2A – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Photo courtesy the Old Governor’s Mansion archives
The Old Governor’s Mansion, circa 1877.
Glimpse of Milledgeville’s past provides insight into present-day By DANIELLE PALUGA Picture downtown without Barberitos and all the bars. Instead get an image of cinemas, a place for vaudeville performers to put on shows and dressmakers shops. This is the Milledgeville that Dr. Bob Wilson is familiar with through his extensive research and historical insight on the Antebellum Capital. Not too long ago some residents may remember having what college students wish they had now: a grocery store downtown. With the growing popularity of Kroger and Walmart, stores like Joiner’s, formerly located in what is now T&N Bookstore, have disappeared. But as Wilson says, “there’s still a lot of continuity, which is good.”
THE
Wilson can point out small historical sites around downtown that many visitors have probably seen, but never taken notice of before.
ack when Milledgeville was the capital of Georgia, different political parties, the Whigs and the Democrats, had their own inns.”
“B
Dr. Bob Wilson Georgia College professor, local historian “There used to be a theater downtown, where Dodo’s Pool Hall is now, called the Colonial Theater,” said Wilson. “Look down and you can see ‘colonial’ written there on the floor.” Also located there was the Opera House, where one of Baldwin County’s more famous comedic residents used to sing. “Oliver Hardy sang in between
OLD GOVERNOR’S MANSION
Then
&
Now
Come and enjoy Milledgeville’s rich history through a tour of the Old Governor’s Mansion Regular Tour Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Special Curator’s Tour and our new Labor behind the Veil Tour by Appointment
there. You can just imagine him; this awkward looking kid with a nice tenor voice,” said Wilson. “A lot of people made fun of him.” Hardy soon moved on to
After your tour visit the Gift Store!
become a great movie star, half of Laurel and Hardy, and one of Wilson’s favorite actors. Hardy’s mother also owned and managed the Baldwin Hotel where Magnolia Bank now stands. There were many inns and hotels in the downtown area, which is, according to Wilson, because of the governor’s mansion.
“Back when Milledgeville was the capital of Georgia, different political parties, the Whigs and the Democrats, had their own inns,” said Wilson. It probably wouldn’t be too hard to imagine in today’s political climate having bipartisan hotels in Atlanta. Though downtown has gone through many changes the historical is still preserved. The Brown-Stetson-Sanford House, which once served as an inn that housed politicians, was almost replaced by a Piggly Wiggly parking lot in the ‘60s according to Wilson. Now visitors can tour it and see the work of Milledgeville’s most influential architect, John Marlor. Marlor designed many buildSee
INSIGHT, page 5A
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 3A
www.unionrecorder.com
JOHN MARLOR HOUSE U-R file photo
The former home of influential architect John Marlor as it looks today. Marlor designed many buildings around the city. His house has been preserved and is where Allied Arts is presently located. He also designed the old Masonic hall.
First Friday - April 1st “Foolin’ Around Downtown” Celebrate the diversity of art in Milledgeville: painting, drawing, ceramics, music, theatre, literature, photography, culinary and so much more First Friday, April 1st. For 40 years, Oconee Center has been established as a provider in this and surrounding communities. We have been committed to service and meeting the needs of local residents' living with mental illness, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities. And, we are committed to carrying on our tradition of service excellence for the future.
Now offering: • • • • • • • •
Out of Clinic-in home Services Telehealth (In Clinic and In Home Capability) Electronic Health Records Walk-in Services (No appointment Needed) Evening & Weekend Availability On and Off-site Free HIV Counseling and Testing On Site Pharmacy Services Assistance with Application for Medication Assistance Programs
First Fridays is a cooperative effort of The City of Milledgeville, Main Street/ DDA, Arts in the Ville and Partners for Progress: Business Development.
This fun new event will be taking place in downtown Milledgeville on the first Firday of every month!
First Friday - May 6th Celebrate Downtown Milledgeville: The Completion of Streetscape II tscape e e r t S e r o f e B
After Street scape
Our offices are opened to serve the needs of the community with locations throughout Baldwin and Washington Counties, with a location coming soon to Hancock County. MILLEDGEVILLE LOCATIONS Addictive Disease Outpatient Services 900 Barrow Ferry Rd Milledgeville 478-445-5518 Administrative Services 131 North Jefferson Street Milledgeville 478-445-4817 SANDERSVILLE LOCATIONS The Point Adult Services & Child & Adolescent (C&A) Outpatient Services 522 Washington Ave Sandersville 478-553-2424 (Adult Clinic)
Center Point & Unity Adult Services 430 North Jefferson Street Milledgeville • 478-445-4721 478-445-5545 (Unity) Community Support Service 830 West Charlton Street Milledgeville • 478-445-3066 Child and Adolescents (C&A) Services 1371 Orchard Hill Road Milledgeville • 478-445-5322 478-553-2432 (Day Support) 478-240-3050 (C&A) Washington County Service Center 824 School Street Sandersville 478-553-2342
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.OCONEECENTER.ORG
127 East Hancock Street • Milledgeville 478.414.4014 cschulte@milledgevillega.us
4A – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Photo courtesy the Old Governor’s Mansion archives
The Old Governor’s Mansion, circa 1905.
THEN and NOW
THE OLD GOVERNOR’S MANSION
U-R file photo
Completed in 1839, the Old Governor's Mansion is one of the finest examples of High Greek Revival architecture in the nation. Designed by noted architect Charles Clusky, an Irish immigrant, and built by Timothy Porter of Farmington, Connecticut, the Mansion looms over Milledgeville with its stately columns and imposing facade. Serving as the residence for Georgia's chief executives for over thirty years, the Mansion's history encompasses the antebellum, Civil War, and early Reconstruction phases of the state's history. Such noted state leaders as George Crawford, Howell Cobb, and Joseph E. Brown resided in the building and used it as a stage for speeches and also to introduce guests of national standing. The Old Governor's Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Information gleaned from Georgia College & State University’s webpage http://www.gcsu.edu/mansion/, on the history of the Old Governor’s Mansion.
Serving The Public For Over 26 Years Diamonds • Gold • Musical Instruments Guns • Tools • TV’s • DVD Players • Jewelry
Mon - Friday 9:00 - 5:30 Saturday 9:00 - 5:00 Owner Patricia Waddell Purvis
452-5201 FAX 452-9755 905 S. Wayne St. On Hwy 441 At Town & Country Shopping Center
“Celebrating 19 Years!!” 1887 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville, GA
478-452-2335 Facebook: Roc’s Corkshoppe
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 5A
www.unionrecorder.com
Photo by Randy Cannon
A scene taken from W. McIntosh Street, circa 1980, in downtown Milledgeville.
Insight Continued from page 2A ings around the city. His house has been preserved and is where Allied Arts is presently located. He also designed the old Masonic hall. “Looking at this building, you can tell that Marlor kept up with the changing styles in architecture. He started in the Federalist style, but the windows at the top have gothic arches,” said Wilson. The building also has one of the most picturesque insides of any other downtown structure. Stand underneath the breathtaking spiral staircase and look up and see the skylight that lets the sun shine through the ceiling. Most of
Milledgeville’s historic sites have been preserved, but there are important parts of downtown history that either no longer exist or are hidden from view. Underneath the physical plant of Georgia College is an unsuspecting metal slab on the floor. Remove it and walk down the stairs that lead to a small spring with fresh water pure enough to drink. This is the spring by which Milledgeville was founded. Some call it Jarrett Spring, some call it Commissioner Spring, because John Milledge sent commissioners like John Clarke, later a governor of this state as well, to find a new capital. “This was after the Sarah Beth Ariemma/The Union-Recorder See
INSIGHT, page 6A
A historic marker now sits near the site of Jarrett Springs, where Milledgeville was founded.
