| Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce |
Delegation travels to Washington
Mayor Charles Schwabe, Swainsboro-Emanuel County Airport Commission Chairman Ken Warnock, and Chamber President Bill Rogers Jr. recently traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration officials. The meeting was arranged to discuss proposed changes to the Military Operations Area (MOA) over Swainsboro and Emanuel County.
Held in the Senate Office Building, the meeting was led by Clyde Taylor, Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Saxby Chambliss. Both Senator Chambliss and Senator Johnny Isakson have been instrumental in assisting Emanuel County with its concerns.
The local group had met previously in Swainsboro with Air Force and FAA officials in an attempt to reach an agreement that would lessen the impact of proposed changes to the military operations airspace.
Seven years ago, the U.S. Air Force proposed lowering the floor of the MOA from 10,000 feet to 500 ft. for enhanced fighter training exercises. Local citizens were concerned such a proposal would have a negative impact on the area's economy, delay arrivals and departures from the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Airport, and serve as a detriment to the livability of the area. A group made up of city, county, and chamber officials sought a compromise on the proposal.
"We continue to have discussions with the Air Force and FFA official in an attempt to resolve this issue. I think we are close to an agreement that will suit everyone involved. The Air Force and FAA realize the impact from the proposed changes would be very negative for us. They have given every indication they are willing to seek a solution," stated Warnock.
Barring environmental or legal issues, an announcement is expected in the next several weeks.
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Swainsboro Jaycees prepare for their 31st Annual Fireworks Show
The annual Swainsboro Jaycee July 4th Fireworks Show should be the best ever according to Kelly Kirkland, president of the local organization.
The event is scheduled for Monday night, July 4th, just after the skies grow dark. This marks the 31st year the local organization has sponsored the fireworks show.
The Jaycee project, which actually began as a partnership with local radio station WJAT in 1981, has seen many changes through the years. The show has been held at the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Airport, Swainsboro Jaycees Fairgrounds, Harmon Park, and of course, is now back at the southwest end of the airport. As usual, this year's show can be best viewed from the Swainsboro/ Emanuel County Recreation Complex on McLeod Bridge Road.
Over the course of the last fifteen years, the show has more than tripled in size. The show now includes hundreds of smaller fireworks, as well as hundreds of shells that are three, four, five, and six inches in diameter. Some shows have even included eight inch shells.
According to Kirkland, the local Jaycees chapter looks forward to the annual show, but it doesn't happen without lots of time dedicated to raising money and organizing the event. The Jaycees could not present this show without the support of local businesses and the City of Swainsboro. The Jaycees raise the money used to purchase the fireworks and supplies through the Jaycees' American Flag Project, a grant from the City of Swainsboro, and other Jaycee fundraisers throughout the year.
In the weeks leading up to the show, the Jaycees clean all of the mortar tubes, repair any of the racks that are not in top shape, and load the tubes and racks onto trailers that will transport them to the site. The City of Swainsboro, the Probate Judge's office, airport officials, local law enforcement, Emanuel County EMS, the Swainsboro Fire Department, and other local fire departments also play vital roles in the success of this project, both during the planning stages of the project and the night of the actual show.
On July 4th, the Jaycees will spend much of the day setting up the racks and tubes at the show site, securing the site, loading the mortar shells, and doing the necessary wiring needed for the portion of the show that will be fired electronically. Just after dark, a final safety meeting and prayer are held, and then the "Jaycee Pyro Crew' will ignite the first shell, sending it high into the evening sky. Hundreds more shells are then ignited by a Jaycee with a torch in hand or electronically.-story by Jaycee member Hugh Hendrix |
"Firecracker 100" set for big weekend
Swainsboro Raceway will be the site of the annual "Firecracker 100" held over two nights, Friday and Saturday, July 1st and 2nd. According to Paul Purvis, owner, the event will feature fireworks on Saturday night during the race. For more information go the swainsbororaceway.com or call 478-237-0002. |
Applications accepted for "2011 Leadership Emanuel"
Applications are still being accepted for this fall's 2011 Leadership Emanuel Class. The program, led by the Fanning Institute at the University of Georgia, consists of ten topics offered on Tuesday nights from September 6th through November 8th. The class times will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Fanning Institute instructors, along with local leaders, will facilitate the courses and program.
The class will be limited to 20-24 applicants for maximum discussion and input.
Applications for the class are currently available at the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce or online at swainsborochambr.org. Applications will be reviewed and selections made by the board of directors of Leadership Emanuel. The cost for each applicant is $60 and covers the cost of printed materials. Scholarships are available if needed.
The classes will begin on Tuesday, September 6th, with a kickoff meal and overview of the program.
Topics are as follows:
Tuesday, September 6-Kickoff meal & Overview of Program
Tuesday, September 13 --"Understanding Leadership: How does it Work?"
