may june final 2015

Georgia

THE CHAMBER

www.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication ofConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk CountyMAY / JUNE 2015

Table of Contents

Connection News:

Events Calendar: Page 3

Connection News: Page 4

School Zone: Page 5

Welcome New Members Page 7

Silver Comet Map: Page 8

2015 is the fifteenth year of the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp & 5K Road Race and this summer we are once again inviting the athletes of the world to come and visit Cedartown. More than a hundred of the world’s best wheelchair athletes have come to Cedartown over the years to participate in the Training Camp to race against the very best competition possible; in fact, our alumni earned every gold medal awarded in races of 800 meters or more at the 2013 Paralympics World Championships in Lyon, France. The Camp is considered the highlight of the year for many of these elite athletes and the race is widely known as the pre-eminent 5K Road Race in the world! Every world standard for a 5K road race in the men’s and women’s wheelchair classifications have been recorded on the streets of our hometown. We have hosted the world championship five-kilometer Road Race two times in the last ten years. To be known in the racing world as a ‘destination’ race would be a major coup for any town, especially so for a modest hometown like Cedartown. We still find it amazing that our picturesque little city can host such an event year in and year out, but we do! We are fortunate that we have the continued backing of the many supporting partners who have been with us since day one, as well as new supporting partners. The sponsors are the sole source of income for the annual budget.

The Fun Race for Kids begins at 6:30pm and the Wheelchair races at 7:00pm, near Peek Park on College Street in Cedartown.

Race Schedule:June 29: Athletes arrive in CedartownJune 30: Race Day!July 1&2: TrainingJuly 3: Athletes depart to Atlanta for the Peachtree Road Race

For more information on the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp and 5k Road Race contact Dave Grove at [email protected] and like us on Facebook at Cedartown Wheelchair Training Camp & 5K.

Cedartown Wheel Chair Racing Coming Soon!

EVEN# dDAY, mMonth dX, 2015 • Rome News-Tribune

Events Calendar

Upcoming Events

May 2- Polk County Relay for LifeJoin us as we help the fight against cancer. This year’s relay will be at the Polk County FairgroundsMay 7- Opening Day of the Rockmart Farmer’s Market Opening Day of the Rockmart Farmer’s MarketLocated by the Rockmart Silver Comet Trailhead and behind Southcrest Bank. The market will open at 2PM until 6PM. For more information you can email [email protected] or visit the website at www. Rockmartfarmersmarket.com.May 19- Small Business of the Year BreakfastThe Polk County Chamber would like thank each and every small business in Polk County. The 2014 Polk County Small Business of the Year will also be named. For more information please call the Chamber at 770-684-8760 or www.polkgeorgia.com.May 23- RCAC BalletThe RCAC Ballet with Julia Valenzuela is performing “A Fairy Tale” Ballet on Saturday, May 23 at 3:00 pm in the Rockmart Theatre. For ticket information call 770-684-2707 or email [email protected]. June 6-The Rock & Comet 12K/ 5KGreater Atlanta Athletes presents The Rock & Comet 12K/ 5K at the Beautiful Rock Campground, RV & Music Park and the Silver Comet Trail. The race will start and finish at the Rock Campground. For more information on this event www.greateratlantaathletes.com. June 19- 20- Aragon BBQThe 41st Annual Aragon BBQ will host music, great food, children activities and fireworks.

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY at the Rockmart LibraryApril 13-All Day -Monday Open House April 15- 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Take a Day TripApril 16 - 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- The Theory of Everything Rated PG13 April 17 - Facebook FridayApril 18- 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsApril 20- Staff Appreciation DayApril 22- 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Improve Your Credit ScoreApril 23- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Unbroken Rated PG13 April 24- Facebook FridayApril 25 - 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsApril 27 -12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Music MondayApril 29 -11:00 p.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Plan Your RetirementApril 30- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Red Sky Rated PG-13May 1 - Facebook FridayMay 2 - 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsMay 4- All Day Monday Art Contest SetupMay 6 -11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Buy Your First HomeMay 7 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Selma Rated PG13May 8 Facebook Friday

