Union

Recorder, Georgia College & State University, MilledgevilleBaldwin Co. Development Authority.

The event concluded with the raffling of a Disney Condo Vacation Get-Away donated by Kathie Kueven of Kathie’s Tax Service. The winner of this luxurious vacation was Baldwin Co. Fire Chief, Tommy Smith.

Congratulations, Tommy and “Thank You” Kathie for your generous donation.

Chief Tommy Smith accepting the Disney Condo Vaction GetAway donated by Kathie Kueven of Kathie’s Tax Service.

December 2010

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Be Prepared for the Holidays with Respite Care Respite Care provides a temporary rest from the responsibility of caring for your loved one.

LOAN PRODUCTION OFFICE 1401 N. COLUMBIA STREET MILLEDGEVILLE, GA 31061 LYNDE S. LOWERY LOAN OFFICER 478.456.2616 WCBANK4@WINDSTREAM.NET

Some of the services available: s 3KILLED NURSING CARE s #USTOMIZED PATIENT CARE ROUTINES s !CTIVITY PROGRAMS s "ARIATRIC PROGRAM s 7OUND CARE PROGRAM

We can provide the respite care, whether it’s for a day or a month, so you can have the rest you deserve during the holidays.

478.453.8514

"MMFO .FNPSJBM %SJWF 48 r .JMMFEHFWJMMF (FPSHJB DIBQMJOXPPEIFBMUI PSH

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December 2010

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SUBMISION

development authority SUBMISSION ‘Tis the season to go green at “Bring One for the Chipper” hosted by “Keep Milledgeville Baldwin Beautiful.”

Milledgeville, Ga. – “Keep Milledgeville Baldwin Beautiful” invites all community members to ditch their decorations and participate in “Bring One for the Chipper,” a 20 year Christmas tree recycling event.

Beginning Sunday, Dec. 26 and ending Monday, Jan. 10, local residents have the opportunity to “treecycle” at

December 2010

the Georgia Department of Transportation office located at 161 Blandy Rd. from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.

“The Chipper project, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, recycles Christmas trees that will be used as mulch in public areas around the community,” Executive Director of the Milledgeville Baldwin County Development

Authority Angie Gheesling said. “People are often left with the question of how to dispose of their trees after the Christmas holiday and this gives them an option they can feel good about.”

Undecorated Christmas trees will be chipped on site and in turn be used to enhance the aesthetics of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. In the past, the mulch has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards.

The program has been a holiday tradition in Georgia for 20 years and is the largest tree recycling program in the nation.

According to the “Keep Georgia Beautiful” website, the Chipper program involves hundreds of Georgia communities and thousands of volunteers. Also, since its inception the program has recycled an estimated 5 million Christmas trees.

“Bring One for the

Chipper” works not only for the beautification of Georgia, but also to educate the public on recycling and environmental conservation.

Local sponsors are the Georgia Department of Transportation, Keep Milledgeville Baldwin Beautiful, Baldwin County and the City of Milledgeville and Georgia Power.

Statewide sponsors of “Bring One for the Chipper” include The Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Keep Georgia Beautiful Program, The Home Depot, The Davey Tree Expert Company, 11 Alive, Atlanta’s NBC Affiliate and Ferry-Morse Seed Co.

For more information about “Bring One for the Chipper” contact the Milledgeville Baldwin County Development Authority at (478) 451-0369.

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KROGER PROJECT HAS BECOME A REALITY

kroger project HAS BECOME A REALITY As with most projects, much time and effort by many parties was invested.

Within the next year, Kroger’s new store will open on U.S. Highway 441 just north of Log Cabin Road. It has been reported that this will be Kroger’s largest development in Georgia.

The commercial development includes as an anchor tenant a Kroger Marketplace, along with restaurants, a drive-in bank and other retail establishments in the outlying parcels. Supporting factors for the company’s expansion decision were: to meet the needs of Baldwin County’s growing population, Baldwin County’s standing as a regional shopping hub; the presence of three colleges; as well as, the growing tourism industry at Lake Sinclair. The company will bring 89 new positions to the new location and retain 81 current Kroger jobs.