Tuesday, September 20-- "Emanuel County Socio-Demographics, a Quick Study of Emanuel's Statistical Data"
Tuesday, September 27-- "Communicating Effectively"
Tuesday, October 4--"Making Group Decisions"
Tuesday, October 11--"Building Communities through Collaboration"
Tuesday, October 18----"A Community Leader's Role in Economic Development"
Tuesday, October 25 --"Understanding Local Governments"
Tuesday, November 1--"Leading Community Change"
Tuesday, November 8--"Wrap-Up and Graduation"
In addition to the Chamber, member organizations who are sponsoring the program are Emanuel County Board of Commissioners, City of Swainsboro, Emanuel County Board of Education, Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities, East Georgia College, Swainsboro Technical College and Emanuel County Extension Service.
Serving on the Board of Directors for "2011 Leadership Emanuel" are Elizabeth W. Gilmer, Desse Davis, Erma Jenkins, Kenny Griffin, Ken Warnock, Mark Crosby, Wade Johnson, Bobbie Collins, Jack Bareford, and Bill Rogers Jr.
For more information or to receive an application, visit the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce at 102 South Main Street or call 478-237-6426. |
Haddock Chiropractic Open House scheduled
Chamber members are invited to an "Open House and Patient Appreciation" for Haddock Chiropractic (formerly Yeomans Chiropractic) on Friday, June 8th. The event will take place at their location, 105 South Circle Drive, next to Hardee's.
The public is invited to drop by throughout the day. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on site from 2:30-6:30 PM. Refreshments and a raffle for a $100 gas card will begin at 4:30 PM.
Specializing in chiropractic health & massage therapy, Haddock Chiropractic is owned and operated by Dr. Mark Haddock. The practice also offers Nutritional Consultation & Weight Loss Plans. |
Congratulations, Wanda Scarboro
The "Emanuel in Pictures" photo contest winner is Wanda Scarboro of Swainsboro and she will receive $25.00 for her winning entry. "While showing off this gorgeous old Emanuel County home, Mrs. Scarboro's interpretation of 'Spring Time in Emanuel County' was depicted beautifully in her photo entry," stated Shanna Taylor, photo contest chair. The Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce sponsored the photo contest in an effort to document all Emanuel County has to offer for the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Camera Ready program.
"We would like to extend our appreciation to all the participants in the photo contest. It is our hope that with our growing archive of photographs, we will be able to get the attention of Film Companies and be selected for a motion picture or documentary," stated Bill Rogers Jr. Emanuel County was designated as camera-ready by the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment office in a special ceremony in Atlanta on October 7, 2010. Georgia's film and television industry is thriving with Georgia being ranked number one in the Southeast, and among the top five states in the nation for film and TV productions.
Our second "Emanuel in Pictures" is already underway. 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. While the theme is open to interpretation by the photographer, the following lists some scenes requested by the film commission. Think about these and about what would make a good photo for the contest:
1. Towns, main streets, town squares
2. Residential districts, especially period ones (19th and early 20th century)
3. Anything closed, or partially used: Prisons, Hospitals, Institutions, Schools (especially period)
4. Interesting geographic areas: quarries, lakes, rivers, creeks/streams, meadows (without houses/lines/towers), mines, gorges, waterfalls, mountain tops with vistas, fields of crops or orchards
5. Homes: mansions (all architectural styles - period is always better), antebellum mansions, Victorian homes on acreage, period homes on lakes or rivers, "shacks", mill houses, farms/barns, low end farm houses, two story farm houses, row houses, decrepit homes on property, factories, mills, large manufacturing plants (one could shoot in), closed plants, cotton gins, old water wheels
7. Roads (car commercials), Country roads (no lines), old bridges, curvy mountain roads, roads through wild flower fields, roads through row crops or orchards, roads through expansive flat lands
The public will judge the 2011 Summer Photo Contest through Facebook. Members of the online community must first become a fan of "Swainsboro Chamber," then, each member will have access to the photos to view and vote! The photos receiving the most "Likes" will be named the winner! Not all photos submitted will be posted publicly on the Swainsboro Chamber facebook page; the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce staff will use their discernment to determine the best photos to be displayed online.
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. |
Construction bids to be advertised
Advertising for construction of three gateway signs is set to begin on September 1, 2011. This word comes from recent meetings held between Chamber and DOT officials in Swainsboro. The chamber project was approved for a Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant in December 2007. Since that time, the chamber has worked to complete the various grant requirements which include archaeological, environmental, right-of-way certification, and other evaluations. The project is co-sponsored by the City of Swainsboro. Attending the meeting were Angie Cooper, DOT Area Engineer, Jerry Brinson, Highway Engineer, Moreland-Altobelli Associates, Bill Rogers, Jr., Chamber President, and Ken Warnock, Vice President, James W. Buckley & Associates, architects for the project. |
Help report littering!
