IN THIS ISSUE Chairman’s Message 2 Business Profile 3 Calendar 4 It’s Happening in Henry 5 The Undead Dash Report 6 Youth Leadership Henry 6 Chamber Briefs 7 Leadership Henry 7 Annual Chamber Banquet 10 Member Appreciation 10 Monthly BBL 11 Business After Hours 12 Shop Local 13 Ribbons Cuttings 14 Edward Jones 15 The Henry County Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice for the business community, provides quality services and programs that meet the needs of its members, improves the economic environment of the community and creates a legacy of leadership for the future. A HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS HAMPTON | LOCUST GROVE | MCDONOUGH | STOCKBRIDGE DECEMBER 2012 Shop Local, Shop Henry Day December 1 • Page 13 Chamber’s 46th Annual Banquet February 2 • Page 10 SAVE THE DATES... Holiday Greetings from the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Staff www.henrycounty.com SATURDAY, DEC 1
Transcript
in this issue
Chairman’s Message 2
Business Profile 3
Calendar 4
It’s Happening in Henry 5
The Undead Dash Report 6
Youth Leadership Henry 6
Chamber Briefs 7
Leadership Henry 7
Annual Chamber Banquet 10
Member Appreciation 10
Monthly BBL 11
Business After Hours 12
Shop Local 13
Ribbons Cuttings 14
Edward Jones 15
The Henry County Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice for
the business community, provides quality services and programs that
meet the needs of its members, improves the economic environment
of the community and creates a legacy of leadership for the future.
A H E n R Y C o U n T Y C H A M B E R o f C o M M E R C E P U B L I C A T I o n Y o U R B U S I n E S S I S o U R B U S I n E S S
H A M P T o n | L o C U S T G R o v E | M C D o n o U G H | S T o C k B R I D G E DECEMBER 2012
Shop Local, Shop Henry DayDecember 1 • Page 13
Chamber’s 46th Annual BanquetFebruary 2 • Page 10
SAVE THE DATES...
Holiday Greetings
from the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Staff
www.henrycounty.com
SATURDAY, DEC 1
2 HenryCounty.Com
Danny Brown and his wife, Patti, are owners of SERVPRO® of Henry, Spalding and Clayton Counties, as well as SERVPRO® of Decatur, all headquartered in McDonough. SERVPRO is the nation’s leader in fire & water damage cleanup and restoration.
Danny Brown
Holding the Scissors Has Been As Important As Holding The Gavel
Chairman’s Message
One of the most personally meaningful duties that I was al-lowed to perform as your Cham-ber Chairman this year was to at-tend and participate in what on the surface appears to be mundane photo opportunities -- ribbon cut-ting ceremonies for newly formed businesses in Henry County.
However, below the surface of a few people gathered at a storefront, dressed in suits and smiling for the camera with scis-sors poised, lie the hopes and dreams of new entrepreneurs, eager to take on the titles of “Business Owner,” “Job Creator” and “Civic Leader.”
Most of us have been there, and we know that accompany-ing the optimism of contributing to Henry County’s future and our own prosperity come the fear of failure, the challenge of differenti-ating our endeavor’s services and the knowledge that only through weeks and months of tireless la-bor will we achieve success.
With every scissor snip, a dream is officially launched. And over the course of the past year, I’ve been witness to a number of those dreams taking flight. (Ambassa-dors of the Chamber have participated in many more than me.) The hard work of new business owners plays the most important role in keeping the aspiration aloft.
But I believe that we, as col-
leagues, and the Chamber as an organization, can play a role in helping a new business achieve success. We can be patrons, un-official advisors and mentors to new owners. The Chamber can provide support materials, con-tacts and guidance that may not otherwise be available to some-one just starting out. That’s what community does and that’s what our Chamber is really all about.
Serving as your Chairman this year has given me a different perspective on business oppor-tunities here in Henry and I like what I see.
We are fortunate to have an extremely active Chamber with members who give inordinate amounts of time and talents to grow and improve our business environment. We have dedicated public servants who work closely with business leaders to keep the
wheels turning, the rails greased and our economic engine fueled. As I’ve said before in this col-umn, our educational system and healthcare industry are the envy of many of Georgia’s other counties. And our small business owners are intelligent, driven to make a difference and downright insistent that their work will make a differ-ence in Henry County’s future.
You have given me the privi-lege of serving alongside you and I think we have made great strides in moving our area for-ward. Thank you for your advice, ideas, leadership, hard work and support. With that continued ef-fort, this Chamber is well-posi-tioned to continue to be a leader in economic expansion, job cre-ation and a rosy business out-look in the future.
Thanks to the Committee Chairs and membership of those committees for generating ideas and then working to bring them to reality. Finally, thank you to the Chamber staff which has made this year fly by with ease.
I leave the Chamber’s Chair in great hands. Please give Eddie
Ausband the same level of sup-port you’ve given me and
there’s no way the Cham-ber’s mission can fail. Ed-die, here’s the gavel, but
as important, here are my scissors. Go forth and keep
snipping those ribbons. Thanks to all of you for the
privilege of serving.