Kroger’s business decision will prove to be a healthy shot in the arm for Baldwin County. This project has proven to be an excellent example of a successful collaboration between city, county and state governments and the private sector. It exemplifies an instance in which the City and County aligned themselves to ensure that a project came to fruition.

The need for assistance also reached outside the community where support was solicited from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the OneGeorgia Authority and the Georgia Department of Transportation. DCA approved a $450,000 Employment Incentive Program (EIP) award and OneGeorgia, along with a nod from Governor Sonny Perdue and the OneGeorgia Board, approved an additional $200,000 Equity Fund grant for road improvements alongside the Kroger site.

Always ready to assist Baldwin County were the Georgia DOT, Jennifer Nelson with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Jim Lovett with Georgia Power Company who all contributed to the success of the project by guiding the

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; OneGeorgia Award Ceremony Representative Rusty Kidd, , Kroger Store Manager, David Sheppard; County Manager, Ralph McMullen; Senator Johnny Grant; Governor Sonny Perdue; Commissioner Bubba Williams; Development Authority Director, Angie Gheesling; Kroger District Manager, Bob Jones; County Clerk, Cindy Cunningham; Retired County Manager, Joan Minton

sometimes arduous process.

A substantial investment was made by the County a few years ago to expand water and sewer services along U.S. Highway 441 North in order to further develop the area. The addition of these grant funds will enhance the investment that has already occurred. Kroger will be the first large development to take advantage of these improved services. Without the sewer expansion, in particular, a project of this size would not have occurred.

This project was a departure from typical prospects the Development Authority works with. It caused many involved to view recruitment efforts in a different light. When it’s taken under consideration that this company will invest over $16 million and offer benefits to its employees that match or surpass benefits offered by “traditional manufacturers” in the middle Georgia area, the overall economic benefit for the community becomes apparent. The economic impact will strongly be felt through the infusion of sales tax dollars

that will come to Milledgeville and Baldwin County not only from Baldwin County patrons but from visitors and customers from the surrounding counties.

Despite the positive news, some people have expressed concern about the future of the current Kroger building. Fortunately, plans are underway to ensure that the building does not remain vacant. The company has been upfront with the community about their willingness to actively contact potential tenants, especially those that they currently have relationships with.

Confirmation that our community is rebounding should become evident with the announcement of the GEO Riverbend Correctional Facility, an $80Million investment, Kroger, a $16Million investment and a pending existing industry announcement. These three projects will bring a total of approximately 700 jobs to Baldwin County.

December 2010

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

business AFTER HOURS

Chamber members meet at Exchange Bank in September

Thank You to Exchange Bank for hosting September’s Business After Hours. Guests were treated to delicious appetizers catered by Pig In A Pit. As always, guests enjoyed mingling and networking with one another.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SCHEDULE 5:30pm-7:30pm

$7 Chamber Members

$10 Future Members

November 18th — Magnolia State Bank Wreath Auction, Downtown Branch December 16th — Century Bank & Trust, Downtown Branch We are accepting Business After Hours sponsors for some vacant months beginning in January 2011.

If you are interested please contact the Chamber office at 478-453-9311. It is a wonderful way to market your business to other Chamber members.

Small Business Owner OF THE QUARTER

Congratulations to Amici Italian Café for earning small business of the quarter!

December 2010

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THANK YOU!

September 13 through November 4, 2010 September 10 through November 5, 2010 Serenity Hospice 2601 N. Columbia St. Suite F Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 454-1884

Melder Enterprises Van Melder 128 Ato Road Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 288-0272

Tidal Wave Auto Spa of Milledgeville, LLC 1893 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 (706) 249-4780

Mr. C's Car Care 701 N. Jefferson St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 456-0160

Chick-fil-A 1730 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 451-4830 Lith Press, Inc. 2947 Joycliff Rd Macon, GA 31211 (478) 746-5932 Fresenius Medical Care Milledgeville 411 N. Jefferson St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 453-0964 George Hogan Sr. 810 N. Cobb St. Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 456-1824 Joy Collection 2485 N. Columbia St. Suite 120 Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 387-8665

Apparel Ink 143 Garrett Way Unit B Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 452-0130 Perfume & More 1841 N. Columbia St. Ste G Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 453-3634 DeWayne Hodges Painting 245 Pettigrew Rd. NW Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 454-5229 Georgia College G.I.V.E. CBX 100 Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 445-4936 Tabitha’s Bakery 3061 N. Columbia St. Ste E Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478)454-5223

