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

Coding into Student Interests at the Floyd County College and Career Academy

Momentum

Greater Community Bank Turns 20Keller Williams Realty Grows

March 2016

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Catering for any occasion. And by “any” we mean all of yours. Party-size portions of the best melt-in-your-mouth BBQ, tasty sides, darn-good desserts and more. Everything

you need for any kind of gathering you could ever have.

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Farewell Ms. Regan Hice

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

March 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

Coding the Future: Armuchee High School senior Joe Fries uses his laptop during his AP Computer Science A class at the Floyd County College and Career Academy.

The School will be offering a new coding class, AP Computer Science Principles, in Fall 2016.

To learn more about AP Computer Science Principles, visit page 8.

In this Issue...Letter from the Chairman ..................................................................4Community Events ..............................................................................4

Chamber News:

Keller Williams Realty: Building Careers Worth Having ..........5AGL Resources Inc. EVP Hank Linginfelter Visits ............................6Day at the Capitol .................................................................................6Floyd County College and Career Academy ...................................8-9GOAL Award Winners ......................................................................................9Greater Community Bank Celebrates 20 Years .................10, 13Celebrating Georgia Small Business Week ...................................11Recent Chamber Happenings ...............................................................12

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

The Chamber thanks our Director of Membership Regan Hice

for 3 years of service!

March 2016 3

Congratulations on your newposition with Delta Air Lines, Inc.!

We will miss you!

March 14Shorter University Guest Recital Shylykov/Tanaka DuoLocation: Brookes Chapel at Shorter University315 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA, 30165Time: 7:30 p.m. Guest recital of Shylykov/Tanaka Duo on the clarinet and piano.706-291-2121

March 15Shorter University’s ACSI Art Festival Location: Arnold Art Gallery at Shorter University 315 Shorter Ave., Rome, GA, 30165 Time: 7:30 p.m.Come check out the ACSI Art Festival in the Arnold Art Gallery on March 15th. 706-291-2121

March 19Rome Symphony Orchestra ChamberOrchestraLocation: Berry College Ford Auditorium2277 Martha Berry Blvd, Mt. Berry, GA, 30149Time: 7:30 p.m.The Rome Symphony Chamber Orchestra will perform master works of the 20th century by Aaron Copland, Ernest Bloch, and Joaquin Rodrigo. Soloists include pianist Kris Carlisle, clarinetist John Reams, and guitarist Sean Thrower.706-291-7967

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.org for event information.706-291-7663

April 2015 4

Upcoming Community

Events

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Greetings!It is with great privilege that I am writing to you

as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. I am truly honored to be involved in this great community organization dedicated to its mission: To promote prosperity and growth in Rome and Floyd County for and through its business memberships.

As a small business owner of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, I found it crucial to become involved with the Chamber and its programs when I first moved to Rome years ago. It is extremely important to me that my business be part of a network of professionals that works to bring in new industries to the area. By bringing in new business, we are

making sure that our community grows so that our own businesses, both large and small, flourish.

To celebrate the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s mission, Momentum Magazine focuses each month on community achievements in education, business, entrepreneurship, new members and Chamber happenings. We are extremely proud of the continuous improvements our members are making in this community.

This month, Momentum features the growing profession of “coding.” In Floyd County, we can celebrate the fact that Floyd County School’s College & Career Academy is ahead of the curve when it comes to this growing technology field, and that the school is offering coding classes to local high schoolers. This month’s article highlights the College & Career Academy’s initiatives and what coding classes mean for Rome and Floyd County’s employers.

Momentum also looks at Keller Williams Realty Northwest Georgia. Keller Williams has seen substantial growth at its Rome franchise office and recently moved to its new Second Avenue location.

Additionally, this month, Momentum Magazine congratulates Greater Community Bank as they celebrate 20 years of business. Please feel free to stop by one of their locations and congratulate them on two decades in our community.

As the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2016, 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. At the Chamber, you will find an incredible group who are committed to the future of Rome and Floyd County.

Sincerely,

Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII) 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 2006, several top-producing agents from different local real estate companies came together to start a division of Keller Williams in Rome, Georgia. “Keller Williams is a franchise that first started in 1983 by Gary Keller in Austin, Texas,” explained Mr. Free. “Since that time, they have become the largest real estate company in the world. We have over 110,000 agents across the country.”