Darrell Black Owner
• Residential • Commercial • Churches • Schools
• Trained, experienced & certified sales staff • Expert installation • Free estimates • Unbeatable in-store specials
Middle Georgia’s Finest Showroom
50 Hwy 22 W • Milledgeville, GA Across from Walter B. Williams field
478-452-0111 • 800-272-7740
6A – The Union-Recorder
www.unionrecorder.com
Progress Edition 2011
Insight Continued from page 5A Treaty of 1802, which gained land from the Creek Indians for Georgians to move on the other side of the Oconee River,” said Wilson. “According to legend Clarke and his men stopped at this spring and drank from it. Clarke mixed it with his flask of whiskey and declared that this is where the new capital should be.” A historical area that no longer exists except in memory is the black business district. A plaza commemorates the area, which once encompassed the section of downtown near the present-day police station. “The most important man in that part of the city during Reconstruction was Wilkes Flagg. He owned a blacksmith shop and was the leader of the AfricanAmerican community,” said Wilson. Flagg’s legacy not only gave Milledgeville Flagg Chapel Baptist Church, but he helped organize schools for the African-American community. Throughout the years Milledgeville has been home to many influential people and it will continue to be. Wilson, his wife and his dogs often visit the final resting place of past residents, Memory Hill Cemetery. “I know a number of people there and it’s a great social document of our town,” Wilson said.
U-R file photo
Wilkes Flagg’s legacy not only gave Milledgeville Flagg Chapel Baptist Church, but he helped organize schools for the AfricanAmerican community.
1B PROGRESS EDITION EDUCATION
Vaishali Patel/The Union-Recorder
The new facility will feature career pathways in education, culinary arts, agriculture science, health care science, government and public safety, family and consumer sciences, business and computer science, marketing, sales and services, and architecture, construction, communications and transportation.
Baldwin Career Academy on schedule to open in the fall BHS students ready to acquire industry and soft skills By VAISHALI PATEL vpatel@unionrecorder.com
Baldwin High School students will learn and develop industry skills needed for a competitive workforce once the Baldwin County Career Academy (BCCA) officially opens in August. “The Baldwin County Career Academy will increase student achievement by encouraging students to their highest potential through the creation of new paths of student learning to post-secondary education and/or careers,” BCCA Board of Directors Secretary Terry Kennedy said of the BCCA’s mission, “thereby, ensuring a viable 21st century workforce to meet the employment of our county and surrounding areas.” After the Baldwin County Board of Education and Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) signed and submitted a start-up charter petition for a construction grant for the BCCA in late July last year, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle awarded the local career academy $3.16 million in College and Career Academy funding. Up to $160,000 of the allotment will be portioned out for startup expenses to include professional development and curriculum support by the
Georgia Ford Hub. To earn the funds the Baldwin County school district was among at least six other district finalists ranked the highest based on 16 criteria, including mission and goals, partnerships, budget, timelines, career and college focus, student support, structure and cycle of improvement. The eight-member BCCA Board of Directors consists of local educators, business leaders and parents who hold regular meetings every third Tuesday of the month to discuss, manage and guide decisions regarding to the career academy’s programming, instruction, activities and function. “When eighth grade students come into the high school as freshmen, their career path is already set. The advantage to that is they don’t have to wait to get into their junior year to know what they want to do because they will already have the path way they are headed,” Kennedy said. “By the time they graduate high school, they will have practical experience for the work world. The career academy is working very closely with businesses and industries in the future to make sure the career academy is meeting the needs of the community so students learn those skills.” As Parrish Construction Group con-
tinues on track for completing phase two of high school renovations, the Baldwin County Career Academy is expected to be complete before the 2011-2012 school year begins. The new facility will feature career pathways in education, culinary arts, agriculture science, health care science, government and public safety, family and consumer sciences, business and computer science, marketing, sales and services, and architecture, construction, communications
and transportation. The Career Academies Project is spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Cagle, and is a collaborative effort between the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the Georgia Department of Education. The BCCA board is scheduled to next meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at Baldwin High School. For more information about the Career Academies Project, visit www.georgiacareeracademies.org
2B – The Union-Recorder
www.unionrecorder.com
Progress Edition 2011
Vaishali Patel/The Union-Recorder
Prestridge (left) will step down as headmaster at JMA at the end of the 2010-2011 school year as Hopkins ushers in a new era come this fall. JMA celebrated the opening of its new multi-purpose facility (below) at the start of this school year.
John Milledge Academy’s future led by new Head of School By VAISHALI PATEL vpatel@unionrecorder.com
After 30 years of dedication to his John Milledge Academy family, Larry Prestridge will step down from his position as headmaster come June when Assistant Headmaster Mark Hopkins will take the position of the new Head of School and hold the keys to JMA’s future. The JMA Board of Trustees voted and chose Hopkins as the best candidate for the open position after Prestridge announced his plans to step down in December. Hopkins will serve as the fourth headmaster in the school’s history. Prestridge has spent 47 years in education, and he plans to continue holding his soon-to-be former students to a high bar academically while expecting faculty and staff to provide quality education. Hopkins received a bachelor’s degree from LaGrange College before earning his master’s
degree in education from A m e r i c a n InterContinental University. He attended Candler School of Theology and Asbury Theological Seminary for continued studies. Hopkins went on to work at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School as the Upper School assistant principal and director of Student Life for five years before he and his wife, Sharon, moved from Sandy Springs and he later took the assistant headmaster position at JMA in 2009. Hopkins has been directly responsible for the high school and assisting in day to day operations since. The Hopkins family, including their two children, Heather and Corey, who are both recently married, have participated in the local branch of the River of Life mission project in past years. Hopkins will take over in his new position at JMA beginning with the 20112012 school year.
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 3B
www.unionrecorder.com
Tim Vacula/Georgia College
GC receives more than twice as many applications each year for its 104 yearly openings in the nursing program.
GC nursing grads among top in nation on board exam By KEITH TIDWELL The Georgia College School of Nursing is producing top graduates to fill the need for the states shortages of nurses, according to recent reports. Nursing is one of the fastest growing fields within the nation’s job sector, even with the downturn in the economy, and GC receives more than twice as many applications each year for its 104 yearly openings in the nursing program, said Judith Malachowski, GC’s director of nursing. “We have 56 students start in the fall and 48 students start the program in the spring,” said Malachowski. An average of 97 percent of students that start the nursing program will finish the program and take the National Nursing Exam, according to a press release. In 2010 GC nursing graduates that took the national nursing licensing exam on their first attempt earned the highest overall pass rate among public colleges and universities in the state, with 98.81 percent passing rate, according to a release. Overall the state’s nursing students among public and private nursing programs have a first time passing rate of 89.65 percent, the national average is 87.42 percent. Once a student passes the national exam he or she typically has little or no trouble finding a job; most move back to their home community and start their careers in a hospital or some type of critical care, said Malachowski. “We prepare our students to succeed,” she said. “There will only be six to 10 students per instructor in the lab or clinical classes and students can always communicate with their instructor in person, on the phone or by
the internet.” Once students graduate, they must apply to take their National Nursing Exam. According to a GC press release about the program, one of the strategies for enhancing student
and graduate success is the use of standardized exams each semester. Before graduation, nursing students must pass a comprehensive “exit exam” that mirrors the national licensing exam. “We both challenge and support
our students throughout the program,” Malachowski said. “They are very familiar with the licensing exam format and prepared with the knowledge they need to become well-prepared beginning practitioners.”