100 Black Men Accurate Income Tax 1-Sparrow Hurt Adams, Jordan & Treadwell Air Conditioning Specialist Alan Maxwell, DDS Alexander’s Office Center Allen Construction Company Alliance Financial Partners American Professional Institute Ameriprise Financial Amici Animal Rescue Foundation Anne Sanchez, D.D.S. Applebee’s Atlanta Gas Light Baldwin County Board of Commissioners Baldwin County Farm Bureau Baldwin High School Barksdale Contracting Bayne’s Army Store BB & T Beckhams Used Cars Ben Fortson dba Systems Design Birthflowers Inc. Landscaping Franchise Blandy Hills Elementary School Blinds Direct BodyPlex of Milledgeville Brian G. Coombs Brown Contracting Company Campus Club of Milledgeville Cathy’s Eye Care Central Ga. Battery Central Georgia Lawn & Design Central Georgia Technical College Central Insurance Group Central State Hospital Central State Hospital Foundation Century 21 Old Capitol Realty Chambers Cleaners Childre Nissan Inc.

Hands on Milledgeville Helping Hands Assisted Living Holiday Inn Express Hope Lutheran Church Housing Finance Center Innovative Packaging Ivey’s Tire Service Jeanie’s Flower Shop Jo Harvey Veal John Milledge Academy Ken Jones L & L Farm Mart Lake Sinclair Villages Little Caterpillars Development Center M & M Refinishing Macon/ WR Apartment Guide Middle Georgia Gastroenterology Mid-Georgia Gases Milledgeville Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta Milledgeville Country Club Milledgeville Golf Association Milledgeville Living Milledgeville Medical Pharmacy Milledgeville OBGYN Milledgeville Rotary Club Moores Funeral Home Nationwide New Life Foursquare Church Northridge Christian Church Oak Hill Middle School Ocmulgee CASA Oconee Area Hospitalists Oconee Family Medicine Center Oconee Medical Associates Oconee Regional Medical Center Oconee River Greenway Foundation Old Clinton BBQ Pig In A Pit Ranch Park Homes Randall Hattaway Accounting

Church Innovations City of Milledgeville Clark Brothers Plumbing Clear Choice Coldwell Bankers, SSK Compassionate Care Clinic Cornerstone Construction Cowboy Bill’s Craig Massee Real Estate Days Inn Discipleship Christian Church Donnie Moore Construction Dr. C. Nolan Stephens Dr. John Ferguson Eagle Package Store Eagle Ridge Elementary School Edward Jones Investments El Tequila Grill Eubanks Landscaping & Construction Exchange Club of Milledgeville Federalgraphics First United Methodist Church Flagg Chapel Baptist Church Flooring America Flowers, Etc. Fowler Flemister Concrete, Inc. Frank Chamber Land & Commercial Sales G & S Gas GCSU College of Business GCSU G.I.V.E. Center Georgetown Village Apartments Gerald Grimes Plumbing Gil’s Package Store Glenn Ray Construction Golf Cart City Grease Masters, LLC Green Acres Health & Rehab H & M Drugs Hampton Inn Hands on Milledgeville

RATH Refractories Red Feather Studio Residential Concerns River Edge Behavioral Health Center Roberts & Sons Propane Roberts Construction & Roofing Roc’s Cork Shoppe SafePro Security Systems Secure Health Plans of Ga. Sinclair Disposal Service Skyline Construction Sodexo Southside Equipment Southside Tire & Brake Studio Designs Printing Sunflower Maids Sweet Tooth Sweets Tent-Sational Events The Bellamy of Milledgeville The Cottages at Woodland Terrace The Salvation Army The UPS Store Theo’s Muffler Shop Three Rivers Home Health Services Ultra Force Security Vernay Laboratories Villamar Apartments Vince Ciampa Warehouse Solutions Website Traffic Makers Wells Fargo Advisors/Bill Neely Wells Fargo Advisors/Bruce Vaughn Wells Fargo Advisors/Melanie Hughes Wells Fargo Advisors/Shawn Mercer Wilkinson County Bank-Loan Production Wilkinson Insurance Agency Wilkinson Used Cars Windstream Communications

Pecan Hills S e n i o r

“Living At Its Best.”