In 2011, Rome-based Jason Free Realty merged with Keller Williams. Mr. Free said the merger increased business prospects in commercial real estate and expanded the real estate school opportunities in the Northwest Georgia area. “Keller Williams has so many training classes, so the ability to continue teaching was a major draw." he added. "Along with the classes, the size of their commercial division was extremely attractive to me. Today, I now generate deals in not only the Rome market, but in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and other states.

Keller Williams Realty Northwest Building Careers Worth Having, Businesses Worth Owning and Lives Worth Living

In front a large, grey brick building along Second Avenue, large red letters “KW” proudly stand before the new home of global real estate agency, Keller Williams. In November 2015, Keller Williams Realty Northwest moved from their previous Turner McCall location into the large 200 East Avenue space in downtown Rome to make room for its expansion of agents and real estate school. Recently, General Manager Jason Free sat down with Momentum Magazine to share how the company’s superb work culture and internal business structure has allowed for its success in the Rome metro area.

“In Rome, we have a great group of agents here that really have servants’ hearts,” said Mr. Free. “For example, we have agents who are little league coaches and Sunday school teachers. At Keller Williams, there is a true understanding that our community has blessed us and continues to bless us, and it is our responsibility to give back.”

About Keller Williams’ Real Estate SchoolKeller Williams also has a strong focus on education. The

company offers 12-week pre-licensing classes several times a year for those looking to break into real estate. Classes often meet two nights a week in the evenings and prep students for the real estate licensing exam to become a certified real estate agent.

Mr. Free, who has been a pre-licensing instructor since 1997, said that each of these classes usually has between 20 and 40 students. Keller Williams is one of a few agencies in the area to offer a real estate school. For Mr. Free, this provides a wonderful opportunity for agents to teach their passion.

“I love to lift lids,” said Mr. Free about teaching courses at Keller Williams. “When someone signs up for a real estate course, it’s because they really want to be there. It’s a new career opportunity for them. The great thing about being in real estate is that there is no ceiling to how much you can make. If you’re hard-working and have discipline, you can make more money in real estate than you probably can in most other professions.”

Along with pre-licensing courses, Keller Williams offers continuing education classes for agents as well. “We have all kinds of helpful classes that are available to not only our agents but other agents as well,” said Mr. Free. “There are contract classes, negotiating classes, marketing and much more to help advance agents in their career.”

From a school that invests in the future of the industry, to a spirit of service and fun, to a business structure modeled on partnership, KW ensures that all, whether businesses or individuals, can find a home in Greater Rome.

March 2016 5

Keller Williams has really expanded those opportunities for real estate agents in Rome and Floyd County.”

Over the years, the franchise has boomed. Today, Keller Williams Northwest boasts 29 real estate agents, who work in commercial and residential real estate. The group also consists of three team members in supportive administration roles.

Mr. Free contributes Keller Williams’ local success to the hard work and dedication of the agents, as well as the company’s fun-loving, yet fast-paced culture. A look inside the Rome office is sure to confirm that. The front of the office building holds offices as well as common workspace areas where agents can do research and secure negotiations. Located in the rear of the building is a ping pong table that has become a great place to relieve stress and bounce ideas with fellow team members.

Along with the fun physical environment, Mr. Free said the internal business structure of Keller Williams adds to the company’s solid work culture. Keller Williams encourages their agents to work in teams, and the business model has allowed for rapid growth throughout the nation. Mr. Free added that the Keller Williams company, from the top down, believes in “God first, then Family and then Business.”

“The work environment is amazing,” said Mr. Free. “Keller Williams has a unique culture that is about sharing ideas, sharing profit, and sharing time. Keller Williams encourages teams, and we have a very nice structure of that. It makes working with family and friends an attractive possibility. By working in teams, our agents benefit from other agents coming in, so everyone wants to see other agents succeed. And with the way that the company is structured, the majority of company profits are shared with the agents who have helped grow the company.”

Keller Williams is big on giving back to their community. Every year, Keller Williams holds “Red Day,” a day where all agents help with community service projects. Mr. Free said that in Rome and Floyd County, this has included their agents working together on Habitat for Humanity builds, working in soup kitchens, painting houses, volunteering at blood drives and much more.

General Manager Jason Free (left) shares marketing ideas with Keller Williams Realty Northwest agents during a roundtable meeting. The sharing of ideas is complementary with Keller Williams’ internal business structures, said Mr. Free.

