chamber news news december 2017 5 legislative breakfast a good crowd attended the chamber’s fall...

December 2017

Chamber News

The Award Winning Monthly Newsletter of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce

2 December 2017 www.carroll-ga.org

Chamber News December 2017 3

Advantage Office Solutions

Bank of North Georgia

Brookdale Carrollton

Bank of the Ozarks

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office

Carroll County Water Authority

Cottage Landing Senior Living

Gas South

Hughes Ray Company Inc.

Southern States Bank

Southland Insurance Agency

State Farm Insurance/Amy Brown

Times Georgian

AgSouth Farm Credit ACA/AgSouth Mortgages

Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic

Milestone Investment Management, LLC

State Farm Insurance/Jill Duncan

Edward Jones Investments/Fred O’Neal

Garrett, Thomas & Fazio PC

Grant $$$$ For YOU/Sandra Morris

Pine Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Pugmire Ford

Rushton & Company, LLC

Tisinger Vance PC

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze


Chamber Upcoming

Events

Daniel Jackson ♦ President & CEO [email protected]

Donna Armstrong-Lackey ♦ Senior Vice President [email protected]

Suzy Montalto ♦ Director, Operations [email protected]

Suzy McCorkel ♦ Director, Programs & Events [email protected]

Lisa Ledbetter ♦ Director, Communications [email protected]

Lauren Holverson ♦ Director, The Burson Center [email protected]

Joan Finch ♦ Information Specialist & Drugs Don’t Work Coordinator [email protected]

Your Chamber/Carroll Tomorrow Staff

Thank You

Renewing Members Your membership is a symbol of confidence in

the work of the Carroll County Chamber. We

sincerely thank renewing members. for your

ongoing support. Please remember these

partners when you do business. Ambassador Committee

Wednesday, Dec. 6

8:30 am @ Chamber

WBA Luncheon

Wednesday, Dec. 6

11:30 am @ Carrollton Cultural Arts Center

Forward Carroll Sponsors Breakfast

Thursday, Dec. 7

Monday, Dec. 11

Board Meeting

Business of the Month

Thursday, Dec. 14

No WBA Coffee Break in December

LOOKING AHEAD

Annual Dinner

Friday, Feb. 2, 2018

NEW LOCATION: UWG Coliseum

25 years +

R & R Enterprises, Inc.

SLM Recycling

Tanner Medical Center-Carrollton

15- 19 years

Addison Smith Mechanical Contractor, Inc.

American Sign Depot, Inc.

O2 Plus, Inc.

10-14 years

All-Phase/CED Electric Supply

City of Villa Rica

Greg Cooks Fine Jewelry and Diamonds

Linco Properties, LLC

LongHorn Steakhouse

5-9 years

All About Animals Veterinary Services

All About Animals Veterinary Services

Excel Computers

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers Re-

tail Store & Career Center

Great Southern Agency, LLC

Mullins Mechanical & Welding, LLC

Shatone

Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum

(Continued on page 16)


Legislative Breakfast

A good crowd attended the Chamber’s Fall

Membership Breakfast to hear about the

upcoming 2018 General Assembly from the

Carroll County Legislative delegation. Sever-

al local elected officials were also on hand

providing the opportunity for Chamber mem-

bers to discuss issues of interest.


The Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based

Learning in Washington, D.C. recognized Carroll

County and other community, business and educa-

tional leaders in apprenticeship and work-based

learning at a luncheon hosted by Jobs for the Future

(JFF), a national non-profit focused on bridging ed-

ucational and economic opportunity for underserved

populations.

The purpose of the event was

to celebrate the history and

boost the momentum of the

expanding movement to sup-

port apprenticeship and other

forms of work-based learn-

ing as mainstream workforce

development and talent solu-

tions for American business-

es.

Daniel Jackson, President/

CEO of the Carroll County

Chamber and Carroll Tomor-

row, was on hand to accept

the recognition on behalf of a

cross-sector of business and

educational partners through-

out Carroll County who are

investing resources to em-

power leadership and engage

talent.

“These partners are working

with 200 local employers in

providing work-based learning

opportunities for high school

students, placing Carroll Coun-

ty as number one in student

participation out of 159 coun-

ties in Georgia,” Jackson said.