Marilyn Wise

A p a r t m e n t s

Pecan Hills is located in historic Milledgeville, Ga., once the capital of Georgia, with the Governor’s Mansion still exhibiting its grace and beauty; it is the home of Georgia College & State University and Georgia Military College and was home to Flannery O’Connor and Oliver Hardy. Milledgeville is located 100 miles southeast of Atlanta, 30 miles east of Macon and 10 miles from the breathtaking Lake Sinclair. Pecan Hills is close to downtown Milledgeville and across the street from medical services; we are 2 miles from the mall, restaurants, retail, and businesses. Pecan Hills is beautifully landscaped and has a courtyard to “live” for. We offer many activities and special events for our tentants and most of the needed services are at their fingertip. Come and be a part of what’s Happening At The “Hills”!

APARTMENT FEATURES All Electric Full Kitchen Including: Range and Oven Garbage Disposal Refrigerator Microwave Oven Dishwasher Resident Controlled Access

PROPERTY AMENITIES Walking Trails Picnic Area Outside Porch Areas Gazebo Barber/Beauty Shop Community Room with Full Kitchen Laundry Facilities located on each floor of multi-story building

Come Home!

Two Bedrooms Starting at $400 900 W. Montgomery St. Milledgeville, Georgia 31061

478.451.0026 Certain age and income restrictions apply.

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December 2010

LOCAL RIBBON CUTTTINGS

local RIBBON CUTTINGS Bows and ribbons donated by

Blossoms Florist, Flowers Etc., & Ray’s Flowers and Gifts

Open Range Communications September 28, 2010

Sinclair Christian Academy September 28, 2010

Joy Collection October 21, 2010

Field’s Photography & Framing October 21, 2010

Fresenius Medical Care Milledgeville September 30, 2010

Serenity Hospice November 2, 2010

Tidal Wave Auto Spa November 9, 2010

La Fete November 9, 2010

The Original Crockett Family Cafeteria

December 2010

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member to member news

Blossoms Florist Blossoms Florist would like to thank all of our new customers and the community for the support you have given us since we opened.

We are a full service florist, providing flowers for any occasion large or small. We are a FTD affiliate and can wire flowers nationwide.

Floral designs for funeral services can be delivered to all local funeral homes as well as those in surrounding counties.

Please use our after hours numbers (478)2881154 or (478)451-9271 when you are in need of flowers for funerals arranged during weekends and holidays. We understand that funeral arrangements cannot always be made during our business hours and we will do everything possible to accommodate your needs during these times.

We look forward to serving you and remember "When words escape, Flowers speak".

Give us a call at 478-451-0221 or stop by and visit at 227 Ivey Weaver Road, Milledgeville

Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker SSK, REALTORS would like to welcome their newest team members. Debbie & Jamie Williams have joined Coldwell Banker bringing with them 3 years of real estate experience.

Traci Brown Medders has joined Coldwell Banker after receiving her real estate license. Traci was previously in the Insurance business for 8 years. Please call on them for your real estate. We never stop moving for you at Coldwell Banker SSK, REALTORS.

by the Green Acres staff and homemade desserts brought by the resident's families. There was also live music provided by the band Freelance Ruckus and a good time was had by all!

5th Consecutive 100 Green Acres Health & Rehabilitation recently celebrated receiving their 5th consecutive 100 score on their dietary health inspection. Way to go Dietary! We are so proud of you!

Pictured front row left to right: Barbara Smith, Annie Patterson, Betty Liggins and Emanuel Watkins. Back Row Left to Right: Jennifer Jackson and Albert Beckom. Not Pictured: Dora Byrd, Christine Bonner, Marcy Womble, Sharon Crawford, Bonnie Wright, Rose McClendon and Dietary Manager, Martha Batchelor.