HenryCounty.Com 3
About the Company John Rowan, a graduate of Georgia State University, worked in the air express industry for twenty-eight years. In 2008 he formed Clean Slate Services, LLC in Henry County, where his roots go deep. “From an economic standpoint it wasn’t the best time to start a company,” says John. “However, I’m happy to say that we’ve grown each year to date and have retained a steady customer base because of our attention to detail and quality of services.” The mission of this company is to provide competitive pricing by managing the efficiencies of the process while exceeding the expectation of customers. Inspiring long-term relationships simply does not happen without dedication to the customer. A hallmark of the organization is that Clean Slate strives to clean through the eyes of its customers. In viewing each customer as a business partner, the goal
of creating and ensuring a quality image for that customer becomes a touchpoint of mutual business consideration. Clean Slate employees are proud to walk into your building and are just as proud when leaving the building after their job is complete. The company is certified by the State of Georgia as a drug-free organization. Customers tend to be located in Henry, Clayton and Spalding Counties and center around the routine cleaning of office buildings, medical offices, banks, law firms, churches, and restaurants. The company also contracts with realtors for one-time cleanings of properties. Other services such as carpet, windows and tile and grout cleaning are also available. John demonstrates his successful ability to transfer his skillsets from providing quality air express delivery service and process management
to anticipating and providing exceptional customer support and forging partnerships.
Community Support John serves as a member of the Small Business Council with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce as a means of networking with other small business owners and to promote advocacy for small businesses.
Chamber Involvement “The Henry County Chamber of Commerce assists me to market my business -- and often to a target audience that I might not otherwise reach” says John. “I find the Chamber to be both responsive and helpful in every respect.” For more information about this company:
Do you have satisfied customers who you see or hear from
faithfully every month? Or do you have ecstatic customers who like you on social media and are your brand evangelists? Great customer service is no longer a competitive advantage: it’s what your customers expect. Satisfied customers may not promote you to friends or refer them to your business, but ecstatic customers talk about you, promote you, and tattoo your brand on their arm (i.e. Harley-Davidson). Satisfied (static) customers are more sensitive to changes in price, may not be faithful, and are less likely to boast about their experience with your brand. Ecstatic customers are impressed with your brand and your commitment to them. Ecstatic customers are less price sensitive and will often pay more for your product/service because they feel there is a true value to your relationship. Every
business needs ecstatic customers-but how do you change your business practices to make your customers ecstatic?• Consistentlysurpriseyourcustomerswithyourfriendly, happy-to-help attitude• Immediately respond to customer complaintswith little fuss and no excuses (back to the happy-to-help attitude)• See your customers as a relationship mate-rather than just another sales transaction To improve your bottom line, improve your front line: your front-line employees who deal directly with customers, answer the phone, and attend to customer complaints. Praise these employees for solving customers’ problems and let them see you setting a great example. Ongoing customer relationship training for your employees will go a long way, too. Always remember that happy employees lead to happy customers! Ecstatic customers will go the extra mile for your business-why not give every satisfied customer a reason to become ecstatic?
Is Great Customer Service A Part of Your Strategy? By Heather Chaney, Clayton State University Small Business Development Center
CHAMBER STAFFkay Pippin, PresidentLaura Luker, Director of TourismDiane Ide, Director of CommunicationsGary Sparrow, Membership DirectorPhyllis Reeves, Information Specialist
2012 BoARD oF DiRECToRS
ExECuTiVE CoMMiTTEEDanny Brown, Chairman, SERvPRo® of Henry, Spalding & Clayton Counties & DecaturEddie Ausband, Chair-Elect, The Ausband Agency, Inc.Leonard Moreland, Secretary/Treasurer, Heritage BankTaylor Rice, Immediate Past Chair
Brad Thomas, vice Chair for Economic & Cultural Development, Snapping Shoals EMCCharlie Scott, vice Chair for Chamber Development, Piedmont Henry HospitalJune Wood, vice Chair for Government & Education, Georgia PowerJulie Hoover-Ernst, CvB Chair, Henry County Board of Commissionerskay Pippin, Henry County Chamber of Commerce President
CLASS oF 2012Herschel Arant, Central Georgia EMCDanny Brown, SERvPRo of Henry & Spalding CountiesSteve Moore, Moore Bass Consulting, Inc. John newman, Classic Landscapes, Inc. Laura Turner, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta June Wood, Georgia Power
CLASS oF 2013Eddie Ausband, The Ausband AgencyGreg Cannon, Cannon-Cleveland funeral DirectorsSteve nail, nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Shane Persaud, Building Design Partnership, LLCRhonda SegersDenise Sowell, Capitol Street financial Services
CLASS oF 2014James Chafin, Judge, Henry County State CourtLisa Hunter, owner/Editor, So. Journal MagazineLeonard Moreland, President & CEo, Heritage BankDavid Pittman, Cfo, Bennett International GroupWilliam Strickland, President, Bellamy-Strickland ChevroletBrad Thomas, President/CEo, Snapping Shoals EMC
Ex oFFiCio MEMBERSChairman Elizabeth “B.J.” Mathis, HC Board of CommissionersMayor R.W. Coley, City of HamptonMayor Robert Price, City of Locust GroveMayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonoughMayor Lee Stuart, City of StockbridgeEthan Hildreth, Superintendent, Henry County SchoolsCharlie Scott, CEo, Piedmont Henry Hospitalvickie Loper, Chairman, Henry County Development AuthorityRoderick Burch, Henry County Water and Sewerage AuthorityMichelle nunnally, Leadership HenryJake Carter, Chair AppointeePeto fallas, Chair AppointeeGerald Hudgins, Chair Appointee
4 HenryCounty.Com
“Starting A Business”class, HR , 5 – 8 PM3 PM Ed Foundation,
Bd Rm
8 AM Leadership Henry BOD, Bd Rm
Chamber’s Holiday Party, 5-7 pm at Holiday Inn &
Suites-Stockbridge
3:30 PM Media Relations, Bd Rm
7:30 AM HCCC BOD
Noon, Ambassadors Luncheon
10 AM Small Business Council, Bd Rm
8 AM Youth Leadership Henry, Bd Rm
8 AM CVB BOD, Bd Rm10 AM Membership Comm,
Bd Rm11:30 AM HCCC Exec Comm,
Bd Rm
30 31
Happy HolidaysChamber closed
HenryCounty.Com 5
it’s happening in henry
Courthouse Square MarketEvery Sat. • 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Downtown McDonough Support your local farmers, craftsmen, businesses and civic groups while enjoying all the wonderful items at the Courthouse Square Market - enjoy local produce, organic fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted items, plants, baked goods and more! For complete details, visit www.marketmcdonough.com or call Sally at 770.595.5452.
