MomentumApril 2015

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE

PAIDRome, GA

30161

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

Bekaert RebuildsQ & A with Grace Manufacturing Co. CEVIAN moves to BroadAbral stays ‘Sassy & Classy’

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Carolyn McFry,Communications Coordinatorphone: 706-291-7663 / email: CMcFry@romega.com

In this Issue...Letter from the Chairman ........................................4Community Events .............................................. 4-5 Local News:Visiting Capitol Hill with Priorities ........................6Bekaert Rebuilds .........................................................8What’s that Project? Hampton Inn & Suites .. 11CEVIAN Design Lab moves to Broad St. ......... 12 Inspiration Spotlight:From Beauty Queen to Business Owner ...... 7-8By the Grace .................................................................9

Membership Report:New Members and Renewals ............................ 13Advertiser’s Index ................................................... 13 Visitor’s Guide .......................................................... 14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

April 2015 3

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 2015

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

Spring time is in bloom in Admiral John H. Towers Plaza. The Plaza is adjacent to the City Auditorium, 601 Broad Street.According to exploregeorgia.org, Tow-ers graduated from U.S. Naval Academy in 1906. In 1911, he became the third naval officer to be designated a “Naval Aviator.” During a career that lasted 41 years (1906-1947), Towers commanded the first transatlantic flight in a NC Fly-ing Boat (1919), established the Naval Air Training Station in Pensacola, held the position of chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, was the first Naval Aviator to attain Flag Rank (Admiral), and the first native Georgian to attain 4-star rank.

Carolyn McFryChamber Communications

Coordinator

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMANDear Chamber Friend,

It is a pleasure to be a part of an organization dedicated to its mission, to promote prosperity and growth in Rome and Floyd County for and through its business memberships. During the course of the year we will highlight this mission along with focusing on education, community marketing and more. We are truly proud of the continuous improvements to this great community.

This month, Momentum Magazine highlights how Abral Wilson, owner of downtown’s Abral’s Classy & Sassy Formal Wear, took her dream of one day owning her own prom dress store and made it a reality when she was only 19 years old. The issue also features Grace Manufacturing Company, Inc., whose craftsmen and artisans create each product by hand for a personalized touch.

As the 2015 Chairman of the Board of Directors, 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. You will find an incredible group who are committed to the future of Rome and Floyd County.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Byars Hardy Realty & Development2015 Chairman of the Board, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce

Community Events UpcomingApril 7Ties to Tattoos: Generational Differences in the Workplace SeminarLocation: Goodwill Industries Career Center154 Hicks Drive, Rome, GA 30161Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Dr. Tina Brush will address and help explain the differences experienced by members of the various generations that exist in today’s workforce and offer ways to overcome the generational differences. Cost: $25 per person/ $20 per each additional person from the same employer.706-295-6547/Julie.Turner@gdol.ga.gov

April 11Hope Sonam - In ConcertLocation: Historic DeSoto Theatre530 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161Time: 8:00 p.m. Rome native and Nashville-based singer/songwriter Hope Sonam will be performing live in Rome for the first time since releasing her first full-length album “Love Lost & Found.” 706-346-3276

April 11 Across the Big Pond XVLocation: The Forum301 Tribune Street, Rome, GA 30161Time: 7:30 p.m. Bagpipers, soloists, Irish dances and much McMore! Hosted by Rome’s Own Musical Ensembles. Tickets are $5.706-234-6317

April 17Berry College Men’s BaseballLocation: William R. Bowdoin Field at Berry College2277 Martha Berry Highway, Mt. Berry, GA 30149Time: 6:00 p.m. The Berry College Vikings take on the Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels. For more Berry Sports events, visit www. romega.com.706-232-5374

April 18Spring Masterwork Concert featuring Shorter Chorale and Chorus Location: Garden Lakes Baptist Church2200 Redmond Circle NW, Rome, GA 30165Time: 7:30 p.m. Shorter University’s spring masterwork concert featuring Gabriel’s Faure’s “Requiem.” This work will include select high school students from northwest Georgia and the Shorter Chorale will present pieces they will be performing on their international tour to Cape Town, South Africa, in May. 706-291-2121

April 23-26 “Life is a Dream”Location: Callaway Theatre at Shorter University 315 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA 30165Time: All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with exceptions of Satur-day and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.“Life is a Dream” as been regarded as the ultimate example of Spanish golden age theatre. “ Does man have free will or is he fated by destiny?” There is a $15 general admission fee. 706-233-7288

April 2015 4

Check the community calendar at www.romega.com

for event details.

