Southern Rivers Mortgage

James Jackson, Mortgage Officer at Southern Rivers Mortgage, cut the ribbon for the new office at 133 Main Street in downtown LaGrange, GA. He is joined by members of the board of directors of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority, and executives from the parent company F&M Bank and Trust.

Foody Farewell

It was all accolades for Suzanne Foody as she she said her farewells to members of the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority. She is moving out of town and was sad to leave her job as the DLDA executive director. However, she can always come back because LaGrange City Councilman Bobby Traylor presented her with a key to the City. Smiling his approval (at left) is DLDA Chair Shawn Zwilling (the Branding Firm).

Hogansville is Booming

It was a great day in Hogansville as celebrations were held for two new businesses. Chef Sammy Deutsch cut the ribbon as owner Jack Leidner held the ribbon for the official grand opening of Pappa Grasso's Italian Bistro at 102 East Main Street. City officials, the Hogansville Downtown Development Authority, and the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce were on hand to applaud the event and then were treated to lunch.

Next, everyone walked down and across the street to help Kim Fegreus cut the ribbon for Kimmie & Friends, a gift shop at 309 East Main Street.

Hogansville's Main Street hummed as the group visited other shops and enjoyed the idyllic weather and hometown hospitality.

KIA Plant Amazes Mayor

West Point Mayor Drew Ferguson told the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, "KIA's level of technology is amazing." He also enthused that he is, "Having a good time with downtown redevelopment." The meeting was at the old West Point Railroad Depot, which is now a museum and welcome center.
In the photo, the mayor is shown talking to board members Libby Willingham (Mallory Agency) in the center and Laura Breedlove (Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home).

"Explorations" in Print

The Explorations in Antiquity Center celebrated its third anniversary in LaGrange with the publication of "Jesus' Last Night with His Disciples." It is co-authored by the founder of the museum, Dr. James Fleming (shown here), and Hannaniah Pinto. The book is full of colorful photographs of the Holy Land and art, depicting the times of the Bible. It is also a research resource. The book is for sale in the museum gift shop. The Center is located at 130 Gordon Commercial Drive, LaGrange.

Habitat's ReStore

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore at 333 Main Street has been refurbished and updated. Store Manager Jody Carey cut the ribbon to celebrate while Habitat Executive Director Steve Brown explained that the charitable organization accepts donations of household goods and then sells them to help fund their building projects. They can be reached at 706-837-0702. The ribbon cutting ceremony was facilitated by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. The public is invited to an Open House at ReStore on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ferguson Fare-thee-Well

The Development Authority of LaGrange bid farewell to Susan Ferguson (center) with a luncheon in her honor today. Susan, whose office was in the chamber building, was the Family Support Coordinator and helped numerous families settle in from South Korea as they moved here for the new KIA plant and all its support industries. She has spent three years helping with cable and phone connections, housing, licenses, translators and tutors, and much of daily living's necessities. Officials from the companies and local government lauded her work. Her last official day is June 30, 2009.

Prize Winners

Not only do you have a good breakfast and get to hear a speaker on an interesting topic, but the chamber's Early Bird Breakfast meetings also offer an opportunity to win door prizes!
This month's winners are from left: Jane Wylie Plagens of American Red Cross, who won a carpet cleaning from Citrus Solutions; Elaine Carr of Mimi's Apparel & Designs in Hogansville, who won the gift basket from Creative Call-Ins; Wade Hall of Diverse Power garnered a Red Cross bag and tee; and Libby Willingham of Mallory Agency was rewarded with a plant from US Lawns.

Tourism Targets

Charlie Gatlin, deputy commissioner for tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, spoke at our monthly chamber meeting and told us about the State’s campaign to have visitors “Discover the Unexpected.” Currently the target audience for tourism includes families, but especially the mothers who are the decision makers. He noted that the department’s next target audience will be active empty nesters.

(Photo: Gatlin on left, Chamber Chair of the Tourism Committee Rick Waterhouse on right)

Tourism Director Job Open

Full-time position with excellent benefits. EOE

Applicants must have substantial knowledge of Troup County and the travel industry.

Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in tourism, public relations, marketing, or a related field and two years in-field experience.
OR
Minimum of five years experience in travel industry.

