| Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce |
2011 Leadership Emanuel is announced
The Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce has announced the names of participants selected for this fall's "2011 Leadership Emanuel" class.
Selected for the class are Neil Shah, Lois Clark, John Thrift, Dennis Jones, Matt Henry, Beau Gunn, Tammy Wilkes, Dustin Vernon, Byrant Lewis, Jean Marie Cadle, Maria Daniels, Wanda Ellison, Jen Meadows, Rev. Eugene Davis, Lynn Brinson, Angel Morris, Amy Carter, Greg Waters, Michelle Hutcheson, Trip Fitzner, and Kenny Griffin.
Earlier in the year, the Chamber was awarded two grants from The University of Georgia's Fanning Institute and Mill Creek Foundation. The grants were made available to assist the chamber with efforts to implement a leadership program for Emanuel County. This marks the third leadership class initiative in four years sponsored by the chamber.
"This is probably the most important program the chamber undertakes. The goal of the program is to create a level of sustained leadership for Emanuel County," stated Bill Rogers Jr., chamber president. "The program will focus on session topics such as communicating effectively, understanding community strengths and weaknesses, a community leader's role in economic development, and understanding local government".
The class is scheduled to begin on Tuesday night, September 6, with a 6 p.m. kickoff dinner at the Sudie A. Fulford Learning Center followed by nine classes on consecutive Tuesday nights.
Schedule of classes is as follows:
Tuesday, September 13, "Understanding Leadership: How does it work?"-- Location: Twin City Primary Media Center. Tuesday, September 20, "Emanuel County Socio-Demographics, a Quick Study of Emanuel's Statistical Data"--Location: Earl Varner 4-H Club Center
Tuesday, September 27, "Communicating Effectively"--Location: Citizens Bank Community Room.
Tuesday, Oct. 4, "Making Group Decisions"--Location: Swainsboro High School Media Center.
Tuesday, Oct. 11, "Building Communities through Collaboration"--Location: Emanuel Medical Center Cafeteria.
Tuesday, October 18, "Leading Community Change"--Location: Southeastern Technical College Conference Room, Main Building.
Tuesday, October 25, "Understanding Local Governments"--Location: Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreation Complex, Gym Conference Room.
Tuesday, Nov. 1, "A Community Leader's Role in Economic Development"--Location: Durden Bank Community Room, Swainsboro.
Tuesday, November 8, "Wrap-Up and Graduation"--Location: Flat Creek Lodge |
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Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament date is set
 The Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and Joint Development Authorities will be hosting the 18th Annual Industry Appreciation Golf Classic on Thursday, September 29th, at the Swainsboro Golf Course.
Tentative plans call for lunch to be served at 12 noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The evening activities will begin immediately upon the conclusion of golf with a social hour and dinner.
Registration forms will be sent out in the next few weeks so get your team ready to tee it up! Call 478-237-6426 for more information.
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Historic ribbon cutting is held
 Some 200 people braved hot weather on Thursday morning, July 21st, to witness history in the making.
Local officials, state officials, students and staff watched University System Chancellor Hank Huckaby cut the ribbon to officially open "Bobcat Villas." The 200- bed facility is the college's first venture into campus housing.
Among the dignitaries joining Huckaby were Chair of the Regents Ben Tarbutton III, Regent Mansfield Jennings Jr., Representative Butch Parrish, Senator Jack Hill, Senator Jesse Stone, Emanuel County Commissioner James Canady, Swainsboro Mayor Charles Schwabe, and East Georgia College President Dr. John Black.
"We are very excited to announce the completion and full leasing of our first housing complex on campus. This new campus housing will greatly impact the economy of Swainsboro, Emanuel County and this region of the state," stated Dr. Black.
East Georgia College broke ground on the 200 bed, state-of-the-art complex on August 12, 2010. Each apartment has four private bedrooms, two baths and a furnished living room and kitchen. Residents will enjoy designer furniture, big screen LCD television, 24/7 security, mail service, utilities, and internet. The building has a laundry area, study space, a computer lab, a balcony area, and an outdoor recreational area.
"With the new state college status, intercollegiate athletics and now campus housing, East Georgia College is set for record enrollment this fall," added Missie Crawford, Director of Housing.
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Rentals are needed for students
Due to record enrollment at East Georgia College, demand for off-campus housing is very strong. If you have rental property and are interested in renting to students, please contact Elizabeth Gilmer, Director of Development, Alumni and External Affairs.
The college has a waiting list of students looking for apartments or houses. Call 289-2037 for more information. |
Board studies new method to elect members
The Board of Directors of the Chamber is contemplating a new method to select board members. The board will decide during its August 11th meeting whether a nominating committee is a better method to elect directors.
Previously, the election process required two mailings sent to the entire membership. The first mailing required the full membership list be mailed out to all members with the purpose of selecting up to eight nominees. A second mailing was then required asking members to vote on four names from the list of eight.