4B – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Vaishali Patel/The Union-Recorder
GMC students and potential students learn more about the college’s offerings and campus life during the annual Super Wednesday orientation event.
GMC earns community college ranking Georgia Military College has been ranked No. 12 in Washington Monthly’s 2010 list of “America’s 50 Best Community Colleges.” More than 650 community colleges nationwide vied to be named one of the 50 best. The Washington Monthly ranking of America’s best community colleges began in 2007 and is based on two sources of information: the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and graduation rates published by the U.S. Department of Education. Kevin Carey, policy director of
Education Sector, says ranking community colleges is important. In his feature article, America’s Best Community Colleges, he writes, “Nearly half of all American students begin their college careers at two-year institutions. But unlike the four-year sector, students don’t compete to get into community colleges and community colleges don’t compete in a national market for students. So there is little demand for national rankings of the kind published annually by U.S. News & World Report.” However, Carey states,
EBLA Academy is celebrating 11 years of teaching your children
he Washington Monthly ranking of America’s best community colleges began in 2007 and is based on two sources of information: the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and graduation rates published by the U.S. Department of Education.
T
Washington Monthly “America’s 50 Best Community Colleges “Community colleges have the toughest job in higher education, teaching academically and financially challenged students with a fraction of the resources given to four-year institutions. That makes it essential to spotlight the schools
that have surmounted these challenges and served their students well.” Georgia Military College has eight locations across the state and serves more than 5,000 students.
Camp Summer Shine at Little Caterpillars Development Center
May 23, 2011 - August 12, 2011 Ages Pre-K-5
Ages 6-8
$110/Week includes: • Breakfast • Lunch • Afternoon Snack
Ages 9-12
• Extra Charge for Some Field Trips (field trip optional) • $25 one time activity fee • Pay only for weeks attending
478-452-1800 • little_caterpillars@yahoo.com
“Strive for Success”
Recent Alpha Test Prep Success Stories
“Follow Your Dreams”
Dr. Janee Moss 478-453-0910 1943 N. Jefferson St. • Milledgeville, Ga. www.eblaacademy.org
Dejanaye Scott
Quinteria Grace
Charles Samuels III
Made 9th Grade Merit List at Early College
Passed the social studies portion of the Georgia Graduation Exam
Graduating with his Bachelor of Business Administration at Mercer University
Milledgeville’s We are still accepting students for HIDDEN SECRET… End of Course Test Preparation. A Free tutoring is available for eligible Baldwin High Students for EOCT.
Act Now! Call Today!
A
LET US UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL
Call Doug Stewart anytime - 478.456.1347 By Appointment - 478.453.2606 dougstewart55@yahoo.com
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
The Union-Recorder – 5B
Vaishali Patel/The Union-Recorder
GMC students and potential students learn more about the college’s offerings and campus life during the annual Super Wednesday orientation event.
Central Georgia Tech to break ground on new building this spring By KEITH TIDWELL Central Georgia Technical College is investing $17 million in a new health and sciences building on the Milledgeville campus. Vice President for Satellite Operations Hank Griffeth expects to break ground for the new building later this spring and to have classes starting in the new building in January 2013. “Each year since 2006 to date, enrollment has ith increased,” said 75 Griffeth of percent of Milledgeville’s satellite campus. our students “In 2006 we had being from 625 students, and Baldwin in the fall of 2010 County, with we had 1,086 stu- the new dents. When the classrooms new building is completed, we students can estimate that it take all of will give us space their classes for additional 800 here at the to 900 students Milledgeville based on the size campus and of the building not have to and anticipated drive to the enrollment in the Macon new programs.” The new health campus.” Hank Griffeth and sciences CGTC for building will house the existing Satellite medical programs Operations along with four new medical and health programs. The new programs to be offered are pharmacy technology, clinical technology, neuromuscular therapy and health care specialist. When the medical programs that are now housed in the main building are moved to the new building, the campus will have the space to expand various programs and administrative operations in the main building. At that point, some part-time programs are expected to expand to fulltime, such as the criminal justice and early childhood development programs, according to Griffeth. With the downturn in the economy many schools, including CGTC, are experiencing an increase in non-traditional students, Griffeth noted, and the added space will create a larger, more permanent space for the college’s adult education programs. “We work with these students to
“W
help them find a program that they will enjoy and will be able to find a job in that field once they finish their studies,” said Griffeth. “With 75 percent of our students being from Baldwin County, with the new classrooms students can take all of their classes here at the Milledgeville campus and not have to drive to the Macon campus.” Griffeth said the school works with outside consultants looking at job demand and trends in the Baldwin County area to decide what programs to develop and which programs are no longer needed. All programs are aimed at opportunities where a student can get a job within Baldwin County or a surrounding area once they finish. “When the economy took a downturn, students in marine technology were unable to find jobs after finishing their coursework; we made the decision to do away with the program and take that room and give it to the automotive technology, where we had a greater need, and students were able to find work.”
6B – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Vaishali Patel/The Union-Recorder
Students from local YES (Youth Enrichment Services) Program began taking the three-hour computerized exam in February 2009 through a partnership formed with Central Georgia Technical College before the same opportunity was made available to adults.
Baldwin looks to Work Ready future By VAISHALI PATEL vpatel@unionrecorder.com
Baldwin County has committed itself to the Work Ready initiative since March 2007, earning the Certified Work Ready Community (CWRC) designation almost three and a half years later. The local effort to attain the certified status was spearheaded by local community leaders who saw a need and value in the Work Ready program. According to the Georgia Work Ready website, Georgia Work Ready was launched in August 2006 by former Ga. Gov. Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to improve job training and the marketability of the state’s workforce to ensure companies can more effectively generate and match the right talent with the right jobs. The Georgia Work Ready Certificate,
available to all Georgians at no cost, assesses a job seekers’ foundation skill level in applied math, reading for information and locating informationskills required in 85 percent of today’s jobs. Upon successfully completing all three assessments, Georgians are mailed a Work Ready Certificate validating their work readiness level as bronze, silver, gold or platinum. Students of the local YES (Youth Enrichment Services) Program began taking the three-hour computerized exam in February 2009 through a partnership formed with Central Georgia Technical College before the same opportunity was made available to adults. In order to become a CWRC, Baldwin County had to meet goals within six segments, including 242 within the private sector, 148 within government, 224 of the unemployed, 32 with GEDs,
29 high school students and 28 college students. As unemployment rates continued climbing last year, Milledgeville leaders decided to take initiative to help turn the county’s status around by urging politicians, business leaders and Chamber and Partners for Progress board and committee chairs to earn their Work Ready Certificates during a Work Ready drive in July. Sixteen certifi-
NBOW CHILDREN RAIDAYCARE CENTER LLC. Now Open Til Midnight • From Ages 6 Weeks to 12 Year Olds • Accepts Family & Children Service Payment • State Licensed • Caring Staff • Free Transportation from School • Learning Curriculum • Nutritious Meals & Snacks
Only $60 a Week 1212 North Jefferson St. Milledgeville, GA
478.451.5412 Owner Sharon Wright Havior
cates were secured, which helped to meet or exceed the target of three out of six segments — the unemployed, high school students and college students. A second three-day Work Ready drive in August was held for locals to take assessments in order to improve the marketability of the county’s workforce. A total of 90 county residents earned their Work Ready Certificates, exceeding goals with-
in all six segments. The Governor’s Office of Workforce D e v e l o p m e n t announced Baldwin County as an official CWRC in October after a total of 1,088 individuals earned their certificates between January 2007 and September 2010, 67 percent more than the goal. Baldwin, Coffee, Colquitt, Monroe and Newton counties represent the 10th group to complete their Work Ready Certificate goals and meet at least the required minimum increase in their high school graduation rate. Counties must demonstrate a commitment to improving high school graduation rates through measurable increase and show a specified percentage of the available and current workforce have obtained Work Ready Certificates in order to earn the CWRC designation. Once attained, counties are able to maintain their
status by ensuring a small percent of their available workforce continue to earn Work Ready Certificates, engage local businesses to recognize and use Work Ready, and continue to increase their public high school graduation rate until reached a threshold of 75 percent. Each of the five counties will receive a $10,000 grant to continue generating a certified workforce, and the Work Ready Community teams will obtain a two -year membership to their local chamber of commerce and a budget for additional Work Ready outreach materials. As a fully certified county, Baldwin County received road signs and a seal denoting the year certification was achieved. For more information about Georgia Work Readiness and the Baldwin County report, visit w w w . g a w o r k ready.org.