GA Work Ready certification preferred.

A full job description is available upon request at 706-884-8671.

Resumes with three professional references will be accepted until June 25, 2009 by fax at 706-882-8012, by mailing to LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 636,LaGrange, GA 30241, or e-mail to pestes@lagrangechamber.com.

DB Green Opens

Rick Brock cut the ribbon for the new location of DB Green at 1691 Vernon Road. Joining the Brocks were friends, family, customers, the Troup County Commission, and the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. The chamber selected DB Green, a residential remodeling and repairs contractor, as the “Small Business of the Month” in May and comments to the chamber’s blog included, “(Rick) was professional, courteous, and timely in all aspects, from beginning to end of our project.” (See our May 1, 2009 posting.)

A Fit Staff

Your chamber of commerce staff and friends learned some great tips today on how to "stay fit while you sit" at the computer. Dr. Joseph Doughty of LaGrange Clinic of Specific Chiropractic told us to roll our shoulders, stand up and reach for the sky, and gave us hand stretches among other suggestions.

Who said typing isn't hard labor? Not Dr. Doughty! He noted that typing all day is equal to moving 27-tons. Yikes!

Other tips he shared were to look away from your monitor and focus across the room. That will help avoid eye strain.

And please don't cross your legs. Keep your feet on the floor - when at your desk, put a phone book or something under your feet to keep your knees bent and those muscles extended properly.

Want to learn more? The good doctor will give a seminar for your office, too. Call him at 706-882-1000.

Three Stores Now Open

The chamber of commerce was priviledged to be a part of three grand openings this week. First, the Sock Shoppe opened at LaGrange Mall, with General Manager Mike Brown doing the honors. Then E.J. Jones and Barbara Treadwell used ceremonial scissors to open the doors to the new West Georgia Technical College bookstore. And finally, Southern Shooters owners Cindi & Bruce Southwell celebrated their new hunting and archery pro shop opening at 51 New Hutchinson Mill Road. Congratulations to all!

Online Marketing Published

Brandon Eley, interactive marketing director at Kelsey Advertsing & Design in LaGrange, has published his book, "Online Marketing Inside Out."

Eley recently held a seminar for members of the chamber and shared great tips for doing business electronically. See our posting from May 21, below.

Tone Ribbon Cutting

Ms. Bena Klier-Bouler has expanded Tone Fitness Academy into a 5,000-square foot facility at 805 Hill Street. Helping her cut the ribbon were her partner Kevin Daniel (center) and her husband Julius Bouler (fifth from right), members of the LaGrange City Council, and representatives of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Klier-Bouler, a body-building champion, said one of her goals is to serve the teens of the area by offering an assortment of classes from boxing to wrestling and more. The fitness center can be reached at (706) 594-4881.

Callaway Gardens in the News

Callaway Gardens, a jewel in our region, was featured in two articles by USA Today recently - complementing the theme we've been espousing of staying in the area for your vacation.

Skimping on vacations this summer? You're not alone:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/2009-05-21-travel_N.htm

Economy forces many to shorten summer vacation plans:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/2009-05-21-travelside_N.htm

Piece of Art

The LaGrange Art Museum has graciously loaned us Jon Eric Narum's "Chief" to hang in our lobby. Now when you walk in the chamber's front door, you'll be greeted by Valeri's smiling face as well as a wonderful piece from the museum's collection.

Visit the museum in downtown LaGrange, Georgia, at 112 LaFayette Parkway to see their current exhibit as well as pieces of the permanent collection on display. They can also be reached at (706)882-3267.

Online Marketing Author Shares Tips

Brandon Eley, who is the interactive director at Kelsey Advertising & Design, is also the author of several articles about websites and is soon to release a book on e-commerce called “Online Marketing Inside Out.” He shared his expertise with chamber members at a seminar today and when Lori Rhoney, of Genesis Physicians, answered his first question correctly, she won a copy of the new book, to be released next week.

Eley told us that "online web use will double by 2014" and the use of social media (such as blogs) is on the rise. He noted that there's also "a shift in spending from traditional to online." The benefits of marking online include the ability to measure the response to your efforts, you can target specific customers, and it's not intrusive.