April 2015 5

Check out romega.com for a list of

member-to-member discounts

April 24 “Always...Patsy Cline”Location: Historic Desoto Theatre530 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161Time: 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. This smash Broadway musical will leave you tapping your toes and holding your sides. Based on the true story of Patsy Cline and her fan-turned-friend Louise Serger, the audience will spend an intimate night in a black box setting singing, laughing and crying along with the music and story of one of the most talented and influential artists yet to be seen. 706-295-7171

April 25Young Artists Concert with the Rome Symphony OrchestraLocation: Rome City Auditorium601 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.The young artists’ competition in 2014 had 22 entrants and 5 winners. We are proud to announce our fifth annual competition and concert where we can highlight the accomplishments of the young talent in NW Georgia. This concert is part of our 2014-2015 Subscription Series, or tickets may be purchased individually for this concert.706-291-7967

April 26Wildlife Wonders — Live Animal ShowLocation: Historic Desoto Theatre530 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161Time: 2:00 p.m. A RACA Children’s Series event – Presented by West Rome Animal Clinic: Professional Wildlife Educators from the North Georgia Zoo in Cleveland, Georgia bring some of their larger and most impressive animals for a stage show at the DeSoto. Kids can learn about habitats, survival skills and camouflage techniques of some amazing animals.706-291-7967

May 2Cast off Against CancerLocation: Hertiage Park(behind the levee on Second Avenue)Time: 4:00 p.m. Join Cancer Navigators for a day honoring and remembering those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Local musican Brandon Trapp is slated to play, and a cancer walk and memorial flower drop will be held.. Admission is free; money raised by teams benefits nonprofit Cancer Navigators. sbattle@cancernavigatorsga.org

April 2015 6

Approximately 20 Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce members from local government, small business and industry leaders have returned from a successful trip to Washington D.C. to promote the fed-eral legislative priorities of Rome and Floyd County.

During the three-day trip, the group met with Sena-tor Johnny Isakson, Senator David Perdue, U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, U.S. Department of Education officials and other congressional leaders to discuss several hot-topic issues and proposed legislation.

Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jimmy Byars, Hardy Realty, said this year’s trip fo-cused strongly on attracting and retaining small busi-ness and manufacturing in the Greater Rome area.

“It is important that the voice of small business is heard during these discussions with legislators and federal agencies,” said Mr. Byars. “Small business represents the majority of jobs in this country, so it is important that legislation supports our small business interests.”

Other issues and opportunities the group dis-cussed with legislators include the economic develop-ment corridor for U.S. 411 and Interstate 75 and other transportation concerns.

“With increased focus on U.S. 411 as an economic development corridor along with the joint efforts of Floyd and Bartow Counties, there is encouragement from both the Federal Highway Administration and our fed-eral legislators that this vital connector to I-75 will come to fruition,” said City of Rome Mayor Jamie Doss.

Additionally, the group asked lawmakers to help support funding needs for improvements and expan-sions to Richard B. Russell Airport/Towers Field and

education advancements, such as digital learning. “We have continued to receive support from the

federal government for our local airport, for which we are extremely thankful,” said County Commissioner Garry Fricks. “With additional funding and support, we can ensure future growth and improvements for our community.”

The Chamber is grateful to each of those who at-tended the trip.

“It makes a very positive statement to those in Washington, D.C. to have business people from our community donate their time to improving the Rome and Floyd County area,” added Mr. Byars.

From left: Chamber President and CEO Al Hodge; Chamber Director of Business & Industry Services Ken Wright; Murry Weaver, Georga Power; Chamber Chairman of the Board Jimmy Byars, Hardy Realty; Chris Carey, Logical Systems, Inc. Ashley Koby, Georgia Power; Stephanie Koby; Toni Hannah, Georgia Power; Floyd County Commissioner Rhonda Wallace; Kelly Hill, Southeastern Mills; U.S. Congressman Tom Graves; Kevin Evans, Evans Construction; Floyd County Commissioner Irwin Bag-well; Dr. David Campbell, Trinity United Methodist Church; Whit Whitaker, Berry College; City of Rome Mayor Jamie Doss and Floyd County Commissioner Garry Fricks.

