in this issue

Our mission is to provide and

maintain a business friendly

environment in Henry County.

Chairman’s Article 2

Calendar 4

Ribbon Cuttings 5

It’s Happening in Henry 6

New Members/Renewals 7

Chamber Briefs 11

Edward Jones 13

Business Boosters Lunch 14

Business After Hours 14

Henry County Chamber of Commerce1709 Highway 20 WestWestridge Business CenterMcDonough, GA 30253

A H E N R y C o u N t y C H A M B E R o f C o M M E R C E p u B L I C A t I o N y o u R B u S I N E S S I S o u R B u S I N E S S

H A M p t o N | L o C u S t G R o v E | M C D o N o u G H S t o C k B R I D G E OCTOBER 2011

Early Voting Is Not Only Encouraged – It’s The Only Way To Ensure One-Stop Voting

During its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to support the Education SPLOST referendum placed on the November 2011 Election ballot by the Henry County Board of Education. The vote followed more than a month of research, study  and deliberation by Board Members on the merits of the referendum. See E-Splost, page 3.

Early voting accommodates both the countywide E-SPLOST referen-dum as well as city elections and be-gins October 17 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at 345 Phillips Drive in McDonough through October 28.

To encourage early voting, hours will be extended at each municipality voting location from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm beginning

October 31 and lasting until November 4 for the

following four Henry County municipality voting locations:

McDonough – 345 Phillips Drive (Note: Now includes Mc-

Donough City Precinct which used to vote at Henry County Middle

School and Fire Station) • Locust Grove – Recreation Center • Hampton – Train Depot • Stockbridge – Ted Strickland Com-munity Center While voting early enables voters to go to one location and cast votes on

both the countywide E-SPLOST as well as the city elections, technology issues prevent voters from casting both votes on Election Day, November 8. Instead, many voters who wait to vote on Election Day, November 8, will have to go to two different vot-ing precincts. They may be required to go to a county precinct in order to cast their vote on the E-SPLOST and then go to a city precinct in order to vote on city elections. (Hampton is the only exception where both the county vote and city vote can be cast in one location.) To prevent confusion and mini-mize the need to vote in two places, Henry County residents are ENCOUR-AGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY VOTING. October 11 is the last date to register in order to vote in the up-coming election.

For more information, visit www.co.henry.ga.us/Registrars/

By Taylor Rice

Critical November E-SPLOST Vote

Chairman’s Message2 HenryCounty.Com

Everyone agrees that education is the cornerstone of a successful life. We all know the value that a quality educational system brings to a com-munity. What we may not be aware of are the costs involved in building, running, and maintaining a quality educational system here in Henry County. School bond referendums are limited in their ability to fund the myriad expenses that a school system incurs. For that reason, alter-nate forms of funding are needed if a system is to survive during austere times. The upcoming Education Spe-cial Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) vote is critical if Henry County is to maintain excellence in our school system.

You may have seen the results of previously approved E-SPLOSTs. Fa-cilities tend to be the most noticeable items an E-SPLOST benefits. How-ever, this isn’t all that an E-SPLOST funds. The E-SPLOST on this year’s ballot will be used mostly to maintain existing facilities, expand upon cur-rent buildings in need of more space, and to upgrade technology.

There is a new high school pro-posed in Hampton to help alleviate some of the overcrowding at Luella High School. With a student body of more than 40,000 and an employ-ee base of over 6,000, facilities are being used to their maximum and must receive a high level of main-tenance ensuring future generations have exceptional environments in which to learn. Students must also have the latest technology for their educational growth to guarantee they remain competitive with school peers across Georgia and the nation for college acceptance and landing jobs. Technology changes at a rapid

pace and what was good yesterday may be already outdated.

What can you do to help? Talk to your friends and neighbors, talk to your business colleagues, and let everyone around you know how im-portant our school system is to this vibrant community. Explain how a top tier education system attracts more business, or how a more edu-cated population decreases crime and relieves our jail system. Explain how quality of life improves when par-ents and children live and work near their schools. Take this opportunity to remind those around you of the reasons they chose to live, work and play in Henry County.

Explain how the passage of the E-SPLOST will not raise their taxes. They have actually been contributing to previous E-SPLOSTs since 1997. Plus, anyone who shops in our coun-ty, whether they are from Arizona or Australia, New York or Norway, con-tributes to the success of our students by funding school growth in physical structures and educational technol-ogy and materials.

Get involved in the process. The effort to pass the E-SPLOST is no small undertaking. One of the most important tasks is to educate the electorate as to exactly what is being brought up for a vote. Educational materials like fliers, signs, and mail-ings all cost money. By law the school system is unable to advocate for the passage of an E-SPLOST initiative, therefore it is up to those of us in the community that see the value in such initiatives to be the torch bearers for the cause. We can put signs in our yards and places of business, we can donate to the campaign, and we can volunteer of our time.

To make sure that the Henry of tomorrow is as exceptional as the Henry of today, contact Mike Grif-fin. Mike is a local businessman and Chamber member who has graciously volunteered his time to spearhead the movement to ensure passage of the E-SPLOST in Novem-ber. Mike may be reached via Grif-fin Insurance, at 770-507-3200. He is also accessible through email, at mike@griffininsure.com.

Taylor Rice is both a partner in Moye’s Pharmacy and Registered Pharmacist who oversees a Moye’s long-term care division.

HenryCounty.Com

The voters of Henry County

have the opportunity to continue

the one-cent sales tax earmarked

for education during a November

8th election referendum. Since

1997 the Education Special Pur-

pose Local Option Sales Tax (E-

SPLOST) has received voter sup-

port, enabling the capital building

projects of several schools. Now

funds are needed via a fourth

E-SPLOST in order to maintain

school buildings, to update tech-

nology and to build new schools.

The E-SPLOST referendum cov-

ers a five-year period when tax

funds are generated specifically

for education via a one-cent sales

tax on all retail purchases made

in Henry County. Those tax mon-

ies can only be used for capital

expenses such as facilities; they

are not used for operating costs

such as salaries and benefits.

The community’s strong

support for the previous E-

SPLOST referendums enabled

the school system to keep pace

with exceptional growth in stu-

dent enrollment. This support

facilitated the building of 18

new schools and the fulfillment

of many other projects over the

course of the three E-SPLOSTs,

1997 to present.

Although the current E-

SPLOST will not expire until

2012, the law permits earlier

voting on the matter so that,

if passed on November’s bal-

lot, the one-cent sales tax will

continue uninterrupted and will

cover the period 2012-2017.

There are still capacity building

projects (such as a new high

school in Hampton) to be ac-

complished; however, a num-

ber of technology upgrades and

facility renovations and/or ad-

ditions are also needed (70%)

from E-SPLOST #4 funds.

Schools, like homes and cars,

show wear and tear and require

upkeep due to constant use.

Technology is ever-changing and

tends to become obsolete in less

than five years. Continued growth

demands the addition of new

schools. The chart below depicts

how the 2012-2017 funds could

be utilized to meet those needs:

The sales tax approach via

E-SPLOST is beneficial to Hen-

ry County tax payers because,

while money collected from res-

idents is put to use within, and

stays in, OUR county, taxes also

come from tourist dollars and

from other non-residents who

shop, or buy gas or groceries

in Henry County. With so many

shopping sites and with attrac-

tions such as Atlanta Motor

Speedway which brings in the

state’s largest attended events,

E-SPLOST dollars are raised lo-

cally from both outside, as well

as inside, Henry County.

