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.