To learn more, visit brandoneley.com.

Environment

When Leadership Troup studied the environment recently, they saw all aspects - from the landfill to beautiful West Point Lake's Highland Marina.

In addition to environmental issues, Leadership Troup educates current and future community leaders about youth issues, government, health, and economic development. Nominations are now being accepted for the Class of 2009-2010. For an application, contact the chamber at 706-884-8671.

Business on the Plaza

Twenty small businesses set up displays on LaFayette Plaza for the first "Business Builders" B.A.H., co-hosted by the chamber and the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority. There was live music and delicious food, but the best part was the networking as people shared business cards and expertise in their fields.

Excellent School

Unity Elementary School in LaGrange has been selected by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education as one of only six stops on the 17th annual "Bus Trip Across Georgia." The focus of the tour is "innovation that has led to increased student achievement," which can then be used by the tour participants in their own communities. Your chamber of commerce salutes you, Unity!

Featured in the News

The LaGrange Daily News has given a nice salute to National Tourism Week with a front-page feature story on tourist attractions in Troup County and the region. You can see the story online and the photo in the paper is the one we're including here of a visitor at the well at Explorations in Antiquity, 130 Gordon Commercial Drive, LaGrange.

Stay & See

This is National Tourism Week and we encourage you to Stay & See Georgia - but most particularly, we encourage you to stay in our area and see all the great things here. Visit our website at www.lagrangechamber.com for local visitor information. Also, note the rotating pictures on the blog for a quick preview of what's here.

Coming up on May 22 & 23, Callaway Gardens will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Masters Water Ski Tournament.

There's always something fun to do when you "Stay & See" Georgia.

Miss Georgia Sings

Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman told the chamber of commerce today that there are four steps to realizing your dream: 1) have a positive attitude; 2) realize what your dream is; 3) write down your goal; and 4) work hard. Her steps led her to be able to believe in herself and enter the Miss Georgia contest. She now shares her lessons of empowerment with young people through music, such as the song she performed for the chamber - click on the video arrow to hear a quick portion.

Small Business of the Year

Jerry Johnson of ERA First Realty of LaGrange is all smiles, not just because he's surrounded by beautiful women, but because he's been named the Small Business of the Year by the chamber. Celebrating with him are from left Miss Troup County Whitley Cooper, Chamber Chair Carol Todd (W. Ga. Health System), Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman, and Chamber Small Business Committee Chair Libby Willingham (Mallory Agency).

EBB Winners

The Miss Troup County Scholarship Pageant is a member of the chamber, but the reigning queen Whitley Cooper (left) was surprised to win a door prize after giving the invocation at the Early Bird Breakfast this morning.

Also winning today were Truett Pirkle of Caravelle Storage and Randy Jackson of KIA, who are flanking Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman.

Ms. Hardman, the first runner-up in Miss America, was the breakfast keynote speaker. She has earned $50,000 in scholarships and her platform is "empowering young people to be the best they can be" She has formed a non-profit organization called "Dream Through Music" for children ages 7 to 12.

Energy Talk

Georgia Tech's Dr. Sam Shelton was featured at the chamber's "Lunch & Learn" today. Speaking on energy and alternatives to current use, he noted that a lot of the data shows that we (the U.S.) have already peaked in oil production, and that it will, overall, decline from here.

Some statistics he shared:
25% of the world’s oil is used by the US (we only produce 2%)
8% is used by China, followed by 7% by Japan.
Saudi Arabia produces the most, with 20%; followed by 10% Iran and 9% Iraq.

Dr. Shelton said what looks to be our (particularly in the southeast) best bet for reducing our usage of oil will be to start using “southern pine cellulosic ethanol.” We have the crop. There are 18-million tons of timber grown that are not harvested. If we used what we have now, we could offset, by 15-20%, Georgia’s petro use. And that is without replanting. So, with the replanting of timber used, we could continue to offset petro. (And we’re not the only state that can do that.) Using pine cellulosic ethanol would be beneficial locally. Timber grown here, would go to ethanol plants built here and ethanol would be used by autos here. Using pine cellulosic ethanol also creates electricity that can be used.