3

The Chamber Supports Education-SPLOSTAnd Encourages Your “Yes” Vote

*Figure is projected.

Your E-SPLOST Dollars Worked to Accomplish:

OCTOBER 2011

10 11 12 9 15

17 18 19 20 16 22

24 25 26 27 23 29

3130

21

28

13

Sunday MOnday TuESday WEdnESday ThuRSday FRiday SaTuRday

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

14

ChaMBER STaFFkay pippin, presidentRoger Nix, Membership DirectorLaura Luker, Director of tourismDiane Ide, Director of Communicationsphyllis Reeves, Information Specialist

2011 BOaRd OF diRECTORS

ExECuTivE COMMiTTEEtaylor Rice, Chairman, Moye’s pharmacyDanny Brown, Chair-Elect, SERvpRo of Henry & Spalding CountiesEddie Ausband, Secretary/treasurer, the Ausband Agency, Inc.Andy Welch, Immediate past Chair, Smith, Welch, Webb & White

kevin Smith, vice Chair/Chamber Development, toppan Interamerica, Inc.June Wood, vice Chair/Government & Education, Georgia powerCharles Scott, vice Chair Economic & Cultural Development, Henry Medical CenterJulie Hoover-Ernst, CvB Chair, Henry County Board of Commissionerskay pippin, HCCC president

CLaSS OF 2011Michelle Deraney, SCB-tv Channel 15Marlin Gilbert, Southern States, LLCJames Chafin, Judge, H.C. State Courtkevin Smith, toppan Interamerica, Inc.Lee Saphos, Heartland payment-SystemsDanny Stone, Snapping Shoals EMC

CLaSS OF 2012Herschel Arant, Central Georgia EMCDanny Brown, SERvpRo of Henry & Spalding CountiesSteve Moore, Moore Bass Consulting, Inc. John Newman, Classic Landscapes, Inc. Laura turner, Eleste Marketing, Inc. June Wood, Georgia power

CLaSS OF 2013Eddie Ausband, , the Ausband AgencyGreg Cannon, Cannon-Cleveland funeral DirectorsSteve Nail, Nail Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Shane persaud, Building Design partnership, LLCRhonda Segers, united Community BankDenise Sowell, Capitol Street financial Services

Ex OFFiCiO MEMBERSChairman Elizabeth ‘B.J.’ Mathis, HC Board of CommissionersMayor R.W. Coley, City of HamptonMayor Lorene Lindsey, City of Locust GroveMayor Billy Copeland, City of McDonoughMayor Lee Stuart, City of StockbridgeEthan Hildreth, Superintendent, Henry County SchoolsCharles Scott, CEo, Henry Medical Centervickie Loper, Chairman, Henry County Development AuthorityRoderick Burch, Henry County Water and Sewerage AuthorityHolly Campbell, Leadership HenryGerald Hudgins - Chair AppointeeLisa kinchen, H Magazine, LLC - Chair Appointee

4 HenryCounty.Com

“MAXIMUM MONEY” COURSE

11 AM - 1PM, Hudgins Rm

“MAXIMUM MONEY” COURSE

11 AM - 1PM, Hudgins Rm

MEMBERSHIPAPPRECIATION LUNCH

11:00AM-1:00PMChamber Grounds

CVB BOD8 AM, Bd Rm

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE10 AM, Bd Rm

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE11:30 AM, Bd Rm

MEDIA RELATIONS3:30 PM, Toppan Rm

LEADERSHIP HENRY BOD8 AM, Bd Rm

HCCC BOD PLANNING RETREAT

7:30 AM, Hudgns RmEXISTING INDUSTRIES

Noon, Location TBA

AMBASSADORSLUNCHEON

Noon

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

11:30 AM, Hudgins Rm

SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL

10 AM, Bd RmBUSINESS BOOSTERS

LUNCHEON11 AM, Hudgins Rm

BUSINESSAFTER HOURS

5:30 PM, Mercer University

YOUTH LEADERSHIP HENRY BOD8 AM, Bd Rm

August 26 15th Street Pizza

2130 Jodeco RoadMcDonough, GA 30253

Contact: Mr. Dennis McHugh770-507-1478

www.15thstreetpizza.com

August 20 St. Vincent de Paul of St. James the Apostle

298 Simpson StreetMcDonough, GA 30252

Contact: Ms. Tammy Thomas770-914-7600www.svdpatl.org

September 10 Fidelity Bank

1375 Highway 20 WestMcDonough, GA 30253

Contact: Ms. Lisa Jackson770-914-4300

www.lionbank.com

August 17 Luella Academy

235 Walker DriveMcDonough, GA 30253

Contact: Ms. Stephanie Ray770-914-1933

www.bridgelearningcenter.com

September 9 EBO Educational Services

1400 Pennsylvania AvenueMcDonough, GA 30253

Contact: Mr. Jamal L. Burt770-288-8595

www.ebotutoring.com

HenryCounty.Com 5

E2 Task Force Presents Recommendations The E2: Economics & Education Task Force comprised of over 100 Henry County stakeholders and co-chaired by Brian Preston, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Edu-cation, and June Wood, Chairman of the HCCC Education Committee, presented their final report/recommendations in late August to participants of the 2011 Henry County In-tergovernmental Retreat in Columbus. The report entitled, E2: Economics & Education, an Action Plan for Education & Workforce Development contains recommendations that if embraced by the entire Henry County community, would push what is already a “good” Henry County School system over the top to become a “great” school system. The Task Force spent eight months researching issues and identifying strategic focus areas that can help equip a greater number

of Henry County students advance their education and pre-pare for entry into the workforce. The Task Force identified specific strategies for each focus area to serve as a starting point and established quantifiable measures of success to assure progress is being made on each goal. Taking the next step of actually applying the recommended strategies is essential to achieving the goals set forth by the Task Force and it will truly “take a village” to succeed. To communicate that message and to request participa-tion, a video has been released which gives task force mem-bers a platform to share the strategies and encourage grass-roots involvement by individuals, churches, homeowners associations, civic and non-profit organizations, etc. “There is something for everyone to do to help our public schools

succeed,” said HCCC Chairman Taylor Rice. The video can be viewed on the Chamber’s website, www.henrycounty.com under the “Live, Work, Play – Education” tab, or on SCB-TV Channel 15, a local cable station. The final recommendations are now in print, but the work is only just beginning to achieve the results sought by this initiative. The implementation phase of the project will continue under the guidance of the HCCC Education Foundation, a non-profit with the mission of championing the enhancement of countywide educa-tion initiatives. For more information about the E2: Economics & Edu-cation Task Force recommendations or to become involved with this initiative, contact HCCC President Kay Pippin at kpippin@henrycounty.com .

