G R E A T E R R O M E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

CONFLUENCE RETURNS TO ROME

Momentum

Homeschool Book LoungeTop 5 Reasons to Join the Chamber

April 2016

Also:

Real Simple Solutions, LLC.zTrip brings 160 new jobs to Rome

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2103 Shorter Ave. Rome, GA 30165Phone: 706-234-1441

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Mrs. Krueger

G R E A T E R R O M E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C EMomentum

April 2016

Content and Design by:

Momentum (USPS 395-030)Published monthly by the Greater

Rome Chamber of Commerce, 1 Riverside Parkway, Rome, GA 30161.

Periodical Postage Paid - Rome, GA 30161. Subscription Rate: $25 per

year in U.S.A.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MOMENTUM, 1 Riverside Parkway,

Rome, GA 30161

On the Cover

Carolyn McFryChamber Communications

Coordinator

Confluence Returns to Rome: The two-day innovation confer-ence Confluence will be returning to Rome this month on April 14th-15th. This year's keynote speakers include (Clockwise, from top left) Sarah Hays Coomer, Will Harbin, Dr. Robert T. McNally, and Cordell Carter, II. To learn more more about each of these keynotes, visit page 6.

Cover Illustration by Carolyn McFry

In this Issue...Letter from the Chairman ..................................................................4Community Events ..............................................................................4Chamber News:

Homeschool Book Lounge Opens as Educational Hub ..........5Confluence Returns to Rome .....................................................................6Big Time Products celebrates Expansion .....................................7Delegates return from Washington, D.C. Conference .............7Real Simple Solutions, LLC.: Motivating the Future Workforce ......8Ambassador of the Quarter Highlight .................................................9The Two Steves: Minnow Works and Enived Tech .......................9Ztrip to Open Call Center in Rome, Bringing 160 jobs ..................10Top 5 Reasons to Join the Chamber .................................11, 13Recent Chamber Happenings ...............................................................12Membership Report:New Members and Renewals ......................................................13Advertiser’s Index .............................................................................14 Visitor’s Guide ....................................................................................14

The Chamber welcomes Director of Membership

Jeanne Krueger

April 2016 3

Congratulations on your new position

at the Chamber!

Contributed story content:Chamber Intern Ayana Walker

Greg Jackson, APEX Direct Care

CONFLUENCE RETURNS TO ROME

Greetings Momentum Readers!I have to confess that April is one of my favorite

months out of the entire year. The early Spring, with it's greening foliage and bright

blooms, awakens our community and breathe life into the natural beauty of our town. The temperature begins to rise to that perfect level of comfortable warmth, just enough to allow for numerous traditional Roman/Floyd Countian activities in this community we cherish. Fam-ily picnics in the park — with barbecue, of course. Social events that showcase the history and natural beauty around Floyd County, like the City of Rome's Downtown Tours and the Junior Service League of Rome's "Rome in Bloom" garden tour. Brave water adventures on stand up paddleboards with our River Dog Paddle Co., or kayaks/canoe tours with the Coosa River Basin Initiative folks on one of Rome's three rivers. And of course, the Rome Braves will be swinging into the season with the great

American sport baseball at State Mutual Stadium. As the season warms up, the downtown night life seems to follow suit, and most

nights you'll find that music comes from almost every section of Broad Street. Down-town becomes a bustling epicenter of excitement and community. It seems that Ro-mans and Floyd Countians love April just as much as I do!

As the vibrancy of Rome and Floyd County starts heating up, so does the commu-nity's business creativity. April is an exceptional month of growth and innovation. It's this month that our community will welcome the return of Confluence, Rome's Inno-vation Conference on April 14 & 15, that is sure to awaken our minds and inspire our creative spirits. I encourage everyone who hasn't had a chance to attend this annual event to drop in for a few sessions to be motivated and inspired. You'll be hooked! To learn more about Confluence, flip forward a few pages!

To celebrate local innovation and the coming of Confluence, April's issue of Momen-tum reflects the local endeavors of the forward-thinking and creative business leaders and entrepreneurs whose innovative businesses are making waves in Rome and Floyd County.

Inside this issue, you'll be inspired by one of Rome's newest businesses: the Home-school Book Lounge, an inviting children's book store opened by two homeschooling parents who dreamed of creating a local resource center for others who are active in the education of their children. While on the topic of innovative educations, enjoy the read on Real Simple Solutions, LLC, a company geared toward helping our young adults prepare to graduate college before they even step foot on a campus, with their Day One College Success program. Then learn how MinnowWorks, LLC and Enived Tech, LLC are putting Rome and Floyd County on the map when it comes to computer sciences.

Finally, learn how to stimulate your business through the Chamber, as Small Business Action Council Chairman Greg Jackson, of APEX Direct Care, shares his top 5 reasons to join our organization.

As always, I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit the Chamber of Commerce located at 1 Riverside Parkway and meet the Chamber staff for a firsthand look at where Rome and Floyd County's economic growth buds. At the Chamber, you will find an incredible group who are committed to the future of Rome and Floyd County. Feel free to drop by at anytime to say 'Hello' and to find out about many of our wonderful and upcoming business events.

Happy Reading!

Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII)

April 8-9 Breaking Down Barriers Men's ConferenceLocation: Fellowship Baptist Church314 Burnett Ferry Road, Rome, GA, 30165Time: 6:30 p.m. Friday; 12:30 p.m. SaturdayBreaking Down Barriers Men's Conference will feature six dynamic speakers. Great music,food, fun, and fellowship will also highlight the conference! For more information, visit fellowshiprome.org. 706-234-9416

April 14-152016 Confluence Location: The Historic Desoto Theatre530 Broad Street, Rome, GA, 30161Time: Thursday and Friday at 8:00 a.m. Confluence is a two day conference of INSPIRATION, INNOVATION, and MOTIVATION for business leaders, technologists, educators, entrepreneurs and students. Visit page 6 or www.ConfluenceRome.org706-291-7663

April 21-24The Imaginary InvalidLocation: Callaway Theatre at Shorter University315 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA, 30165 Time: 7:30 p.m. nightly and 2 p.m. Sunday matinee Enjoy the comedic tale of Argan, a miserly, sedentary hypochondriac. Based on the 1673 French play by Moliere. 706-233-7288

April 30JSL Rome in Bloom Garden TourLocation: Between the Rivers Historic District and the College Heights neighborhoodTime: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Junior Service League of Rome presents Rome in Bloom Garden Tour, a self-guided tour of gardens in the Between the Rivers Historic District and the College Heights neighborhood. Proceeds benefit League for Learning and other local Rome charities. Tickets are $25 for the self-guided tour, or $60 for the tour and admission to the Cocktail/Patron's event. 706-235-8725

Upcoming Community

Events

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q2016 Chairman of the Board, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce

Check the community calendar at www.romega.com for event details.

In the heart of downtown Rome, a budding new business is taking aim at bringing the local homeschooling community and those interested in enriching their children’s education together— all under one roof. Homeschool Book Lounge, located at 506 Avenue A, opened its doors in March, as an educational resource center for parents teaching or supplementing their children’s education.

Owners Audri Cook and Kat Fisher have turned their passion for learning into an inviting, comfortable meet-up space for parents and children — school ages Pre-K through 12th grade — to socialize and enjoy fun and youthful activities.

Ms. Cook and Ms. Fisher, who both homeschool their children, said the idea of starting a business targeting the community of nearly 2,000 students in Rome and Floyd County who are homeschooled came while they were organizing their private, extensive collection of homeschooling books and resource materials. The two said there was a definite need in the Rome and Floyd County community for a homeschooling specialty shop, selling education-based books and classroom materials and supplies, since the closest store catering to homeschoolers was nearly 70 miles away.

“Audri and I were sorting through our bookshelves when I jokingly said to her that I have always wanted to own a bookstore,” said Ms. Fisher. “Our discussion became more serious the longer we talked about it, and we started to really believe we could do this. Since Audri has a degree in business from Berry College, she knew she could draft the business plans, obtain the business license and manage the books. All we needed was a location.”

The two entrepreneurs said they fell in love with their Avenue A site because of its central location, and have creatively utilized all of the rooms of the downstairs suite. In one side of the building, Ms. Cook and Ms. Fisher have displayed an impressive inventory of more than 6,000

children’s books, and the two are hoping to add new books and kid-approved merchandise soon. When it comes to purchasing books, customers have the option of even bringing in their own books to trade in or obtain store credit.

In the adjoining room, cozy chairs welcome customers to grab a seat and skim over the books or to grab a board game and hang out for a while. “We wanted to create a space that would be parent- and kid-friendly,” said Ms. Cook. “This way, parents can shop for books while the kids can play and have a good time. It works out well for everyone.”

On the opposite side of the building, Ms. Cook and Ms. Fisher have readied a room with large tables and an abundance of craft supplies for projects, parties and other festivities. “This will be where we will host our clubs and seasonal parties,” explained Ms. Fisher. “A lot of homeschoolers miss out on the parties and festivals that they would have in school, and we wanted to have a space where the kids could get together and celebrate.”

Ms. Fisher added that Homeschool Book Lounge is starting their first two 6-week clubs, Lego Club and Book Club, this month. Parties, like the Spring Party planned for April 14th and the Star Wars party on May 4th, are planned for at least once a month.

One of the unique aspects of Homeschool Book Lounge is their membership program. By purchasing a membership, parents get discounts on all clubs offered at Homeschool Book Lounge and free entry to one party each month, good for a year. Members can also check out educational DVDs and games on a rental basis.

“Membership is a cost-effective way to have a great time at the Homeschool Book Lounge,” said Ms. Fisher. “We wanted to make sure everyone can come, learn and have a great time, all for a great price. Homeschoolers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from our events, all kids are welcome! The more the merrier!”

April 2016 5

Homeschool Book Lounge506 Avenue A SW, Rome, GA706-591-8532 Tues. – Thurs. 1 - 6 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Homeschool Book Lounge opens as hub for educational, social activities for Rome and Floyd County homeschoolers

Homeschool Book Lounge Owners Audri Cook (left) and Kat FisherINNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

April 2016 6 “Wow! What diversity of thought and action!" — Diane Manning, of Human Capital Group

Speaker Sponsors: Charging Station Sponsors: Investing Sponsors:

Partners in Prosperity Investors:

Confluence — a two-day conference of inspiration, technology and motivation for business leaders, manufactureres, technologists, educators, entrepreneurs, and students — will be returning to Rome this month on April 14th and 15th at the Historic DeSoto Theatre, 530 Broad Street. This year's programming promises to provide the latest trends in innovation and technology, as presented by locally-, regionally- and nationally-recognized leaders.