March 2016 6

Day at the Capitol

AGL Resources' Hank Linginfelter Visits Rome

Dr. Paul Ferguson (left) jokes with former Georgia Chamber Chair-man and former Greater Rome Chamber Chairman, Frank Barron (LR IV), in front of Chairman and CEO of AGL Resources's seven utilities and Executive Vice President for AGL Resources - Distri-bution Operations Hank Linginfelter (center) and Joe Montgom-ery, Chief Advancement Officer of Darlington School (right). Mr. Linginfelter, who serves as the current Georgia Chamber Chair-man, discussed the future of natural gas and energy at the Chamber before speaking at his alma mater, Darlington School.

Gretchen Corbin (LR XVII), Commissioner of the Tech-nical College System of Georgia, addresses the group, stressing the importance of creating an educated work-force, in front of Greater Rome Chamber Chairman Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII), Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q (left), and Georgia Senator Chuck Hufstetler.

>>

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal speaks to the group.

<<<

April 14 & 15, 2016DeSoto Theatre, Rome, GA

The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Presents:

www.romega.com | www.confluencerome.org

Tickets: $30 Students, $50 Chamber Members, $75 Non-Chamber Members

Register online:

Con�uence is a two day conference of inspiration, innovation, and motivation for business leaders,

technologists, educators, entrepreneurs and students.

Innovate + Inspire + Invent

<<

Delegates from the Chamber wait to meet with local legislators during the Chamber’s annual Day at the Capitol on February 8th.

Celebrating 20 years of tradition and community banking

MAIN OFFICE1490 MarthA BERRY BLVD.

ROME, GA 30165706.295.9300

EAST ROME800 EAST SECOND AVE.

ROME, GA 30161706.295.9300

WEST ROME2518 SHORTER AVENUE NW

ROME, GA 30165706.295.9300

CALHOUN305 W. BELMONT DR.CALHOUN, GA 30701

706.629.1700

GreaterCB.com

Left to right:

David J. Lance President & CEO

Thomas D. CaldwellChairman Emeritus

Robert L. Berry Chairman

April 14 & 15, 2016DeSoto Theatre, Rome, GA

The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Presents:

www.romega.com | www.confluencerome.org

Tickets: $30 Students, $50 Chamber Members, $75 Non-Chamber Members

Register online:

Con�uence is a two day conference of inspiration, innovation, and motivation for business leaders,

technologists, educators, entrepreneurs and students.

Innovate + Inspire + Invent

March 2016 8

By 2020, there will be an estimated 1.4 million new computer-related jobs in America, but only 400,000 students are expected to graduate with computer science degrees from U.S. colleges and universities, according to the national Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Looking at that kind of growth nationwide, Rome and Floyd County will be no different, unless changes are made. Several local primary employers, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, have already started integrating computing fields into their own companies, and have been hiring in-house programmers and information technology personnel.

With computer science job expansion on the rise, the Floyd County College and Career academy has taken serious notice. That’s why next year the designated STEM school will be expanding upon its current curriculum to add a new AP course for its students: AP Computer Science Principles. With the addition of this course, educators at the Floyd County College and Career Academy hope more local teens will become interested in the growing fields of coding and information technology and will take advantage of these high-paying jobs.

Dr. Brian Swanagan, who will be teaching the new course starting in the Fall 2016, said the AP Computer Science Principles curriculum differs from the coding classes that are already taught for college-level credits at the Floyd County College and Career Academy. The AP Computer Science Principles class, he said, offers a more individualized and creative approach to learning.

“Three years ago, we picked up AP Computer Science A,” explains Dr. Swanagan. “Essentially with that course, our kids get really deep

Codingthe future into a particular programming language called Java. They learn

how to get the computer to make decisions based on inputs that are given. Java is one of the most commonly used languages, and there are currently billions of devices that use it. The College Board, the organization that oversees the creation of AP classes for high-schoolers, chose to focus on the Java language, because it was the language colleges wanted the most.”

However, after a recent Education and Workforce Business Council Committee meeting at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, teaching more generalized computer science classes became more attractive. Educators learned from Rome and Floyd County’s primary employers that there is a real need for workers who are knowledgeable with generalized computing skills, said Eric Waters (LR VIII), CEO and Principal of the Floyd County College and Career Academy. The Chamber’s Education and Workforce Council is a focus committee that allows local secondary and higher education professionals to meet with representatives from local industries and businesses and discuss the current and future needs for an educated and highly-skilled workforce in Rome and Floyd County.