Comfortably South of AtlantaiT’S happEning in hEnRy HenryCounty.Com6

Fear the WoodsWeekends throughout October (Fri-Sun) 7:00 – midnightyule Forest This activity is not recommended for small children. Brave thrill-seekers, however, can enjoy the Haunted Hayride, Haunted Barn, Jumping Pillow, Reptile Exhibit, and Pumpkin Cannons. $12 per person. On the farm at Yule Forest, 3565 N Highway 155 in Stockbridge. For more information, visit www.fearthewoods.com. 1st annual Bikers for Babies Charity RideOctober 1 9:00 a.m. RegistrationMcdonough Christian Church This ride, sponsored by Paradise Empowers, will take you from McDonough to Warm Springs and the event will involve music, prizes and a raffle. Cost is $20 per bike $5 per passenger. Leave from McDonough Christian Church, 2000 Jonesboro Road in McDonough. For more information visit www.paradiseempowers.org.art in the parkOctober 1 noon - 5:00 p.m. • On the McDonough Square This series provides a free venue for artists of all ages and various talents to demonstrate their craft. Interested artists may contact Jeff Hunter at  770.633.6738  for more information.  The public is invited to try their hand at painting, browse, learn, and speak with the artists while enjoying a fun afternoon on McDonough’s historic Square. Bring the family! Attendance is free. For more information visit www.mcdonougharts.net.Bridgefest in the pinesOctober 1 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Clark Community Park This festival will be the must attend event of the fall and will host a variety of art & unique craft vendors, a business showcase, an entertainment stage, a children’s area and more! If you have any questions about the festival, please contact Miranda Roberts at mroberts@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov. The Pumpkin Patch @ Yule Forest • Opens October 1Mon – Fri 4:00 - 7:00 pm • Sat – Sun 10:00 am – 6:00 pm3565 Hwy 155N in StockbridgeChoose your own pumpkin right off the vine. They promote agriculture for all ages in the community in a fun and educational way. They also have train rides, pony rides, and hop-a-long horse races available on the weekends! Enjoy the Pumpkin Jumping Pillow! Take a ride on our hayride and visit the petting zoo. Walk the Crazy Maze and see our science center, which includes bugs & butterflies, rocks & minerals, bones, fossils, and a large live reptile exhibit. School tours are offered on weekday mornings by reservation only. Visit www.AboutYule.com or email yuleforest155@aol.com or call 770-954-9356Family Night...in the Grove • October 1 – 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Downtown Locust GroveMake plans to attend the first ever “Family Night...in the Grove” and enjoy art exhibitors, music, karaoke, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunt, family photos, scarecrow village, story telling at our story-telling tree, and some very creative craft vendors.  You will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for some great raffle items and businesses will be open until 10:00 p.m. for shopping. dale Jarrett Racing adventureOctober 1 • Atlanta Motor Speedway For more information visit www.racingadventure.com or call 1 (888) GO-RACE-1.Scarecrow Village October 1-31Downtown Locust GroveBusinesses are invited to display a scarecrow advertising their business in the downtown scarecrow village area during the month of October. Families as well as civic groups are also encouraged to participate. We invite citizens to visit the scarecrow village and enjoy the display of various kinds of scarecrows throughout the month. For more information, call 770-692-2320. Haunting ...in The Grove • Various dates in OctoberDuring the month of October, the City of Locust Grove will host its annual Haunting . . . in The Grove. A haunted house will be on the grounds of city hall during the last three weekends of October. There will also be movies on the lawn during the month. Call 770-957-5043 for specific dates and times. access iOctober 1 9:00 am - 4:00 pm • UGA’s Griffin CampusCost for class is $95; to register, call 770-229-3477Open auditions for The nutcrackerOctober 2 • Atlanta Festival BalletVisit www.atlantafestivalballet.com/openaudition.htmlSix Sigma green Belt TrainingOct 3,4,5; nov 10,11,29,30 and dec 1,12,13 (10 days)UGA’s Griffin CampusCost: $2,250. To register, call 770-229-3477Business Women’s Golf League (BWGL) Complimentary Fall Mixer • October 4 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Canongate at heron Bay golf Club This is a welcoming group of ladies who want to learn to play or improve their game, while making new friends and growing their professional network. Come and enjoy great company, drinks, appetizers and a clinic or abbreviated play. Open to all business women in and around Henry County. RSVP by emailing HeronBayBWGL@gmail.com.Word 2October 4 & October 6 - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmUGA’s Griffin CampusCost for class is $95; to register, call 770-229-3477Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale October 6-8 • Atlanta Motor Speedway Since 1998, Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale has helped families in the community by giving them an outlet to sell outgrown items or no longer needed children items. The sale also helps shoppers buy new items at a reasonable price. For more information, visit www.sweetrepeats.org. Richard petty driving ExperienceOctober 7-9 & 20-23 • Atlanta Motor SpeedwayFor more information visit http://www.drivepetty.com or call 1 (800) BE-PETTY. Fit for Families 5K Run/WalkOctober 8 – 8:00 a.m. • Tanger Outlet CenterTanger is bringing the community together this fall to promote and encourage a healthy, happy lifestyle and fight breast cancer. Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society. This is a timed, 5K (3.1 mile) event that will begin at Tanger, travel offsite and then end at Tanger. All finishers will receive a race medal, and all pre-registered participants will receive a race pack which includes a commemorative race t-shirt, Tanger shopping discounts and other goodies. Prizes will be awarded to division winners as well as the top 3 male and top 3 female winners. Register online at www.tangeroutlet.com/race. annual Fall BazaarOctober 8 – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Mcdonough First united Methodist ChurchStop by the Annual Fall Bazaar and pick up some chicken BBQ or homemade baked goods or browse the vendor aisles. All proceeds benefit the McDonough First United Methodist Church mission ministry. Better Living Home & Garden Show October 8 10:00 am – 7:00 pm • October 9 11:00 am – 7:00 pmGateway Event CenterBring home fresh ideas from home improvement, design and landscape companies offering exclusive “home show only” special pricing, sales, deals and over 100 door prize giveaways! Plus, more drawings to be held by exhibitors. All who attend the show can also enter to win a brand new 2011 Toyota Corolla LI provided by Toyota of McDonough! For more information, visit www.betterlivinghomesandgardenshow.com.access iiOctober 8 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm • UGA’s Griffin CampusCost for class is $95; to register, call 770-229-3477SpeedTech Racing SchoolOctober 8-9 & 14 -16 • Atlanta Motor Speedway For more information visit http://www.speedtech500.com or call 1 (877) 80-SPEED. Excel iOctober 13 & October 20 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pmUGA’s Griffin CampusCost for class is $95; to register, call 770-229-347714th annual Big green Egg “Eggtoberfest”October 14-15 • Atlanta Motor Speedway EGGtoberfest is an annual event held on the third weekend in October in Atlanta. It originated in 1998 as a way for Big Green Egg to say thanks to loyal customers. Now crowds of over 1400 people gather to sample food, share recipes and learn firsthand about the EGG. For more information, visit www.biggreenegg.com. Chili Cook-offOctober 15 – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Hampton Depot ParkIf you make some mean 5-Alarm chili or have perfected grandma’s secret chili recipe, show it off by entering the competition. First prize is $100. The entry fee is $25 (after October 1). Contact Candy Franklin at 770-946-4306 or cfranklin@cityofhampton-ga.gov to register. If you’d rather eat than cook then buy a spoon for $1 and taste up to 10 entries. There will also be music, a cake walk, face painting and more! Stars Over Stockbridge:  Moonlight Movie SeriesOctober 21 -  5:30 p.m. • Clark Community Park Come enjoy a Halloween showing of Monsters vs. Aliens! Before the movie, kids can enjoy trick-or-treating around the Clark Park and spooky train rides. This is a free event. Mcdonough Lions Club BBQ FundraiserOctober 22 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Alexander Park

