LaGrange College Impact

The Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges reports that LaGrange College had an economic impact of more than $48-million on our community in 2007. The report also noted that the college generated 561 jobs in the region.

The figures are arrived at by measuring the ripple effect from spending by the institution itself, students, faculty, and staff. However, it doesn't reflect the construction that has been taking place ($1.4-million in '07 and $8.2-million in '08). Nor does it factor in additional monies poured into our economy by visitors attending athletic and cultural events at the college.

Thus, the economic impact of having LaGrange College here is even more significant than reported.

Golden Triangle

Regional cooperation is the key to success in West Georgia and East Alabama, according to West Point (GA) Mayor Drew Ferguson IV. Speaking to the Rotary Club in that city recently, Ferguson introduced the chief executives of three local chambers of commerce. Sitting together were Page Estes of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber, Lynda Dawson of Harris County Chamber, and Elinor Crowder of Greater Valley Area (AL) Chamber. Ferguson said the economic development zone represented by their areas forms a "golden triangle."

1907-2009 Mallory Continues to Serve

The Mallory Agency has been providing insurance protection for individuals, families, and businesses since 1907. The agency was founded by A.E. Mallory, Jr. and William L. Mallory. Rick Mallory (right) purchased the business from his father, Richard Mallory, in 1991. Matt Mallory, fourth generation, joined Mallory Agency in 2007. The picture above is actually a video. Click on the arrow to have it play.

The chamber of commerce salutes The Mallory Agency as our Small Business of the Month.

Future Leaders Sought

The Youth Leadership Program is now taking nominations for the next class. Students from rising sophomore, junior, and senior classes are sought. These young people must demonstrate leadership qualities through their actions, service to school, church, civic, or youth activities. Nomination forms are available at the chamber of commerce. The deadline is April 3, 2009. For more information, call 706-884-8671.

We cut ribbons

It's a large pair of scissors, but they really do cut and it's fun to help new businesses open up in our community. At right, Tom Cipolla brought Paisano's Italian Restaurant to downtown LaGrange and it's been hopping since opening day. He's at 104 Bull Street. The phone number is (706) 407-6412. They are open Tuesday through Sunday.

ITP Global Services, Inc., 1508 Whitesville St. is owned by Eunsook Choi, who is joined by her husband Jy for the official opening. They are flanked by office manager Maria Gallardo on the left and sales manager Susan Newsome on the right. The staffing agency also does executive placements and they can be reached at (706) 443-5184 or visit them on the web at http://www.itpglobalinc.com/.

Chamber members and local elected officials always like to welcome new businesses to our community. The chamber website has an abundance of information for those interested in starting a new business. In fact, LaGrange has been named an "Entrepreneurial-Friendly City" by the State of Georgia. Learn more at http://www.lagrangechamber.com/

Biggest Fish!

A new West Point Lake record hybrid bass was caught by Dustin Pate. Dustin was on a guided trip with Highland Marina Resort guide Todd Pursley. The new record hybrid was verified by the Department of Natural Resources and was weighed on certified scales at 14 pounds, 12 and 3/4 ounces.

The Chamber of Commerce West Point Lake Committee, which continues to monitor activity on the reservoir, said water levels are at a good level right now.

Executive Board March Meeting

The Tourism Division of the chamber announced at today's Executive Board meeting that they have awarded nine grants, totaling $31,000.00, to support tourism efforts in Troup County. One of the grants went to Bellevue, an antebellum home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Small Business Committee will be sending out nomination forms for the "Small Business of the Year" awards, which will be given in May. While the Large Business Committee will be honoring the nominees by West Georgia Technical College for the "Georgia Manufacturer of the Year" award in April.