“The addition of AP Computer Science Principles is a great example of education listening to the needs of business and industry,” added Mr. Waters. “We want to provide the best education experiences possible for our youth today so Rome and Floyd County will have a dynamic workforce tomorrow.”

Dr. Swanagan said the AP Computer Science Principals class met several of the needs discussed by the education workforce council, and he felt the class would be a great fit for our community.

According to The College Board, this new class introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges

Local high school students learn to code at the Floyd County College and Career Academy.

A student practices making an array on his laptop during Dr. Swanagan's class.

March 2016 9

GNTC's 2016GOAL Award

Winner Congratulations to Ms. Corey Carlile on being named Georgia North-western Technical Col-lege’s 2016 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Ms. Carlile, a Marketing student at GNTC, received the award during the Seven Hills Rotary Club meeting at Coosa Country Club.

GNTC NEWSContact: John Kenyon | 706.295.6930Date: Feb. 2, 2016

Corey Carlile and Brittny Burns Named GNTC’s 2016 GOAL and Rick Perkins Award Winners

Corey Carlile, a Marketing student from Aragon, has been named Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) 2016 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner and Brittny Burns, a Business Technology instructor from Kennesaw, was selected as the college’s 2016 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.

The winners were named during the Seven Hills Rotary Club meeting at Coosa Country Club on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The awards were sponsored and presented by the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, the Seven Hills Rotary Club of Rome, and the GNTC Student Leadership Council.

Brandy Weaver of Whitfield County, who was chosen in December to represent Georgia Northwestern at the EAGLE Leadership Institute, was also recognized during the banquet. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.

Carlile, GNTC’s GOAL winner, is a student at the Floyd County Campus and was nominated by her instructor, Mark Upton, director of the Marketing program. She was selected from a group of four semi-finalists for her presentation on technical education by a panel of judges representing business, industry, and higher education in the Northwest Georgia region.

Corey Carlile (right) Georgia Northwestern’s 2016 GOAL Winner and Brittny Burns (left) Rick Perkins Instructor of

the Year at GNTC.

Ms. Corey Carlile

The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce partners with GNTC and the Technical College System of Georgia each year to provide judges for this program.

Thank you to the following judges, who were tasked with the difficult job of selecting only one winner from the four finalists out of GNTC:

Ms. Tonya Davis, BDD Consulting Services (LR XXX)

Mr. Bill Kerestes, Myrtle Hill Mausoleum

Ms. Dixie Sorrow, Heritage First Bank (LR XXII)

Mr. Jeff Williams, OTR Wheel Engineering (LR XXIX)

Mr. Gregory Wooten, Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center (LR XXVII)

As the 2016 GOAL Winner for GNTC, Ms. Car-lile will advance to the regional competition, and if chosen, will move on to the state level. If Ms. Carlile is selected as the state GOAL winner, she will serve as the Technical College System of Georgia’s ambassador throughout the year, promoting technical college education at various events around the state.

them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. The course offers a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications to give students a more well-rounded understanding of computing. In the class, students will conceive and implement digital projects, utilizing some of the same processes that writers, programmers, engineers, designers, and other creators use to bring ideas to life.

“In Principles, students learn about topics such as how the Internet works and cybersecurity,” said Dr. Swanagan. “We learn about data protocol and binary, and we even do a little cryptology, or secret code writing, which is always fun. Also, there isn’t an intense focus on one language, which allows for a lot more flexibility. Students can use any language they want, so if there is another computing language that fits better with how a student thinks, we can incorporate that into his or her individual projects.”

Dr. Swanagan said the creativity and individualization of the course allows for students to have more freedom in designing a project, focusing on something that excites them. “I really feel like if kids are doing something that they are really interested in, they truly learn from it,” he added.

According to The College Board website, students don’t need any prior programming experience for AP College Principals, but should have successfully completed Algebra I. At the end of the course, students will be assessed based on their class projects, and will have the option of taking an end-of-course AP Exam to obtain college credit and placement.

The implementation of AP Computer Science Principles at the Floyd County College and Career doesn’t mean that local students will be saying goodbye to AP Computer Science A. Dr. Swanagan said the school will be offering the course on their new online classroom platform for students who want to delve a little deeper into Java programming. “The courses are rather complementary,” added Dr. Swanagan. “A student might decide to take AP Computer Science A after the foundation for computer sciences is set. We also just created the online platform for our students, which I am extremely excited about. With many of our students, they don’t have much flexibility in their schedules, but this allows them to really take the class at any time.”