Pick up dinner for the family and help support local Lions Club charities. For just $7 a plate you get ½ barbecued chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, bread and tea! Contact the McDonough Lions Club or Pat Watson at 770-897-9580 for more information. Spirits of Mcdonough - City Cemetery TourOctober 22 – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Don’t miss out on the City Cemetery Tour! For more details call Debbie at 678.522.4020Breast health Connection programOctober 25 6:00 – 8:00 pmhMC Foundation Education CenterParticipants will be matched with the screening source most appropriate for them. Women who already qualify for existing breast health programs will be given a referral for a clinical breast exam and mammogram through the Henry County Health Department. Others will receive a FREE Henry Medical Center mammogram screening certificate. Hands of Hope Clinic staff will be available to schedule breast-related appointments if needed. For more information, visit www.henrymedical.com.Excel iiOctober 27 & Nov 3 9:00 am - 12:00 pm • UGA’s Griffin CampusCost for class is $95; to register, call 770-229-3477Trick or Treat October 28 • Downtown HamptonThis event is hosted by the Hampton Business & Merchants Association. Children look forward to trick or treating in Downtown Hampton as well as commercial locations at Boothe’s Crossing and the State Farm Building!haunted depotOctober 28-29 • Hampton Train DepotSee the scary transformation of a local building into the ghoulish labyrinth of Halloween! Join us for a hayride through the cemetery and wear a survivor t-shirt! All inclusive for $10.00!Goblin Gallop • October 29 – 9:00 a.m.heron Bay golf & Country ClubGrab your favorite Halloween costume for an afternoon of fall family fun benefiting the Hands of Hope Clinic. The Goblin Gallop is an event for every age group with three different races: 6K Run, 1 Mile Run/Walk and the “Tot Trot,” for kids aged five and under. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative costumes. Pre-registration forms are available at ww.handsofhopeclinic.org. Click on the “Fundraising Events” tab to access the form.Trick or Treat at TangerOctober 29 - 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Tanger Outlet CenterChildren 12 and under are invited to trick or treat at participating stores at Tanger Outlet. Fast Track high performance driving SchoolOctober 29 • Atlanta Motor Speedway For more information visit http://www.fasttrackracing.com or call (704) 455-1700. Volunteers Asked to Sign Up NowConnecting henry’s Community Cares Toy Shop – Christmas for the Community, By the CommunityThis year’s Connecting Henry event will take place Dec 8-10 at a location to be named. Volunteer opportunities include: staffing the Toy Shop as a personal shopper, gift wrapping, baby-sitting, serving cocoa and cookies, security, decorating, stocking shelves, and cleaning up. To volunteer, call 770-288-6230.Chamber Membership appreciation LuncheonMonday, October 31 • 11:00 am – 1:00 pmhenry County Chamber of Commerce The Chamber would like to express gratitude to its members by holding lunch on the grounds – generously catered by Shane’s Rib Shack. Since it’s Halloween, costumes are encouraged and will be judged at noon for a prize. To adequately plan, RSVPs are required – members only please. Call Phyllis at 770-957-5786 or email preeves@henrycounty.com.Family Fall FestivalMonday, October 31 • 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Eagle’s Landing First Baptist ChurchAn alternative to Halloween – fun for the whole family – community-wide event! There will be rides, inflatables, preschool farm, games and LOTS OF CANDY! Bring a container to collect candy. All events are free; however there will be a small charge for food. Request participants wear only “Happy” costumes. No pets please. 2400 Hwy 42 N in McDonough.

HenryCounty.Com 7

On Monday, September 12, fourteen Chamber members interested in learning more about their financials and in growing their company’s revenue began a five-week class that meets each Monday for two hours over lunch. The course is led by Alisa Kirk, a consultant with the Clayton State University Small Business Development Center. “Maximum Money” is the second “Maximum” course to be offered for Henry County businesses and co-sponsored by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Henry County Development Authority.

“As a small business owner, it’s important that I not only know what a financial statement contains, but also what that financial statement says about the health and potential growth of my business. I was impressed with both the content and delivery of the information -- I feel confident that what I learn though this course will help improve my understanding of the financial workings of my business thus improving my chances of a more profitable future,” stated Lewis Brannen, Owner of Seniors Helping Seniors of McDonough, and a member of the class.

Maximum MoneyHCCC/HCDA Offer

“Maximum Money” Course

ChaMBER MEMBERShipWelcome to our nEW Members

ChaMBER MEMBERShipThank you to our REnEWing Members

Americas CorporationMr. Jude O. Chisley, Sr.

2106 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA 30096417-766-7628

Mr. Brian Andrews510 Cypress Point, McDonough, GA 30253

770-315-8919

Chevron Food MartMr. Krnaul Patel

2778 Highway 81 E, McDonough, GA 30252678-938-5173

Eagle Point Accounting & Tax, Inc.Mr. Gary A. Mosley, EA, ABA

155 Westridge Parkway, Suite 108, McDonough, GA 30253678-583-9706

Gantt & AssociatesMs. Lakeisha Gantt

157 Burke Street, Suite 106, Stockbridge, GA 30281678-923-5523

Innovative Event Concepts, LLCMr. Jerry Cummings

111 Cone Street, Atlanta, GA 30303678-549-5541

South Atlanta NeurosurgeryMrs. Nazie Rezaiamiri

33 SW Riverdale Road, #25, Riverdale GA 30274770-997-0600

South Ola BPMr. Tushar Patel

3342 Highway 81 E, McDonough, GA 30252678-938-5173

YellowBookMs. Tyleshia Pope

105 Preston Court, Macon, GA 31210478-477-4834

Bear Creek Association, Inc.Bethany Baptist Church

Canongate Golf ClubsClean Slate Services, LLC

Corporate Office Furniture & Panels, Inc.CorrectMed

Country Inn & SuitesCourtesy Cleaners

Delta Community Credit Union - Mt. Zion ParkwayEagle’s Landing First Baptist Church

Easler ConstructionEmily’s Attic

Express Employment ProfessionalsGeorgia Utility Contractors Association, Inc.

Grace Management Enterprises, Inc.Hampton Business & Merchants Association

Henry Arts AllianceHenry County Counseling Center

Home Helpers and Direct LinkIntrospective Solutions

James T. Chafin IIIJeffrey W. Woolums, CPA, P.C.

Luxottica RetailMcDonough Senior Women’s Club

Mercer University - Regional Academic CenterNeel - Schaffer

Norfolk Southern CorporationOral Surgery Associates & Dental Implant Centers

Piedmont HealthcarePublix Super Markets, Inc - # 1052Publix Super Markets, Inc - # 547Publix Super Markets, Inc - # 816Publix Super Markets, Inc - # 92

Publix Super Markets, Inc. - # 1054Publix Super Markets, Inc. - Main

Pumpkin Patch at Yule Forest (The ) Hwy. 155RAM-Tech PC Solutions

Retail Therapy Boutique, LLCScott Powerline and Utility Equipment, LLC

Seiler & Associates, Inc.Sign-A-Rama

Sirius Chemical GroupSkyline Pest Solutions, Inc.

Speedway DonutsTeen Expressions, Inc.

Verizon WirelessW. D. Lemon & Sons Funeral HomeWelcome Home Real Estate Group

8 HenryCounty.Com 9

R. W. ColeyMayor

P.O. Box 400 City Hall: 770.946.430617 East Main Street South Fax: 770.946. 4356Hampton, Georgia 30228

City ofHampton

934 DAILEY MILL ROADMcDONOUGH, GA 30253dbrown@servpro8537.com

OF CLAYTON COUNTYOF DECATUROF HENRY & SPALDING COUNTIES

Danny BrownGeneral Manager

(770) 997-5689(404) 378-9998(678) 432-3003

FAX: (770) 914-1078

Nationally Known - Locally Owned

FIRE & WATER- CLEANUP & RESTORATION24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

1133 Eagle’s Landing ParkwayStockbridge, Georgia 30281Telephone: 678.604.1000

www.henrymedical.com

Leading Edge Technology. First Class Care. Close To Home.