Gift of Lights Nov 18 – Jan 6 • Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway will be lit up once again this holiday season with the return of the Gift of Lights. The most affordable lights display in the metro Atlanta area, the Gift of Lights will be a nightly drive-through event, with over one million LED lights in hundreds of displays. Display hours will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission will be $15 per car Sunday through Thursday and $20 per car Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.atlantagiftoflights.com
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree & TourThru December 22 -9:00 a.m. – Dark Yule Forest Hwy. 155
Families can make holiday memories as they choose and cut their own tree, and pick out live wreaths and garland while enjoying free apple cider and candy canes. Hayrides and Christmas tours are available on the weekends. Farm tours are also available weekday mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information visit www.aboutyule.com.
Old Fashioned Christmas Thru December 16Southern Belle Farm
When some think about an old-fashioned Christmas -- they think about traditions, including decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot apple cider and listening to Christmas carols. Bring the whole family for a fun time on the farm this winter. Enjoy hot apple cider, home-baked goodies, and take home a pre-cut Christmas tree to start the holiday decorating! Check our website for hours and details www.SouthernBelleFarm.com.
Rusty Wallace Racing ExperienceDecember 1-2Atlanta Motor SpeedwayFor more information visit www.racewithrusty.com or call (855) 22-RUSTY.
Shop Local, Shop Henry Saturday, December 1When you spend your shopping dollars locally, you not only support the businesses in your
own community, you actually help to improve the local economy. With so many of our cities celebrating holiday festivals and tree lightings on Saturday, December 1 it is the perfect day to stay in Henry County and shop and to enjoy the festivities near home! Check the Shop Local Shop Henry Facebook page or the Chamber website, www.henrycounty.com/pages/ShopLocalShopHenry/ for special discounts that day.
Christmas…in The Grove December 1 - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Downtown Historic Locust GroveChristmas parade, craft vendors, puppet show, inflatables, stage performances, music, and more. Arm bands are $2 and gives children entry to all attractions as many times as they like.
Celebrate the holidays in Hampton with cookie decorating with Mrs Clause and the Gingerbread Contest! This City sponsored event is fun for youngsters decorating cookies and having pictures made with Mrs. Claus! The Gingerbread House contest is open to all ages. No entry fee. Bring your gingerbread house in Friday or Saturday morning by 9 am. Ribbons to all participants.
baked goods, arts, crafts and more from local vendors. Join us for this annual event. Shop locally in small businesses this year.
Holiday Ride in the Hampton December 1Ray’s House – 29 East Main St.Take a brisk bicycle ride 5, 33, 50, or 72 miles. Benefits Connecting Henry and Community Cares Toy Shop. More information: Charlotte Kuehn, [email protected]
7th Annual Santa Cruise for Toys for TotsDecember 1 – Noon – 4:00 p.m.Summit Racing
Open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles. 50-25-25 raffle. Registration: $10 or a new, unwrapped toy. For complete details, contact 770.288.3200.
Are you ready to tell Santa what you want for Christmas? Santa Clause will be ready and waiting to hear everything on your Christmas list! For complete details, contact 770.898.9311.
Christmas Tree LightingDecember 1 - 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Downtown McDonough Square It’s not Christmas until you have witnessed, first hand, the tree lighting on the historic, downtown McDonough Square. Fun for the entire family! For complete details, contact 770.957.3915.
Celebrate the Christmas Season with the McDonough Christmas Parade! Enjoy as creative floats travel around the downtown McDonough Square throwing candy and wishing Happy Holiday’s to crowd! For complete details, contact 770.957.3915.
Christmas with the ArtsDecember 2 – 3:00 p.m.Henry County Performing Arts CenterJoin us for Christmas with the Arts - An afternoon of Music, Dance, Theatre and Art. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at www.henryartsalliance.org/ChristmaswiththeArts or at the door.
Christmas at Home & ParadeDecember 6Downtown HamptonThe parade begins at Hampton Elementary School. Enjoy Santa and live reindeer, and snow gently falling on the streets of Hampton. Merchants will be open until 9:00 p.m., handing out goodies to the visitors. This is a HBMA sponsored event. Be introduced to Hampton Idol 2012 by a special selection of holidays songs. For parade information please call 678-758-0606.
Christmas Tree LightingDecember 6 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Piedmont Henry’s South Tower Lawn
Piedmont Henry Hospital presents its 10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Take in the spirit of the holiday season as you enjoy refreshments, hayrides with Santa courtesy of Southern
Belle Farm and music provided by local choirs including Piedmont Henry’s Employee Choir.
Photos with Santa Through Dec 23 – Varies Grandbaby Treasures (Tanger)Bring your child for a photo with Santa! Call to schedule your appointment as times and dates vary.