Interested in learning to code, but aren’t enrolled at the Floyd County College and Career Academy? Dr. Swanagan said that December he opens up his classroom after school for the community for an “Hour of Code.” The “Hour of Code” is a global initiative to peak programming and computer science interest during Computer Science Education Week. Participants of all programming levels are welcome to come out and learn, he added.

Dr. Brian Swanagan (far right) goes over a coding problem outlined the Java programming textbook with his students.

March 2016 10

This year, Greater Community Bank has reached a major milestone.

The flourishing locally-owned and operated financial institution turns 20. With two decades of growth and prosperity under its belt, the local bank is celebrating this overall achievement while it continues to advance, innovating the way locally banking is done.

Bank President and CEO David J. Lance and Chief Operating Officer Donna McEntyre recently spoke candidly of how the company’s humble beginnings still influence the daily interactions and transactions made at Rome’s community bank, and how mobility is changing the name of the game at their bank.

A Community Bank is BornMr. Lance said that in the early 1990s,

banking trends in America had set forth several mergers and acquisitions of community banks with larger national ones, and most of the community-built banks in Rome and Floyd County were being acquired by the larger institutions. “It was at that time that former Rome Mayor and long-time community banker Tom Caldwell, realized that Rome might not have a locally-owned bank of its own,” he added. So in 1993, he started floating around the idea of creating a community bank with several of his most trusted friends

one of which was local attorney Bob Berry, who now serves as Chairman.

The newly formed organizing board began to gather the consent needed to create a local bank, and after a lengthy process, the bank opened its doors on February 26, 1996, in a temporary mobile facility on what is now the parking lot of the 1490 Martha Berry Boulevard location.

Greater Community Bank has since grown to include four branches and has expanded in two communities, Rome and Calhoun. The bank added an East Rome location on Second Avenue in 1998, followed by the West Rome branch on Shorter Avenue in 2000. Greater Community Bank moved into the Calhoun market in 2011 with their branch on West Belmont Drive.

Originally named “Greater Rome Bank,” Mr. Lance said the name change in 2014 was to reflect the company’s development. “Community is the foundation on which our bank is built,” said Mr. Lance. “We are honored to be able to help our community partners and support our employees' passions outside the bank. Building relationships and supporting local efforts with our time, talent and financial resources are what makes us proud to be a community bank. With that much investment in our communities, why not reflect it in our name?”

Building Toward the Mobile Future

Today, Greater Community Bank is as strong as it’s ever been. Capital at the bank is up. The team is enjoying the strongest net interest margins to date, and loan demands are at an all-time high. The bank also reports $124.6 million in total assets, according to the latest FDIC data, and overall, the management team and Board of Directors are pleased with the direction the bank is headed.

Mr. Lance said that Greater Community’s formula for success rests within their common core values that enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve. Since day one, Greater Community Bank has persistently operated on its principle of personalized customer service and relations, which has always started with their passionate employees.

“Most of our bankers have come from different backgrounds and from different fields before entering the banking industry,” said Ms. McEntyre. “Many were entrepreneurs or real estate investors, and operated successful businesses. They know firsthand what it's like to be on the other side of that banker’s desk, and cannot only offer counsel, but provide excellent business solutions to the many challenges that small business owners and investors might face today.”

GREATER COMMUNITY BANK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Continued on Pg. 13

Greater Community Bank Chief Operating Officer Donna McEntyre and President and CEO David J. Lance.

GREENE’SJewelers, INC328 Broad StreetRome, GA 30161

706-291-7236

Serving the Community since 1948GreenesJewelers.com

Beaut i fulWEAR SOMETHING

MOBILE BANKING MADE EASY

by River City Bank

Twinkle twinkle little star,Transfer money wherever you are.

GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS WEEK IN ROME and FLOYD COUNTY

March 2016 11

GREATER COMMUNITY BANK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Continued on Pg. 13

The celebration for Georgia Small Business Week in Rome and Floyd County was anything but "small". Here are a few highlights from the February 12th-19th programming, hosted by the Chamber's Small Business Action Council.

<<< 2015 Small Business Action Coun-cil Chairman Jane Bosarge, of C&S Trophies and Corporate Awards, shakes hands with Floyd County Com-missioner Garry Fricks (LR VIII) as 2016 Chairman of the Board Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII), Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q, watches, following Floyd County Government's proclamation.