City of Stockbridge

Lee Stuart, Mayor

770-389-7910

Eddie Ausband,CFP

4920 N. Henry Blvd Stockbridge, GA 30281Phone: 770-507-401K770-389-9060 x 102 eausband@revanta.com

Henry County Chamber ofCommerce

Convention & Visitors Bureau1709 Highway 20 West

Westridge Business CenterMcDonough, GA 30253

770-957-5786

Charles B. WoodroofSr. Vice PresidentHenry County Executive2750 Highway 42 NorthMcDonough, GA 30253

Tel: 678.510.5283Fax: 770.506.8867

Cell: 678.414.4271Nextel: 24*7766

www.fnbgriffin.com

woodroof@fnbbanking.com

Member FDIC

Henry County’s choice for

770-775-7857www.cgemc.com

If you’re looking for the perfect location, we can help. Along with SelectGeorgia, our pow-erful new state-of-the-art system for finding the best site or building for your company, our team of professionals provides world-class service to meet all your site location needs. We are here to be part of your team by providing our expertise, products, and services to you free of charge. From target industry knowledge to site analysis to visit coordination, we do it all. Contact us. We’re ON so you can be.®

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 75 FIFTH STREET NW, SUITE 175 ATLANTA, GA 30308 ECONDEVGA@SOUTHERNCO.COM WWW.SELECTGEORGIA.NET

Danny StoneManager of Economic Development

P. O. Box 509, Covington, GA 30015

770-786-3484

SNAPPING SHOALSEMC

City of Locust Grove

Lorene Lindsey, Mayor

(770) 957-5043

Rhonda J. SegersRetail Sales Manager678-289-2503

STOCKBRIDGE850 Eagles Landing Pkwy | 770-507-5855

MCDONOUGH865 Hwy 20/81 W | 770-898-1988

LOCUST GROVE4970 Bill Gardner Parkway | 770-288-3500

Member FDIC | ucbi.com

Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Proudly Serving Henry County

PubLICaTION Of HENryCOuNTy.COm IS madE POSSIbLE IN ParT by THE SuPPOrT Of THE bOard mEmbErS Of THE HENry COuNTy CHambEr Of COmmErCE. Thank You!

Ethan HildrethSuperintendent

770-957-6601770-914-6178 FAX

ethan.hildreth@henry.k12.ga.us

22 N. Zack Hinton ParkwayMcDonough, Georgia 30253

www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com

Every LIFE has a story. Celebrate it!

770-914-1414Greg Cannon

770-957-3915

City of McDonough

Billy Copeland, Mayor

www.companioncarega.com

Companion CareCremation Services

“Lillie”

910 Dailey Mill RoadMcDonough, GA 30253

770-692-3819Greg Cannon

owner

ANDY WELCH

SMITH, WELCH,WEBB & WHITE

2200 KEYS FERRY COURT

MCDONOUGH, GEORGIA 30253

770-957-3937

Attorney

HenryCounty.Com10

New Promotions Attracted Race Fans to Local Businesses

NASCAR fans began to arrive as early as one week before the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway over Labor Day weekend and started spending money in Henry County. A couple from Orange Park, Florida, turned in more than $200 in receipts on Friday from local restaurants and grocery stores they had visited during week leading up to the race. They were just the first in a long line of race fans who showed up at the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) tent over race weekend to trade in their Henry County receipts for a “Race to Henry” t-shirt, a cooler tote and chances to win pit passes. Over the course of the weekend almost $17,000 in receipts were redeemed from just over 100 fans in exchange for prizes. The HCCC/CVB began promoting a new re-ceipt redemption program on its website and Face-book page several weeks prior to the race. Atlanta Motor Speedway also mentioned the new CVB pro-gram in their marketing, spurring a flurry of com-ments and promises to wait and buy gas when race fans reached Henry County. Whether fans knew about the receipt redemp-tion promotion prior to arriving in Henry County (like the couple from Tampa who stated that they waited to buy gas and groceries until they arrived here), or learned about it once at the Speedway, fans were scrambling for receipts to turn in, even if it required making a special purchase to do so. In one instance, a gentleman who stopped by the CVB tent on Friday night learned about the promotion, picked up a JailHouse Brewing Com-pany coupon, and returned on Saturday afternoon to turn in his receipts from touring the brewery and buying two JailHouse t-shirts – a win-win for county revenue and a local business. Fans who arrived early could also explore the county through a QR Code Scavenger Hunt organized by the CVB which led them through six Henry County attractions and rewarded them with a chance at coveted pit passes. On Sunday, a lady who had scanned her final QR Code at Tanger then went on a shopping spree, returned to the CVB tent at the Speedway to redeem over $400 in receipts. “She was a complete customer,” said State Court Judge Jim Chafin, who volunteered at the CVB tent on Sunday redeeming her receipts.

“The best part about the weekend for me was that the information about local attractions disap-peared from our table almost as fast as the free goodies and prizes,” stated Laura Luker, HCCC/CVB Director of Tourism. “That’s really why we set up a tent in the Fan Zone; we want people to know more about our county. Through these promotions we were able to accomplish that goal.” Another feature at the CVB tent was a basket filled with “Henry Made, Henry Grown” products including Shane’s Rib Shack BBQ Sauce, Curry & Echol’s Hot and Salty Pickles, an Incredible Southern Poundcake, an empty bottle of JailHouse Breakout Stout, a bottle of Ken’s Salad Dressing and of course a Nestle® Oh Henry®! candy bar -- which garnered much attention. Fans eagerly registered for a chance to win a Henry County gift bag that included many of these items. Hundreds of fans registered for the gift bag with parting words like “It’s the lucky one” or “Please pick that one.” In registering for the gift basket and other prizes, the CVB collected valuable information about race attendees that will be useful for advertising next year’s promotions. Using zip codes collected, the CVB can geo-target advertising to areas with espe-cially high concentrations of race fans. This year the CVB tested the waters of this be-havior and geo-targeted online marketing through a Henry Daily Herald product called BOLT. Banner ads advertising “Race to Henry & Win” were dis-played on websites frequented by race fans, which generated more than 100 visits to the CVB website where fans could register for a race weekend pack-age. Renee Fedele from Charlotte, North Carolina was the lucky winner of the “Race to Henry” online contest, winning a race package which included a 3-night stay, two tickets to the AdvoCare 500, two “Race to Henry” t-shirts and two JailHouse Brew-ing Company souvenir tasting glasses. Without winning this package Ms. Fedele would have been unable to attend the race. However, after a week-end in Henry County, the grateful Ms. Fedele left declaring, “I love the quaint little town where the Jailhouse Brewery is located and the people there showed true southern hospitality! I  will see you next time...rain or shine!” Whether it was on the CVB’s website or Face-

book page, word of mouth or through the cards distributed through the hotels, fans learned about the CVB’s new promotions and embraced them with relish. “We were very pleased with the response our promotions received,” said Julie Hoover-Ernst, Chairman of the CVB Board of Directors. “We have laid the groundwork for a solid program and ex-pect next year we will see exponential growth!” Teena Lawhon from Jackson, Georgia was the lucky winner of the two pit passes. Teena won her

pit passes by turning in more than $100 in receipts from purchases made at Henry County businesses!

Laura Luker (left) poses with “Race to Henry” winner Rene Fedele.