1C PROGRESS EDITION BUSINESS, INDUSTRY & GOVERNMENT
Jonathan Jackson/The Union-Recorder
Baldwin County received a promising sign early last year with news that a new prison facility would bring jobs to the community. Gheesling and other state and local leaders were on hand as a groundbreaking ceremony was held late last summer to mark the news. Below, an artist’s rendering of the prison project plan.
A closer look at Baldwin County’s economic development future with Angie Gheesling The role and responsibility of luring jobs and businesses to a community is all a part of the economic development game. In a challenging economy, the responsibility takes on an even greater significance as counties and states jockey for front-line positions with prospective industries and developers. The Union-Recorder recently spoke with Angie Gheesling, Baldwin County’s executive director for the local development authority, about that role and the future of jobs in the local community. What is the role of an economic development director? What do you do and what agencies, government entities and people do you work with to promote economic development? The Economic Developer’s role in the community is all encompassing. Our primary responsibility is to bring jobs to the community, whether it is from new or expanding industry. So many factors affect an economic developer’s ability to perform. There are the traditional location factors such as transportation; industrial parks; infrastructure; available buildings; access to technology; adequate utilities and quality of life. Most of these are within a community’s grasp. Then there are the tougher issues such as the perception of the quality of education in a community, particularly K-12. Unfortunately, this can be a perceived notion and not always the reality system-wide. Therefore, it behooves the economic developer to stay apprised of what’s occurring in the schools and support efforts such as the recent announcement of the Career Academy. Education ultimately leads to questions about work-
force. Being able to talk about an inventory of skilled workers has to be backed up; thus, the Certified Work Ready initiative is a must have in every community. It is important to note that in communities that rank high in all the factors listed above, if they don’t have a cohesive, forward thinking leadership team in place, all those amenities can be for naught. One person does not control the economic destiny of a community. Everyone has to be steering the ship. The Economic Developer answers to a board of directors and must work closely with city and county governments. The list of people I work with to make the process work is an extensive one: from state agencies such as the Department of
Economic Development and Department of Community Affairs to regional agencies such as the Middle Georgia Regional Commission to local departments such as the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and MainStreet. The area colleges each play a unique role in providing skilled and educated workers to continued training opportunities for local industries. They all stand ready to offer assistance in the recruitment process. Milledgeville is positioned such that it has quick access to many resources not found in other communities its size. Many projects have been assembled, whether they came to fruition or not, that enabled the Authority to respond
quickly and efficiently because of the cooperative spirit between our City and County governments. Milledgeville and Baldwin County appear to be emerging from an economic downturn, or at least from the period of massive job losses. Do you agree with that statement, and if so, being on the front lines, what are some of the indications to you that the economic climate seems to be improving? I do believe that the community is well on its way to recovery. This recession has been so staggering to our community for many reasons. We have not experienced the full effect of past recessions See
GHEESLING, page 9C
2C – The Union-Recorder
www.unionrecorder.com
Progress Edition 2011
LOCAL BUSINESS RECAP Listed is a brief synopsis of some of the market events that have helped to shape the year in business through the present moment. JANUARY •Waldenbooks announces the location at the Milledgeville Mall will close. •Pickle Barrel Café reopens on N. Columbia Street after a 2009 fire forced the closure at its former location. •The state of Georgia announces the end of adult mental health services at Central State Hospital, resulting in the closure of the iconic Powell Building. •Scoops closes its doors in downtown Milledgeville. •Murphey Insurance moves to its new location on Garrett Way. •Hoganne Harrison-Walton locates her law practice in the same professional building as her mother, dentist Dr. Janet Hogan Harrison and brother, physician Dr. Theron Harrison. FEBRUARY •Digital Bridges launches shoplocalmilledgeville.com as a resource for the business community to promote its commerce locally. • The annual community retreat is held at Lake Lanier Islands where the future efforts of the collaborative are outlined. •Members of the 48th Brigade start the return home after a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. •A new state-of-the-art mammography unit opens at Oconee Regional Medical Center. •The Deep Roots Festival is honored with a bevy of awards at the Southeast Festivals and Events annual conference’s Kaleidoscope Awards including best event. •A collaboration of downtown business owners, city agencies and volunteers start discussions to promote the area as an arts destination. The discussion eventually merges with another initiative, the First Friday events on the first Friday of each month follow arts themes and promote the downtown lifestyle. •Showcase Milledgeville is held at the Milledgeville Mall to promote chamber member businesses. Booths offered promotional material and information about businesses throughout Milledgeville and Baldwin County. MARCH •An entrepreneur fair is held at Georgia College attracting career hopefuls and businesses from across the southeast all seeking ideas of expanding offerings and careers. •The much discussed Kroger project on U.S. 441 North near Log Cabin Road comes closer to reality with the county reviewing an official plan for the mega-store and several outlying retail locations. •The May closure of Bostic State Prison is announced by the Georgia Department of Corrections. •Maggie Lanes opens in the Sears Shopping Center. Perfume and More opens in the Farmers Furniture Shopping Center. •An economic development forum is held at the Legislative Chambers on GMC’s campus. •Buildings at the corner of S. Wayne and Franklin Streets were purchased and demolished to make way for a massive new CVS Pharmacy at the corner. •Vought Industries is sold to Triumph Aerostructures. APRIL •Rhett Harrison Commercial Insurance, The Legacy at Sinclair, Helping Hands Assisted Living, RJI Investments, Protective Financial Services and Robins Federal Credit Union all hold ribbon cuttings. •The historic landmark Campus Theatre reopens with much fanfare, and an open house and ribbon cutting following a multimillion dollar renovation and transformation into Jittery Joe’s Coffee, Box Office Books and Black Box Theatre. •Fields Photography opened downtown. The business would later expand, move and become Fields Photography and Frame Shop. MAY •The popular Downtown Farmer’s Market See
BUSINESS, page 5C
U-R file photo
The ORMC mammography unit opened last winter.
U-R file photo
Vought Industries, one of Baldwin County’s largest employers, was sold last year to Triumph Aerostructures, paving the way for future job creation possibilities.