May 9 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsMay 11 2:00 p.m. Monday Art Judging/ AwardsMay 13 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series -Start a New BusinessMay 14 - 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Seventh Son Rated PG13May 15- Facebook FridaysMay 16 -2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsMay 18 -12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Music MondayMay 20- 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Ideas for creating a hanging basketMay 21 -2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Spare Parts Rated PG-13May 22 Facebook FridaysMay 23- 2:00 p.m. Saturday GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY at the Cedartown LibraryApril 13- All Day -Monday Open House April 15-8:30 - 1:00 AARP Tax PreparationApril 16-2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- The Theory of Everything Rated PG13 April 17-Facebook FridayApril 18-2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsApril 20 - Staff Appreciation DayApril 22-11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Improve Your Credit ScoreApril 23- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Unbroken Rated PG13 April 24 -Facebook FridayApril 25-2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsApril 27-12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Music MondayApril 29-11:00 p.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Plan Your RetirementApril 30-2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Red Sky Rated PG-13May 1 -Facebook FridayMay 2- 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsMay 4- All Day Monday Art Contest SetupMay 6-11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Buy Your First HomeMay 7-2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Selma Rated PG13May 8 -Facebook FridayMay 9-2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsMay 11-2:00 p.m. Monday Art Judging/ AwardsMay 13 -11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series –Ideas for Making a Hanging BasketMay 14- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Seventh Son Rated PG13May 15- Facebook FridaysMay 16- 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize DrawingsMay 18- 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Music MondayMay 20 - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Starting a New Business -Brett Madden, Jr., CPAMay 21- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Spare Parts Rated PG-13May 22 Facebook FridaysMay 23 2:00 p.m. Saturday GRAND PRIZE DRAWING***All programs are free and open to the public. Please sign up for our Lunch-n-Learn series as seating is limited.

Rome News-Tribune • dDAY, mMonth dX, 2015 ODD#

ConnectionNews:

For the 41st year in a row, the City of Aragon will once again host the “Aragon BBQ”, June 19th & 20th. The “Aragon BBQ” is the oldest, ongoing annual outdoor festival in Polk County. Begun as a fundraiser in 1974 for the Polk County Fire Fighters at Station 4, in Aragon. This will be the first year in its history that it will not be a fundraiser. Aragon no longer has a Volunteer Fire Department, and, thus it has become a City sponsored event, FREE to the public. The event solicits sponsorships from local businesses and individual donors to help defray cost. All activities take place atThe Tom Pittman Recreation Center, located on New Prospect Road,

adjacent to the Aragon United Methodist Church, just off Georgia Highway 101, with ample parking. This is a very special year for Aragon, not only is it the 41st anniversary of the “BBQ”, its also follows Aragon’s CENTENNIAL in 2014. The City, founded in 1899, was incorporated on July 29, 1914. We call it a special year because we are only 99 years away from celebrating a Bi Centennial, so we figured we might as well begin the celebration now! On Saturday morning before the “BBQ” opens, the Aragon United Methodist Church Men’s Club will be holding its 3rd Annual $5.00 Pancake breakfast prior to the opening of the BBQ, Saturday morning from 7 a.m., until 10 a.m., and it too is open to the public. Also associated with the “Aragon BBQ” is the annual Softball tournament, which this year will begin Friday evening, June 19th. The tournament is played Friday night, and all day Saturday, until the FIREWORKS show, beginning at 10 PM. Musical entertainment starts with “Gospel Night” on Friday at 6 PM, going until 10 PM. Saturday, the on stage entertainment begins at 3 PM. There will be Country, Rock and Bluegrass performers on the newly constructed “The Stage @ Aragon”, built by volunteer labor, and the stage will be dedicated Saturday evening in honor of those serving on the Stage Building Team. The BBQ is prepared and served by the “Slate City Shrine Club”. Other food, and entertainment will be available for adult and youth attendees. The festival. Gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and will close following the FIREWORKS show at 10 PM.

Anyone wishing to be a vendor, or sponsor call Lori Dunn at 770-684-6563, extension 103, for information.

Aragon BBQ

Polk County Small Business of the Year AwardEach year the Polk County Chamber of Commerce presents the Small Business of the Year Award to a Chamber small business (20 employees or less) for accomplishments made in their business that benefit their customers, employees and the county. Nomination forms are sent to the Chamber membership who in return nominates a business for the award. The nominees must meet the criteria presented and complete an application and activity form.

The information is then sent to an unbiased party to judge the nominated businesses and select the winner of the Small Business of the Year Award. This prestigious award will be presented at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast, Tuesday, May 19, 7:30am. For complete information regarding the breakfast call 770-684-8760, email [email protected] or visit www.polkgeorgia.com.


Mobile Minds University 2015School Zone

Polk School District is excited to announce the second annual Mobile Minds University, July 20-22, 2015. Polk School District is transforming learning through technology by engaging the mobile minds in our classrooms. We will be providing training in specific content areas to help teachers create innovative lessons as we continue to transform delivery of instruction with engaging technology lessons.

Registration will be open to Polk School District educators as well as educators from other districts. Presenters will include our Apple Foundations Trainer, Robin Hunter, the Mobile Minds Specialists,and Polk School District administrators and teachers. Scan this QR code to view our Instructional Technology website where more information about the upcoming Mobile Minds University can be found.