Legends Racing: Winter Flurry Week TwoDecember 8Atlanta Motor Speedway
NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow battle for short-track supremacy on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s “Thunder Ring,” the facility’s front-stretch, quarter-mile oval track. Each event features multiple classes of Legends and Bandolero racing. Fans can purchase infield passes at the Security Command building near the speedway’s main entrance. Infield access costs just $12 for adults, $5 for children ages six through 11 and admission is free for children ages five and younger. Cost to race is just $25. Minors and their guardians are required to complete a minor waiver before children ages 17 and younger can enter the infield; the waiver and instructions can be found at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. For more information, visit www.legendsofga.com or www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird WalkDecember 9, 20128:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Panola Mountain State Park Bring your binoculars for this gentle hike through the park’s Power of Flight area. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Meet at the Alexander Lake Area. Register
Comfortably South
of Atlanta
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HenryCounty.Com6in advance. Donations of birdseed are appreciated. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
“The Nutcracker” presented by The Atlanta Festival BalletDecember 15 – 7:00 p.m. & December 16 – 2:00 p.m.Henry County Performing Arts Center
The magic of “The Nutcracker” captivates audiences of all ages. A mysterious party guest, a heroic prince and the “Land of the Sweets” come to life in Atlanta Festival Ballet’s delightful holiday classic. Visit www.atlantafestivalballet.com for more information.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction ClimbDecember 15 – 1:00 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. One group will start at 1 PM; another group will start at 3 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Truett’s Grill New Year’s Eve Nugget DropDecember 31 – 7:00 p.m. – MidnightTruett’s Grill – McDonoughTruett’s Grill is again hosting a family-friendly alternative to the typical New Year’s celebration. The highlight of the evening will be during the New Year’s Eve countdown when a giant nugget is dropped into faux honey mustard to ring in 2013. In addition to the Nugget Drop, the restaurant will host a variety of fun-filled, free activities for all ages. At the stroke of midnight Truett’s will throw their infamous Chick-fil-A Cows with one “special” cow and that “special” cow comes with FREE Chick-fil-A for a year!!
All’s Fair in Love and a Zombie Apocalypse
More than 125 “Living” participants navigated the twisting, wooded trails of Camp Fortson trying to avoid the 25 brain-hungry, sticker brandishing zombies during the Undead Dash – A Zombie Fun Run. Loyalty was tested and cut-throat survival strategies developed as groups of runners sacrificed one of their own for safe pas-sage through the zombie infested woods leaving their “bitten” comrades to fend for themselves. Although the “Undead” hordes were sneaky and quick, a few lucky runners did escape unbit-ten. Andre Rivera and Taylor Sharp finished in the best time AND avoided even a single bite. Others, like Mylie Markum weren’t so lucky, as she received the “Biggest Loser” award for the
most bites finishing with 23 stickers. There was motivation to run fast and be alert as truly ter-rifying creatures roamed the woods thanks to the make-up prowess of The Henry Players who provided make-overs to all the “Undead.” Those whose transformations were most frighten-ing were Brandon Jessup and Sheila McEntryre whose make-up and costumes earned them the dubious distinction of “Best Zombie.” All win-ners received two tickets to Atlanta Movie Tours’ “Big Zombie Tour” expect for Ms. Markum, the Biggest Loser who received a stack of zombie reading material so she can be better prepared for next year! After the run, all was forgiven and the Living, the Undead and the sacrificial lambs gathered together to enjoy Gezzo’s tacos and JailHouse Brewing Com-pany beer before settling in to watch Zombieland. The filming of Zombieland, parts of which took place in Hampton, was followed recently by the shooting of several episodes of The Walking
Dead along the same roadways triggered the idea for the event. Henry County, particularly Hamp-ton, has been the site of at least four film and television projects in the last several years. “The Undead Dash was a unique way to draw people to Henry County while also educating them on the county’s role in recent productions,” said Julie Hoover-Ernst, Chairman of the CVB. “With run-ning events growing in popularity and the current zombie craze it seemed like a natural pairing.” Look for details for next year’s event soon! Pho-tos from the event can be viewed at www.facebook.com/VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.
Youth Leadership Henry’s sixteenth class had its Orientation reception in the Hudgins Room at the Chamber of Commerce on the evening of October 23. Class members and their parents met the members of the Board of Directors, learned about the program, and enjoyed remarks by Henry County lawyer, and recently elected Representative Brian Strickland, about leadership and community. On November 6, the class had its first outing at Camp Fortson – a Teambuilding Day; giving them an opportunity to network and build rapport with students from other schools in the community. The class had a great time, learning about each other (and themselves) as they pushed their personal boundaries in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Youth Leadership Henry is a program of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, offering select high school sophomores from Henry County an opportunity to develop leadership skills and acquaint participants with community needs, problems and resources; similar to the Chamber’s adult Leadership Henry program. The intent of the youth program is to identify and develop future leaders at an earlier stage in life. YLH allows students to interact with community leaders in examining a variety of issues affecting Henry County. Participants gain insight into complex decision making processes essential in addressing community issues, and they learn about the cultural and economic opportunities available within
our community. Participants commit to one day each month for the eight months of the program. Each year approximately 40 students are selected by the YLH Board of Directors; whose selections committee diligently reviews candidates’ goals, community participation, leadership roles etc. This year there were 134 applicants vying for the available seats in the 2013 class, indicating the value placed on the program by both the students and leaders in the community. Join us in welcoming the Youth Leadership Henry class of 2013:Tiffani Allen – WoodlandYailee Bangura – WoodlandSkylar Bates – Locust GroveViyanca Bennett – WoodlandEmily Carmichael – Ola
Caroline Chamberlain – WoodlandDaria Chryssochoos – Union GroveAlexander Coughlin – Union GroveAnnelise Cox – Impact AcademyKendra Crosby – WoodlandDrayton DeWitt – WoodlandSonjai Douglas – WoodlandTaylor Duty – Union GroveDestiny Ettang – LuellaRachel Maner – Union GroveJordan Gainey – Eagle’s Landing Christian AcademyVianca Gonzalez – Union GroveMason Goolsby – WoodlandSavannah Hardeman – Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Landon Harper – Union GroveMyles Harris – DutchtownHannah Hatcher – WoodlandMorgan Hodge – Stockbridge
Brooke Jones – Union GroveSkylar Kearney – WoodlandWhitney Lehrer – Union GroveJillian Lesley – WoodlandJordan Madison – Eagles Landing High SchoolRachel Maner – WoodlandIbukunoluwa Olaoye – WoodlandSalina Patel – OlaGeorgiana Pennell – OlaJeffrey Pope – OlaMadison Rivers – WoodlandMark Rockwood – LuellaSavannah Sewell – WoodlandCharles Sims – OlaBreck Small – OlaAmber Smith – WoodlandJocelyn Smith – WoodlandJazmyne Terrell – Community Christian
Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2013 Gets Started
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO’S ACCOUNTABLE, JUST READ THE NAME ON THE DOOR.