2016 Keynote Speakers

Dr. Robert T. McNally Dr. McNally is the CEO and President of GeoVax Labs and serves on the advisory board of Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Dupree College of Management at Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, he has over 35 years of experience in academic and corporate clinical investigations, management, research, business, quality and regulatory affairs. Dr. McNally will be discussing the innovation and thought that goes into designing vaccinations for viruses like Zika, HIV and Ebola.

Cordell Carter, II Mr. Carter serves as CEO of TechTown Foundation, Inc., an operator of technology and arts education centers designed to level the playing field for young innovators through access to state of the art technology, training in 21st century skills and career awareness. Mr. Carter was recently named one of nine White House Champion of Change for Computer Science Education. Mr. Carter will be speaking about how coding is the language of empowerment in the digital age.

Sarah Hays Coomer Sarah Hays Coomer is a writer, certified personal trainer, and wellness consultant. We all know that health and wellness impact our ability to be creative but often find ourselves stuck in unproductive habits that limit our ability to effectively pursue our dreams. What if, instead of pursuing fitness to bolster our creativity, we leverage our desire to be creative to bolster our fitness? What if we use the drive to innovate as a primary motivator to get in better shape, rather than the other way around?

Tickets available on romega.com For a full list of speakers, visit confluencerome.org

Will HarbinWill Harbin is Chairman & CEO of KIXEYE, a leading developer and publisher of online games and a pioneer in free-to-play gaming. Over the last six years, Mr. Harbin has led KIXEYE to become one of the top gaming companies in North America producing titles like Backyard Monsters, Battle Pirates, War Commander and VEGA Conflict.Prior to KIXEYE, he co-founded Affinity Labs, a company focused on building a global network of online communities.

Chamber Delegation Visits Washington, D.C. forAnnual Issues and Opportunities Conference

A delegation of Rome and Floyd County Business Lead-ers representing small business, technology, healthcare, aviation, primary and secondary education, and manufac-turing took a three-day visit to Washington, D.C. last month, as part of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s an-nual Issues and Opportunities Conference.

During the trip, the group met with U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, U.S. Senator David Perdue, U.S. Representative Tom Graves, and other Congressional leaders to discuss priorities for Rome and Floyd County.

"These trips are very beneficial as they allow each sector of our community to communicate our priorities to the na-tion’s key decision makers,” said Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Chairman Curtis Gardner, Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q. “By traveling to Washington, D.C., we are able to present our issues and opportunities and have the voice of Rome and Floyd County heard.”

This year, education and its importance in continuing to foster skilled workforce was a major focus of discussion dur-ing the visit to Capitol Hill.

"We had a wonderful opportunity to share the advance-ments, innovation and continual improvements our com-munity has made and continues to make in education, and it was extremely well received by our national lawmakers,” Floyd County School Board Chairman Chip Hood, of For-Evergreen Landscape and Maintenance.

Transportation needs — such as the proposed Rome-Cartersville Development Corridor which will connect U.S. 411 with Interstate 75 — and funding needs for improve-ments to Richard B. Russell Regional Airport/Towers Field were also hot-topic issues for the Chamber delegates.

The unified economic and community development effort in Rome and Floyd County was noted by the Congressional delegation during the trip.

"Rome, Floyd County and the Greater Rome Cham-ber of Commerce’s culture of cooperation is a strong advantage when discussing priorities,” said U.S. Sen-ator Isakson.

City of Rome Mayor Jamie Doss thanked U.S. Sena-tor Isakson for his acknowledgment of Rome and Floyd County’s joint efforts through the Greater Rome Cham-ber of Commerce to build and promote the community.

"We appreciate all of our elected officials' recogni-tion of the hard work of our local team," added Mayor Jamie Doss.

Floyd County School Board Chairman Chip Hood (LR XXVI), of ForEvergreen Landscape and Maintenance, speaks to U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and U.S. Sena-tor David Perdue in front of a delegation of Rome and Floyd County business leaders.

April 2016 7

Big Time Products, LLC Vice President Mike Burkhalter and CEO Harry Pierce (LR XXII) cuts the ribbon, celebrating the company's recent renovations, expansion and new showroom at 2 Wilbanks Road. Pictured: (Front Row from Left) Moriah Medina, of Merry Maids, Jonathan O’Hara, Rick Erebia, Mike Burkhalter, Harry Pierce, Carl Koebbe, Andy Bolt —all of Big Time Products, LLC — and Stephanie Nichols, of Rome Cleaners. (Back Row from Left) Eric Burton, Greg Benner, Kraig Ingalsbe, Chase Patterson, Chase Buck, Jill Sito, Chris Weed, Heather Leason, Michael Pennington, Lauren Simpson, Carrie Kraus, Stephanie Burkhalter, Teresa Groce, Mi-chele Rikard, Korbyn Boyd — all of Big Time Products.

Innovation and Design drives Big Time Products. In January of 2016 Big Time opened the doors to a state-of-the-art Show Room that features the Company’s newest glove and rain gear technologies and designs. Since opening the new Show Room, or “World of Gloves,” Big Time has hosted an array of corporate buyers from some of the largest Retailers and Home Centers.

A link to the Ribbon Cutting and Show Room Sneak Peek can be found at https://www.youtube.com/bigtimeproducts.