1:1 iPads in Polk School District

As the end of the year approaches, we are excited that Polk School District will be 1:1 iPads in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Pre-K classes will each have iPads to use during center time. iPad minis, which are smaller than the standard sized iPad, will be in grades Kindergarten through second grade for more hands-on learning opportunities during centers, small groups, and individualized learning time. Grades three through seven use the iPad daily as an instructional tool. Students in eighth grades have their own personalized iPad to use through the day and our ninth through twelfth graders have 24:7 access to their device. The Mobile Minds Specialists have played an important role in this process. They have worked diligently to complete the steps necessary to place iPads in the hands of all learners.

Mobile Minds University 2015


Registration will be open to Polk School District educators as well as educators from other districts. Presenters will include our Apple Foundations Trainer, Robin Hunter, the Mobile Minds Specialists, and Polk School District administrators and teachers. Scan this QR code to view our Instructional Technology website where more information about the upcoming Mobile Minds University can be found.

1:1 iPads in Polk School District As the end of the year approaches, we are excited that Polk School District will be 1:1 iPads in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Pre-K classes will each have iPads to use during center time. iPad minis, which are smaller than the standard sized iPad, will be in grades Kindergarten through second grade for more hands-on learning opportunities during centers, small groups, and individualized learning time. Grades three through seven use the iPad daily as an instructional tool. Students in eighth grades have their own personalized iPad to use through the day and our ninth through twelfth graders have 24:7 access to their device. The Mobile Minds Specialists have played an important role in this process. They have worked diligently to complete the steps necessary to place iPads in the hands of all learners.










Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Thursday, May 14, 2015 Maximum One Main Street Realtors 2 North Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125

Come out and help support this new business!







Ribbon Cutting at Winthrop Memory Care


Welcome New Members!

Blue Moon Storage, LLCAndy Morgan201 Felton Dr. Rockmart, GA 30153678-404-2757

Owen’s Lawn ServiceSteve OwensP.O. Box 691Rockmart, GA 30153678-988-1510

Maximum One Main Street RealtorsMichael Tinney2 North Main StreetCedartown, GA 30125770-500-8443

For Advertising Information

call Todd Britt at

770-748-1520

Byrne Design GroupBill Byrne2746 Morgan Valley Rd.Rockmart, GA 30153404-272-0564


Silver Comet Trail

The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible.

South Cobb Dr. -1.00 1015 (Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension) Mavell Rd. 0.00 925 Fontaine Road 1.20 906 Concord Road 2.60 887 Floyd Road 4.20 1021 Carter Road 8.60 948 Sailor’s Parkway 9.40 984 Florence Road 11.60 946 Hiram 14.66 1001 Paulding County 14.66 1001Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond 20.23 1035(previously Dallas Trailhead) Rambo Nursery 22.22 941 Coot’s Lake 33.49 930 Van Wert 36.06 807 Rockmart Riverwalk 37.66 749 Nathan Dean Park 38.76 748 Don Williams 44.90 864 Grady Road 45.80 904 Cedartown Depot 51.30 796 Martin Trailhead 52.90 824 Esom Hill 61.20 923 Stateline Gateway 61.50 922(Georgia-Alabama Line)

Parking & Trail Access Mile Marker Elevation (Ft)


Landmarks and Historic AreasRockmart/Aragon

VAN WERTCreated in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs.

VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCHBuilt in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest struc-tures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovat-ing the structure.

ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCHIn Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.

ROCKMART MURALThe mural was created in 1997 and painted on the side of Morgan Hardware on Marble Street. The mural was created by 180 volunteers over a three week period and was part of a celebration of Rockmart's 125th anniversary.

THE GOODYEAR MILLIn 1929, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company selected Rockmart as the site for one of its clearwater mills. They built a multi-million dollar plant on what is now Goodyear Street and gave Rockmart "the biggest boost it has ever received in its history." Goodyear sold the plant in 1987 and it is now owned and operated by Meggitt Polymers & Composites

GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGEIn the 1930s, Goodyear built a modern village with approximately 180 homes, two tennis courts, a baseball field and a golf course directly across the street from the mill.

CITY HALL The Rockmart Municipal Complex located on N. Piedmont Ave, is now considered "City Hall". The complex includes the Administrative Services Building, Cultural Arts Center,Recreation Department, and Rockmart Police Department. The complex is located on what was origi-nally the site of the Piedmont Institute College, which was replaced later by Rockmart High and Middle Schools which later became known as Rockmart High School.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBOOn Elm Street, the land for the cemetery was donated to the town. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of Rockmart's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart.

EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARKA city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs."

ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUMThe recently opened Rockmart Historical Museum is a must to see for anyone interested in history. It chronicles the unique history and culture of Rockmart with heirloom contribu-tions of items and photos supplied by members of the community. Of particular interest art the items concerning "Welsh" Rockmart, with its miners and slate industry, chapels and slate roofs. The museum is located in Old City Hall Building at 133 Marble Street, next to Seaborn Jones Park.

DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGSNear Aragon's City Hall, camping place of General Grenville Dodge's 16th AC of McPherson's Army of Tennessee. Later, Brig. Gen. J.C. Davis' 2nd division, 14th Corps Army of the Cumberland camped here en route from Rome to Dallas, Ga. These troops were part of the right wing of General Sherman’s forces moving to outflank General Johnston’s army at Alla-toona Pass. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.

Landmarks and Historic AreasCedartown

POLK COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the mu se um contains the history of Polk Coun ty. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Geor gia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE #2 At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.

CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located in downtown Cedartown. The project was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of well-known structures in Cedartown including many historic sites such as Hawkes Children’s Library and County Courthouse #2.

CONFEDERATE MEMORIALOutside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCHBuilt on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway grew up in this church.

BOOZ HOTELThis structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. Located across the street from the Polk County Historical Society.

BIG SPRINGLocated on Wissahickon Avenue, this was the site of a ballground and ceremonial dance ground of the Cherokee Indian natives until the early 1800s. It is the second largest limestone spring in the South and produces an average of 4 million gallons of water per day.

DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWNIn 1988, Cedartown became a “Mainstreet City” and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. The last decade has seen much renovation in the down town area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090.

HIGHTOWER FALLS

Originally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and con vert ed into a facsimile of the Whitney cotton gin. Mr. Hightower also constructed a three story mill on the site in 1850 using the 60 foot Falls for power. The mill was once a vibrant mercantile center near Cedartown. Sherman’s men ate and slept here on their march through the state, but spared the mill from the fate which befell so many others. Hightower Falls is presently a private group facility available for special occasions. Call (770) 748-8588 for more information.

OLD MILLLocated on Hwy. 27 South, this structure was built by slave labor in 1848 for Asa Prior who came to Polk County in 1837. The first miller was a slave named “Old Allen” and the structure was operated as a mill until 1945. It was renovated and operated as a restaurant by Mr. And Mrs. Robert Stephens from 1960-1991. It was purchased by Ann and Jimmy Madden in 1997.

Veterans MemorialThere are two in Polk County. One in Cedartown at the corner of East Avenue and Greenwood, behind the Library. The other is located in Rockmart on Veterans Plaza. Both were built to HONOR and MEMORIALIZE the Veterans of Polk County. Annual Services are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Attractions Guide CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON


Cedartown Performing Arts CenterThe pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center locat-ed at the Cedartown Auditorium, presents a wealth of premium entertainment each year from the Atlanta Symphony to touring Broadway plays. The Performing Arts Center also sponsors enrichment programs for children in Polk and surround-ing counties through workshops and performances. 770-748-4168.

West Theater

This 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.

Peek Park

On North College Street, this beautiful city park is located on land donated by Captain J.A. Peek. It contains tennis courts, playground and picnic areas.

Bert Wood Youth and Athletic Complex

Softball and baseball fields, gymnasium, track, cabin, playground, and Senior Center make up this recreational facility in Northwest Cedartown. Government sponsored and volunteer activities abound almost year round.

Cherokee Golf and County Club

This private facility off Cherokee Road contains an 18 hole golf course,

four tennis courts, a swimming pool and beautiful clubhouse with dining facil-ity. The club hosts many local fundraising golf and tennis tournaments as well as member-related events. 770-748-2800.

Cedar Valley Arts Festival

An annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional artists display their craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park, the site of the festival.

Meadow Lakes Golf ClubMeadow Lakes is a public facility in North Polk County offering 18 holes of championship golf as well as a clubhouse, banquet facility, and swimming pool. The club regularly hosts tournaments and lessons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942

The Rock Campground, RV and Music Parklocated near the Silver Comet Trail on Mile Marker 34. With over 100 RV sites w/ Power & Water, Cabins, Fishing, Entertainment, Silver Comet Trail Access, Creek, Picnic Tables, Showers- Camping and Special Events. This facility is open year round. 130 Forsyth Lake Rd., Rockmart- 770-684-8519.

Rockmart Civic Arts CommissionPromotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.

Seaborn Jones ParkA city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.

Nathan Dean Sports ComplexRockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also con-tains a track and a playground area. Pavilions are also located through the park.