“One of these partners has suc-

cessfully graduated over 2,000 at-risk students from

high school over the last 11 years.”

According to the Center for Apprenticeship and

Work-Based Learning’s recognition, “The Carroll

County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomor-

row is an inspirational example of the local business

community coming together with education and oth-

er stakeholders to connect students to real-world

work experiences—at scale—to strengthen educa-

tional outcomes and ensuring a pipeline of educated

and skilled workers for their community.”

Jackson pointed out that Carroll County was in good

company for the honor. Among the 18 honorees were

Amazon, CVS Health, The Hartford, North Ameri-

ca’s Building Trades Unions, and the U.S. Depart-

ment of Labor’s Office of Appren-

ticeship.

Jackson noted that in 2013, Carroll

County was chosen by the Depart-

ment of Education to be featured in

an assessment as part of Harvard

University’s Pathways to Prosperity

Initiative. While Harvard provided

a very positive summary of work-

force and education activity in Car-

roll County, Carroll Tomorrow

leadership knew advances could be

made.

A Blue Ribbon Task Force was cre-

ated comprised of a select and di-

verse group of business leaders who

designed a comprehensive strategic

plan. The ultimate goal is to give

every Carroll County student the

opportunity to discover their natural

gifts, skill sets, and interests to iden-

tify career pathways that will allow

them to successfully pursue individual

career goals.

“The vision is to create an environ-

ment that ensures every opportunity

for a well-trained and highly qualified

workforce,” Jackson said. “The activi-

ties that have resulted from these col-

laborations have led to the recognition Carroll Coun-

ty received from JFF.”

The JFF Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based

Learning provides expert guidance on how to identify

and share effective approaches that work for compa-

nies, students, and workers. The Center also plays an

important role in highlighting innovations that

expand opportunities for people of color, women,

Impressive honor bestowed on Carroll County

for work-based learning efforts

Daniel Jackson (right), President and

CEO of the Carroll County Chamber and

Carroll Tomorrow, accepts an award rec-

ognizing Carroll County’s efforts in work-

based learning initiatives from Eric

Seleznow, senior advisor at Jobs for the

Future, national non-profit that builds

educational and economic opportunity for

underserved populations.

(Continued on page 7)


The 51st Annual Farm City Banquet was held recently highlighting the rural resources of Carroll County. Hosted

by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, three annual awards were presented following an address by key-

note speaker John Piotti, President /CEO of American Farmland Trust.

Doug and Dorcie Smith, poultry farmers, were presented the Agribusiness Award by Lawrence Shadrix of Carroll

County Farm Bureau.

Jon Denny and Sam Duke accepted the Business Award on behalf of SunSouth. This award was presented by Pau-

la Burke, UGA Cooperative Extension Coordinator.

The Special Award went to Ryan Ayers, director of the Carroll County Young Farmers.

Daniel Jackson, President/CEO of the Carroll County Chamber, thanked the premium sponsors for making the an-

nual Harvest Dinner possible including AgSouth Farm Credit, Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association, Carroll

County Chamber of Commerce, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Carroll Electric Membership Corporation, and

North Georgia Turf.

Annual agriculture awards presented at Harvest Dinner

opportunity youth, people with disabilities, and others who have traditionally been underrepresented in career advancement

opportunities and well-paying jobs.

According to the Center, there is an unprecedented influx of federal funds and a renewed energy around expanding appren-

ticeship to new industries, occupations, and communities. With better access to the right information and support, the

Center’s vision is to drive this movement forward, improve people’s lives, strengthen the American workforce, and provide

American businesses with the skilled workers they need to grow and prosper.

Work-based learning honor (Continued from page 6)


How can you participate?

Stop by the Chamber to pick up a #ThinkCarrollFirst kit with window cling, tee shirt, phone

wallet and campaign information

Or, call and request a kit and/or a chalkboard – (770)832-2446

Choose a positive word that describes your business and fill in the blank on the chalkboard.

For example: Dine, Buy, Serve, Visit, etc.

Gather your employees and get a few fun photos with the chalkboard.

Post on your website, Facebook, Instagram and all of your social media…tag

#ThinkCarrollFirst and the Carroll Chamber.

Place the #ThinkCarrollFirst window cling for best visibility.