Big Time Products celebrates new, state-of-art showroom

April 2016 8

Transitioning into college life can be tough. Transitioning to the workforce...well, that can be even tougher.

That’s why Romans Janet Byington and Steven Safigan created Real Simple Solutions, LLC.: a cutting-edge online company based out of Rome, Georgia, that is equipping parents nationwide with the necessary skills to prep their kids with the “mental toughness” for college success.

Formed in January 2015, Ms. Byington and Mr. Safigan’s company has premiered the “Day One College Success System”— a five-week online course of motivational, at-home classes designed to coach parents through the process of launching their children into the adult world.

“A lot of parents worry about whether or not their children are going to graduate from college, or if they will find or maintain a steady job,” said Mr. Safigan. “They have concerns if their kids will make the right decisions or do the right thing. Our goal is to outfit parents with the skills to teach their kids to be independent.”

Ms. Byington, whose previous work experience includes District Director for former U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey and Principal for St. Mary’s Catholic School, and Mr. Safigan, seasoned entrepreneur who co-founded Rome’s former Universal Tax Systems, said their new company offers moms and dads “simple solutions” to many common concerns parents have when sending their kids to a secondary education institution. Through education-based marketing, the two seek to inspire others and encourage them based on their personal and professional experience.

“Over the course of our professional careers, Steve and I hired, and even fired, a lot of first-time job holders, many of which were fresh out of college,” said Ms. Byington. “What we saw was, quite frankly, a lot of kids not prepared to take up that mantle of work. We want to make sure that this next generation of students is prepared for the workforce.”

Mr. Safigan, who is also certified as a positive psychology coach, said the “Day One College Success System” was molded from the responses and needs of parents, educators, school counselors and college advisors. The “Day One College Success System” provides course participants with fresh video content online each week. These lessons are then supplemented with an eBook, webinars, live workshops, group or individual coaching, and conference calls.

“The program concentrates on two core outcomes,” added Ms. Byington. “We seek to teach parents how to motivate their students to motivate themselves, and instill self-confidence in our children, so they have the personal strength to make it on their own. With the ‘Day One College Success System,’ your child will start off from Day One, ready for whatever college throws at them. ”

Mr. Safigan describes this concept of student readiness as “mental toughness.”

“Heading to college is kind of like going to a foreign country,” he added. “You don’t how to speak the language; you don’t know anyone there. It’s all so new. You have to be mentally tough to make it, and so it’s important for

Real Simple Solutions, LLC: Motivating Tomorrow’s Workforce

parents to train their kids to not lose that confidence.” Ms. Byington and Mr. Safigan have developed an online

quiz to help parents assess their child's readiness for college. It can be found at www. Day1CollegeSucess.com/csrquiz. In addition, Ms. Byington and Mr. Safigan travel the United States sharing their company’s story, and speak to parents and students at schools and colleges about the success of their program.

Thinking ahead, Real Simple Solutions, LLC., wants to incorporate more courses for parents to further enhance the success of the youth. “What we found as we develop these courses is that there is a need to teach children entrepreneurial skills and business skills, so we will be developing courses that address those opportunities as well,” said Ms. Byington. “We want to offer a variety of future courses online that move past college and ensure our youth is primed to have successful careers.We're also working on courses for parents of children with specialized needs, such as teens with ADHD and dyslexia.”

Real Simple Solutions, LLC., owners Steve Safigan and Janet Byington

Day1CollegeSuccess.com

INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

The Two Steves: Rome's Software Development Dynamic Duo Enived Tech, LLC and MinnowWorks, LLC team up to put programming on map in Rome

MinnowWorks, LLC Founder Steve Trautman (left) & Enived Tech, LLC Founder Steve Devine (LR XXX)

Steve Devine (LR XXX) and Steve Traut-man have a lot more in common than just their names. As entrepreneurs of two inde-pendent software development consulting and website/mobile application design firms — Enived Tech, LLC and MinnowWorks, LLC — the duo are both on the forefront of innovation for Rome and Floyd County's technology sector.

Mr. Trautman and Mr. Devine first met as co-workers in Maine, and both moved to Rome when the software company they worked for relocated to Floyd County. When that business decided to move again, the two men opted to stay in the Greater Rome area. "Rome has a great community with an amazing quality of life," said Mr. Devine. "I didn't want to move, I wanted to stay here."

Mr. Devine said he originally started Enived Tech in 2008 as a way of doing free-lance consulting on the side. But in 2016, he jumped head first into fulltime consulting. Today, the company has contracts ranging from website development to mobile app cre-ation to software development. "The beauty of consulting is that you can be anything the customer needs you to be," said Mr. Devine. "My strategy as a consultant is to have a broad base of skills so that I can be anything the customer needs me to be... I can act as database administrator, business analyst, and software engineer, depending on what

the customer needs"Much like Enived Tech, MinnowWorks was

started in 2015 as a freelance contract-based business for software development, said Mr. Trautman. "Software development is a spe-cialty, but MinnowWorks focus has moved to include mobile applications," he added.

Since the line of work of the two busi-nesses is so similar, Mr. Devine and Mr. Trautman often work closely together on projects. "Most recently we were working on a mobile application for farriers and created a real interesting problem to solve since a lot of the farms do not have cell phone coverage, " said Mr. Devine. "We find that working to-gether, we can use our talents and join forces to solve the problem. I guess you could say that sometimes, two Steves are better than one."