Green Acres Octoberfeast Green Acres Health & Rehabilitation held their Annual Octoberfeast on October 16, 2010 for all Green Acres residents and associates as well as their families. The celebration included ribs from the grill of Mr. Terry Embry, green beans, collard greens potato salad, brunswick stew and cornbread made 14 - The Link

Maintenance Week Green Acres celebrates Maintenance Week October 25 thru October 29, 2010. Throughout the celebration Green Acres Associates showed their appreciation December 2010

Burns Gore Realty Janice Clemons Ward has teamed up with Burns Gore Realty. Janice is a native of Milledgeville. She enlisted in the United States Army where she served with distinction for 20 years. Upon retirement she moved back to Milledgeville with her husband and daughter.

Janice is excited and thrilled to be a Realtor in the Milledgeville Baldwin County area and is eagerly looking forward to assisting you with all of your real estate needs.

Give Janice a call today at (478) 456-3797.

JMA As part of our 40th yearlong celebration we wanted to recognize John Milledge Academy’s first day of school back on September 8, 1971. We asked every class to go to the football field the morning of September 8 as students were asked to form a giant 4 0 on the field. After the picture, every student was given a cupcake to enjoy before heading back to class. Over 500 cupcakes were given out and were supplied from some very willing parents!

Elementary kids and faculty formed the 4 and Middle School and High School students and faculty formed the 0.

December 2010

Shaking Up The Curves Circuit with Zumba!

“Zumba! Zumba!” That is what Curves members will be hearing instead of the usual “Change stations now” command when they begin their Curves Circuit With Zumba workout accompanied by a hip instructor and upbeat dance music!

Curves is proud to partner with Zumba fitness, the newest addition to its circuit that will put a Latin twist on its strength training and cardio workout and increase members’ weightloss results and caloric burn.

Starting January 2011, the Curves located in the Big Lots shopping center will offer four opportunities a week for members to workout on the circuit with Zumba. There will be two, 30-minute sessions on two days during the week, one in the morning and one in the evening. A certified Zin Zumba instructor will teach the members on the “recovery stations” the dance moves while a Curves trainer is present to check the form of the other members on the pieces of equipment.

Recently the new owner of Curves, Janice Wilkes is excited to have Zumba at her club. She has been the owner of it since June and has high hopes for the facility. Upon returning from Curves Convention in Marietta in early November where the Curves Circuit With Zumba was introduced, Wilkes and her team of employees are pumped to get Zumba started. “This is like an extra little class that is going to give members more options,” Wilkes said. “It is going to give them variety and a fun break from their every day routine workout!” She is in the process of looking for a certified Zin Zumba instructor or one that is willing to be Zin certified through the Zumba Association.

“With Zumba at Curves, it will create a more structured workout,” said Donna Faucett, two-year employee. “There is going to be so much high energy that will make the member not only work harder but encourage them to do the strength training on the equipment more correctly.”

Members are also anticipating the arrival of Zumba on the Curves circuit. “It would be fun and we’re all excited!” said one-year member Janice Beckom while working out with her daughter and mother. “Curves is a group project and we all love it!”

Curves is a facility especially designed for women, featuring a complete 30 minute workout that is fun, fast and safe. It is circuit training that exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching by alternating in 30second intervals from the machines to the recovery stations.

However, the Curves Circuit With Zumba will be based on a one-minute interval system, interchanging from working out on the equipment to dancing on the recovery stations with the Zumba instructor, still totaling 30 minutes. Curves also offers the Silver Sneakers program, a Medicare and supplemental healthcare plan, to those who are eligible and a nutrition class once a month to all.

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member to member news

to Mitch Brooks, Maintenance Supervisor, and Lynne Dominy, Maintenance Assistant, by surprising them with meals and prizes and also had them participate in many activities. We appreciate you guys!

member to member news

Chaplinwood Scores 100%

Pink Out

Chaplinwood Health & Rehab recently scored 100% on their Food Service Inspection. Pictured are a few of the dietary associates along with facility Administrator, Nancy Robinson and Dietary Manager, Kamecha Henderson.

Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation recently had a "pink out" day with residents and associates being encouraged to support breast cancer awareness by wearing pink. Pictured are a few of those at the facility that participated in the event.

Family Night Tail Gate Party

Case Management Week

Chaplinwood recently held a family night tailgate party for the resident's and their families. The party was well attended and everyone enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. All family members were provided with facility updates and education during their visit.

Oconee Regional Medical Center's Case Management Department recently gathered for a luncheon to celebrate Case Management Week. Pictured are the hospital's case management department along with the hospitalist nurse liaison and Chaplinwood Health & Rehab's DON and Admission Coordinator.