Download the “#ThinkCarrollFirst” logo from our website

www.carroll-ga.org to use in your promotions.

Insert your photo with the logo to create a mini ad, print and post in your business window,

at the cash register, any place that grabs your customers’ attention.

Questions? Call Donna at 678/890/2332 or email [email protected]

The campaign topic for the months of November/December is “Retail/Restaurants.”

Due to the number of businesses in these categories, those beginning with “M-Z”

were featured in November and “A-L” are featured for December.

If your business is included in the following list, be sure to participate

during December with a #thinkcarrollfirst chalkboard Facebook post.

American Pie Pizzeria

American Sign Depot

Anderson's Florist

Anna Gordon Portraits

Barnes Store

Baxley Jewelers

Belk Department Store

Bojangles - VR

Bojangles -Temple

Bowdon Coffee Roasters

Burger King #2458

Burger King #12560

C.M. Tanner Grocery Co.

Captain D's

Cheer’s Fine Wine and Spirits

Chick-fil-A - Carrollton

Chick-fil-A - Villa Rica

City Tavern

El Ranchito

Evans BBQ Restaurant

Everything Outdoors

Furniture House of Carrollton

Greg Cooks Fine Jewelry and Diamonds

Home Depot-Carrollton

Honey Baked Ham Company

IHOP

Jules & James Boutique

La Trattoria on the Square

Lazy Donkey Mexican Restaurant

Lee Moore Appliance

Little Hawaiian

LongHorn Steakhouse


All About Animals Veterinary

Archstone

Aubrey Silvey

Barnes Van Lines

Bucks Electric

C.M. Tanner Grocery

Carrollton Eye Clinic

Carl Owen Construction

City of Bowdon

City of Villa Rica

City of Temple

Clearview Installations

Craig Wire

Division 5, Inc.

Evans BBQ

Evergreen Tree

Finishing Dynamics

Great Southern

Hampton Inn

Indulge

International Component Repair

Janus

Latimer & Hughes

Maxwell Heating & Air

McIntosh Paving Services

Metropolitan Communications

MMW Industrial & HVAC

NG Turf

O2 Plus, Inc

Peach State Turf

Piggly Wiggly Grocery (Haralson County)

Pilgrims Pride

Printed Specialties

Pro-Cut Lawn Care

R & R Enterprises

Rescue Technology

Royal Metal Products, Inc.

Saber Diamond Tool

Shore-All

Shot Spot

SLM Recycling

Southern Therapy Services

Sterling Engineering and Fabrication

Superior Recreational Products

Tanner Medical Center

Titus Construction

Walker Cadillac

Wallace Builders Supply

West Georgia Electric

West GA Equipment & Party Rental

West GA Fire Extinguisher

Z1 Motorsports

Carroll County Chamber salutes Drugs Don’t Work businesses


Renewing Members (Continued from page 4)

1-4 years

Berry, Patricia

Clearview Installations

Doublecakes by Chris

Finishing Dynamics, LLC

Hampton Court Apartments

Hampton Court Apartments

Impact West GA

McDowell, Trudy

Oak Grove Baptist Church

Phillips Paint, Body & Towing, Inc.

R.P. Paving Solutions, LLC

The Jackson Firm, LLC

Thompson's Garage

Williams Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Co.

Twenty professionals representing a variety

of careers volunteered their time to conduct

mock interviews for the Junior Chamber stu-

dents. Prior to the interviews, instructors

Donna Lackey and Lauren Holverson

prepped them on resume building and proper

personal presentation.

Professionals volunteer to assist Jr. Chamber students


Members in the News West Georgia Technical College President Steve Daniel will become an executive dir ector at

Quick Start, the Technical College System of Georgia’s economic development arm. He will also focus

on developing a system-wide model to replicate WGTC’s “West in Thirty” program, which enhances

the ability of students to transfer credits from technical colleges to four-year colleges. Dr. Scott Rule,

TCSG Assistant Commissioner of Data, Planning and Research, has been named Acting President of

WGTC.

In more WGTC news, the institution is one of eight colleges in the nation to earn Leader College status

this year, as designated by Achieving the Dream. The achievement is the organization’s highest desig-

nation awarded to institutions that have shown three years of steady improvements in outcomes that

measure student success.

