Are you getting the most out of your employees when it comes to customer service? Are your customers completely happy with the way they are treated when they enter your business? Are you, as a business owner, doing all you can do to entice customers by providing friendly and knowledgeable personnel? Probably not!

In a recent survey of Emanuel County businesses, "customer service" was listed as the area of greatest need.

In attempting to address this issue, Swainsboro Technical College, Georgia Rural Economic Development Center, and the Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor a one-day seminar to assist local businesses in training their employees.

Similar such programs can run well over $100 per employee, but this seminar is free to all local & regional businesses. The date has set for Wednesday, Feb. 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Swainsboro Technical College Auditorium.

The program will cover customer service fundamentals, customer interaction, customer expectations, attitude and attention, quality of service, problem resolution, dissatisfied customers, customer communications, telephone skills and e-mail etiquette.

For more information or to register your employees, please call the Swainsboro Technical College Economic Development & Continuing Education Division at 478-289-2326 or Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce at 478-237-6426.

Emanuel County and Flat Creek Lodge have been selected to host the Georgia Department of Economic Development's International VIP Tour on April 23-24. The three-day event is designed to provide Atlanta's international diplomatic and business communities with the opportunity to see, experience and meet Georgians in areas of the state outside metropolitan Atlanta. At the same time, the tour affords an opportunity for the host community to establish contacts and promote their community to dozens of international representatives who can be influential links in business and industry development.

"The International VIP Tour is a unique program, mutually beneficial for all participants," stated Bill Rogers Jr., chamber president. "It is the only event that brings the bulk of Atlanta's diplomatic community which now represents more than 50 countries, together to see what we as a community have to offer.

The itinerary combines tourism, economic development and a community tour into one seamless presentation. As a result, VIP guests gain a perspective about culture, economy and local character.

The route for the 2008 tour is Atlanta to Athens to Sandersville to Milledgeville. with overnight stops at Ritz Carlton Lodge, Lake Oconee and Flat Creek Lodge.

"Each chamber member needs to be sure their respective business and adjacent areas look their very best. We never know when a tour like this might result in a new business or industry locating in our county. Officials from both the City and County have assured us their clean-up crews will be out working to make us look our best." added Rogers.

A site visit by members of the Department of Economic Development has been slated for February 12th.

The annual banquet of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce was held Thursday night, January 31st, in the Richard L. Brown Room at East Georgia College. With over 200 people in attendance, it marks the largest group to ever attend the annual affair.

This year's theme was "A NIGHT WITH THE STARS" and came complete with a red carpet entranceway, a 22 x 40-foot backdrop depicting Hollywood and icons representing the Emmy and Oscar awards.

Following a social, guests were treated to a delicious meal followed by the naming of this year's small and large business award winners.

Bill Rogers Jr., president of the chamber, welcomed the guest and recalled highlights and successes from the previous year.

Milton Gray, chairman of the board of directors, presented the chamber's agenda for 2008-09. He has chosen as his theme "Together we can" Issues the chamber will address over the next two years are clean community, leadership, retail and recreational development, existing industry appreciation, and local governmental affairs.

In award presentations, Stewart's Jewelers was named the "2007-2008 Small Business of the Year," while Faircloth Welding was named the "Large Business of the Year".

The highlight of the banquet was the naming of the "Person of the Year". This year's recipient was Mayor Charles Schwabe. The crowd enjoyed viewing two videos from his brothers in Maine and Iowa. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding service to both the Joint Development Authority and as mayor of Swainsboro.

In addition to the annual chamber awards, special recognition was given to this year's STAR students and teachers.

Swainsboro High School's Meagan Brooke Williams was named County STAR winner. Judy Williams was named her STAR Teacher.

At Emanuel County Institute, Amanda Akridge Rigdon was named STAR student with Glenn Turner named STAR Teacher at the school.

Lauren Olivia Patterson was the STAR student representing David Emanuel Academy. Sally Glover was named as her STAR Teacher.

Advanced Metal Components, Inc. was corporate sponsor of the event.

On Feb.5th, Emanuel County's Relay For Life will kick off this year's fund raising activities with a celebrity auction of services. Everything from yard work to cooking to table service will be auctioned off and it goes to a great cause! The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Cadle Barn at 957 West Main Street.

Everyone is invited to come and bid on these celebrities and their services. The theme for this year's event will be announced and recognition of last year's groups will be made.

So, grab your checkbook and head for The Barn for a night of fun, laughs and high bidding.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published in its Sunday Edition, February 3, a list of "35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die." The article is written Charles Seabrook.

Among Seabrook's "top ten" is his selection of Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area in Emanuel County. Seabrook says of the Dunes, [they are] "sometimes called "Georgia Desert" because of its dry, sandy soil and scrubby vegetation. Biologists call it an "enchanting environment."

Listed a number seventeen on his list is George L. Smith State Park. On the park, Seabrook stated, "Bald cypresses growing in pond are magnificent in the fall when they take on their orangish-bronze tints."

Among others listed in his article are Okefenokee Swamp, Marshes of Gynn, Cumberland Island, Ossabaw Island and Woody Pond, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge.

The Chamber has purchased space on a recently built billboard approximately one mile north of the I- 16/U.S. 1 Interchange. The billboard pictures the downtown park with the water fountain. It mentions the often-used moniker "Crossroads of the Great South."

The Chamber is attempting to draw potential visitors and tourists into Swainsboro for motel usage, restaurants, and shopping. The billboard space has been contracted for one year and is being paid for with funds received from the hotel/motel tax.

Radio Shack officials have recently visited the Chamber in regards to franchise rights for Emanuel County. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Coady Pizzeck, District Manager, Radio Shack Franchise at 770-844-9831 or email at coady.pizzeck@radioshack.com.

Southland Life Insurance will be having a "Grand Opening" on Tuesday, February 19th at their offices located at 120 North Main. Mitch Proctor & Todd Ellington, owners and agents of the new business, are issuing an invitation to the public to attend the 4 p.m. event.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Emanuel Rangers Chapter No. 2318, will host their "Georgia Day Program" on February 9th at East Georgia College. The event is slated to begin at 10 a.m. in the Richard L. Brown Room.

Military Service Awards Presentation, historical program and Georgia music by Swainsboro Elementary School students will be presented.