This year, the two companies are spon-soring Confluence, Rome's innovation con-ference, because of the creative nature of their technology businesses. Mr. Devine, who serves as the Confluence Committee Chair of the Chamber, is credited with nam-ing the conference.

"Confluence is inspirational, and in our line of work, inspiration goes a long way," said Mr. Trautman. "We hope that others become inspired to follow their dreams like we have, and become the next group of inventors and entrepreneurs to make a difference."

INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

April 2016 10

zTrip to bring customer service center to Rome, creates 160 jobsINNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

Transdev will be opening a customer support center in Rome, Georgia, bringing 160 new jobs to Floyd County.

The Lombard, Illinois-based public transportation company has leased a portion of the former State Mutual Insurance building in Berry Corporate Center off Redmond Circle and is expected to open the center in May 2016. zTrip is a subsidiary of Transdev, the largest private-sector operator of multiple modes of transit in North America. Transdev’s brands include; SuperShuttle, Execucar, 10/10 Taxi, Yellow Cab and zTrip.

Bill George, President of the Taxi & Sedan Division of Transdev, stated, “We are looking forward to becoming a member of the Rome community and have already recruited Joel Serbousek of Atlanta and Terri Waters of Rome to lead this important new division. Mr. George added, “Our Rome National Operations Center will support our fleet of more than 3,000 taxicabs in 14 U.S. cities.”

SuperShuttle is the leading airport shuttle service in the U.S., serving over eight million passengers a year, and expanded to include the North Georgia market in 2014. zTrip is Transdev’s newest brand and provides on-demand taxi service through use of a call center or the zTrip app. Along with the support center, Transdev will also start a zTrip taxi service in the Rome area. All zTrip employees in the Rome center will receive monthly credits to use the local zTrip taxi service. Interested applicants can learn more about job opportunities at www.transdevztripnoc.com.

The announcement from Transdev follows several months of working alongside the Dallas-

based site consultant firm, Site Selection Group; the City of Rome; Floyd County Government and the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce to secure the jobs in Rome.

Rome Mayor Jamie Doss said he was proud of Transdev’s decision of choosing Rome for their latest facility.

“Transdev is a well-established company with a superb reputation,” said Mr. Doss. “With their arrival to Rome, they will build upon our community’s strengths of a well-educated labor force and an existing infrastructure that provides the necessary technical and logistical resources for companies to thrive.”

Floyd County Commission Chairman Larry Maxey said the county welcomes the addition of zTrip in Rome.

“This is a positive indicator of our community’s continual growth,” added Mr. Maxey. “Floyd County consistently attracts diverse business and industry that look to grow and develop

their market share for the future.”Greater Rome Chamber of

Commerce Chairman Curtis Gardner, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, said zTrip’s coming is a prime example of when public and private entities works together for the common goal of job growth.

“Whenever an industry, like zTrip, moves into our community, we can count on quality jobs for area residents,” said Mr. Gardner. “This translates to having more business for the entrepreneurs, small business owners, and service providers, as more people who work here stay here to live and play. From a small business owner’s perspective, zTrip bringing 160 jobs is tremendous news for Rome and Floyd County.”

Special Thank You To:Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Power, City of Rome, Floyd County, Rome-Floyd County Development Authority,

Development Authority of Floyd County, and Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce

Ambassadors of the Quarter

<<< QUARTER 4 of 2015: Congratulations Kimberly Gardner, of Ashton Staffing!

QUARTER 3 of 2015:>>> Congratulations Moriah Medina, of Merry Maids!

Thank you both for your contributions and dedication

to the Chamber and its mission of prosperity!

Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Chairman Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII), of Son-ny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (from left), shakes hands with Joel Serbousek, Vice President of National Operation Centers for TransDev, in front of Floyd County Commission Chairman Larry Maxey and City of Rome Mayor Jamie Doss.

GREENE’SJewelers INC328 Broad StreetRome, GA 30161

706-291-7236

Serving the Community since 1948GreenesJewelers.com

MOBILE BANKING MADE EASY

by River City Bank

Twinkle twinkle little star,Transfer money wherever you are.

April 2016 11

...with Small Business Action Council Chairman Greg Jackson, of APEX Direct Care

Top 5 Reasons to Join the Chamber

Greg Jackson, of APEX Direct Care

Continued on P. 13

Looking to BOOST your business? Then it's time to think about joining the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. Don’t just take it from us; take it from someone who has seen firsthand the benefits of mem-bership — 2016 Small Business Action Council Chair Greg Jackson, of APEX Direct Care.

Mr. Jackson first became active as a Chamber volunteer when he moved back to Rome after graduat-ing from college in 2013. Over the past year as the Marketing Director for APEX Direct Care, he oversaw his company’s rebranding from Your Personal Phyiscian to APEX Direct Care while completely changing the business model from fee for service insurance to a direct primary care model , to which he credits the Chamber with aiding in the successful transition.Here are Greg Jackson’s 5 Quick Reasons to Join the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce:

1. Growing Your Community.... ....To Grow Your Business

"This concept is probably the single most important reason to get in-volved, but often is the most often overlooked part of the Chamber. Our Chamber is the marketing agency of Rome and Floyd County community, and its staff works constantly to recruit new businesses and companies who offer primary employment to our area. You might ask, how does that benefit me or my business? Well, take a look at the recent announcement from zTrip, who is putting a customer care center in Rome, creating 160 new jobs for our community. More jobs equal more people spending mon-ey in the community which translates to more customers for your business. Those 160 zTrip employees will become immersed in our community by looking for places to have dinner with their families, buy their new car, do some afternoon shopping for home decor or new clothing, or find a new dentist or, hopefully in our case, a new doctor. Growing the community helps your business grow too."

