Despite cold and wet weather, the Swainsboro/ Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet was a huge success.

Over 180 people attended the event on Thursday night, Feb 1, at the Swainsboro Country Club. This year's theme, "A Taste of Italy", was well received. "It was one of our largest crowds ever and we had many favorable comments, especially about the decorations and the food," stated Ken Warnock, chamber president.

A letter from the Italian Trade Commission to Bill Rogers Jr., Chamber Executive Director, was read to the membership. The letter stated the commission "was honored that the Swainsboro/Emanuel Co. Chamber of Commerce celebrated Italian culture at its 53rd annual banquet." The letter went on to point out Italy was currently Georgia's 8th most important trading partner and that a number of Italian companies had created thousands of jobs for Georgians throughout the state. Rogers pointed out one major reason for this year's Italian theme was that tourism has become a major component of Georgia's economy.

Highlight of the evening was the selections of this year's awards. Custom Furniture Co. was selected the "Small Business of the Year," while East Georgia College was chosen the "Large Business of the Year".

Former Emanuel Countian Rob Sasser delivered a very moving tribute to his father, Dr. Bobby Sasser, who was chosen this year's "Person of the Year." The award was given to Dr. Sasser for his lifetime of achievement and community service.

In his membership address, President Warnock reviewed many of the chamber highlights and successes in 2006. Among those mentioned were the J.M. Huber announcement, the Chamber building dedication, existing industry dinners and the strategic planning session. He also stated the Chamber had been successful in its search for an executive director and in surpassing its goal of 275 members.

A number of short term and long term goals were set. Listed were the enhancement of the chamber's website, improving the newcomer's guide, increased support from outlying communities, and increasing Chamber membership to 325.

Looking ahead, Warnock mentioned the need for leadership classes for youths and adults, increasing the number of downtown events held around the Square, and expansion of the Pine Tree Festival.

Special thanks went to The Wine Cellar at Thompson's Minit Mart and to Yardmaster for their sponsorship of the event.

The opening of Gallery RFD and Art Stoll, held on January 13th, generated much interest and excitement in downtown Swainsboro. Some two hundred art viewers from 16 different cities, 3 states and 2 countries attended the event which was held in the early evening from 6 to 9 p.m. With delightful, non January-like weather, strollers visited the Kalmanson Gallery, Gallery RFD, Jack's Java Cove and Brantley's Billiards. As viewers "strolled" between locations several local businesses and shops were open. The next Art Stroll is planned for this weekend, Feb. 10th. Thirty-two artists from all over the United States are expected to participate in this month's Gallery's exhibition.

Frank Denmark and Steve Brown are pleased to announce the opening of their new accounting office at 117 Roger Shaw Street, the former office of Attorney Bobby Reeves, in Swainsboro. Since opening their Statesboro office in January of 2005 Denmark & Brown's client base has grown at an exponential rate. This growth and the number of existing clients from the Swainsboro area prompted Denmark & Brown to look at opening a local office to better serve their clients. Frank and Steve are both Certified Public Accountants with over 52 years of combined CPA experience. Their professional and supporting staff have over 64 years of CPA and accounting experience. Denmark & Brown is a full service accounting firm. Services include payroll, bookkeeping, estate planning, corporate and personal taxes, accounting, and business consulting. They are accepting appointments and the new office is expected to open in February of 2007. For more information please call 478-237-3535 or visit them online at www.denmarkbrowncpa.com.

Twenty-two people have signed up for the Dale Carnegie Training Course to be offered at Swainsboro Technical College. The course will begin on Feb. 15th and will be held one night a week from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. According to Dale Ashworth, Dale Carnegie of Georgia, the twelve meetings will focus on leadership development by strengthening and improving professional performance.

To enroll or for more information call Dale Ashworth at 912-313-4488 or Swainsboro Technical College at 478-289-2200.

Congratulations go to Phillip Jennings Turf Farms and Pennington Seed for a great Super Bowl XLI. Held in Miami, millions watched world-wide as the Indianapolis Colts came from behind to handily beat the Chicago Bears. With a constant rain falling, the grass field, once again supplied by Jennings Turf, appeared to stay in excellent condition throughout the game.

Headquartered in Soperton, Jennings Turf Farms have exported turf to over 30 different nations around the word. The farm operates in four different counties including Treutlen, Emanuel Toombs and Washington.

We're proud of this outstanding local industry!

Joey Goodman, Financial Center Manager, BB&T- Swainsboro has issued a special invitation to Chamber members to attend their special customer appreciation day on Thursday, Feb, 15. Enjoy refreshment and register to win a $500 BB&T Gift Card.

The Chamber is continuing to host "Chamber Coffee Connections" in February. Meetings are planned with local school principals for Tuesday, February 6th and with local school coordinators and directors for Thursday, Feb, 8th. Another membership meeting is being planned for Thursday, Feb, 22.

These meetings are being held to discuss membership services, the Chamber's role in the community, membership surveys and membership directory. Invitations will be sent out.

If you have already received an invitation but were unable to make a previous meeting, you are invited to attend the Feb. 22nd meeting. Please call the chamber at 478-237-6426 to be included.

With the Georgia General Assembly now in session, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has recently published their 2007 Legislative Agenda. Among those items currently being supported by the organization are:

*Supports equitable and reasonable registration fees for lobbyists and all organizations, profit and non- profit, with the Ethics Commission.
*Supports a significant increase in tourism funding to promote our state as a destination.
*Supports adequate funding for all levels of education and full implementation of the lower pupil-teacher ratio in grades K-12, as required by Georgia law.
* Supports a statewide, common sense water management plan that balances the needs of the existing and future growth with the goal to protect our environment.
*Supports tax incentives for the research and development of alternative fuels, but opposes any state mandates requiring their use.
*Supports policies, programs and payments for continued viability of rural, critical access and safety net hospitals.
*Will continue to strongly support private property rights
*Supports the repeal of the sales tax on energy used in manufacturing process.
The Georgia Chamber's positions on these and other issues were determined by the Georgia Chamber's Government Affairs Council members after an extensive series of grassroots listening sessions throughout the state. A complete list of the 2007 Legislative Agenda is available at the chamber.

106 North Main Street
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478/237-6873