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December 2010

Pumpkin Carving

Physical Therapy Month Chaplinwood Health & Rehab recently celebrated National Physical Therapy Month with their Integra Rehab Therapist. Pictured are Katie Piper, OT Assistant, Greg Dali-on, Physical Therapist, and Nancy Robinson, Administrator along with a graduating rehab patient, Vivian Seymour.

Customer Service Week Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation recently celebrated Customer Service Week with education and a contest. Each associate was challenged by the Administrator to recite the facility Mission Statement or the Core Values of the facility. All associates who were able to do so were entered into a drawing for $50.

Respite Care Excellence in Service Chaplinwood Health & Rehab has been recognized by The Community Health Care Foundation for the center's Excellence in Customer Service for 2010. Chaplinwood's Admission Coordinator, Lynn Futch, who has been employed with Chaplinwood for 8 years, December 2010

Respite care is the provision of short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members, who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside of the home. For many, the challenges of caring for a loved one are part of daily life. Caregiving is a demanding, difficult job and no one is equipped to do it alone. Getting help is essential for your health, and your resilience is critical for your loved one.

Respite care provides short term breaks that relieve stress, restore energy, and promote balance in your life. Working with family memThe Link - 17

member to member news

Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation's residents were recently able to carve and decorate pumpkins to place in the courtyard of the facility for all to see and enjoy. They were also able to enjoy the pumpkin in another way. The activities department made pumpkin frappes out of the pumpkins as well. Pictured are a few of the residents who participated in the pumpkin carving.

was also recognized for her Excellent Customer Service at the center for 2010. Pictured are Lynn Futch, Admission Coordinator and Chaplinwood's Administrator, Nancy Robinson.

bers or friends may be difficult, but there is an option that you may not be aware of. Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation in Milledgeville, Georgia offers respite care services.

Seeking support and maintaining one’s own health are key to managing the caregiving years. Using respite care before you become exhausted, isolated, or overwhelmed is ideal, but just anticipating regular relief can become a lifesaver.

Respite can take many forms, but boils down to two basic ideas: sharing the responsibility for caregiving and getting support for yourself. Finding the right balance requires

persistence, patience, and preparation. Planning starts with analyzing the needs of both you and your loved one.

Family members and friends may be able to help out while you run an errand, take a break or even go on vacation. However, just as the burden of caregiving is often more than one person can handle – it can also be a tough process for families to share. Even the healthiest families can be severely stressed by ongoing care, and the division of labor is frequently lopsided.

Out-of-home respite care programs such as the ones offered by Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation offer temporary care for varying lengths of time allowing caretakers 24-hour relief.

The best strategy for successful respite care is to plan and schedule frequent breaks. Respite is not just a service-it is an outcome that requires regular relief. Relief and revitalization is not just important for you, it benefits all involved in the caregiving process.

If you feel that you and your loved one would benefit from respite care services please visit or contact Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation located at 325 Allen Memorial Drive in Milledgeville, GA. The facility phone number is 478-453-8514.

More general information on respite care can be found at www.helpguide.org.

THANKS TO YOU,

WE’VE EARNED 5 STARS!

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YOU – our customers. And our dedication to you has paid off, as we’ve earned Bauer Financial’s* highest rating of 5-stars for our fiscal strength, safety and stability. This places us among the strongest banks in America. So from all of us at Century Bank & Trust, we simply say, thank you. *Information regarding Bauer Financial is available at www.bauerfinancial.com.

No one loves to shop for insurance – except us. So let us do it for you. We look at dozens and only recommend companies that do claims right – like Grange.

Call 478.453.9496 or visit bbrowninsurance.com

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(478) 453-3571 www.centurybankonline.com

December 2010

small business SPOTLIGHT

The American Professional Institute (API) is a leading accredited career skills training institute with a proven 10 year track record in offering short-term certification programs at campuses in Decatur, Duluth, Gainesville, Macon, Milledgeville and Warner Robins. The Milledgeville campus has been steadily growing since its arrival to the Baldwin County community

in 2007. API helps Georgia residents become gainfully employed in the allied medical field, cosmetology, massage therapy and personal trainer fields.