The delegation meets with U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (cen-ter) and U.S. Senator David Perdue (far right).

Inside Abral’s Class & Sassy Formal Wear.

Visiting Capitol Hill with Priorities

April 2015 7

A ‘Classy & Sassy’ upbringing

Sporting a Spring dress while showing off the 231 Broad Street store filled with vibrant clothing, Abral said she was just 6-months-old when her mother entered her in her first infant beauty pag-eant.

“I’ve done beauty pageants my whole life, so I guess that’s really how fashion became instilled in my bones,” laughed Abral. “It’s what I’ve always known.”

Abral said her interest in fashion led her to work at a prom dress store in Marietta during high school. After graduating from Model High School in 2009, she worked at the store long enough to determine that she wanted to start a business of her own.

“I knew I wanted to open a store, but it had to be something that was really me,” said Abral. “I talk-

ed to my parents, and after some begging, they helped get me started.”

Abral opened her first store in Cartersville

ABRAL cont.on pg. 8

in September of 2011 while she was living in Mari-etta. She said she poured every cent she made into her store and the small business was booming. How-ever, it would not be long until fate, and a little love, would bring her back to her hometown after meeting her now fiancé, Zack Smith.

“He brought me back to Rome,” laughed Abral. “The store just sort of followed me.”

Abral said that after the success of her Carters-ville store, she decided to open a second location in Rome on Shorter Avenue but eventually merged both stores downtown last October. Collectively, Abral’s Sassy and Classy Formal Wear has been

going strong for nearly 5 years.“I will never regret moving to downtown

Rome,” said Abral. It’s just filled with so much life and energy, and everyone is so friendly. There’s always something happening down-town. People who stroll down Broad Street of-ten stop and take a look around the store.”

Abral said it was hard starting a business so young, but keeping focused and determined has aided in her success.

“It is kind of like when you have kids young,” she added. “This is my baby. You grow and change with it. I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. It was a smart decision and I’m thankful because I know a lot of people don’t get the opportunity.”

When Abral Wilson was a just baby, her mother entered her in her first beauty pageant, and it was from then on that she’s had a passion for fashion. After graduating from high school, Ms. Wilson decided she wanted that passion to be the focus of her career. With a little hard-work, a strong focus and dedication, Ms. Wilson has shaped her love for all-things couture into a bustling shop in downtown Rome that bears her name -- Abral’s Classy & Sassy Formal Wear.

As prom season peaks in Rome and Floyd County, the bubbly, 24-year-old, between moments of helping customers, discusses how a passion for glitz, glam and hard work has transformed the beauty queen into a successful business owner.

From Beauty Queen toBoutique Owner

Inside Abral’s Class & Sassy Formal Wear.

April 2015 8 ary 2015

Bekaert Rebuilds Inside Abral’s

Inside Abral’s store, colors from ev-ery hue in the rainbow greet customers as they walk in. The store, she added, is actually three-in-one. The very front of the store offers swanky, yet casual Southern apparel for women and girls. The second portion of the store is a prom dress boutique complete with dresses, size 00-32, and a lit catwalk runway. The back third of the store is decorated as if it is straight from the Candy Land board game. It offers a primping station for ultra girly birthday parties for young ladies – complete with “pedicures” and “facials” as well as as make-your-own bath and body prod-ucts, a disco and karaoke stage and more.

“When I first dreamed about start-ing a store, I wanted it to be for wom-en of all ages,” said Abral. “And there is truly something for everyone. I also wanted it to be very, very girly.”

Abral said she strives to have “something different” to set her store apart.

“My goal is to be different and af-fordable but still have very good qual-ity,” said Abral. “The same thing goes for the prom dresses too, I just want them to be unique and feel different and stand out while at prom. I want the girls wearing them to feel unique, be-cause you really only get to go to prom a handful of times.”

Support beams are put in place and concrete is poured as Bekaert Corp. rebuilds in Rome. (Contributed Photo)

Newly erected steel beams and recently poured concrete show the rapid recovery for the Bekaert Corp. plant, 301 Darlington Drive, as the company rebuilds after last year’s devastating fire.

Plant Manager Gary Downey said he hopes to have the building’s supports finished soon so that a roof can be quickly installed. Once the roof has been put in place, machinery will then be assembled on-site while exterior walls are being put up.