U-R file photo
The annual Deep Roots Festival, held every fall, garnered several awards at the Southeast Festivals and Events annual conference’s Kaleidoscope Awards including best event.
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 3C
www.unionrecorder.com
U-R file photo
The Riverbend Correctional Facility is slated to be completed within the 18-month timeframe. The 15-bed facility is projected to bring 300 long-term jobs to Baldwin County.
Riverbend Facility work progressing From staff repor ts After months of speculation and subsequent announcements regarding the long-term status of Milledgeville’s state prison facilities, the local jobs market received a shot in the economic development arm with the announcement that a new, private prison facility would open in Baldwin County. The new facility, Riverbend Correctional Facility is a partner-
ship between the state of Georgia and national corrections corporation, The GEO Group. The company won the bid over competitors including Corrections Corporation of America and the Cornell Company, which GEO later acquired following the bidding process. Ground broke on the new prison late last summer with state and local leaders on hand for the ceremony. The new prison will be con-
structed on Laying Farm Road, adjacent to the existing Baldwin State Prison, the last of the five facilities once located in Baldwin County. Local prison facilities, Rivers, Scott, Men’s and Bostick have all closed within the past two years in Baldwin County. The new 1,500-bed facility is projected to bring 200 short-term and 300 long-term jobs to Baldwin County and dollars to the local economy as ancillary jobs are created through the construction
work. The new facility means an investment to the tune of $80 million for the local economy and a $10.5 million annual payroll, according to GEO Group CEO Wayne Calabrese, and company officials estimate $2.5 million will be spent annually in local taxes and $15 million spent overall locally. Company projects point to an annual impact totaling $70 million. The project is on schedule for its 18-month timeline.
Choices. America is all about choices. What to buy, what to wear, what to drive...no other people have more choices than Americans. You also have a choice as to where you go for outpatient medical services...lab work, cancer treatment services, wound healing services, X-Rays, MRI’s, CT Scans or rehabilitation services like Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or Speech Therapy. These services are vital to your accurate diagnosis and recovery from illness or injury. Let Oconee Regional Medical Center be your first choice for Outpatient Services. With the latest equipment, highly trained staff and convenient location, you can expect excellent care with hometown hospitality. Remember...you have a choice. When your doctor prescribes Outpatient Services, say, “I’d like to go to Oconee Regional Medical Center.”
Outpatient Services at Oconee Regional Medical Center Medical Laboratory Radiology Rehabilitation CancerTreatment Wound Healing
Focused on Healing...Focused on You.
4C – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Fall Line Project making its way to Baldwin County By KEITH TIDWELL What started in the 1980s as the Governor’s Road I m p r o v e m e n t Program (GRIP) under Gov. Joe Frank Harris, a program to connect 95 percent of the state’s cities with a population of 2,500 more to the interstate system, has finally brought forth the makings of the Fall Line Freeway project. The project is slowly making its way to Baldwin County. Vonda Everett, district program and programming engineer with the Tennille office of the Georgia Department of Transportation, said the portion of the Fall Line Freeway in Baldwin County will be built as two projects. The first section will be from County Road 10 in Washington County to County Road 186 in Baldwin County. Construction on this 7.8-mile section is slated to start in Fiscal Year 2014 at a cost of $39 million, and at this time the state is in the process of negotiating right of way acquisition. The second section will be from state Road 24 in Baldwin to U.S. Highway 441 in Wilkinson County. Construction on this 9.3-mile section will start in Fiscal Year 2016 at a cost of $84 See
FREEWAY, page 8C
WARNING: WE MAY BE HABIT FORMING
Happy 5th Anniversary w/ Mariachi April 12
New location
coming soon! CRAZY LOCO MONDAY 99¢ HARD TACOS 99¢ DRAFT BEER
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MARGARITA SPECIALS
ALSO ENJOY OUR SPECIAL ENTREES INCLUDING: EL TEQUILA CHICKEN, TEQUILA GRILLED NACHOS, AND MANY MORE!
478.414.1702 478.414.1769 fax
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 5C
www.unionrecorder.com
Business Continued from page 2C
re-opened for the 2010 season on E. Hancock Street. •Thousands of people converged on Milledgeville for the annual Georgia College commencement. •The FolksArt Gallery in downtown Milledgeville celebrates with a ribbon cutting. •Walmart completes a three-month renovation at the Milledgeville Supercenter. •Another Partners for Progress forum was held, this time for small businesses. •Dixie Dock Diving Dogs return to Fishing Creek Outfitters for the annual Throwdown at the Roberson Mill outdoors store. •The Cottages at Woodland Terrace announced a planned assisted living complex expansion. JUNE •Trees started coming down as the second phase of Streetscape begins along Wayne Street downtown. •Beckham’s Used Cars is named Small Business of the Year at the annual Milledgeville Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce dinner. JULY •Baldwin County Commissioners begin conversation on a county-wide statute to fight blight. •Choo Choo Supply announces the closure of the Milledgeville location. •The state of Georgia announces a partnership with the GEO Group to construct and operated a new prison in the county bringing 300 jobs in the corrections industry. •Oconee Regional announces a new digital records system for patient care. •Beckham-Fain Insurance opens on N. Jefferson Street. •Dollar General starts building a new store on Ga. Highway 22. AUGUST •Work continued on a new AT&T store on N. Columbia Street near Arby’s. •Georgia College students return to campus for the start of the 2010-2011 school year. •Jack & Darcy opens in downtown Milledgeville. •Longtime orthodontist Dr. John Ferguson announces his retirement. •Bob and Jimmy Childre Jr. announces the opening of Childre Chevrolet. •The state of Georgia and the GEO Group hold a groundbreaking for Riverbend Correctional Facility. •County Manager Joan Minton is honored with a reception upon her retirement. SEPTEMBER •Georgia College broke ground on a new wellness facility that will house classroom space, wellness destinations and an indoor pool. •The state of Georgia announced the closure of Bartram Educational Forest. •Georgia Power employees and community volunteers participated in the annual Rivers Alive Cleanup of Lake Sinclair. OCTOBER •Milledgeville Mainstreet Downtown Development Authority wins two awards at the state Mainstreet Downtown of Excellence Awards — Nathalie Goodrich as volunteer of the year and for the Campus Theatre renovation project. •The state of Georgia and the United States Department of Justice come to an agreement that would eliminate state operated mental health hospitals in 2011. •Milledgeville Mainstreet Director Belinda Washlesky resigns. NOVEMBER •Oconee Regional’s Wound Healing Center marks its first year in operation. •Childre Chevrolet opens its doors. DECEMBER •T&S Hardwoods reopens and hires many former employees laid off when the mill suspended operations in 2009. •Dollar General opened its fifth local store next to LouMar’s Style Shop on Irwinton Road. •Baldwin Senior Village hosts an open house for the new retirement community. •Georgia Power approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission to institute a rate hike that would mean an average of $10 more on each electricity bill.
U-R file photo
The popular downtown farmer’s market opens each May.
Above: Work began last year on Georgia College’s new, multimillion dollar wellness facility located at West Campus. Below: The new AT&T store opened last year on North Columbia Street near Arby’s. Also, work began on the next phase of the Streetscape project, coverning the Wayne Street area. U-R file photos
COOL&SWEET In the Long Run, an ACS Precision Tune Up Will Go Further Than a Cold Glass of Sweet Tea!