Noel and Chef Sam Pagan (right) with Masleon Cakes & Pastries,

www.masleoncakes.com worked with guests at CVB tent during race weekend.

Jacoby Development Shares Plans for Southside

Business leaders and residents alike across Atlanta’s Southern arc were thrilled last spring when Jacoby Development, Inc., announced a decision by Porsche North America to move their headquarters from Sandy Springs to the old Ford plant site near the Hartsfield-Jackson At-lanta International Airport. This rare move from the northern suburbs to Atlanta’s Southside is unprecedented and will bring hundreds of new jobs and prestige to the Southside. According to Scott Condra, when the Porsche Headquarters and Experience Center is fully built out, travelers will be able to see the facility from the air as they travel in and out of the airport. Scott Condra, the Senior Vice President of Development at Jacoby Development, Inc., was speaking to Chamber members during the September Business Boosters Luncheon at the Chamber.

Porsche plans to build offices where the Ford plant was demol-ished and a test track similar to its Porsche Silverstone facility in Eng-land. Condra stated “Porsche builds not just cars, but ‘performance machines’ that are put through demanding road tests to assure the product measures up; such driving demands a difficult and safe Tract.” The new Tract will also be available for limited use by the public includ-ing driver safety training for young drivers.

Jacoby, the developer that also built Atlanta’s Atlantic Sta-tion, bought the Ford plant property because of its location and surrounding infrastructure. “The 17th Street Bridge had to be built to connect Atlantic Station to the rest of Atlanta, but our site along I-75 near the airport, has all the infrastructure in place…connecting bridges and intersections to major express-ways, proximity to the airport, interstate frontage and more,” said Condra. He also noted that the City of Hapeville’s ability to offer Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) for part of the develop-ment was an incentive. Jacoby is in the process of creating an “Aerotropolis” on the site, which is a mixed-use development whose layout, infrastructure and economy are centered on an

airport, offering its businesses speedy connectivity to suppliers, customers, and enterprise partners worldwide.

Condra noted that the Atlanta Airport is facing a shortage of land on which to expand noting that the new fifth runway had to be built southward and over I-285 making it very expensive to build. The Jacoby property is east of the airport and Condra predicts future airport related growth to travel in that direction. He reminded listeners that the airport is Atlanta’s number one economic engine and that a new $1.4 billion terminal dedicated to international travel is scheduled to open in 2012, making the airport even more valuable to all of Atlanta and Georgia.

When asked what Henry County could do to maximize opportu-nities created by this development , Condra noted that when a highly skilled workforce like that required by Porsche is deciding where to live, they look at the quality of life offered by a community – schools, din-ing, shopping, entertainment, parks, etc., and right now the Southside is limited in its ability to produce such locations. He encouraged Henry County to think more strategically about economic development by adding businesses, shopping, entertainment and manufacturing to its already strong mix of logistics and some manufacturing.

Scott Condra, third from left, responds to Chamber attendees.

HenryCounty.Com 11

Stockbridge CompanyWins Business AwardP.A.R.T.S., Inc. (Parts and Repair Technical Services), based in Stockbridge, received an Export Achievement Award from the Internation-al Trade Administra-tion (ITA) on August 26, recognizing the company as a small-to-medium-sized business that has succeeded in entering the international marketplace. The Assis-tant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance, Michael C. Camunez, participated in the recognition, along with other dignitaries.

Diane Ide RecognizedFor Outstanding ServiceDuring the annual conference of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Com-merce Executives (GACCE), Diane Ide was awarded a 2012 GACCE Staff Clinic Scholarship in recognition of outstanding service and personal achievement to the Chamber of Commerce profession. Ms. Ide, HCCC’s Director of Communi-cations, will attend the conference March 13-15, 2012 in Augusta.

Celebrities Visit In Support ofCure Childhood CancerIncredible Southern Poundcakes spon-sored Cruisin’ for Cure on September 3, a benefit to Cure Childhood Cancer that featured Atlanta Braves Hall of Fam-er, Tom Glavine, and reality TV star Dwight Eubanks, along with a vari-ety of vintage and classic cars, games, raffles, music and many fun-filled activities. (L-R: Kristin Connor, Tom & Chris Glavine, Kathy Shepherd)

Mayor Lorene LindseyAppointed To GeorgiaCouncil on AgingLocust Grove Mayor Lorene Lindsey was recently appointed to the Georgia Council on Aging for a two year term. Mayor Lindsey, an advocate for seniors on aging issues and related public policies, has worked on behalf of seniors more than two decades. She will retire as mayor in December 2011, a position she has held for the last 12 years.

Servpro of Henry & SpaldingCounties Achieves RecognitionSERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties, owned by Danny and Patti Brown, received the Chairman’s Gold Award for outstanding revenue performance at the Company’s 42d annual national convention held recently in St. Louis, MO.

Georgia Power’s June WoodReceives Community AwardJune Wood, Georgia Power’s Metro South External Affairs Man-ager for Butts, Clayton, Henry, South Fulton, Fayette and Coweta County, received the Ed Bridges Spirit of the Community Award at Leadership Henry’s kickoff dinner meeting for the Class of 2012. Mrs. Woods’ commitment, outstanding work and spirit of volunteerism on behalf of Henry County earned her the recognition. She has worked diligently during 2010-2011 on the E2: Economics & Education proj-ect spearheaded by the Chamber, leading over 100 likeminded citizens in identifying g oals to ensure that Henry County schools increase graduation rates, improve academic ranking, increase dual enrollment, achieve work-ready status, and improve school readi-ness for early education.

Grant Provides Van forHenry Medical Center FoundationHenry Medical Center Foundation recently received a $48,000 grant from the Chaparral Foundation that en-abled the purchase of a 10-passenger van to transport

residents of the hos-pital’s Laurel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facil-ity. Residents and staff gathered Au-gust 31 at a recep-tion celebrating the delivery of the van from Allan Vigil Ford Lincoln Mercury.

HMC Names New Pharmacy DirectorHenry Medical Center named Celeste Fowler as Director of Pharmacy. Ms. Fowler brings more than 10 years of experience to her new role, including work with VA hospitals as well as ambulatory care, long-term care and acute care fa-cilities. Fowler is a Doctor of Pharmacy from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University with a busi-ness minor from Florida State University. She is a member of the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Georgia Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (GSHP).

Real Men Wear Pink in Supportof Breast Cancer AwarenessHenry Medical Center kicks off October’s “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign by naming the 2011 “real men:” Andy Pippin, City of Hampton; Shane Thompson, Shane’s Rib Shack; Chuck Spahos, Henry County Solicitor; Monta Brown, McDonough City Council; Judge Jim Chafin, State Court; Jimmy Carter, South-ern Belle Farm; Ken Wright, Publix at Eagle’s Land-ing; Paul White, Chick-fil-A at Eagles’ Landing; Kent Booth, Eagle’s Landing Middle School and Brian Strickland, Smith, Welch, Webb & White. HMC re-quests community support in painting the county pink by: encouraging your staff to wear pink shirts on se-lect days; by designating a monthly meeting as “Wear Pink Day;” by wearing a pink shirt or tie to meetings throughout the month; or by promoting the campaign via your business or organization’s marquee or sign. Make plans to wear Pink on Fridays in October (or every day in October) in support. Please email your Pink photos to www.henrymedical.com for their Pink Website that will go live on October 1.  Think Pink!

ChaMBER BRiEFS ...