Teacher of the Year 2009

Rochelle Pompey has been selected as the Troup County Teacher of the Year. Pompey, a third-grade teacher at Whitesville Road Elementary School, is shown with School Superintendent Dr. Edwin Smith.

She will now represent Troup County at the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.

Congratulations, Ms. Pompey, and best wishes!

The Chamber and Your Business

The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) commissioned a study, along with IBM, Administaff, Small Business Network, Inc., and Market Street Services in 2007. The Schapiro Study discovered some interesting information about chambers and business. You may view the full report on ACCE's website, http://www.acce.org/. But here are some highlights:

• Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable.

• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

• When a consumer thinks that a company’s products stack up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.

• When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

• When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from it.

• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

Business of the Month

Rick Brock, owner of DB Green Enterprises at 1691 Vernon Road, incorporated his residential contracting and repair business in LaGrange in April of 2006. He and his wife Diana felt their hometown in Florida had lost its identity as it grew. But, LaGrange has embraced change and still cherishes its history - a concept he says the chamber of commerce embodies. The Brock family believes that part of building relationships is giving to the community. They support several local projects, including the Clothes Closet and Food Pantry. Rick is a member of the 2009 Class of Leadership Troup.

Update on Flu

1 – West Georgia Health System message: The Centers for Disease and Infection Control have confirmed a case of swine-like influenza in LaGrange. The patient is not from this area and had recently returned from a trip to Mexico. The patient has been in isolation since entering West Georgia Health System. People who have had contact with the patient are being notified by public health. The hospital is fully operational and is taking every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, families, visitors, and employees. Community members can call the District 4 Public Health hotline at: 1-888-899-9788 with questions or for general information.

2 – Troup County Board of Education message: Based on the most current information, we have no indication that students and staff are at a greater risk for infection by remaining in school than the general public at this time. However, as we continue to work closely with District IV Health Services, we encourage you to stay tuned to our website and local media for information on possible school closings should this become necessary. We need your help to prevent the spread of illness in our schools – not just swine influenza A (H1N1) virus, but any kind of virus. There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy, and please encourage your children to follow these simple steps, too.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If your child gets sick, please keep them home from school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If your child is ill and has recently traveled to an area affected by swine flu, or has been in contact with someone who has been infected with swine flu, contact your child’s healthcare provider immediately.

3 – State Department of Health teleconference today:
Seasonal flu is still around. Symptoms are the same – fever, chills, aching body, cough, sneeze. If you have these symptoms, contact your health care provider for instructions. If you don’t have these symptoms, you probably don’t have the flu. The flu is transmitted by close contact with respiratory secretions – by air or on surfaces. Follow the school board instructions above to prevent the spread. The incubation period for the flu can be from one to seven days.

For information on flu, see the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org. You may also look for updates at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and www.district4health.org.

No Cause for Alarm

It has been confirmed that there is one case of swine flu in LaGrange at the hospital. But don't panic. The case has been isolated and all precautions are being taken. And don't worry about eating pork - you cannot get swine flu from eating pork. It is transmitted like any other flu - by sneezing and coughing.

Local health officials tell us that you should maintain good hygiene – wash hands in hot water with soap or use hand sanitizer. Cough into your arm. Instead of shaking hands, show respect by bowing slighting.

If someone exhibits flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, chills, body aches, breathing problems), they should contact their doctor for testing. There is prescription medication available, which is reported to lessen the effects and duration if used at the beginning of the bout of flu.

Social distancing has not been implemented. However, businesses are encouraged to have a pandemic plan in place – for instance, if some of your employees are out sick, how will the company do business.

For information on flu, see the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org. You may also look for updates at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and www.district4health.org.

The 2009 Magazine is Here

The chamber's community magazine has arrived and it's a beauty! Publisher Cal Duke & Associates will be distributing the magazine to advertisers soon.

Others may pick up a copy at the chamber of commerce office, 111 Bull Street, LaGrange, GA. You will also be able to view the magazine online very soon, directly from the chamber website.