¥ Restores Lost Efficiency ¥ Prevents Costly Breakdowns ¥ Extends Life of Equipment ¥ Provides Maximum Comfort and Safety PRECISION TUNE UP
$ ONLY
89
6C – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Jonathan Jackson/The Union-Recorder
After closing operations in 2009, T&S Hardwoods is looking to the future following a re-opening of the local mill earlier this year.
T&S Hardwoods re-opens for business From staff reports When T&S Hardwoods announced the closure of its local mill nearly two years ago, it was yet another sign of the economic slide Baldwin County and the rest of the country was experiencing. The announcement, coupled with the closing of the local Choo-Choo
store, which consolidated with the Greensboro store, was an indicator of the state of the area housing market as the demand for building supplies was sluggish. But following the course of events area business has taken over the course of the past few years, the reopening of the T&S Hardwoods’
local mill could be a sign that brighter days on the housing development front are ahead. T&S Hardwoods re-opened its Georgia and North Carolina mills and began hiring workers late last fall. Many of the mill’s former 64 employees were re-hired. T&S temporarily shut down pro-
duction at both the Georgia and North Carolina mills in March 2009, at which time business leaders cited a decrease in production levels. T&S Hardwoods harvests local hardwood timber to produce and sell lumber to local and regional markets.
CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE •CHILDRE • CHILDRE
CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE •CHILDRE
126 Roberson Mill Road • Milledgeville Hours: Mon. - Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm 478-452-5535 www.childrenissan.com
CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE
CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE • CHILDRE
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 7C
www.unionrecorder.com
Natalie Davis/The Union-Recorder
Partners for Progress members, along with Chamber members and local residents recently met in a follow-up community work session, ‘’Voices for Progress.’
Partners for Progress helping to shape future direction By NATALIE DAVIS
For local leaders on the education committee, the primary goal is to remain focused on Baldwin County gaining the Certified Literate Community status, which results from a significant decrease in the high school dropout rate and an increase in the number of local adults attaining their
ndavis@unionrecorder.com
Partners for Progress began several years ago as a Chamber of Commerce initiative geared toward bringing members of the community into the conversation on issues of local concern. Last year, the group conducted three community forums to hear from local residents what areas and issues they felt needed focus in order to move Baldwin County forward. Based on the forums, committees were formed to explore the possibilities. During the past year, goals have already been attained — such as the creation of a small business development action plan and Shop Local campaign, Baldwin County becoming a Certified Work Ready Community and the
Natalie Davis/The Union-Recorder
Angie Gheesling, local development authority director and economic development committee chair, speaks during a ‘Voices for Progress’ work session. local community earning a National Certification for R e t i r e m e n t Communities designation — all in an effort to bring business, jobs and dollars to Baldwin County. Partners for
Progress members, along with Chamber members and local residents, recently met in a follow-up community work session, “Voices for Progress,” to plan and discuss a framework for moving for-
Shop Historic Downtown Milledgeville
Supporting our local businesses supports our community!
127 E Hancock Street • P.O. Box 1422 Milledgeville, GA 31059 (478) 414-4014 • cschulte@milledgevillega.us
ward with regards to the committees formed last year on education, economic development and business development, and discuss how they all tie in together for Baldwin County.
high school diplomas, as an effort to develop the local workforce and promote the quality of educational offerings in the local schools to prospective businesses. The government committee will continue this year r e s e a r c h i n g See PROGRESS, page 10C
8C – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Jonathan Jackson/The Union-Recorder
The portion of the project connecting Highway 441 in Wilkinson County with state Route 57 is currently under construction.
Freeway Continued from page 4C million, and at this time, the state is in the process of negotiating right of way acquisition. Construction of each project is estimated to take three years to complete, said Everett. Everett recently explained that there
are three main reasons for the GRIP program. The first is to provide rural areas with opportunities for growth — several studies have provided evidence that GRIP fosters economic growth. The second reason is to provide effective and efficient transportation for the growing statewide population.
Thirdly, is for safer travel in rural areas, she said. Accidents occur three times more often on twolane highways than on multi-lane divided highways, especially on corridors with the higher travel volumes. The Fall Line Freeway also aims to help relieve some of the commercial truck traffic on the county
roads and through downtown. County roads are not engineered to handle the heavy truck traffic like the Fall Line Freeway. The Fall Line freeway traverses the entire state from the Alabama state line in Columbus to Macon and then to Augusta at the South Carolina state line. The completed project will connect the three major cities with a
minimum of four lanes and will result in a land connection of the state’s military bases: Fort Gordon in Augusta, Robins in Warner Robins and Fort Benning in Columbus. A portion of the freeway connecting Sandersville to August is already complete. The portion of the project connecting Highway 441 in Wilkinson County with state Route 57 is
currently under construction. The Baldwin County portion is expected to be one of the last links to the project. Once complete, the corridor will be 215 miles long. There are approximately 185 miles open, 100 percent between Columbus to Macon, and 66 percent is open to traffic or is under construction between Macon and Augusta.
Coming Soon…
New OFFICE LOCATION at 1815 N. Columbia St.
478-453-0905
"The definition of progress is growth or development and continuous improvement." "The definition of Williams Funeral Home is Family and Progress!!"
478.452.2148 706.485.3303
478-387-4980
1670 North Jefferson St., Milledgeville, GA
306 North Jefferson Ave., Eatonton, GA
“a friend of the family”
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 9C
www.unionrecorder.com
Jessica Luton/The Union-Recorder
Above and below: The announcement earlier this year of plans for the new, expanded Kroger facility was a promising sign for the community’s economic development future.
Gheesling Continued from page 1C due to our large state employment base. This time of course, it was different. We were hit from the private and the public sector. Even though our unemployment numbers are staggering, the perceived lost jobs are not as great as reported. We did lose some state jobs to other counties; however, all indications show that jobs were offered to the majority of the workforce. The secured addition of the GEO Prison, TJ Maxx, Kroger Marketplace and a major existing industry expansion will bring upward of 700 jobs online. This is substantial, especially for a community our size. One of the most telling indicators has been with the reopening of T&S Hardwoods. It appears that throughout our state and the nation, we will no longer see locations with the number of employees we have all enjoyed in the past. Technology and automated equipment does not lend itself to the need for large numbers of employees. Companies don’t seem to favor “putting all of their eggs in one basket” any longer. If you look at our remaining existing industry, you can clearly see what the future trend dictates. Ninety percent of our existing industry are in expansion mode … investment numbers are high; however, the added number of jobs remains low. The current school of thought for communities our size is that if you can grow jobs among many small, productive industries, you can sustain your economy and thus, not feel the devastation the closing of a facility that employees 1,500 can bring. What would you like to see happen at the Central State Hospital campus? Because many of my family members were employed there, I grew up around the CSH campus during its heyday; therefore, I know what a thriv-
ing community it was all unto itself. I certainly don’t want to see it decay any further than it already has. I am encouraged by the focus that remains on the campus and the new life entities such as Georgia College are willing to breathe back into its remaining structures. I don’t believe that everything has to remain as it was; we must be open to new opportunities such as the Rural Health Initiative proposed by GC President Dr. Dorothy Leland or the proposal for a retirement community development on the former YDC property. In the past two years, what are the wins we've experienced? What are the losses? We’ve had the state and national spotlight on us recently being recognized as an Entrepreneur Friendly Community, a Certified Work Ready Community, and an American Association Retirement Community. We are the recipients of a handful of grants awarded by the lieutenant gGovernor for Career Academy’s. We’ve continued the positive grassroots work of a group that began 15 years ago as Forward Baldwin, now Partners for Progress. We’ve been selected by Georgia Power as a recipient of funds to access the services of a consulting firm to assist us in developing an economic strategy for our future. All three colleges are growing; our existing industries are thriving and we have maintained a positive image statewide despite our hardships. Take a minute to look into the economic development crystal ball and share what you see happening in Milledgeville in the short-term. What about long-term? I believe we will rebuild with small successes in the short term that will lead to further triumphs in the long-term. It took us a long time to get to where we are and thus we have to accept that it will take longer than we would all
like to rebuild. The educational institutions will serve as indications of what we should expect in the future. As long as they are nurtured and appreciated, there will be opportunities for the community to partner and flourish. Our future will challenge us to be innovative and think about our community in a much different light than we have in past. What have I not asked you that you think is important to let people know about economic development in our area? The future will bring about opportunities to partner regionally with surrounding counties specifically. We will be challenged to think outside of our own needs and agree on what’s of greatest benefit to our area if we are going to take advantage of already scarce resources. Economic Development is at its most competitive state; prospects are scarce and we are competing with the world, not just our sur-
t will take years for us to be employed at levels before the downturn; however, we have added a substantial number of jobs in the past 12 months.