2. Membership = Credibility

"When it comes to attracting poten-tial clients, there are plenty of plac-es to list or advertise your business, but none that has the reputation of the Chamber. That's because the Chamber, chartered in 1876, has established itself as a network of reputable businesses. Everyday, people call or email the Chamber as the trusted source of where to go when they are looking for a specific business type. By joining the Chamber, you are making a solid statement to the community that you care about your community and the individuals in it, while adding yourself to the list of respected companies the Chamber refers. The visibility that the Chamber offers is unparalleled."

April 2016 12

RenewalsRibbon Cuttings

Kat Fisher (left) and Audri Cook cut the ribbon for the Homeschool Book Lounge. The Homeschool Book Lounge is a homeschool re-source center and used children's bookstore, located at 506 Avenue A. To read more about the Homeschool Book Lounge, visit page 5.

General Manager Sheena Sisco cuts the ribbon for the Grand Reopening of the East Rome Burger King, 1313 Turner McCall Boulevard. The fast food restaurant's exterior and interior dining spaces were upgraded, equaling ap-proximately $400,000 in renovations.

General Manager Rodriquez White cuts the ribbon during the Grand Opening celebration of Krispy Kreme, 1602 Turner McCall Boulevard. The Rome store is open 24 hours a day, with a staff of 70-80 employees.

Operation Membership Directory

ABOVE: Greater Rome Cham-ber of Commerce Chairman Curtis Gardener (LR XXVII), of Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q (right), shakes hands with Dr. Dan Pate, of West Rome Animal Clinic, while dropping off the Chamber's 2016 Membership Directory. Ex-tra Membership Directories are available at the Chamber and are free for members. RIGHT: Chamber Ambassa-dor Stephanie Nichols, of Rome Cleaners, looks over the printed list before heading out to distribute Membership Directories.

businessDoes your

have an

advantage?

Check out romega.com for a full list of member-to-member discounts

April 2016 13

Renewals

New MembersSpartan SmoothiesMr. Michael Pearson

315 Riverside Parkway NE STE 160Rome, GA 30161(706) 676-2320

Burger King - East RomeMs. Sheena Sisco

1313 Turner McCall Blvd. SERome, GA 30161(706) 234-0072www.bk.com

Burger King - West RomeMr. Cory Vande Zande2114 Shorter Avenue

Rome, GA 30165(706) 232-2621www.bk.com

Farrell's Frame &DesignMs. Amanda Farrell

116 Broad StreetRome, GA 30161(706)584-7816

www.farrellsframeanddesign.com

Action Rent AllApollo Marketing, LLCAramark - Berry CollegeAT&T GeorgiaBagby Transfer CompanyBest Western Executive InnBlue Ridge Area Health Education CenterBrandon Burke State FarmBrugg Cables, LLCBuckleC & S Trophies and Corporate AwardsChick-Fil-A Dwarf HouseCommercial Fluid PowerCornerstone ChurchDavid F. Guldenschuh, PCDIGS, Inc.Edible ArrangementsFloyd Medical CenterFoss ManufacturingFoundations OrthodonticsHealing Arts Center of RomeHeritage First Investments & InsuranceHogan Construction Group, LLCHoneyBaked Ham Company & CafeJ Supply CompanyThe Lewis Chemical CompanyMcRae, Stegall, Peek, Harman, Smith &

Monroe, LLPMeadow Lane ApartmentsMuller, Richard L., Jr., DDS, PCMurphy-Harpst Children's Centers, Inc.MySuppliesNorthwest Georgia Dermatology & Skin

SurgeryNorthwest Georgia Regional Commis-

sionProfessional Screening & Information (PSI)R.H. Ledbetter Properties, Inc.R.J. FricksRICOH USA, INC.Rocky Mountain Hydroelectric PlantRome Area History Museum & Rome Area

History StoreRome Coca-Cola Bottling Co.Rome Orthopaedic CenterSchroeder's New Deli-DowntownSears Hometown StoresSharp Business Systems of GeorgiaSilverLeaf Insurance Agency LLCSmith, S. David, Jr., P.C. Attorney at LawSpecialty Commercial ContractorsTallatoona CAP, Inc.Tanner Electrical Contractors, Inc.Tom Bennett Company, Inc.Tyson Foods, Inc. dba Hillshire BrandsUnited States Postal ServiceUniversity Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RamWallis Printing CompanyWalmart Supercenter #5151Warren & Griffin, P.C.Westminster Townhouse ApartmentsWMP Crates, LLC

Econolodge MotelMr. Harry Patel390 Dodd Blvd.

Rome, GA 30161(706) 234-0014

www.econolodge.com

Homeschool Book Lounge, LLC Ms. Audri Cook506 Avenue A

Rome, GA 30161(706)591-8532

www.homeschoolbooklounge.com

Krispy KremeMr. Rodriquez White

1602 Turner McCall Blvd. SWRome, GA 30165(706) 295-1880

www.krispykreme.com

MainStreet Tax SolutionsMr. Tom Hughes

320 Glenn Milner Blvd.Rome, GA 30165(706) 378-8010

www.mainstreettaxsolutions.com

Want to Join the Chamber? Call 706-291-7663 to speak with Director of Membership Jeanne Krueger about the benefits of membership today!