Michael Minter, of University Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram (left); quickly looks over his ques-tion cards as Zack Baker, of sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt, shares about his business during a round of speed networking at the Georgia Small Business Week Kickoff Breakfast.

<<< Greater Rome Chamber Chairman Curtis Gardner (LR XXVII), Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q, shakes hands with City of Rome Commissioner and former Gre-Chamber Chairman Craig McDaniel (LR IV) in front of 2015 Small Business Action Council Chairman Jane Bosarge, of C&S Trophies and Corporate Awards, during the City of Rome's proclamation of Geor-gia Small Business Week.

Dinner & Discuss panelist Kirk Jarrett, of Whittington, Jones & Rudert, CPAs shares best practices alongside fellow recipients of the Small Business of the Year Award (from left) Larry Alford (LR XXXI), of Rome Cleaners and ServiceMaster by Twins; Jay DeVille (LR IX), of Right at Home of NWGA; and Chris Carey (LRXXV), of Logical Systems.

Mary Ellen McClanahan, Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, discusses small business trends with the crowd of Small Business professionals gathered in the Chamber boardroom for the GA Small Biz Workshop.

March 2016 12

Chamber Happenings

Ribbon Cuttings

A.

C.

B.

GREYSTONE APARTMENTS: Bruce Gerwig, of In-Fill Housing (center left), and Jon Toppen, of Tapestry Development Group, cut the rib-bon for the $11 million purchase and renovation of the Greystone Apart-ments. The apartments at 90 E. Second Avenue are a tax-credit develop-ment that offers affordable housing to low income and disabled renters.

PERSONNEL STAFFING: Regional Account Executive Gidget Battle cuts the ribbon for the grand opening of Personnel Staffing, 2811 Martha Berry Highway. Personnel Staffing provides staffing services in more than 15 states in a variety of industries.

WILLIAM S. DAVIES MENS SHELTER: (From Left) William S. Davies Mens Shelter Board Chairman Lenora Santoro (LR VI), Executive Director Allison Trask, and founders William Davies (LR XXIII) and Susan Seagraves breakground for the shelter's new 132 E. 18th Street location. Once complete, the shelter will house 16 long-stay rooms and on-site training programs.

ANNUAL MEETING: U.S. Congressman Tom Graves, sits with Stephanie Nichols, of Rome Cleaners, during the 105th Annual Meeting program.

PARTNERS IN PROSPERITY III RETURN ON INVESTMENT LUNCHEON: President of Berry College Dr. Stephen Briggs chats with Redmond Regional Medical Center CEO John Quinlivan during the Partners in Prosperity III Return on Investment Luncheon.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: New Chamber member Austin Wig-gins, of HindLight Media, LLC; jots down contact information from Bruce Day, of Habitat for Humanity, during Business After Hours hosted by SHARP Business Systems of Georgia, 316 Broad Street.

GREATER COMMUNITY

BANK

March 2016 13

Renewals

New MembersAlfa Insurance -

Mark Swanson AgencyMr. Mark Swanson601 E. First StreetRome, GA 30161(706) 234-8686

www.alfainsurance.com/agents/mark-swanson

Seven Hills FellowshipMr. Bryan Pierce538 Broad StreetRome, GA 30161(706) 530-1630

www.sevenhillsfellowship.com

The GriffinGregory E. Sumner, Ph.D

215 Broad StreetRome, GA 30161(706) 346-8514

www.thegriffinrome.com

Miss Rome Scholarship Pageant

Ms. Andrea Pitts14 Arlington Court SW

Rome, GA 30165(706) 766-4887

www.missrome.org

Branson Machinery, LLCChristian Counseling & Education

Ministries, Inc.Coosa Medical GroupCoosa Steel Corp.Enived Tech, LLCGolden Living Center of RomeHarbin Clinic, LLCHenderson & Sons Funeral HomeIn-Touch Computer ServicesJohnny’s New York Style PizzaKellogg CompanyMike Ford’s Auto Service, Inc.NIFAST Corporation

Ranger Consulting, Inc.Rome CleanersRome Floyd Cancer InitiativeSherwin-Williams Co.St. Peter’s Episcopal ChurchSuhner Manufacturing, Inc.The Car StoreThe GarageToles, Temple & WrightVillage TheatresWest Rome Animal ClinicWhittington, Jones & Rudert, CPAs, LLCWilliams, Sweitzer & Barnum, Inc.Woods Brokerage Co.