“I
Angie Gheesling Baldwin County Development Authority
10C – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
Work progresses on new TJ Maxx store
Progress Continued from page 7C
Jonathan Jackson/The Union-Recorder
Milledgeville Mall recently announced that a lease agreement has been executed with T.J. Maxx department store, a division of The TJX Companies, Inc. The new store is scheduled to open in fall 2011.
consolidation of local services as a business draw. “Companies looking to relocate are attracted to places where it’s easier to do business,” said committee chair Merritt Massey when outlining what the committee has already discovered in its research on the topic. “We need new business to bring in new jobs and payroll.” The government committee spent the past year researching Georgia communities that have consolidated and exploring the various means to do so through the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia. The committee is seeking to form a study committee to identify issues and concerns as they relate to consolidation, and members set a goal seeking support from city and county government officials on forming a consolidated charter. The issue must then go to the Georgia General Assembly before it is placed on a ballot for local voters to decide. With regards to transportation, the goal for the coming year will be to explore possibilities for some form of public transportation in Baldwin County, perhaps through a ride share program or a limited fixed route service. Also, an effort has been launched to further explore the parking habits of local residents and market the availability of parking in the downtown area. “We’re going to do a better job of marketing our parking options,” said Dr. Heather Langston, chair of the transportation commit-
tee. The local retirement committee is continuing its work on developing a market study to determine a clearer picture of what retirees Milledgeville should target in its retirement push to draw new residents and retirees into the community. A media campaign is in its early phases. On the economic development front, committee members, along with members of the education committee, are continuing to push the value of the Georgia Certified Work Ready Program as a means of staying competitive to prospective businesses and industries and developing a more qualified workforce. “We’re going to continue that effort to try and keep it out in front of everybody,” said committee chair Angie Gheesling. The economic development committee members also aim to set up a meeting to discuss the status of the local master plan for state properties and explore the possibilities for properties such as the former Bill Ireland Youth Development Complex, which has been explored by the retirement committee as a possibility for development as a senior retirement community given its proximity to the downtown area and to the local hospital. Members of the retirement committee visited Dublin last year to examine how leaders there had worked to develop senior living properties in an effort to gain some insight on the possibilities for Baldwin County.
1D PROGRESS EDITION RETIREMENT & TOURISM
Jessica Luton/The Union-Recorder
Georgia’s Old Capital Museum is one of the contributing tourism draws that add to the local economy. The annual Deep Roots music festival (below) is another such draw.
Tourism brings big dollars annually to the local community, economy By VAISHALI PATEL vpatel@unionrecorder.com
Nearly 141,000 out-of-towners representing 62 countries visited and toured Milledgeville-Baldwin County’s many attractions and events between January and December 2010, boosting the local economy. “I don’t think people realize how much tourism helps MilledgevilleBaldwin County. With tourism, Georgia College and Georgia Military College, we have done very well through these hard economic times,” Milledgeville-Baldwin County Convention & Visitors Bureau Tour Coordinator Linda Bailey said. “Just because of tourism in 2009, the tax impacts on each county household was each household paid $205 less in local and state taxes, $91 less in local Baldwin County taxes, and $114 less in state taxes.” In 2009, direct tourist spending generated $58.83 million, $3.63 million less compared to tourist spending in 2008, states a tourism economic fact sheet by Southeast Tourism Society. According to a 2010 visitor count by the CVB, 131,900 tourists visited or took part in fishing tournaments, recreation tournaments, group tours, Andalusia, the annual Kids Fishing Rodeo, Cub Scout Jamboree, Deep Roots Festival, Haunted Trolley Tours and Milledgeville’s Thunder Rally among other local attractions and events. Georgia College camps and conferences brought 50,500 visitors and 20,000 people enjoyed the music of the annual Bluegrass Festival at Scenic Mountain RV Park. April’s Relay for Life event helped bring in 1,400 tourists, while the month of October attracted the most tourists See
TOURISM, page 4D
2D – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
U-R file photo
Woodland Terrace Director Allen Freeman said the facility’s construction will likely begin later this year, now that preliminary planning is nearing completion.
Woodland Terrace seeing growth as a targeted local senior community By JONATHAN JACKSON jjackson@unionrecorder.com
Last summer, managers of the near six-year-old senior living
complex Woodland Terrace announced the coming construction of a new assisted living facility as part of the com-
his facility is just what the area needs to draw more potential residents to Baldwin County, and Woodland Terrace presents a great option for people who want to retire and remain in their community as well.”
“T
Allen Freeman Woodland Terrace Director plex. Woodland Terrace Director Allen Freeman said the facility’s construction will likely begin later this year, now that preliminary planning is nearing completion. “This facility is just what the area needs to draw more potential residents to Baldwin County, and Woodland Terrace presents a great option for people who want to retire and remain in their community as well,” Freeman said. Of the seven county region identified by Woodland Terrace, 10 percent of the total population of retirees live in Baldwin County. Freeman and other likeminded community leaders see a need to increase housing options for people in that demographic as well as a need to increase recreational and retail options for retirees. Freeman said Woodland Terrace is poised to meet those needs. He said the company has supported
civic action to bolster Baldwin County’s attraction to retirees. “We have been a partner with Milledgeville and Baldwin County in the retirement destination movement already,” he said. “If we're going to invite people from other communities to come into our community, we will need to have activities and living options for people. That is where Woodland Terrace fits in.” By targeting the rapidly aging Baby Boomer generation, Freeman said senior living communities can meet the needs of individuals and couples who are looking to simplify living arrangements. Independent living at Woodland Terrace is an active lifestyle where residents continue living in a home setting in separate houses, but enjoy just a few amenities that make life a little more simple. See
TERRACE, page 5D
GIFT STORE AT THE OLD GOVERNOR’S MANSION Come See Our Spring Inventory! Custom jewelry and items by Heartstrings Handcrafted birdhouses by Pretty Primitives
Also featuring custom Stampables by Three Designing Women
478-445-SHOP(7467)
120 S. Clarke Street (Entrance on W. Greene St.) Tues-Sat 10am-4pm • Sun 2pm-4pm
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
The Union-Recorder – 3D
Jessica Luton/The Union-Recorder
Local attractions such as the Oconee River Greenway make many believe that Milledgeville is a prime location for retirement community designation. Below: The retirement committee reviewed an initial plan that would find new purpose for the Bill Ireland YDC campus given its proximity to the local hospital.