Life ForceMs. Katie Black

975 E. Third StreetChattanooga, TN 30161

(423) 778-5534www.Izontheweb.com

Eagle Christian Tours, LLC Mr. Sam NaffP.O. Box 512

Rome, GA 30165(706)314-8684

www.eaglechristiantours.com

Sheffield Office ProductsMs. Dianne Kerce327 Brewer Road

Kingston, GA 30145(800) 873-3920

www.sheffieldop.com

The Partridge RestaurantMs. Angelle Thornton

330 Broad StreetRome, GA 30161(706) 314-9369

www.partridgecafe.com

Operation Membership Directory3. People do business.. ....with People they know"You might be surprised how beneficial face-to-face networking can be for your business. Chamber events and programs are designed for cultivating and main-taining valuable business relations. By taking part in the many events the Chamber hosts, such as "Busi-ness After Hours", "Business Before Hours", Young Professionals of Rome, Business EXPO and commit-tee meetings, you will generate new business leads, sometimes in ways that aren't expected. For exam-ple, I met Randy Baker, of Transamerica Agency Network, at the Business EXPO. Months later, Mr. Baker was working with a few clients from a single business that missed the open enrollment period for insurance, and he referred the individuals of that busi-ness to APEX Direct Care for their healthcare needs. That generated client referrals that could benefit from our new health care model. It's examples like this that show how our business community works together for the greater good."4. But It's more than... ...."Just Networking""When I first moved back to Rome after graduat-ing from Centenary College of Louisiana, I didn't know anyone. To change that, I decided to start attending Chamber events and activities, so that I could mingle and make meaningful relationships

with like-minded business persons. I decided to get involved with the Young Professionals of Rome and that's where I met some of my clos-est friends. That being said, I quickly realized that it wasn't just about networking and getting my name out there, but it was about building lasting relationships.Many of the friendships that I have made originated from relationships founded dur-ing Chamber events." 5. Development & Exposure"New members can definitely reap the ben-efits of Chamber membership from committee meetings and activities. Besides the exposure through the Chamber's Business Directory or highlighted in Momentum Magazine, the Cham-ber often highlights their members at events and programs. Every little exposure adds up and generates leads. Additionally, at committee meetings, members get a wealth of information on how to sharpen their business skills. The Small Business Action Council hosts seminars on topics such as taxes or customer service, that can really boost your business's potential. Knowledge is power, and that power can trans-late into how successful you run your company. That's one of the reasons I became involved with the Small Business Action Council, so that I can help create beneficial programs for small businesses like APEX Direct Care. "

TOP 5 REASONS TO JOIN THE CHAMBER Continued from Page. 11

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April 2016 14

Visitor’s GuideDowntown Rome

Floyd County

Points of Interest1 Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce2 Rome and Floyd County Library3 City Hall4 Clocktower5 Historic DeSoto Theatre6 Old Courthouse7 Myrtle Hill Cemetery8 Heritage Park9 Tennis Complex Barron Stadium10 The Forum11 Rome Area History Museum & Welcome Center12 Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren Cancer Center

Broad Street

2nd Avenue

W. 1st St

W. 3rd St

E. 1st St

E. 2nd St

E. 3rd St

5th Avenue 1

US 27

2

4

3

10

6

7

11

5

12

9

8

3rd Ave

4th Ave6th Ave

35

32 Georgia Highlands College33 Richard B. Russell Regional Airport34 Georgia School for the Deaf35 Downtown Welcome Center36 Rome Tennis Center at Berry College

Points of Interest13 Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum14 Chieftain’s Museum15 Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rome Visitors Center16 Ridge Ferry Park17 Shorter University18 Mount Berry Mall19 Cave Spring20 Lock & Dam Park21 Coosa Valley Fairgrounds22 Stonebridge Golf Course23 Berry College24 Floyd Medical Center25 Harbin Clinic26 Redmond Regional Medical Center27 Darlington School28 Georgia Northwestern Technical College29 Unity Christian School30 State Mutual Stadium31 Saint Mary’s Catholic School Inside Front Cover

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q2103 Shorter Ave.

www.sonnysbbq.com706-234-1441

page 9F.A.D., Inc.

(Floyd Against Drugs)http://www.romefloyd.com/

floyd-against-drugs

page 11River City Bank

228 N. Second Ave.www.rivercitybankonline.com

706-236-2123

page 11Greene’s Jewelers

328 Broad St.www.greenesjewelers.com

706-291-7236

page 12Hanging Around Rome

by Studio Siri1205 Dean Ave.

www.studiosiri.com706-409-3022

page 15Hardy Realty &

Development Co.1609 Martha Berry Blvd.

www.hardyrealty.com706-291-4321

Back CoverFord, Gittings & Kane Jewelers

312 Broad St.www.fgkjewelers.com

706-291-8811

Advertiser’s Index

412 E. FIRST STREETClocktower Square.

Several suites available.Carol Hatch, 706-346-1646

THE GRIFFIN - 215 BROAD ST. High end, beautifully restored

office/retail commercial space. $425,000.Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

510 BROAD STREET2 story building.

Bo� om oor leased. $600,000.Bill Summer, 706-346-1233

915 NORTH BROAD STREETOld car wash next to

St. Mary’s Church. $475,000.Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

411 BROAD STREETTwo Story, 5,775 sq. ft., new roof & HVAC. Second level is street level at rear. $349,000

Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

111 JOHN MADDOX DRIVEIdeal location with 7 exam rooms and 2 private offices. Perfect for private medical

practice. Wayne Lester, 706-346-8576

1013 N FIFTH AVENUEAnsley Park, Medical or related use,

plumbing available exam rooms, approx. 3400 sq. ft. Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

208 BROAD STREET2nd oor, currently the home of

CEVIAN Design Lab.Bill Summer, 706-346-1233

CENTRAL PLAZAFour spaces.