"The expense alone could save the chamber nearly $500 in postage and paper. Members will still have the opportunity to "write-in" any candidate for nomination. Many chambers use this nominating committee method to elect their directors," stated Bill Rogers Jr., Chamber President.
As stated in the by-laws, this proposed change needs to be under consideration by the board for at least 10 days. The board discussed the change in its June meeting. A decision is set for the regular chamber board meeting, set for Thursday, August 11th, at 12 noon.
The Board is seeking input from any members. Members wishing to comment are asked to either email the chamber or send a letter to the board at 102 South Main, Swainsboro, GA, 30401.
Section 1: Revisions of the by-laws of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce states "by-laws can be amended or altered by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors or by a majority of members at any regular or a special meeting, providing the notice for the meeting includes the proposal for amendment.
The revision in the by-law now under consideration reads. . . "The purpose of the nominating committee is to recognize and seek qualified nominees for the elected leadership of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce. The nominating committee shall consist of the Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Chamber President, and two members appointed from the board by the Board Chair.
The nominating committee shall convene each odd year on or before September 20th for the purpose of selecting up to eight (8) candidates for up to four (4) positions on the board of directors. Candidates for nomination shall be chamber members in good standing with dues current as of August 31st. Nominees shall be of good character, willing to devote time and energy to the organization, and able to provide sound judgment.
The list of nominees submitted by the nominating committee shall be presented to the general membership in the form of a ballot for their consideration not later than October 20th. In addition, there shall be available on the ballot an opportunity for any member to "write-in" candidates for nomination.
Ballots shall be received in the chamber office on or before Nov. 1st. All ballots shall be counted by the board of directors or an appointed committee approved by the board. These nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared board members." |
New brochure heads to press
The Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce will be joining with other chamber and tourism centers in this area to unveil a new Classic South Regional Tourism brochure in mid-August.
The new brochure will feature a regional map and guide highlighting the many activities available in this part of the state. The brochure include museums, historic districts, state parks, festivals, and special driving routes
Georgia Department of Economic Development divides the state into nine tourism regions. The Classic South Region stretches from Crawford to Emanuel County and from Lake Oconee to Augusta.
The brochure will feature panels from the Washington County. Burke County, Warren County, McDuffie County, Columbia County, City of Augusta, Lake Oconee, Lincoln County, City of Washington along with Swainsboro and Emanuel County.
Featured locally on the map index will be Swainsboro Raceway, Emanuel Arts Center, Flat Creek Lodge and Mill Pond Kayak. Listed as events on the Swainsboro/Emanuel County panel will be the Pine Tree Festival, Washpot Festival and the Canoochee Daylily Festival.
Anytime a request is received for tourism information at either the state level or regionally, this brochure is sent free of charge. Additionally, the brochures are available at all tourism and welcome centers across the state. Over 25,000 copies have been ordered. |
Miss Emanuel County & Southeast Georgia Pageants date set
 The 34th annual Miss Emanuel County & Southeast Georgia Pageants, "Dreamgirls" will be held on Saturday, August 6th at 6:30 PM at the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Auditorium. The pageant will consist of Miss and Outstanding Teen competitions including interview, talent, evening wear, fitness, and on-stage question. By the end of the evening four new young women will be crowned to represent our area in the Miss Georgia & Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen Pageants to be held in Columbus, GA in June 2012.
Tickets for the pageant are available by contacting DeAnna Moore at (478) 494-5565. General admission tickets will be available at the door. Doors will open at 5:30 PM.
The pageant is still searching for boys and girls ages 4 - 12 to join the "Prince & Princess" program. The entry fee of $100 will include an onstage appearance during the evening wear competition as a contestant escort. It also includes a professional photo while on stage with appointed contestant (courtesy of Gambrell Photography). Children are invited to attend Friday evening's rehearsal & cook-out and will receive two general admission tickets. Each prince should wear Sunday attire and each princess is asked to wear a white dress. Applications can be downloaded from www.missemanuelsoutheast.com.
For more information regarding the Emanuel County/Southeast Georgia Pageants, please visit the website or contact Donna Brinson, Executive Director at (478) 494-2571 or by email at donna_brinson@yahoo.com.
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"Emanuel in Pictures" deadline approaching
The deadline for our second "Emanuel in Pictures" is quickly approaching. Photos should follow the theme of "Summer Time in Emanuel County." We encourage you to capture the theme in unique and interesting ways that showcase Emanuel County's best scenery.