“For 40 years, Strawn & Co., Insurance has operated under the vision and values set by my father. He held himself directly accountable for the success of his clients, valuing relationships much more than transactions. I saw his integrity in action, sometimes at the expense of the company - but always what he thought was right. He built his name upon the respect and hon-esty of these long-term partner-ships. And as a Strawn, I couldn’t work any other way.”
- Rusty Strawn, President
Call or Come in Today!16 Hampton Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-9005
As an independent insurance agency, Strawn & Co., Insurance is free to focus on what really counts: providing your family and/or business with the most comprehensive coverages and com-
petitive premiums available. This type of focus for our customers has kept Strawn & Co., Insurance one of the leading providers of
property, casualty, life & health insurance in south Atlanta.
PROUDLY OFFERING PERSONAL, BUSINESS & HEALTH INSURANCE
HenryCounty.Com 7
Bennett International Group for their recognition at the 2012 Georgia Family Business of the Year Awards ceremo-ny held November 14 in Atlanta for being a company with a strong commitment to both family and business, with demonstrated positive family/business linkage, multi-generational involvement, contributions to their industry and community, and innova-tive business practices and strategy. Shown are HCCC Chairman Danny Brown and Marcia Taylor, President & CEO of Bennett InternationalGroup,LLC.
Jay Connelly, RN, BSN, on being named as the new director of Piedmont Henry Hospital’s emergency department. Connelly began his career in healthcare 20 years ago, working in rehabilitation medicine before moving into emergency care. He has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Clayton State Uni-versity and is a member of the Emergency Nursing Association. He joined the Piedmont Henry team two years ago.
Henry County Water & Sewerage Authorityfor providing “hands-on” learning experiences at their Cubihatcha facility to more than 3,000 third-grade students via an Outdoor Education Partnership with Henry County Schools – and for cleaning up 800 pounds of debris from thebanksoftheIndianCreekRiverandGarnerReservoirduringtheir2012RiversAliveprogram.
December Chamber Briefs ... Congratulations to:
Members of the 2013 Leadership Henry class were all in PINK in support ofPiedmont Henry’s Real Men Wear Pinkcampaign during the programs’ Local Government Day held in October. County Manager Fred Auletta welcomed the class to the Henry County Administration Building and provided a county overview. Members of the class participated in roundtable discussions with local community leaders and topics included public works, planning and zoning, taxes and parks and recreation. The Leadership Henry class spent the afternoon at the Judicial Center where Henry County Solicitor, Trea Pipkin, gave the class an overview of the court system. The day ended with a tour of the Judicial Center.
Leadership Henry Class shows support in PINK
HenryCounty.Com 9
R. W. ColeyMayor
P.O. Box 400 City Hall: 770.946.430617 East Main Street South Fax: 770.946. 4356Hampton, Georgia 30228
City ofHampton
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The Chamber’s 46th Annual Meeting/Dinner will be held at the Eagle’s Landing Country Club on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Donna Hyland, President & CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, is the keynote speaker. For 25
years, Mrs. Hyland has helped shape the delivery of healthcare to children in Georgia and beyond. In2007, realizing that Georgia’s pediatric population was significantly growing, she led the development of the Children’s Vision 2018 Strategy, which defines the organization’s journey to achieve clinical excellence by focusing on three areas: research, teaching and wellness. For all her work in pediatric healthcare, Hyland was named Georgia Trend magazine’s Most Respected Business Leader in 2011 and one ofBusiness to Business magazine’s 2007 Women ofExcellence. Hyland has the distinct honor of being the only female CEO among the top 25 hospitals in Atlanta, making her a role model for women throughout Children’s and the state. Henry County native, Charity Brooke Smith, an accomplished international performer, will entertain guests cabaret-style. Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbus State University in Columbus, GA in 2005. Since that time she has toured the country with Missoula Children’sTheatre,workedforWaltDisneyWorldandmostrecently completed a four-year contract playing the role of “Elphaba”inWickedatUniversalStudiosJapaninOsaka.Charity now resides in Orlando, FL with her sweetheart, Michael, and continues to pursue her love of performing
and traveling. Presenting Sponsor for the banquet is Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Tickets are $125 per person and tables of ten can be accommodated. The ticket order form is available on the Chamber website at www.henrycounty.com/
pages/2013HCCCAnnualBanquet, or you can contact Diane Ideat770-957-5786topurchasetickets.Thedeadlineforpurchasing tickets is Friday, January 11, 2013.