Miss Georgia to Reign at EBB

The next Early Bird Breakfast will be on Tuesday, May 12, at 7:30 a.m. at Best Western Lafayette Garden Inn, 1513 Lafayette Parkway. Our featured speaker will be Miss Georgia 2008 Chasity Hardman, whose platform is “Developing, Reaching, and Educating through Music.”
Prior to the breakfast, join us for coffee and networking at 7:00 a.m. in the lounge, courtesy of RBC Bank.
The breakfast is $11.00 for members with reservations ($12 at the door) and the coffee networking is free. Breakfast reservations are $13 for prospective members ($15 at the door).
You may register by calling the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce at 706-884-8671. We accept cash, checks, VISA, and MasterCard. Those who pay before May 6, will be eligible for the door prizes.

Energy & Economics

Join Us For a Lunch & Learn with Dr. Sam Shelton

The public is inundated with energy news that is contradictory and confusing. Come listen and ask questions about our current and future energy technologies and economics. Why did gasoline move from $1.50/gal to $4.00/gal and back down to $1.50 in a very short time? Is coal, nuclear, wind, or solar the best technology to meet our increasing electricity demand? What about our automobile technologies like hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric cars? What are the status and economics of alternative energy technologies? The technology and economic issues surrounding these questions will be discussed and put into perspective by Dr. Sam Shelton, Founding Director of the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Initiative.

If you're interested in attending this seminar, which includes lunch, on May 11, at 11:45 a.m. at the Best Western Lafayette Garden Inn call the chamber at 706-884-8671. The cost is $15.

RV Resort Opens

The Pine Mountain RV Resort offers the visitor “an upscale hotel experience – you just bring your own room,” said Yale Spina, corporate officer, as he cut the ribbon for the new business at 8804 Hamilton Road, Pine Mountain.

This location is the first of several planned to open in various states. The managers of the southern Troup County recreational vehicle resort are Paul and Linda SanFilippo and they can be reached at (706) 663-4329. The amenities on site include a new store, game room, fitness center, and a kennel for visitors who don’t want to leave their dogs in their R.V.'s while touring the local attractions.

The ribbon cutting and Open House event was attended by members of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, the Harris County Chamber of Commerce, the Pine Mountain Tourism Bureau, the Georgia Visitor Center in West Point, the Warm Springs Visitor Center, and many friends, family, and resort guests.

Ellis & Ellis Hosted B.A.H.

The 210 Broad Street office of Ellis & Ellis Investment Management LLC was the site of the April Business After Hours. The winner of their door prize was Lon Marlowe of Oakhurst.
Shown awarding him the prize are some of the hosts (from left) Johhny Ashmore, Will Ellis, Steve Boatner, Ron Towler, (Marlowe), Katherine Ellis, and Lisa Cannon.

Willingham Winner!

A four-night stay in a mountain retreat was won by Libby Willingham of The Mallory Agency. She was the grand prize winner in the 2009 chamber membership drive. Presenting the gift is Robby Burch, Hutchinson-Traylor Insurance Agency, chair of the chamber's membership committee.

The prize was donated by Jerry Johnson's ERA First Realty in LaGrange.

Fifty-eight new members have been added to the chamber roster so far this year.

Other prize winners were Otto Korth of Re/Max Culpepper, Lon Marlowe of Oakhurst, and Matthew Stermer of CleanSmart. Their prizes were a hand-painted tile, one year dues, and $100 in $hop at Home gift certificates.

Our thanks to all who recruited new members. And a very sincere welcome to all the new members.

Admin Salute

Today is Administrative Assistant Day nationwide. In LaGrange, your chamber salutes all the men and women who keep the offices around town running. In particular, we want everyone to know we appreciate our own Valeri Kirkwood.

Valeri joined the staff on November 17, 2008 and has made a great impact on the "first impression" everyone gets of the chamber. Her smiling face and chipper personality are perfect for the frontline; but her organizational skills, efficiency in accomplishing tasks, and knowledge of the community, chamber, and marketing have been very real assets to us. Her title is longer than the chamber's name - we call her receptionist/tourism assistant/office manager/Welcome Center manager, and she'll answer to many more titles as we call out, "Valeri, help!"

Happy A.A. Day, Valeri!

KIA News

Joe Mazzone of Ace Aerial Photo, LLC, loves to fly and take photographs. Today he sent us his latest photo of the KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia, scheduled to open later this year in West Point.