“We’re on the fast track for rebuilding,” added Mr. Downey. “We’re committed to Rome and Floyd County, committed to our employees, and commit-ted to this community.”

During the blaze on November 19, 2014, Bekaert’s bead wire lines were extensively damaged. The hose wire area, bead wire take-up area, packing area and warehouse area remained intact and have been operating at full capacity since December.

“We are excited about the progress made on our facility and on being fully operational again in Rome, especially after the outpouring of support we have received from the community,” said Mr. Downey.

If the reconstruction remains on schedule, the 100,000 square-foot manufacturing facility should back in full production byJune.

ABRAL cont. from pg. 7

Abral offers up some of this year’s hottest trends for high-schoolers looking for the per-fect dress.

What’s “In” This Season?

• Lace • Open back dresses• Bling, Glitter and Glitz• Straight or A-line cuts• Two piece dresses

with high midriff

April 2015 9

How and when did Grace Manufacturing Company, Inc. get started?

Grace Manufacturing was founded in 1973 by Daniel Thornton in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Thornton, who originally created bakers racks, started with two other employees Lindsay Mastro and Richard Davisson. Mr. Thorton named the business “Grace” because he believed the only way he returned from Vietnam after the war was by the Grace of God. In 1979, Daniel sold the business to Lindsay and Richard. Lindsay later purchased Richard’s share of Grace Manufacturing. The Mastros still own the company to this day. Over the years, pot racks and wine racks were added to the line made by our artisans and craftsmen. Today, our line includes the original bakers racks, wine racks, pot racks, barstools, beds and dining table bases.

How many employees do you have on staff?

We currently have 11 employees. Four of our employees work in the office while the rest work in the plant. Our office staff processes orders and helps to answer questions about our products. Since it’s a very small group, our employees are more like family. We pride ourselves in having a comfortable family-like work atmosphere.

By the Grace

Momentum Magazine recently sat down

down with Jane Lowery, officer manager at

Grace Manufacturing Company, Inc., to learn more

about the 42-year-old company.

Matthew Dempsey smooths out rough edges on a recently-welded glass display rack.

An electrostatic spray techician mixes paint to be used to paint items before they are shipped.

April 2015 10

How are your products made?

Our products are all handmade making us incredibly unique. When an order comes into our office, the cutting department selects the metal materials and handcuts each piece to fit specific patterns. Each piece is assembled separately by hand and taken to the in-house welding department. There, a welder melds pieces together. Afterward, it is sent to our “prep” department where one of our artisans skillfully sands and smoothes any edges, getting it ready to be painted. Once the item has been prepped, it is sent to the paint department where technicians use an electrostatic painting process to spray an an acrylic-based paint. It takes approximately two to three days for the paint to dry. If an item needs fabric, say for a barstool, we have a full fabric department that will cut and fit the fabric for the item. Our shipping department packages the items by hand to ensure save shipping. Plus, we try to purchase our materials locally and support area businesses.

Where can I find your products?

The metal and wrought iron furnishings that we make are sold to wholesale retailers. Many of these retailers are online, and our products are shipped all over the country, including Hawaii and Alaska. Online retailers have made our products nationally available through companies like Lowes’ online store, ATGStores.com, Walmart.com; and Amazon.com. We also have local interests for our products and we do offer Chamber members a 10 percent discount.

An electrostatic spray technician paints a pot rack.

Fabrics used for seat covers and upholsery.

Handmade shields hang to dry.

A railbed near completion.

Robert Brock (right) and Matthew Dempsey carry wrought iron rods to be used to make items at Grace.

For more information

about Grace Manufacturing Co. products, visit Grace-

Collection.com

April 2015 11

What’s that project?

Exterior walls are going up for the new Hampton Inn and Suites, 844 Turner McCall Boulevard.

A front-end loader moves in front of the completed front entrance of Anna K. Davie Elementary.

Workers install metal beams to support a dropped ceiling on the lower level.

Hampton Inn and Suites

The indoor swimming pool.

The grand hallway.

A view of workers on the second floor.

Construction continues at the site of the new Hampton Inn and Suites, 844 Turner McCall Blvd.

The new hotel located next to the Days Inn at the former Riverside Toyota lot is being built by Shriji Hospitality Rome, LLC.

Sam Patel, of Shriji Hospitality Rome, LLC, said when the hotel is finished, it will be five stories high and will have 90 rooms.