Nominate 2012 Award Winners Recognizecommunityleadersfortheirexemplaryservice,devotion to others or contribution to improving quality of life by nominating them for Business of the Year; The Billy Carter Public Service Award, Volunteer of the Year or Citizen of the Year. The criteria for each award, nomination form and a listing of past winners are available on the Chamber website at www.henrycounty.com/pages/2013HCCCAnnualBanquet. Deadline for nominations is Friday, December 28, 2012. Don’t delay – nominate someone today!
Chamber Annual Banquet is February 2
The Henry County Chamber of Commerce held its 2nd Annual Membership Appreciation Luncheon on Halloween at the Chamber. The wind and the chill were challenging for the 150 members who attended; however, the camaraderie and costumes were worth it all. The Original Shane’s RibShack provided delicious complimentary barbecue
fitting the occasion. Over thirty “guys and ghouls” dressed in Halloween attire and “secret” judges selected the top three costumes. A $50 VISA gift card(provided by ServiceMaster of McDonough) went to third place winner, Luke Hearn with State Farm, for his “Fifty Shades of Grey” outfit. A second place $75 VISA gift card (provided
by Nail Heating and Air Conditioning) was awarded to Christy Smith with Neighbor Newspapers for her ragdoll costume. The first place $100 VISA giftcard (provided by Heritage Bank at Hwy 20/81) was presented to Heidi Sewell with Merle Manders Conference Center for her zombie prisoner costume. Honorable mention goes to all the others, including an
unrecognizable Chamber hostess,KayPippin! “This is such a fun event” said Rhett Tuckerwith Checks Superstore. “It’s a great way to enjoyHalloween and network with fellow Chamber members in an outlandish way!” Several Chamber members won great door prizes ranging from goody bags to gift certificates, and a beautiful dish garden. While Chamber eventsalways provide excellent networking opportunity, this particular event affords the Chamber an opportunitytosay“THANKYOU” to those who belong to the Chamber and who work to make it a strong and integral part of our community.
Attendees at the October 18 Business Boosters Luncheon were treated to a sneak peak into the$59four-hourclassofferedbyClayton State University’s Small Business Development Center. “Links, Likes & Friends: Get Started with Online Marketing” in a course that the CSU’s SBDC presented at the Chamber on November 9 that went intogreater depth regarding website advice, Facebook usage and search engine optimization. AlisaKirkpresented tipsandadvice on ways small businesses can design and use their website, Facebook page and blogs that can increase their marketing potential. She challenged attendees to revise their thinking by seeing online marketing as not about YOU – but about THEM.Whatdo they(potentialcustomers) want? How do they
want it?Whendo theywant it?THEY want information – and if your website, Facebook page and/or blog isn’t providing it (and in an easy-to-find manner), they leave! Who are THEY? Alisaencouraged participants to think about who their target market really is. She also asked what is it that YOU most want THEM to see or do when they reachyoursite?Whyisthatthemost important thing to convey? Does your front page give THEM what THEY want? She insists that content is king now. She conveyed the importance of keywords and having them on each page of content. Alisa offered tips for increasing your Google potential and how to ensure that the information your customer seeks gets “above the fold.”
The CSU’s SBDC offers free website analysis for small businesses – and she encouraged attendees to take advantage of their services. She talked about changing trends, such as Facebook pages becoming more important than a website, the need for optimization. She advised that you “Like” other businesses becauseYOUwanttoseeTHEIRinformation(andthenallYOURfriends will see that you’ve “Liked” them). She suggested considering telling a story or making a game and providing a reward to entice others to “Like” you. Today it’s all about network marketing!
Chamber President, Kay Pippin, amember of the Piedmont Henry Hospital Board of Directors and participant in the process resulting in the selection of Piedmont Healthcare, celebrated with Piedmont officials at Eagle’s Landing Country Club on November 7 when Piedmont Henry Hospital was recognized as the “2012 Person of the Year” by Southern Journal Magazine. Photo – L to R: Governor Nathan Deal; Kay Pippin, HCCC President; Greg Hurst, Piedmont Healthcare’s President of Finance and Development and interim CEO; Mrs. Deal
October BBL ...About Online Marketing
Dr. Rajeev Dhawan is a professor and Director of the Economic Forecasting Center at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University in Atlanta. As director of one of the country’s premier forecasting centers, Dr. Dhawan develops forecasts for Southeast regional and local metro Atlanta economies. These forecasts are routinely published and presented to business executives and the media at the center’s popular, well-respected quarterly forecasting conferences. At the January Business Boosters Luncheon find out more about:• The political landscape post-election and its impact on job growth in the coming years• Interlinkages between the global and the local metro economy
Dr. Dhawan’s academic research analyzes U.S. business cycles with a special emphasis on the impact of monetary policy changes on the growth and survival of small firms. His industrial organization work quantifies the contribution of organizational and technological factors in improving firm efficiency. His other areas of specialization include small business strategy and entrepreneurship, energy economics and econometric modeling. The cost for this catered lunch is $12 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. Reservations are required for planning purposes and Chamber members can make reservations and pay online at www.henrycounty.com under “Events” – select the BBL event on January 17. Guests and non-members can RSVP by calling (770) 957-5786 or email [email protected]. To cover catering costs, no-shows will be expected to make payment.
January BusinessBoosters Luncheon
January 17, 2013 • HCCC Hudgins Room • 11am – 1pm
Alisa Kirk presented tips and advice on ways small businesses can design and use their website, Facebook page and blogs that can increase their marketing potential.
Where Are The Growth Ignitors?
businessAFter hours
HenryCounty.Com12
There is no December Business After Hours Due to the Holidays. Join us January 24, 2013 at C&C Fence Company for the first BAH of the New Year!