Pleasant Valley CourseNine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961.

Silver Comet TrailThe Silver Comet Trail is a paved, converted rail trail spanning more than 60 miles from Smyrna GA to the GA/AL border in Polk County. Here the trail joins the Chief Ladiga trail for another 33 miles to Anniston, AL. The two trails provide 95.5 continuous paved recreational miles not available to motorized traffic. The longest segment of the Silver Comet in one county is 29 miles through Polk. The Depot in Rockmart provides water and restrooms and is next to Seaborn Jones Park. Snacks and restrooms are available at the Depot in Cedartown which houses several offices including the welcome center and museum of local memo-rabilia. The first foot of the Silver Comet Trail was poured on July 9, 1998 in Cobb County, GA.

Polk County Homespun FestivalAn annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Com merce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and regional craft-ers display their wares throughout the park. Continuous entertainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-684-8760.

Aragon BarbequePatriotism at its peak, the annual barbeque is held on the third Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are highlights.

Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk ParkAragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities.

Welsh FestivalMae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featur-ing lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours of the historical Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are bur-ied. It is held on the quad (square) next to the Old City Hall Building, 133 Marble St. in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March.

CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGONLeisure Life in Polk County


Advertisers Index:

Georgia Power.......................................7 Redmond Physician Network...............7 Coosa Dental Associates.......................7 Holmes Clothing...................................7 Raceway................................................7

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153

770/684-8760 Fax: 678/224-5320

609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125www.polkgeorgia.com

Published by: News Publishing Company

P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162

For Advertising Information call

Todd Britt at 770-748-1520

Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber

of Commerce 770/684-8760

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County

Polk County at a Glance CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

LOCATION AND LAND AREAPolk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest industrial centers: Atlanta, 45 miles east; Birmingham, 85 miles west, and Chattanooga, 83 miles north. Surrounded on four corners by mountains, Polk County is a land of dramatic contrasts - from the city of Cedartown which lies on a gentle plain to Rockmart with its rocky hills and deep valleys.

GOVERNMENTPolk County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners elected for four-year stag-

gered terms. The chairman is elected from the board for a one-year term. Cedartown, the county seat, is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who elect a com mis sion chairman from amongst board members and appoint a City Manager. The city of Rockmart is governed by an elected mayor and five council members who elect a City Manager. Aragon is governed by a mayor and four council members. Full-time police and fire departments are maintained in all three areas and the county for the pro tec tion of all residents.

INDUSTRYPolk County boasts a wide array of existing industry and takes pride in its success in new industry recruitment in the last decade. The top ten industries employee some 3,700 people and include both manufacturing and service.

CLIMATEA moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity through out most of the year:January averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32/55 degreesJuly averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67/83 degreesAverage annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.

POPULATION42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.

TRANSPORTATIONMajor trucking lines and both CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway system link Polk County to points in all directions. Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is only one hour away while Cor-nelius Moore Airport in the middle of the county provides a paved and lighted 4,000 ft. runway. The new $15,000,000 state of the art Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport is only 8 miles from Polk County. Four lane Highway 278 east links Polk County to Atlanta via I-20. Other main arteries

include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.

COMMUNICATIONSTwo newspapers, the Cedartown Standard and the Rockmart Journal, and two radio stations, WGAA Cedartown and WZOT Rockmart, keep county residents informed of local, regional and na tion al hap pen ings.

EDUCATIONEducational institutions in the county include six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a regional vocational-technical school. Two private schools are maintained and county res i dents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.

UTILITIESGeorgia Power and Carroll EMC service electrical needs in Polk County and gas is distributed by Atlanta Gas Light Company and sold by several suppliers. The cities of Cedartown and Rockmart operate sewage treatment facilities and have their own water supply via a spring-fed gravity system in Cedartown and Euharlee Creek in Rockmart. The county’s water supply originates with three springs and one well. BellSouth pro vides a first-rate tele com mu ni ca tions sys tem and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.

HEALTHCAREPolk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numerous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also avail-able.

POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The main office of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rockmart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also main tains a Cedar-town office in conjunction with the Cedartown Welcome Center at 609 S. Main St.. Cedartown office hours are Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Call the Chamber office at 770-684-8760.

Georgia

THE CHAMBER

www.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of


Congratulations

Polk County 2014 Industry of the Year

The Polk County 2014 Small Business of the Year will be announced on May 19th.Log on to www.polkgeorgia.com for further details.

The Polk County Chamber of Commerce wishes to Thank You for being here, locating here, and most of all Staying in Polk County.

Congratulations




Congratulations




Congratulations





may june final 2015

Documents