SwerveMs. Val Featherston

108 Broad StreetRome, GA 30161(706) 346-5420

HindLight Media, LLCMr. Austin Wiggins

1001 Burnt Hickory Road NW APT 936

Marietta, GA 30064(706) 506-5349

www.hindlightmedia.com

Carl Black Commercial Sales

Mr. Darren Fichter1260 Auto Park Drive NW

Kennesaw, GA 30144(770) 420-4502

www.kennesawchevroletbuickgmc.com/fleet

MinnowWorks, LLCMr. Steve Trautman

9 Ford Drive SERome, GA 30161(678) 269-7937

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

Last year, that level of hands-on dedication was dramatically increased, as employees were given the opportunity to own company stock. Being an owner, Mr. Lance said, has brought a genuine sense of pride in the success of the bank. “Our team is our greatest resource,” added Mr. Lance. “We currently have 44 great owners who staff our offices, and several of them have been with us for well over ten years. Personal Banking Associate Deborah Burkhalter has been with us since day one, and we are extremely honored to able to say that our work environment supports that kind of longevity for careers. Our staff offers so much strength and stability, not to mention guidance and leadership. These are Romans truly vested in this community.”

Still, as their tagline states, Greater Community Bank is constantly seeking ways to “Live Better. Bank Greater.” Mr. Lance said current trends have moved banking to being more mobile for their on-the-go customers. That’s why Greater Community Bank has recently launched a new website, where you can open accounts online, and in 2016 will incorporate Popmoney and Apple Pay® to enhance their customers’ mobile experiences and to increase flexibility.

With these mobile changes, Greater Community Bank has added rewards programs to services with Kasasa®. The newly-launched program lets customers choose among high interest returns, cash back or earn other rewards. “Consumers want to bank when they want and where they want, and the millennial market is a huge focus for us,” said Mr. Lance. “GCB Mobile usage is growing rapidly and we want to ensure that we are providing the latest and greatest services while still providing quality face-to-face banking when needed.”

And with all of the new features, Mr. Lance said the bank hopes to continue its journey of growth and extend it back into the community. That’s why the Bank has invested in the Partners in Prosperity III, the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s program to enable community marketing for job growth. Partners in Prosperity III is in partnership with the City of Rome, Floyd County Government, the Development Authority of Floyd County, and the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority.

“The success of a community bank is the reflection of the success of the community,” said Mr. Lance. “Celebrating our 20-year milestone is hugely important since it mirrors the economic development we have seen in Rome and Floyd County in the past two decades.”

Continued from Pg. 10

GREATER COMMUNITY

BANK

March 2016 14

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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 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 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 Inside Front Cover

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

www.sonnysbbq.com706-234-1441

page 7Greater Community Bank1490 Martha Berry Blvd.

www.greatercb.com706-295-9300

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 STREETClocktow

er Square. Several suites available.

Carol Hatch, 706-346-1646

THE GRIFFIN - 215 BROAD ST. H

igh end, beau� fully restored offi ce/retail com

mercial space.

Jimm

y Kelley, 706-346-7031

510 BROAD

STREET2 story building.

Bo� om oor leased. $600,000.

Bill Summ

er, 706-346-1233

915 NO

RTH BROAD STREET

Old car w

ash next to St. M

ary’s Church. $475,000.Jim

my Byars, 706-506-9051

411 BROAD

STREETTw

o Story, 5,775 sq. ft., new roof & HVAC.

Second level is street level at rear. $349,000 Kim

berly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

1807 PARRISH D

RIVE32,000 sq. � . w

arehouse with offi ce

space and sprinklers. For lease $6,000/ m

onth. Jimm

y Kelley, 706-346-7031

100 E. SECON

D AVENU

ESuntrust building, Dow

ntown.

4 suites available.Jim

my Byars, 706-506-9051

208 BROAD

STREET2nd oor, currently the hom

e of CEVIAN Design Lab.

Bill Summ

er, 706-346-1233

CENTRAL PLAZA

Four spaces.Available for lease.

Jimm

y Kelley, 706-346-7031

705 SHO

RTER AVENU

EG

reat offi ce or retail loca� on.Building updated &

remodel in 2003.

$1,800/month. Tom

Sipp, 706-346-4077

1611 MARTHA BERRY BLVD

Class A free standing, 4,800 sq. � . offi ce building. For lease, $4,000/ m

onth. Jim

my Byars, 706-506-9051

1605 MARTHA BERRY BLVD

3,000 sq. � . offi ce space w/ u� li� es.