LaGrange Development Authority Executive Director Jane Fryer noted, "Kia has begun to move into the new facility and is vacating the space they have used at West Ga. Technical College for the past three years. There are nine tier one suppliers in Troup County and the region. They are all in various stages of construction with most nearing completion of the buildings. Equipment is being installed and hiring has begun for all suppliers and Kia. Test runs will be made during the third quarter with full production still scheduled for late 4th quarter of this year. "

Meanwhile, the "New York Times" featured KMMG and West Point in it's newspaper today: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/us/22kia.html?_r=1&hp

Manufacturing Appreciation

Jim Lientz, the chief operating officer for the state of Georgia, told a packed house at the Cobb Galleria that the annual Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week "shines a light on these incredibly valuable assets." He was referring to the 100 nominees for the Manufacturer of the Year awards, two of which were from Troup County this year.



The locally nominated companies were InterfaceFLOR and SAFA, both shown above in a photo at the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting last week, where they were honored along with Emerson Network Power. The companies were nominated by West Georgia Technical College, represented by Interim President Perrin Alford (left), for the state's Manufacturer of the Year award.

Next to Alford is Steve Noble of Emerson, which was nominated in 2008. Next is Bob Niedrack and Tommy Bell of InterfaceFLOR, nominated in 2008 and 2009, and David McCarty of SAFA, nominated in 2009.

At the state-wide meeting in Atlanta, Lientz said, "Manufacturing is grounded in the real world" and it is exemplified by "the quality of the workforce and the companies' products." He added, these 100 companies "are stellar examples of manufacturing in the 21st century."

Jan Youtle, PhD, manager of Public Services for the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute, shared results of a recent survey in which 800 manufacturers in this state participated. She noted, "Innovation is a business strategy," which was echoed by Lientz who said the annual awards were begun in 1995 to recognize "simple hard work, innovation, and community involvement."

Youtle announced that 75% of the respondents to the survey "practice green" and that "energy and efficiency go hand-in-hand with productivity."

InterfaceFLOR has been named an "environmental hero" for their green thinking (see http://daily.chictoday.com/2009/04/19/interfaceflor-environmental-hero/) in carpet production. SAFA makes brake pads for the automotive industry. Emerson Network Power manufactures metal cabinet enclosures for the telecommunication industry.

Lientz declared a "bi-partisan statement" as he said he "agreed with both" Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue that he "like(s) folks who make stuff" and U.S. President Barack Obama who recently commented, "We need to make things the world needs." Lientz added that the manufacturing companies in Georgia are "bottom-line businesses that don't just leverage value, they create it."

The winners of the 2009 Georgia Manufacturer of the Year awards were OraCal USA of Black Creek, Alcan Packaging of Peachtree City, and Toyo Tire of Bartow County.

April EBB

Learn about the current economy and the forecast for the future at the chamber of commerce Early Bird Breakfast on Tuesday, April 14, at 7:30 a.m. at the Best Western Lafayette Garden Inn, LaGrange.

The speakers at this Economic Summit will be (from left above) Joe Battipaglia, market strategist for Stifel Nicolaus, Dr. Tim Mescon, president of Columbus State University, and Greg Wright, regional project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Reservations must be made in advance by calling the chamber at 706-884-8671 or e-mail membership@lagrangechamber.com

The cost is $11 for members and $13 for prospective members.

Georgia Chamber

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce keeps their finger on the pulse of the General Assembly every year. Here is the link to their 2009 "Legislative Wrap Up," with comments on specific bills of interest to the business community:

http://www.gachamber.com/article-Apr-8-2009-23211.html

You're the Host

The LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority invite you to "host" the Business After Hours on Lafayette Plaza on May 19, 2009, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

The B.A.H. is always popular, but a business may not always have the space or resources to host one. Thus was born the idea to have the May event at the chamber of commerce and invite businesses to have a booth or a display. It is not a requirement to stay at your spot, you are allowed to mingle with the guests.

Print the registration form above by clicking on it to enlarge it and then print. Find it as a pdf on our website http://www.lagrangechamber.com/, under chamber, business plan, business after hours. Or just call us at 706-884-8671 to have a form sent to you.