Business after hours at piedmont henry hospital
Was a “real Men Wear pink” party
British LandscapesfeaturingEngland,ScotlandandWales10 Days – 13 MealsMarch 14 – 23, 2013Highlights... London, London Theatre Performance, Cambridge, York, Edinburgh Castle, Lake District, North Wales,Stratford-upon-Avon,Bath,StonehengeDouble $3299*
Discover the French Riviera
9Days–11MealsNovember 7 – 15, 2013
Highlights... Nice, Flower Market, St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat,RothschildVillaand
Gardens, Antibes, St. Paul De Vence, Monaco,Fréjus,RomanArena,Grasse,
ParfumerieDouble $2999*
Henry County Chamber of Commerce presents…
Other travel opportunities include…
Call for available departure dates and rates.
South Pacific Wonders15 Days, 21 Meals
Wonders of South America11 Days, 15 Meals
The Plains of Africa14 Days, 33 Meals
Best of China14 Days, 26 Meals
Book Now & Save $250 per person
For more information call Kay Pippin at 770.957.5786
Piedmont Henry Hospital hosted the October Business After Hours in style, concluding a month-long recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and their “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign that emphasizes that breast cancer is an important issue for everyone. Over fifty Chamber attendees enjoyed delicious hors d’ouvres while networking with hospital staff and guests. Piedmont Henry Hospital CEO, Charlie Scott, welcomed
guests and participated in selecting lucky winner, Deborah Sheneman with Henry Radiology Oncology Center, as the winner of a baseball autographed by Atlanta Braves Jason Heyward. Several Chamber businesses provided a number of great door prizes that were also presented. Names drawn for the $300 Chamber jackpot were: John Warner, Tammy Flowers, and Keisha Harris. Since they were not present to win, the jackpot now goes to $350.
ExcitingTravel Opportunities
For 2013
*Rate is per person and includes round trip air Hartsville Intl Airport, air taxes and fees and hotel transfers. Discover the French Riviera: Book now savings valid until May 7, 2013 and the early booking savings is included in the rate. Airfare: For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all vacation packages. If you purchase an air inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges: Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies.CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279
HenryCounty.Com 13
The businesses and facilities that residents consider just a part of the quality of life in Henry County actually helped them save last year. While businesses such as restaurants, event facilities and recreational facilities add to the quality of life for residents, they also dramatically impact the economy of Henry County by attracting tourists. In 2011, travelers to Henry County spent more than $202 million resulting in almost $6 million in local taxes and almost $8 million in State taxes. Tourists’ expenditures increased almost $15 million from 2010. When broken down to a daily average, this amounts to more than $554,000 per day being spent by tourists. Much of the influx of these tourism dollars flows in from what for many may be an unlikely source – youth sports tournaments. While our county’s recreational facilities give local youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic activities, large, out-of-town tournaments also use these same facilities bringing in an economic
impact of more than $14 million in 2012. Not only are these guests contributing to Henry County’s economy, they require little, if any, services. Tournament players, coaches and families spent money at hotels, restaurants, gas stations and retail centers, supporting the more than 2,000 local jobs provided by the tourism industry. The big question when referencing statistics is often “so what -- what do these numbers mean to me?” For Henry County residents, it means that without tourist spending, each household would have had to pay approximately $209 more in taxes in 2011 to enjoy the same level of government services. Next time your favorite restaurant is crowded with baseball teams or traffic is slow because of a race at the Speedway or a road is closed due to filming for a movie or television show don’t get frustrated. Say “Thank You” to
these guests for helping keep your services high, your taxes
lower and making Henry County a wonderful place to live, work and play.
The following article is reprinted with permission from Area Development magazine, Fall 2012:
Consultants Recognize State’s Industrial Competitiveness in Area Development 3rd Annual “Top States For Doing Business Survey”
Georgia Ranked 3 For Doing Business WESTBURY, N.Y., October 17, 2012 – Area Development, the leading publication covering site selection and facility planning, has announced the results of its 2012 Top States for Doing Business survey of leading location consultants. According to the results, the top-10 states for doing business are Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Indiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma in that order. Area Development asked a select group of highly respected location consultants who work with a nationwide client base to name their top-5 state choices in 14 site selection categories, as follows:Business Environment• Overall cost of doing business• Corporate tax environment• Incentives programs• Cooperative state government• Speed of permitting• Access to capital and project funding Labor Climate• Availability of skilled labor
• Competitive labor costs• Work force development programsInfrastructure/Global Access• Rail & highway accessibility• Certified sites and shovel-ready programs• Competitive utility rates• Distribution/logistics hub accessEconomy• Leading in the economic recovery States were ranked in each of the 14 categories above based on the number of times they were named as a “top-5” choice by the responding consultants. Texas, which was cited more than 200 times overall, significantly led all other states as the consultants’ #1 choice for doing business. The top-5 states were each mentioned in at least 8 of 14 categories. A full review of this year’s Top States for Doing Business is presented in the Fall 2012 issue of Area Development magazine and is posted online at www.areadevelopment.com/top-states. Area Development (www.areadevelopment.com), published since 1965, is bi-monthly and has 42,000 executive subscribers. It also has produced more than 25 Best Practices Consultants Forums for economic developers since 2006. To view the article online, visit http://www.areadevelopment.com/Top-States-for-Doing-Business/Fa l l 2 0 1 2 / to p - s t a te s - co n s u l t a n t s - s u r ve y - 2 0 1 2 -landing-456337.shtml
Businesses throughout Henry County are invited to participate in Shop Local, Shop Henry Day on December 1. This is a program sponsored by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses by driving customers to their site on a specific day. It is also a great opportunity to educate residents on the benefits they can receive from shopping locally and thereby supporting business development and the local economy. To participate in the Shop Local campaign: Provide an incentive – Want to help to ensure that customers visit YOUR business on December 1? Post a discount for a product or service or free item on the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Be sure to indicate that the discount or offer is good for December 1 only, if applicable. Make it a special discount, perhaps one that is a bit more significant, or offers a free item, a sample or a generous discount – since it’s only for the one day! Promote your participation – post the Shop Local, Shop Henry flyer prominently at your place of business. To download the flyer, visit www.henrycounty.com/pages/ShopLocalShopHenry/. Be
sure to place your discount on the Shop Local Shop Henry Facebook page as well. Chamber members can also place their discount on the Chamber’s website as a Member-to-Member discount. The Chamber and its Media Relations Committee marketed this event in multiple ways and formats and we thank the local businesses who displayed the message on their marquees, signs, and billboards. Shopping locally makes good sense – not just December 1; but year-round. The tax dollars that result assist with the services that we all enjoy every day. Why give your tax those dollars anywhere else? Shop Local, Shop Henry!
