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.