HenryCounty.Com12

2011 Intergovernmental Retreat Report Fifty-four Henry County government and business leaders participated in the fourth annual Henry County Intergov-ernmental Retreat held August 25-26. This informative and strategic planning summit, hosted by The Henry County Chamber of Commerce, was sponsored by the following Chamber community partners: Piedmont Healthcare, Miller & Martin, PLLC; Henry County Develop-ment Authority; Central Georgia EMC; Georgia Power; and Snapping Shoals EMC. The city of Columbus served as the beautiful setting for the event and city leaders were gracious hosts, providing tour buses and guides for participants to visit the amazing new National Infantry & Soldier Museum just outside Fort Ben-ning and view many new city improve-ments. Columbus takes pride in its revi-talization efforts and renewed quality of life invigorated by a consolidated gov-ernment structure. Faced with duplicity of services and high taxes, the leaders of Columbus and Muscogee County led a successful effort in the early 1970s to consolidate the two governments citing “economic development” as a major goal of the unification. Since that time the city has attracted new businesses bring-ing thousands of jobs to area residents. Current city efforts include redevelop-ment of its expansive river front, historic preservation, concentration on the arts, education and healthcare as major con-tributors to economic development and transportation infrastructure improve-ments. Columbus already enjoys more than 20 miles of landscaped river walks, riverside parks and a large historic dis-trict with tree-lined streets; soon it will boast a world-class kayaking venue on the Chattahoochee River that flows through the town. The first order of business of the re-treat was to hear the final report of E2 Task Force. Participants of the 2010 Re-treat commissioned a task force to study and develop recommendations that, if embraced by the entire Henry County community, would push what is already a good public school system over the top to become a great school system. The work group, composed of over 100 Henry County community stakehold-ers, was called the E2: Economics and Education Task Force. The Task Force’s recommendations were presented via a

video challenging residents, civic groups and organizations, and businesses to get involved. At the conclusion of the E2 re-view, the Henry County Development Authority presented a check for $10,000 to Dr. Ethan Hildreth, Superintendent of Henry County Schools, underscoring the belief that education truly enhances eco-nomic development. The video and com-plete text of the Task Force report can be accessed on the Chamber’s website: www.henrycounty.com.

Vicky Loper, Chair of Henry County Develop-ment Authority presents Dr. Hildreth with check

The attention of retreat participants then turned to this year’s focus – trans-portation. As a prelude to the topic, an anonymous straw poll vote was taken to gauge initial support for or against the Transportation Special Purpose Lo-cal Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) ref-erendum scheduled to be voted on in a 10-county Metro Atlanta area in July 2012. Local leaders heard from Wayne Mason, Director of Strategic Planning with Norfolk Southern, on the possibili-ties of a commuter rail service on NS tracks through Henry County and his company’s plans to possibly locate a large rail switchyard in Henry County in the future. During a panel discus-sion of “Best Transportation Practices in Other Communities,” participants heard from Faye DiMassimo, Director of Transportation for Cobb County, as well as from David Arrington, Deputy City Manager of Columbus, about how they utilize transportation to enhance economic development and job growth. Henry County Commission Chairman and member of the Executive Commit-tee of the Atlanta Regional Commission Roundtable, Elizabeth (B.J.) Mathis ex-plained the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 and the seven roadway projects that Henry County succeeded in getting on the $6.1 billion semi-con-

strained, draft list of projects being de-veloped for the 2012 referendum. The final list will not be known until Octo-ber 15, 2011. The group was given a unique op-portunity to learn from a panel of presenters composed of Todd Long, Director of Planning for GDOT; Matt Markham, Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer for the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA); and Jane Hayse, ARC’s Transportation Plan-ning Division Chief. This informative session afforded participants and coun-ty officials a chance to voice concerns regarding the lack of approved transit projects south of I-20, which would not only improve the daily commute of hundreds from Henry County. but would also eventually open up a corri-dor to Macon and then Savannah, there-by increasing economic development opportunities South of I-20 and linking these areas to the state’s number one economic engine, the City of Atlanta. Facilitated sessions enabled par-ticipants to work collectively in brain-storming ways to promote educating residents and fostering an understand-ing of transportation issues in prepara-tion for the upcoming 2012 T-SPLOST referendum. As the transportation ses-sion came to a close, a second anony-mous straw poll vote was taken and the results of the two votes were compared: 85% voted in favor of the proposed re-gional T-SPLOST referendum in the first

round of voting; 92% voted in favor of the T-SPLOST in the second vote. The vote results clearly indicate the impor-tance Henry County’s business and gov-ernment leaders place on transportation infrastructure improvements as related to Henry County’s economy and future growth. Impassioned by the issues and discussions, Henry County BOE Chair-man Brian Preston stated “I grew up in Henry County and I am a young man working every day to build a business here. I want to see my children grow up in Henry County as well, but a qual-ity of life that is enhanced by differing transportation options, along with a first class educational system, is vital to ensuring that I and my contemporaries continue to call Henry County home!” These strategic planning meetings afford our government and business leaders the unique opportunity to ex-change opinions and insights in a set-ting that encourages open dialogue and promotes teamwork. Henry County serves as a model in the state for enlist-ing this type of forward thinking and open exchange among its civic, county and business leaders. The end result of this, and previous retreats, is the atti-tude that we can make a difference by working together as ONE HENRY!

In a “One Henry” approach to supporting the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup race, theAdvocare 500 at

AMS, government and business leaders donned race tee-shirts during the Intergovernmental Retreat.

HenryCounty.Com 13

FINANCIAL FOCUSReinvesting Dividends Can Pay Off When you invest in stocks, you want their price to go up. But of course, you can’t control the rise and fall of stock prices. How-ever, there is a key element of investing that you can control — the number of shares you own. And in the long run, share ownership may be more important than rising stock prices in determining your long-term investment success. Of course, you might think that the advice of “buy more shares” is easier said than done. After all, not ev-eryone can easily find a lot of extra money to invest. But you don’t need access to vast wealth to increase your share ownership — you just need to consistently reinvest your stock dividends. Just how important are re-invested dividends to wealth

accumulation, as compared to capital gains (the increase in stock prices)? Over the 135-year period from 1871 through 2003, owning stocks and rein-vesting the dividends produced 97% of all stock market returns, with only 3% coming from capi-tal gains, according to a major study done by Dr. Jeremy Sie-gel, one of the world’s leading researchers on stock market performance. Other studies have also pointed to the impor-tance of dividends as a compo-nent of total returns. What are the implications of this disparity between the effectiveness of dividend re-investment versus that of cap-ital gains? First of all, it sug-gests that you may not want to spend an undue amount of time and effort in chas-ing after “hot” stocks, hoping for big capital gains. For one thing, by the time you buy

these stocks, they may al-ready be cooling off, but even more importantly, your focus on achieving large capital gains may not be the best use of your financial resources. Ultimately, the power of dividend reinvestment means, not surprisingly, that you may be able to help yourself if you look for quality dividend-pay-ing stocks — and then reinvest the dividends, month after month and year after year. With just a little research, you can find stocks that have paid — and even increased — dividends for many years in a row. (Keep in mind, though, that not all stocks will pay dividends, and even those that do can reduce or discontinue them at any time. Dividend re-investment does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.) So, to help boost your share ownership, consider reinvest-

ing the dividends back into the stock, rather than taking them as cash payments. If you do choose to reinvest your div-idends, though, you will need to look to other types of in-vestments to provide you with income, assuming you need some income from your port-folio, which may become more necessary during your retire-ment years. Your financial ad-visor can help you determine the appropriate investments to help provide this income. But in any case, if you can do without the current in-come provided by dividends, give careful consideration to reinvesting them. Dividend reinvestment is not a glamor-ous investment strategy, and it won’t help you “get rich quick,” but it can help you make steady progress toward your long-term financial goals — and that’s a key dividend in itself.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Your Timing Won’t Be Off, When You Invest Regularly. If one of your worries is whether you’re investing at the right time, it shouldn’t be. By investing a set amount of money regularly, you establish a simple routine that makes it possible to use market fluctuations to your advantage. Investing a set amount of money on a regular basis does not

ensure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Such a plan involves continual investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities. You should consider your financial ability to continue the purchases through periods of low price levels.