API is well known for its caring, personal approach to helping students, this is quite different from traditional colleges.

Classes are smaller in size with more handson training. API’s career services department works hand-in-hand to help students find more employment opportunities. API offers financial assistance to students who qualify.

Since it started with a single location in Macon in November 2001, API has grown to three campus locations in Macon, campuses in Decatur, Duluth, Gainesville, Warner Robins and the new state-of-the-art

campus in Milledgeville Mall. Though API is locally owned and operated, its career programs are nationally accredited. The school also offers free GED preparation classes to enrollees in other programs.

New classes in most programs begin Monday, November 22 and Monday, December 20, and students still have time to apply and enroll. There are day classes from 8:30AM-3:30PM and evening classes from 5:30PM-9:30PM, Monday through Thursday. For more information about API Milledgeville, or to arrange a campus tour, call (478) 452-3900, visit our website at www.api.edu or stop by our campus in the Milledgeville Mall and receive a free hour massage when you bring this article in!

Georgia native Randale Johnson, along with his wife and two children, relocated to Milledgeville in August of 2008. What started as a vacation destination when they purchased their lake home (on Lake Sinclair) evolved into the place they wanted to raise their family and relocate their business group. The relationships that Randale developed with various business owners, local politicians, community leaders and civic organizations convinced him that Milledgeville was just the place to continue his entrepreneurial enterprises while bringing him closer to his roots.

He is a graduate of the University of Georgia. The businesses that operate under RJI Investments are EAS (Electrical Accessories Sales), Outdoor Creations, Old Capital Fence and Seamless Gutters, All Purpose Cleaning, Service Master Clean franchise, and Dyer and Johnson Insurance Repair.

EAS is a full service Electrical Supply house. Johnson, with the encouragement from various local building supply owners, subcontractors, and contractors, felt that there was a need for a Milledgeville

based electrical supply house. EAS stocks all types of electrical products including wiring devices, wire, cable, conduit, fittings, fasteners, non-metallic and metallic conduit, boxes, and a wide assortment of miscellaneous products.

Outdoor Creations provides landscape design and maintenance. Included in the services provided are installation and design of landscapes and irrigation systems, including water features, rock gardens and outdoor living spaces. Also, they provide lawn cutting, aeration, overseeding and fertilization, shrub trimming and debris/trash removal, installation of ground cover as well as the planting of shrubs, trees and annual/perennial bed changes.

Old Capital Fence and Seamless Gutters provide full service design, pricing, and installation of both fencing and gutter systems. The company provides all types of residential, commercial, and agricultural fencing.

All Purpose Cleaning offers a full range of home cleaning and commercial cleaning services. Their fully trained staff will provide the attention to detail and exemplary service you would expect from a professional residential and commercial cleaning service. In addition, they also offer janitorial and carpet cleaning services.

The ServiceMaster Clean franchise provides residential and commercial restoration for disasters: mold and mildew remediation, smoke, fire, and water damage. ServiceMaster helps you get back in your home or business quickly.

Dyer & Johnson Insurance Repair is a partnership between Neil Dyer and Randale Johnson Company that provides 24 hour emergency construction service.

Their services include roofing, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, flooring, foundation, vinyl siding, gutter and fence repair. They provide quality work utilizing professional local trades’ people.

RJI, Inc. was established to operate as a service company offering commercial and residential repair, restoration, landscaping and other services as a ‘one-stop shop’. Randale Johnson’s business philosophy is that no matter what you are selling or servicing, the consumer wants to deal face-to-face with the person responsible for the service. “Our purpose within the operation is to market every business to the best of our ability and be your direct on-site contact person for any service rendered.”

American Professional Institute Demetrius M. Smith, Campus Director 2400 N. Columbia Street Suite A34A, Milledgeville Mall Milledgeville, GA 31061

December 2010

For information about RJI, Inc. log on to the company website at www.rjiinc.net or call 478-454-1184.

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Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 751 Milledgeville, GA 31059

PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILLEDGEVILLE, GA 31061 PERMIT NO. 135

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New Members Quarterly Breakfast December 8th 8:00 a.m.

Jack & Darcy’s

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Business After Hours Thursday December 16th 5:30-7:30pm Century Bank & Trust Downtown Branch