The Chamber is asking for your help. When you see someone littering, call 237-7025, Extension 1155. Help keep Swainsboro & Emanuel County beautiful!!! |
Derelict property to be addressed
A committee, appointed by Swainsboro Mayor Charles Schwabe to address "derelict and unsightly property" within the city, met with Swainsboro City Council at its June meeting.
The committee presented a collection of photographs of property along the city's major corridors that needs immediate attention. Following discussions, council members urged the committee to move forward, pledging their full support.
In April, the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors sent a letter to Swainsboro City Council urging the body to address these unsightly areas.
Mayor Schwabe named City Planning & Zoning Commission Chairperson Gloria Mason, Downtown Development Authority Chairman Jerry Cadle, City Building Inspector Bruce Kirby, and Chamber President Bill Rogers Jr. to a special committee to address the issue. City Council representative Bobbie Collins serves as chairperson of the committee.
Letters will be sent to property owners urging them to "clean-up" before any legal action is taken. Property owners will have 30 days to respond. |
Traveling this summer??
The latest edition of the award-winning Georgia Travel Guide is available at the Chamber.
Published by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, over 800,000 copies are expected to be distributed to anyone seeking travel information on the state of Georgia.
The magazine is conveniently divided into nine travel regions listing thousands of attractions, lodging, bed & breakfast operations, cabins and camp sites. In addition, the publication is filled with great ideas for daytrips or extended stays. The magazine makes planning a summer vacation easy.
Best of all, the 210-page magazine is free! So pick up your copy today from the chamber. |
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Chamber members an alternative
Are you or do you know of a small business employer in the United States that does not offer their employees health insurance due to price? No matter what your health insurance needs, you can always count on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) for a wide range of options and outstanding value. BCBSGa has a low cost alternative to standard health care plans called Blue Essentials that may fit your needs.
Georgia's Blue Essential Products are budget-friendly plans that cover your essential health care needs and give you the options you want. Employees would receive $20 office visit copays and 80% coinsurance reimbursement for their in-network covered items. Employees would also have plans with deductibles of $1,000 or higher. Additionally, they would receive the protection and personal security of having Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia as their insuror.
These BCBSGa plans are available at reduced premium rates to eligible business members of our Chamber of Commerce! Through the group "buying power" of MemberCare Alliance of Emanuel CountySM, we are part of a statewide network of over 130 Chambers of Commerce offering these insurance products to Chamber member businesses. The MemberCare Alliance of Emanuel County program includes a variety of discounted insurance products, such as: group term, voluntary and dependent life insurance, group dental insurance, group long term and short term disability, accidental death and dismemberment and long term care insurance. All these products are, or course, available through participating Chamber-member insurance agents.
For more information on these insurance offerings, please call the Chamber, one of your participating Chamber-member insurance agents, or Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc., (the company that developed MemberCare Alliance of Emanuel County program) at 770-579-1214 or 1-800-782-8254 ext. 3515. *An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. |
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Grand Opening for College Dorms is Slated!
Bobcat Villas, the new student residential facility at East Georgia College, will officially become part of the community with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 AM on Thursday, July 21, 2011. The public is invited to tour the facility and see how our county's 200 new residents will be living. The building has fifty 4 bedroom, 2 bath units on three floors. There is a laundry facility, computer lab, and community kitchen as well as a 2 bedroom unit for the residence life coordinator. Official move in day for new students will be August 19th. Everyone is encouraged to come out to campus and see all the reasons "A Better Life Begins at East Georgia College." |
| June 2011 Chamber New Members |
Alltel
Jonathan Judy
226 South Main Street
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478-237-2772
800-Alltel 1
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| June 2011 Chamber Member Renewals |
American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region
Church Street Manor
Retirement Inn
Southern Metals Recycling of Swainsboro |
Friday & Saturday, July 1st-2nd - "Firecracher 100," Swainsboro Raceway
Monday, July 4th - Chamber closed in observance of Independence Day
Monday, July 4th, dusk - Annual Swainsboro Jaycee July 4th Fireworks Show, Swainsboro Recreation Department
Friday, July 8th, 4:30-6:00pm - Haddock Chiropractic Open House & Blood Drive, 105 South Circle Drive, Swainsboro, GA
Friday, July 15th, 11:00 am - Swainsboro Antiques Re-Grand Opening, 106 West Main Street, Swainsboro, GA
Tuesday, July 19th, 5:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities board meeting, Chamber building
Tuesday-Friday, July 19th-22nd - GACCE Conference
Thursday, July 21st, 10:00am - East Georgia College BobCat Villas Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting |
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