December 1, 2012Shop Local, Shop Henry Day! Why Tourism Matters
Dr Renata Hannah126 Dustin Drive, Stockbridge GA 30281
770 506 1159Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning
Christopher Hightower1330 Farmer Rd., Conyers GA 30012
(770) 285-3571Sizemore,Inc.Justin Patrick
234 Racetrack Rd., McDonough, GA 30253The Seasons Bistro
Sam Pagan41 Griffin St., McDonough GA 30253
(678) 814-4995
ADP Small Business ServicesAdvanced Family Eyecare of Hampton, LLC
Atlanta Regional CommissionBear Creek Association, Inc.Black Tie Formal Wear, Inc.
Caritas Medical CenterCherilynn Paris
City Electric SupplyHenry County DFCS
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & SuitesHydrauliCircuit Technology, Inc.
Innovo, Inc. Architecture & DesignJulie Griffin - Prudential Georgia Realty
L & M Business Forms, Inc.Luxottica Retail
McDonough Methodist Academy
Microtel Inn & SuitesMike Vining Heating & Air
Nestle Distribution Co.New Creation Christian Academy
Olympus Media Pin Strikes Entertainment Center
Praying for Paws, Inc.Pro Studio, Inc.
Register - Nelson, Inc.Robert Dunn
Smead Manufacturing Co.Thomas Concrete of Georgia, Inc.
United Community Bank - StockbridgeUnited Community Bank - McDonoughUnited Community Bank - Locust Grove
Western Inn
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIPWelcome to our NEW Members
October 13TuTus and Tennis Shoes2084 Jodeco roadMcDonough, ga 30253Contact: Keisha harris(678) 205-9900www.tutusandshoes.com
HenryCounty.Com 15
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Member SIPC
www.edwardjones.com
Financial AdvisorJohn H. Dorminy190 Turner Street
McDonough, GA 30253(770) 957-0250
Financial AdvisorLin Watts
305 Olde Towne WayMcDonough, GA 30252
(678) 583-1325Merry ChristmasDuring this holiday Season and every day of the year, we wish you all the best.
To learn how investing on a regular basis can help you reach your financial goals, call or visit
your local financial advisor today.
It might be too late for this year but, once the holidays are over, set up a special account for next holiday season.
FinanCiaL FOCUsDon’t take a “holiday” from working toward financial goals We’re well into the holidayseason now. And while the holidays are joyous, they can alsobeexpensive.Infact,at thistime of year, many people make spending decisions they end up regretting. But you can enjoy the holidays and still stay on track toward your financial goals by following a few simple guidelines, including the following: Set a budget — and stick to it. Whether you’re buyinggifts or hosting holiday parties, you need to establish a budget and not exceed it. The people to whom you’re giving gifts and entertaining do not expect you to dig yourself into a financial ditch on their account — and they wouldn’t want you to do so, either. Compare prices. Withsomesearching, you can almost always find less expensive versions of those gifts you’re considering.
But a word of caution: The earlier you start hunting for bargains, the better your chances of finding good prices. Watch for “after-holiday” sales. The best bargains typically appear when the holidays are over. While these sales maynot benefit you this year, they can prove quite valuable if you decide to “stock up” on gifts for the next holiday season. Don’t over-use your credit cards. Try to limit your credit card purchases over the holidays. If youmustusea card,at leastpick the one with the lowest interest rate — and do the best you can to pay off the card quickly. Over the last few years, Americans have actually done a pretty good job of lowering their household debt levels — and that’s definitely a movement in which you’ll want to participate.
Keepinmindthatthehigheryour debts, the less money you’ll have available each month to invest for retirement, college for your children or any of your other financial goals. Avoid dipping into long-term investments. Ifyoufindyourself coming up short when dealing with holiday expenses, you may be tempted to cash out at least a portion of your long-term investments. But this should be avoided, for at least two reasons. First, depending on the account you’re tapping into, you may face penalties, fees and taxes. Second, and perhaps even more importantly, you’ll be depriving yourself of resources you had earmarked for your key goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Of course, you may eventually be able to replace the funds
you’ve withdrawn. But in the meantime, you’ve lost out on the growth potential these investments may have provided — and that period of lost opportunity typically cannot be regained. Build a “holiday fund.” Itmightbetoolateforthisyearbut, once the holidays are over, set up a special account for next holiday season. Even if you put in only a small amount each month, you’ll be pleased with how much you canaccumulate ina year.Keepthe money in a liquid, low-risk account — one that’s separate from any money you use for your normal day-to-day expenses. By following these suggestions, you may be able to take some of the stress out of this holiday season — and possibly even brighten all the other seasons of the year, too.