“Of those rooms, 30 percent will be extended suites that will have large rooms, a seating area and a wet bar,” Mr. Patel added. “This hotel will be the first to feature the new Hampton Inn and Suites design prototype as well. It will have both a modern interior and exterior design.”

Hampton Inn and Suites will also feature an indoor pool, according to Mr. Patel.

“Everything is going great,” he said. “We should be able to make a September opening.”

April 2015 12

CEVIAN Design Lab opens on Broad St.

Warren & Griffin, P.C. Mr. Stephen Farrow

401 Broad Street STE 301Rome, GA 30161(706) 235-4878

www.warrenandgriffin.com

GREENE’S Jewelers, inc.328 BROAD ST. ROME, GA • 706-291-7236

www.GreenesJewelers.com Locally Owned Since 1948

“Let us help you make it memorable, from bended

knee to bouquet toss!“

Mark Cochran, CEVIAN Design Lab, gives a tour of the office.

Mark Cochran and Jessica Bittle, CEVIAN Design Lab, cut the ribbon.

CEVIAN Design Lab held a ribbon cutting on March 6th opening their new loft office at 208 Broad Street.

CEVIAN is a Georgia design studio specializing in architecture and

interior design. The need for a new space for the growing company, managed by business partners Mark Cochran and Jessica Bittle, comes after recently hiring two new architectural designers Audrey Burton and Aaron Cole and office manager Jessica Flood.

The firm has worked on several local projects including Floyd Urgent Care in Rockmart, renovations and expansions at Unity Christian School, renovation of the Historic DeSoto Theatre, Mercy Senior Care, and a remodel of the Berry College Nursing School.

CEVIAN is also a part of the design team for the Tennis Center of Georgia at Berry College.

Want to be a member?

Contact Director of Membership Regan Hice

706-291-7663 or RHice@romega.com

New MembersWarren & Griffin, P.C. Mr. Stephen Farrow

401 Broad Street STE 301Rome, GA 30161(706) 235-4878

www.warrenandgriffin.com

page 12Greene’s Jewelers

328 Broad St www.greenesjewelers.com

706-291-7236

page 15Southeastern Mills333 Old Lindale Rdwww.semills.com

706-291-6528

Back CoverFord, Gittings & Kane Jewelers

312 Broad Stwww.fgkjewelers.com

706-291-8811

April 2015 13

Advertiser’s Index

Eagle Sportz, LLCMs. Marti Robles

3205 Highway 411White, GA 30184(770) 607-6611

www.eaglesportz.com

Action Rent All Anniston Metal Co. AT&T GeorgiaBarnes Autobody, Inc. Benjamin Knaak, DMD PCBest Western Executive InnBlue Ridge Area Health EducationCancer Navigators, Inc. Chick-Fil-A Dwarf HouseCommercial Fluid PowerCornerstone ChurchCycle TherapyDavid L. Nix CPA LLC David S. Smith, Jr., P.C. Attorney at Law Etowah Insurance Group, Inc.

RenewalsFloyd Training & Service CenterGleeds USA Healing Arts Center of RomeHoneyBaked Ham Company & CaféJohnny’s New York Style PizzaKindred Hospital-RomeLawrence PlantationMelissa Eldridge State Farm Insurance AgencyMoody Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice, LLPMartin Marietta MaterialsMasterStreamTV.comMeadow Lane ApartmentsMurphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, Inc.

NIFAST CorporationNorthwest Georgia Dermatology & Skin Surgery Northwest Georgia Regional Commission R.J. FricksRA-LIN and Associates, Inc. Rome Area History Museum Rome BravesRome Orthopaedic CenterRome Women’s Health Center, PC Sherwin-Williams Co. SilverLeaf Insurance Agency LLCThe Sweet Cocoon, Inc. Tom Bennett Company, Inc. University Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RamWallis Printing CompanyWesterminster Townhouse ApartmentsWMP Crates, LLCYMCA

April 2015 14

GA-101US-27

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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 Museum12 Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren Cancer Center

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

Broad Street

2nd Avenue

W. 1st St

W. 3rd St

E. 1st St

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E. 3rd St

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US 27

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4th Ave6th Ave

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32 Georgia Highlands College33 Richard B. Russell Regional Airport34 Georgia School for the Deaf35 Downtown Welcome Center

312 Broad Street, Historic Downtown Romewww.fgkjewelers.com 706.291.8811

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