For lease, $3,000/ month.

Jimm

y Byars, 706-506-9051

901 BROAD STREET

1,259 sq. ft. suite. $1,750/month.

Utilities included. Jimm

y Byars, 706-506-9051

2901 SHO

RTER AVENU

E5,037 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. Tw

o 12’x 12’ rollup doors w

/ parking for 20. $650,000. Kim

berly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

908 WEST AVEN

UE

Cedartown. 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse w

/ office area, loading dock & cooler/freezer on 4.64 acres. $1,100,000. Nick Rogers, 706-252-0303

4967 MARTHA BERRY H

WY.

Great restaurant or office space, completely

renovated w/2 bedroom

apartment.

$160,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

7 MILL STREET - CAVE SPRING

Along main road &

ready to move in!

Tons of parking, visiblity; $210,000 or rent $2,700/m

onth. Charles Long, 706-252-0610706-291-4321

412 E. FIRST STREETClocktow

er Square. Several suites available.

Carol Hatch, 706-346-1646

THE GRIFFIN - 215 BROAD ST. High end, beau� fully restored offi ce/retail com

mercial space.

Jimm

y Kelley, 706-346-7031

510 BROAD STREET

2 story building. Bo� om

oor leased. $600,000.Bill Sum

mer, 706-346-1233

915 NO

RTH BROAD STREET

Old car w

ash next to St. M

ary’s Church. $475,000.Jim

my Byars, 706-506-9051

411 BROAD STREET

Two Story, 5,775 sq. ft., new

roof & HVAC. Second level is street level at rear. $349,000

Kimberly Prusakow

ski, 770-712-4250

1807 PARRISH DRIVE32,000 sq. � . w

arehouse with offi ce

space and sprinklers. For lease $6,000/ m

onth. Jimm

y Kelley, 706-346-7031

100 E. SECON

D AVENUE

Suntrust building, Downtow

n.4 suites available.

Jimm

y Byars, 706-506-9051

208 BROAD STREET

2nd oor, currently the home of

CEVIAN Design Lab.Bill Sum

mer, 706-346-1233

CENTRAL PLAZA

Four spaces.Available for lease.

Jimm

y Kelley, 706-346-7031

705 SHORTER AVEN

UE

Great offi ce or retail loca� on.Building updated &

remodel in 2003.

$1,800/month. Tom

Sipp, 706-346-4077

1611 MARTHA BERRY BLVD

Class A free standing, 4,800 sq. � . offi ce building. For lease, $4,000/ m

onth. Jim

my Byars, 706-506-9051

1605 MARTHA BERRY BLVD

3,000 sq. � . offi ce space w/ u� li� es.

For lease, $3,000/ month.

Jimm

y Byars, 706-506-9051

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

onth.Utilities included. Jim

my Byars, 706-506-

9051

2901 SHORTER AVEN

UE

5,037 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. Kim

berly Prusakowski, 770-712-4250

908 WEST AVEN

UE

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

4967 MARTHA BERRY HW

Y. Great restaurant or office space, com

pletely renovated w

/2 bedroom apartm

ent. $160,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

7 MILL STREET - CAVE SPRING

Along main road &

ready to move in!

Tons of parking, visiblity; $210,000 or rent $2,700/m

onth. Charles Long, 706-252-0610706-291-4321

412 E. FIRST STREETClocktower Square.

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

THE GRIFFIN - 215 BROAD ST. High end, beau� fully restored offi ce/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. $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

1807 PARRISH DRIVE32,000 sq. � . warehouse with offi ce space and sprinklers. For lease $6,000/

month. Jimmy Kelley, 706-346-7031

100 E. SECOND AVENUESuntrust building, Downtown.

4 suites available.Jimmy Byars, 706-506-9051

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

705 SHORTER AVENUEGreat offi ce or retail loca� on.

Building updated & remodeled in 2003.$1,800/month. Tom Sipp, 706-346-4077

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

building. For lease, $4,000/ month. 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

4967 MARTHA BERRY HWY. Great restaurant or office space, completely renovated w/2 bedroom apartment. $160,000. Steve Graves, 770-547-2401

7 MILL STREET - CAVE SPRINGAlong main road & ready to move in!

Tons of parking, visiblity; $210,000 or rent $2,700/month. Charles Long, 706-252-0610

706-291-4321