To learn how investing on a regular basis can help you reach your financial goals, call today.

Financial Advisor

David R. Dodd Jr.Publix Shopping Center220 Jonesboro Road

McDonough, GA 30253(770) 898-1735

Financial AdvisorJohn H. Dorminy190 Turner Street

McDonough, GA 30253(770) 957-0250

Financial Advisor

Jeremy Lange102A Woolsey RoadHampton, GA 30228

(770) 707-2390

Financial Advisor

Gerry Simon130 Eagle Spring

Court, Ste. BStockbridge, GA 30281

(770) 389-8912

Financial AdvisorLogan Lowrey

2141 Hwy 155 NMcDonough, GA 30252

(678) 583-5090

Financial AdvisorVanessa Conwell

Ingles Shopping Center4998 Bill Gardner Pkwy

Locust Grove, GA 30248(678) 583-5079

Financial Advisor

David E. Shofman5487 N. Henry Blvd.Stockbridge, GA 30281

(770) 506-1994

Financial Advisor

Lin Watts305 Olde Towne WayMcDonough, GA 30252

(678) 583-1325

Financial Advisor

Daniel Cash220 Jonesboro Road

McDonough, GA 30253(770) 898-1735

Member SIPCwww.edwardjones.com

To help boost your share ownership, consider re-investing the dividends back into the stock, rather than taking them as cash payments.

HenryCounty.Com14

OCTOBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURSHosted by

Thursday, October 27 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

160 Henry Parkway • McDonough Mercer University is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive institutions of higher learning. With more than 8,200 students enrolled in 11 schools and colleges on campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah, and at four Regional Academic Centers around the state, Mercer is consistently ranked among the nation’s leading institutions by such publications as U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. Our more than 65,000 alumni are making important contributions to their professions and communities throughout Geor-gia, the Southeast and the world. Mercer University’s Henry County Regional Academic Center has served the Henry community since 1995 offering graduate and undergraduate programs in Leadership, Public Safety, Education, Informatics and Liberal Arts. This coming January 2012, Mer-cer’s College of Continuing and Professional studies is proud to announce the new M.S. in Organizational Leadership program in Henry County for aspiring or existing leaders who want to better serve their organization or community. Join us for the upcoming Business After Hours to learn more about Mercer’s programs and see what Mercer has to offer.

“Maintaining the Investment – Keep the Penny Working for Education”

FeaturingMike Griffin, Chairman

Committee for Our Children’s Future 2011

Assisted by Dr. Ethan Hildreth, Superintendent

Henry County Schools

October 20, 2011HCCC Hudgins Room11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

As residents we believe that quality education promotes economic growth for our county.

As voters we seek to be informed prior to casting our ballot – and we have an important

referendum on education on the November ballot. To that end, plan to participate in this

informative luncheon as Mike Griffin and Dr. Hildreth talk about the accomplishments made

possible by prior Education Special Purpose Local Option

Sales Taxes (E-SPLOSTs) and why it is imperative that we

keep the penny tax working for our schools.

• Will my taxes go up if I vote “yes” to support E-SPLOST?

• What are the plans for the E-SPLOST funds?

• Are more new schools needed?

Get the answers to these and more questions at the

October Business Boosters Lunch. The cost is $12 for

Chamber members and $20 for non-members. Reserva-

tions are required. Call (770)957-5786 or email preeves@

henrycounty.com for more information.

BELLAMYSTRICKLAND

McDonough

I-75

770-954-3000

I-75 • Exit 216145 Industrial Blvd.

McDonough, GAHwy. 155

BELLAMY-STRICKLANDChevrolet • Oldsmobile • Pontiac • GMC Trucks

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404.843.2500 Office678-443-8407 Direct404.683.0912 Mobile

METRO BROKERS1401 Highway 20 West

McDonough, GA 30253

Each Firm is independently Owned and Operated

BuSinESS aFTER houRSAugust BAH at ABC MontessoriAugust’s Chamber Business After Hours was hosted by ABC Montes-sori – the Academy for the Brilliant Child. Over 50 Chamber member businesses, guests and clients of ABC Montessori enjoyed networking and the opportunity to learn more about this unique educational facility. The school contributed two beautiful windows made by students as door prizes. Other member businesses contributed door prizes for golf, tickets for Six Flags, gift cards for Longhorn’s and Frontera, an oil change, a security system, a beautiful dish garden, a computer bag, etc. Thanks to all the member businesses who contributed great door prizes for this event! Members not present when their name was called for the $1,200 Chamber jackpot were: Matt Moncus, Tamara Smith and Dena Kelly.

August 2011

LookingBack

Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician, found-

ed the Montessori Method of education in 1907. She based her educational

methods on scientific observation of children’s learning processes. Montessori

emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watch-

ing, or reading. Students in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual

pace. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration,

motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori is a global,

international method of learning that has maintained it’s integrity, validity,

and reliability for over 104 years.

businessBoosters luncheon

businessAFter hours

HenryCounty.Com 15

We can accommodate all your corporate meeting needs.

Our attentive staff has over 35 years of experience in meetings, events and service.  We are dedicated to helping you have flawless events, individually designed to meet the needs of any occasion.

Located in Henry County Georgia, we are one of metro Atlanta’s leading conference centers. With a 6,000 square foot ballroom and more than 5,000 square feet of additional meeting space, the MMCC was built for the purpose of hosting events such as corpo-rate meetings, small conferences, seminars and fundraising events.

111 Davis Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281 770.389.5982

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City of StockbridgeHenry County, Georgia

Hospitality Employees Trained to Promote Henry County

Here is one of the most important hospitality training tips: Train your employees to be multi-skilled.

What does multi-skilled mean? It means your employees can do a bit of everything including promote the community in which they work. In August, the HCCC/Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted more than a dozen tourism industry and business “front line” employees during a one- day “Tourism Academy” giving participants a chance to brush up on their customer service skills and techniques. These are of-tentimes the first and only faces of the Henry County community trav-elers see when they stop to have a meal, fill-up with gas, shop or visit. The CVB is working hard to assure these community representatives know how to sell Henry County and all it has to offer and to assure our visitors experience real Southern hospitality!

The Tourism Academy was conducted by a professional hospitality in-dustry trainer, Jeff Stephenson with Red Roof Inn. Participants spent half the day touring Henry County by bus as Peter Bonner, of Historical & Hysterical Tours, regaled the participants with facts and stories about Henry County and the surrounding area. These employees were better prepared to greet the public just in time for the over 100,000 fans visit-ing Henry County over Labor Day Weekend.

Plan now to assure your “front line” employees participate in next year’s Tourism Academy

Mimi Jackson, Courtyard by Marriott, got to feel the weight a fully out-fitted solider would carry...and have a little fun at the Historic Veterans Museum at Heritage Park.

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