Fred O’Neal, Edward Jones financial advisor, was honored with the McKenzie Brick award that

recognizes the firm’s “Spirit of Caring.” O’Neal has served the firm for three decades.

The University of West Georgia’s internal food service program, Dine West, contributed $16.6 million

to the local economy in its first year, according to the UWG Center for Business and Economic Re-

search. The local impact from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 includes money spent on food and labor as

well as the added jobs and expenditures of local suppliers.

The Georgia Department of Education released the College and Career Ready Performance Index

(CCRPI) scores for the 2016-2017 school year and Carroll County School System recognized gains in

the overall average for elementary, middle high and district scores and exceeded the state average at all

four levels. The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement announced that three Carroll County

Schools were among the 139 schools recognized statewide for the 2017 Greatest Gains Award. Bowdon

Middle School earned a Bronze award, Glanton-Hindsman Elementary earned a Silver award and Tem-

ple High received top honors as a Platinum award winner.

Also for Carroll County Schools, Whitesburg Elementary earned AdvancED STEM Certification,

which is the first internationally recognized mark of quality for STEM schools.

In more Carroll County Schools news, Villa Rica Elementary was one of only six schools in Georgia to

be chosen by Governor Nathan Deal as a recipient of the Innovation Fund Accelerator (IFA) award.

Award winners receive a $10,000 grant to support activities directly related to IFA participation.


Women’s Business Alliance

Floral arranging class a big hit

The WBA hosted a floral arranging class at

Shot Spot with Lindy Lovvorn Upton in-

structing participants. It was a full house

as the ladies enjoyed refreshments and took

home a masterpiece for their Thanksgiving

table. The WBA is a Chamber organization

that promotes the balanced interests and

lifestyles of the community’s professional

women.


Carroll County Chamber Annual Dinner is February 2

-

-


Georgia Governor Nathan

Deal was on hand to cut the

ribbon at the grand opening

of the Georgia State Patrol

Post in Villa Rica. An impres-

sive ceremony included a

motorcade of State Patrol

vehicles transporting the state

flag from the old location to

the new one.

(Photo at right) Carroll County Chamber staff and

Ambassadors helped celebrate the grand opening of

Toby Powers Farmers Insurance office, located at

102 Somerset Place, Ste. 2. A life-long resident of

Carroll County, Powers can assist clients with insur-

ance for auto, home, life, and more.

(Photo at left) Cover Me Southern Bou-

tique celebrated their one-year anniver-

sary at their Villa Rica location, 118 West

Montgomery Street. A trendy, faith based

southern fashion store that specializes in

unique and affordable women’s fashion-

forward clothing, shoes and accessories,

Cover Me Southern also has a Bowdon

location.


Welcome New Members Please extend a warm Chamber welcome to the following new members

and remember them when you do business.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.swipeupmarketing.com

Category: advertising, Marketing & Media

Re Thread Thrift Store

Michael Wahl

1561 Highway 27 South

Phone: (770) 825-1342


Website: www.rethreadthrift.com

Category: Non-profit retail store

Westside Homebuilders Association

Chris Collier

P.O. Box 1272

Douglasville, GA 30133

Phone: (770) 355-6714


Website: http://www.WestsideHBA.com

Category: Non-profit

Cover Me Southern Melissa Wilson

118 West Montgomery St.

Villa Rica, GA 30180

Phone: (678) 257-5299


Category: Women’s clothing & accessories

The Optimist Club of Carrollton GA Gerald Johnson

P.O. Box 734

Carrollton, GA 30112

Phone: (770) 437-0000


Category: Civic Club

Westside Home Builders Association

Swipe Up Marketing David Winkles

Phone: (256) 201-0212

The Carroll County Chamber features Perpetual Motion Bicycles, Inc. as the Business of

the Month. Established in Carrollton in 1995, owners Allen and Mikki Griffin provide

bicycle sales, service and rental at the retail location at 1002 Maple Street. In addition to

sales and service, the staff strives to assist local and visiting riders in order to maximize

their experience on Carrollton’s GreenBelt. The Griffins consider it a privilege to serve

Carroll County and the west Georgia region for more than 22 years.

chamber news news december 2017 5 legislative breakfast a good crowd attended the chamber’s fall...

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