All entries should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. There is no limit on the number of pictures entered or the age of the photographer. Each photo must be submitted with the entry form, which includes permission to reprint form. All submitted photos may be used in various media formats for an unlimited amount of time and at no cost to the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce. Photos can be entered by e-mail to chamberassistant@bellsouth.net or a disc can be mailed to Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, "Emanuel in Pictures," 102 South Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401. For questions or to request an entry form contact Shanna Taylor, 478-237-6426 or chamberassistant@bellsouth.net. |
Main Street Market August plans
An active August for the Main Street Market, begins Monday August 1 with Emanuel Arts Open Mic Night beginning at 7pm in the community area of the Market; the Artist Guild will meet there on Tuesday. The Market will be open at 6pm on both days. On Wednesday, the Market will be open regular hours from 2-6pm. The first Auction will take place on the Thursday, August 4. This month the auction will focus on antiques. Opening at the regular time of 2pm, the Market will also feature a snack bar which opens at 6pm along with the auction preview. Conducted by Eagle Auction, the auction begins at 7:30pm. Call 478-494-8391 or 473-237-7030 (Lynn Brinson) to learn more. Friday and Saturday the regular hours will be 10am-5pm.
The second weekend in August will feature a Flea Market Inside the Market. Spaces will be available to the public for $15 rental fee. There are a limited number available, interested people should contact the Main Street Market at the Boneyard by calling 478-237-093 or visiting their facebook page, Stop in the Market or Swainsboro City Hall to pick up application from.
Also in the works is an October First Friday Art Stroll focusing on American Craft Week events.
"Many other events are in the planning stage," advises Market manager Joan Dunn. "We have several specials running. Hopefully, you will drop into the market browse around and enjoy the atmosphere." |
How will Federal Health Care Reform impact your business?
New federal legislation on health care reform will have major impact on small businesses. Here is your chance to better understand the new laws.
The Swainsboro/ Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Chamber of Commerce will present a webinar on "Health Care Reform-what it means for Small Business." The webinar will be held at the Chamber Building on Wednesday, August 17th from 12 noon to 1 P.M.
Join us to hear Jeffery Thompson, partner at Constangy Brooks & Smith LLP, as he share an update on the new federal legislation. Constangy Brooks & Smith is one of the largest labor and employment firms in the country and has over twenty offices nationwide including Atlanta and Macon
The cost of the seminar is $25.00 payable to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Lunch will be served. To register please call the chamber a 478-237-6426. |
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New Sports Arena is open, first show date announced.
Emanuel County is now home to a new sports arena. For months, local folks have witnessed the construction of a large metal building located on the Swainsboro Bypass, near the Highway 56 intersection. The building, called Georgia Sports Arena, is owned by Karen and Danny Wayne Faircloth. The facility is set to open on August 19th & 20th with the Dixie Stampede IPRA Pro Rodeo. The event will feature professional bull riding, Bronc riding, Saddle Bronc, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Bull Dogging, and barrel racing. Gates will open at 4 p.m. with activities slated to begin at 8 p.m. Everyone is urged to come early, enjoy dinner at the facilities' new concession stand, and ride the mechanical bull.
The multi-use facility, approximately 80,000 sq. feet with seating for up to 5,000, will primarily be used for horse shows, rodeos, and other entertainment shows. In addition, the facility will incorporate camping facilities, RV-hook ups, and a convenience store. A concession area is available serving a variety of foods and drinks.
"We are very excited about our new facility and the impact it should have in bringing folks to Emanuel County. We have scheduled a lineup of events that should place our facility among the top in the state," stated Danny Wayne Faircloth.
Admission for the IPRA event is $12 for adults, children 6 and under admitted free. For more information call 478-455-0999 or go to www.georgiasportsarena.us. |
| July 2011 Chamber New Members |
Swainsboro Game Room
David Nguyen
519 South Main Street
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478-268-9014 |
| July 2011 Chamber Member Renewals |
Best Western Bradford Inn
Faircloth Welding & Fabrication
Growing Communication, Inc.
Louis, Shellie, DMD, P.C.
Smith, Sam & Margaret
Swainsboro Antiques
Swainsboro Raceway |
Monday, August 1st, 7:00pm - Emanuel Arts Open Mic Night, Main Street Market
Tuesday, August 2nd, 7:00pm - Artist Guild Meeting, Main Street Market
Thursday, August 4th - Emanuel County Back to School
Saturday, August 6th, 6:30pm - Miss Emanuel County & Southeast Georgia pageant, Swainsboro Auditorium
Tuesday, August 9th, 9:30am - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Executive board meeting, Chamber building
Thursday, August 11th, 12:00 noon - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Regular board meeting, Chamber building
Tuesday, August 16th, 5:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities board meeting, Chamber building
Friday, August 19th - East Georgia College Bobcat Villas "Operation Move-In"
Friday & Saturday, August 19-20 - Dixie Stampede IPRA Pro Rodeo, Georgia Sports Arena
Wednesday, August 31st, 5:00pm - "Emanuel in Pictures" photo entry deadline |
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