Committee working for retirement designation By JONATHAN JACKSON jjackson@unionrecorder.com
he legislation has been introduced and we are looking to be the pilot program. We feel like we deserve it since we are the community in Georgia that took initiative.”
“T
The Partners for Progress Retirement Committee is an offshoot of the Partners for Progress collaboration. The group of local volunteers covers a wide demographic but shares a singular focus — the promotion of Milledgeville and Baldwin County as a retirement destination. The group meets regularly and strives to pursue encouraging the growth of the retirement community by setting goals aimed at its desired result. Simply put, when it comes time to find a place to retire, it’s right here. Committee member and current chair Nathalie Goodrich said the plan for the designation came from a visit to a nearby community. “We came back from Dublin and found out about national certification,” Goodrich said. “We saw their development there and recognized the potential. They have the most beautiful assisted living facility.” Goodrich and the committee then set out and obtained nation-
Nathalie Goodrich Retirement committee chair al certification as a retirement community. Since Georgia has no state certification, the group got busy with the local legislative delegation to institute the designation and use Milledgeville as a model. “We looked at the state of North Carolina’s designation material,” Goodrich said. “The legislation has been introduced and we are looking to be the pilot program. We feel like we deserve it since we are the community in Georgia that took initiative.” Whether the legislation will make it into law is still undetermined, but Goodrich and the comSee
RETIREMENT, page 6D
1 Br 1 Ba Townhome………...................………… $535 2 Br 2 Ba Townhome……………............................$605 Lakefront ………………………...................………$705 Phase 2-2Br 2.5 Ba ………...................…… $665-$765 One Level
Lease:......................................................... 12 months Deposit:................................................................ $310 Pets:.......................................................... Conditional App Fee:................................................................. $25 Hours:............................................................. M-F 9-5 342 Log Cabin Road N.E. • Milledgeville, GA
(478) 452-1424 Fax (478) 452-0357 • 1, 2, & 3 Bedroom Townhomes • 2 Bedroom Garden Homes / Lakefront Garden Homes • Double Walls, Insulated, Fire Rated, Soundproof Between Each Unit • Natural Beauty of the Woods & Lake • Boat Ramp • Private Dock • 2 Swimming Pools • 2 Tennis Courts • Clubhouse
4D – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
U-R file photo
Andalusia, the former home of writer Flannery O’Connor, is another tourism attraction for Baldwin County.
Tourism Continued from page 1D of any other month with a total of 35,947, even though no groups were serviced. “In the whole year, we serviced a total of 1,384 groups, including church and school groups. I have 172 kids coming [Thursday,
March 31] to visit the Governor’s Mansion and Georgia’s Old Capital Museum,” Bailey said. “It’s the same group that came last year, so we do have a lot of groups come back once they visit the first time; it just helps our economy.” According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 11.8 percent of persons in Baldwin County
were 65 years old and over of the 46,337 population estimate in 2009. Georgia’s population estimate in 2009 was a little more than 9.8 million with 10.3 percent of persons 65 years old and over. “We have a great community here for retirees,” Bailey said. “We have a golf course, which is a big draw, Lake Sinclair for fish-
ing, great places to eat and relax, additional classes for continuing education, schools that they can take under their wing, quilting, trolley tours at CVB, the Old Governor’s Mansion and a lot of classes geared to the retirement community.” Now that Gov. Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music
and Digital Entertainment Office officially designated Baldwin County as one of 73 Georgia Camera Ready Communities in March, Bailey said the barriers of bringing film companies to town are now removed. “If a filming company wants to shoot in Milledgeville, we don’t
have to send them pictures of the town and location and go through different codes in order to be approved; they can now just come here and start filming,” Bailey said. “We started the process last year because we felt like this was going to be something that will draw even more visitors.”
Progress Edition 2011
The Union-Recorder – 5D
www.unionrecorder.com
U-R file photo
The new expansion will mean an $8 million investment in the property at Woodland.
Terrace Continued from page 2D “With our facility being a gated community, we meet the security needs of our residents,” he said. “Plus with daily checks the people who live in our community stay connected and safe with our central office.” With the introduction of the upcoming
assisted living facility, residents who need a little more assistance will still remain plugged into their community while enjoying the safety and stability caring staff. The assisted living facility will have 47 suites and will include a nurse’s station, a full service kitchen and dining room, common and private living areas, courtyards,
an on-site beauty salon, communal or private dining, a game room, a librar y, computer lab, art room and office space. Of the 47 suites, 29 will be one bedroom suites and six will be one bedroom deluxe suites with a separate living area. Eighteen of the suites, however, will offer something that no other assisted living facility in the
area offers — a dementia wing. The Alzheimer ’s wing will contain 18 units and will feature safeguards to help keep residents safe including double exit doors that require a keypad code, displayed in Roman numerals. The new expansion will mean an $8 million investment in the property and will likely be funded by working with
We offer service and repair on all makes and models of air conditioning systems.We also sell and install hearing and air conditioning systems to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Spring AC Check includes Freon testing, coil cleaning and new filter .... $89 Only 1 coupon per system. Coupon must be presented at time of service.
Prompt, Professional Service Reasonable Rates
2 locations to serve you
770-786-8253 478-454-3059
multiple banks. In addition, organizers expect that the facility will result in 30 jobs. “It's important for all of Baldwin County and the area to get this state-of-the-art facility,” Freeman said. Woodland Terrace’s dedication to senior living echoes plans to encourage more and more seniors to move to Milledgeville and Baldwin County.
Freeman said a focus on senior living is key to encouraging the attraction of the highly desirable demographic to the area. “What we believe Woodland Terrace does is offer a sense of community,” Freeman said. “Residents feel safe and love interacting with neighbors. It's a lifestyle that we offer that would be attractive to outside residents and natives.”
6D – The Union-Recorder
Progress Edition 2011
www.unionrecorder.com
A CLOSER LOOK AT WHO LIVES IN BALDWIN COUNTY Contributed graphic
While the latest Census material has not yet all be released, data from 2000 gives some insight into the age range of Baldwin residents.
Retirement Continued from page 3D mittee have their hopes up. Goodrich said if the plan passes, the designation would likely come from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The group is not resting on that one issue alone. In the mean time, the group is actively working on
at least two additional projects. A logical step in the hopeful continued transformation into a retirement community is the identification of factors that can be used to set benchmarks. The committee has decided to commission a market study survey. The group is also looking at some long-term possibilities for a huge chunk
of real estate very near Oconee Regional Medical Center. The committee reviewed an initial plan that would find new purpose for the Bill Ireland YDC campus. “Well, we are dreaming with this plan. Thomas Hutton engineering firm drew up potential plan for using property,” Goodrich said. “It would be
absolutely wonderful but we’ve got to get the state to part with that property and at a reasonable price.” The plan calls for multi-generational living within a stone’s throw of Oconee Regional Medical Center. Goodrich said the plan also calls for some limited retail space, a clubhouse, a
fitness center and several additional amenities. “It is a 520 acre facility,” she said. “It would be wonderful to leave a portion on the back side of it open for a nature conservancy.” Goodrich said she has yet to identify a negative aspect to the retirement destination idea. “For the community,
economically it can’t be anything but a plus,” Goodrich said. “The people we attract will likely have a good income. They will hopefully add to the community through volunteerism and to the local economy by buying or renting homes and buying from retail sources. It can’t help but be a positive.”