Discount for Members

We have partnered with Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) to bring you a great deal on printer cartridges. Each time you place an order at their secure website at http://www.dtsga.com, your chamber will received 5% of the total purchase price. Not only will you find competitive prices, but the chamber of commerce benefits from you doing business with a fellow chamber member. When you visit the site, be sure to enter the code LCC. The cartridges are new and meet your equipment specifications.

New Hours

For your convenience,your chamber of commerce will now be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday , effective Monday, April 6, 2009.

Theme Sought

The year is flying by and Christmas will be here before we know it. Even if it seems far away to you, please know that your chamber must make plans in advance for events. And plans are in progress for the annual Downtown LaGrange Christmas Parade. If you have an idea for this year's parade theme, send it to the chamber of commerce before June 30, 2009. Call us at 706-884-8671 or e-mail to pestes@lagrangechamber.com

The date for the event is Thursday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m. The parade weaves through downtown and around LaFayette Square. When you're ruminating on a theme idea, please note that the committee wants to focus, as always, on children.

Good News, Bad News

The good news is that the drought in Georgia should officially be over. We've had a lot of rain, including today.

Which leads to the bad news: the golf tournament had to be postponed again.

The good news is that we've been able to reschedule it for Thursday, April 16. Tee times are 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The tourney will still be held at the Overlook.

Anyone interested in having a team on the new date should call Page Estes at 706-884-8671 or e-mail her at pestes@lagrangechamber.com. The deadline to register is April 9.

Sister City-bound

Two high school girls have been chosen to represent the youth of Troup County this summer at the Sister Cities International Convention in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Haley Batchelor (in video) and Hannah Howard, both home-schooled, submitted the winning essays to the LaGrange International Friendship Exchange (L.I.F.E.) contest on “How I Can Initiate Peace in my Community.”

Both young ladies espoused love and understanding as steps toward peace between people and then peace among nations.

L.I.F.E. has a Sister-City relationship with Craigavon, Northern Ireland, where the delegation from LaGrange will stay during the convention.

New Leadership Program

Leadership Troup, a training program for adults, has announced a second class will be chosen in 2009. The current class is finishing their sessions on youth issues, economic development, and the environment. A second class will be chosen to begin training in September. Nomination forms will be sent out in May. See the outline of the program and more information at http://www.lagrangechamber.com/resources/pdf.

The current class recently visited New Ventures, where Rick Brock of D.B. Green was "blinded" and put to work capping batteries. He'll tell you it wasn't easy.

New Ventures is a local facility to train and place the handicapped in jobs.

American Red Cross ribbon cutting

The American Red Cross has moved from Main Street to 900 Dallis Street in LaGrange. Your chamber of commerce was on hand to help celebrate the event. Cutting the ribbon were Red Cross Board Chair Jolene Davidson (left) and Executive Director Connie Hensler.

You may call the Red Cross at (706) 884-5818, e-mail them at lagrangeredcross@mindspring.com, or visit their website at www.redcross.org.

The local Red Cross is a United Way Agency. Visit the U.W. site at www.unitedwaywga.org or call them at (706) 884-8292. They can also be reached by e-mail at patty.youngblood@unitedway.org.

Golf deadline

The deadline to register for the chamber's annual golf tournament is today (March 30). The event will be held on Thursday, April 2, at the Overlook. Call Page to register at 706-884-8671.

Golf Game is On

Rain has made the greens greener and play is set for next week for the annual chamber of commerce golf tournament. Teams will compete on April 2, at the Overlook Golf Links to compete for prizes.

Golf tournament committee members recently reviewed the goodies to be given away.

From left: Jay Butts, A-Com Security; Page Estes, LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce; and Matt Mallory & Libby Willingham, the Mallory Agency.

Networking Works

The two networking groups were hard at work in adjacent rooms at the chamber of commerce early this morning. The forum allows a person to educate others on their business, so the networking friends are familiar enough to recommend one another to prospective clients.

Today Robby Burch of Hutchinson-Traylor Insurance Agency (standing left) explained the myriad of business coverage available, while at right Jerry Johnson of ERA First Realty (in the blue shirt and red tie) highlighted how the housing market is doing right now.