Available for lease.Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

4 COLONIAL DRIVEOver 2,000 sq � building, zoned CC. Lot size approx. 1/2 acre. $115,000.

Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

1611 MARTHA BERRY BLVDClass A free standing, 4,800 sq. � .

offi ce building. Will divide into 2 suites. Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

1605 MARTHA BERRY BLVD3,000 sq. � . offi ce space w/ u� li� es.

For lease, $3,000/ month. Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

901 BROAD STREET 1,259 sq. ft. suite. $1,750/month.

Utilities included. Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

2901 SHORTER AVENUE5,037 sq. � . restaurant w/ full kitchen

kitchen & seating for 180. On 2.5 acres. $275,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

96 THREE RIVERS DRIVE10K sq. ft. building on 2.5 acres. Two 12’x 12’ rollup doors w/ parking for 20. $650,000.

Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

908 WEST AVENUECedartown. 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse w/ office area, loading dock & cooler/freezer on 4.64 acres. $1,100,000. Nick Rogers, 706-252-0303

30 CHATILLON ROAD 3 offices, reception area, bathroom.

2,050 sq. ft. Includes utilities.Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

2201 SHORTER AVENUE

1,700 sq. � . building zoned CC.Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

706-291-4321

41

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6-3

46

-70

31

16

11

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HA

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RR

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Cla

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nd

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,80

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. � . offi c

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into

2 su

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Jimm

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06

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. $1,7

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on

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Utilitie

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ded

. Jim

my B

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06-5

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29

01

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$2

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0-5

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10K sq

. ft. build

ing o

n 2

.5 a

cres. T

wo 1

2’x

12’

rollu

p d

oo

rs w/ p

ark

ing fo

r 20. $

650,0

00.

Kim

be

rly P

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ko

wsk

i, 77

0-7

12

-42

50

90

8 W

ES

T A

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NU

ECedarto

wn. 6

0,0

00 sq

. ft. ware

house

w/ o

ffice

are

a, lo

adin

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ock

& co

ole

r/freeze

r on 4

.64

acre

s. $1,1

00,0

00. N

ick R

ogers, 7

06-2

52-0

303

30

CH

AT

ILLO

N R

OA

D

3 o

ffices, re

ceptio

n a

rea, b

ath

room

. 2,0

50 sq

. ft. Inclu

des u

tilities.

Jimm

y K

elle

y, 70

6-3

46

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31

22

01

SH

OR

TER

AV

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1,7

00

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Jimm

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6-3

46

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31

706-291-4321

412 E. FIRST STREETClocktower Square.

Several suites available.Carol Hatch, 706-346-1646

THE GRIFFIN - 215 BROAD ST. High end, beautifully restored office/retail commercial space.

Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

510 BROAD STREET2 story building.

Bo� om oor leased. $600,000.Bill Summer, 706-346-1233

915 NORTH BROAD STREETOld car wash next to

St. Mary’s Church. $425,000.Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

411 BROAD STREETTwo Story, 5,775 sq. ft., new roof & HVAC. Second level is street level at rear. $349,000

Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

111 JOHN MADDOX DRIVEIdeal location with 7 exam rooms and 2 private offices. Perfect for private medical

practice. Wayne Lester, 706-346-8576

1013 N FIFTH AVENUEAnsley Park, Medical or related use,

plumbing available exam rooms, approx. 3400 sq. ft. Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

208 BROAD STREET2nd oor, currently the home of

CEVIAN Design Lab.Bill Summer, 706-346-1233

CENTRAL PLAZAFour spaces.

Available for lease.Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

4 COLONIAL DRIVEOver 2,000 sq � building, zoned CC. Lot size approx. 1/2 acre. $115,000.

Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

1611 MARTHA BERRY BLVDClass A free standing, 4,800 sq. � .

offi ce building. Will divide into 2 suites. Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

1605 MARTHA BERRY BLVD3,000 sq. � . offi ce space w/ u� li� es.

For lease, $3,000/ month. Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

901 BROAD STREET 1,259 sq. ft. suite. $1,750/month.

Utilities included. Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

2901 SHORTER AVENUE5,037 sq. � . restaurant w/ full kitchen

kitchen & seating for 180. On 2.5 acres. $275,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

96 THREE RIVERS DRIVE10K sq. ft. building on 2.5 acres. Two 12’x 12’ rollup doors w/ parking for 20. $650,000. Kimberly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

908 WEST AVENUECedartown. 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse w/ office area, loading dock & cooler/freezer on 4.64 acres. $1,100,000. Nick Rogers, 706-252-0303

30 CHATILLON ROAD 3 offices, reception area, bathroom.

2,050 sq. ft. Includes utilities.Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

2201 SHORTER AVENUE

1,700 sq. � . building zoned CC.Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

706-291-4321