With a $5,000 grant awarded by The University of Georgia's Fanning Institute, the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce will offer the Institute's renowned leadership program this fall.

The program, entitled "2008 Leadership Emanuel," will consist of ten topics offered on Tuesday nights from September 2 through November 4. 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 goal of the program is to create a new level of leadership in Emanuel County. The program goals are focused on economic development with session topics on understanding community leadership; knowing your community, community leader's role in economic development and local governance. The class will be limited to 20-22 applicants for maximum discussion and input.

An applicant must be nominated, then selected to participate by the board of directors of "2008 Leadership Emanuel." Applications are currently available at the Chamber. A deadline of Thursday, July 24, has been set for receiving all applications. The cost for each applicant is $60 and covers the cost of printed materials. An orientation session will be held Thursday, August 21, at 6:15 p.m.

The classes will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd, with a kickoff meal and overview of the program.

Topics are as follows: Tuesday, September 9--"Understanding Leadership: How Does it Work?" Tuesday, September 16-- "Emanuel County Socio- Demographics, a Quick Study of Emanuel's Statistical Data" Tuesday, September 23-- "Communicating Effectively" Tuesday, September 30--"Making Group Decisions" Tuesday, October 7--"Building Communities through Collaboration" Tuesday, October 14--"Leading Community Change" Tuesday, October 21--"Understanding Local Governments" Tuesday, October 28--"A Community Leader's Role in Economic Development" Tuesday, November 4--"Wrap-Up and Graduation"

In addition to the Chamber, members of the collaborating organizations who are sponsoring the leadership 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 "2008 Leadership Emanuel" are Elizabeth W. Gilmer, Claire Donaldson, Desse Davis, Butch Frye, Kenny Griffin, Ken Warnock, Mark Crosley, Wade Johnson, Bobbie Collins, Andy Riley, Valerie Watkins 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.

Featured in this month's edition of Southern Living, the Canoochee Daylily Festival is growing in size and reputation. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This year's event will include a bass fishing tournament, 4-H performers, the Canoochee Volunteer Fire Department's chicken barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Daylily auction at 2:30, and a hourseshoe tournament at 3:30 p.m. and much more.

The Rhett Blount/Blake Marsh band will perform from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Don't miss out on seeing the spectacular daylilies on this great day of fun. For more information, call Michele Turner at 237-5219.

The Swainsboro Downtown Development Authority has announced plans to host an "Ultimate Yard Sale" in downtown Swainsboro. All citizens of Emanuel County are invited to participate by bringing their yard sale items on June 7th to any of three locations: Downtown Square, Roger Shaw Street or the Boneyard.

The event will begin at 7 a.m. on a first come, first serve basis. Spots are limited to 10x10, so get there early. Bring your own tables and chairs. For more information contact Anthony Faris, Director, at 478-299- 1485

Swainsboro Raceway will host the Chamber's Business after Hours on Thursday, June 19th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Raceway, located just off Hwy 56 North.

According to Paul Purvis and Steve Howell many changes and improvements have been made to the facility, so you'll not want to miss this event. Refreshments will be served.

In addition, "Business after Hours Cash Drawing" continues to grow. There was no winner at the last event, so the amount increases to $325. You must be present to win!

Kudos must go to Jessica Stephens, who was featured in the Technical College System of Georgia Magazine, 2008 Spring & Summer edition.

The full page article highlights the young lady's efforts to become a cosmetologist and pays tribute to Swainsboro Technical College's cosmetology program.

Jessica is currently a stylist at Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio; a former graduate of Swainsboro High; has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University, and now a cosmetology diploma from Swainsboro Tech. Congratulations Jessica!

Final figures are not in, but it appears this year Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo was a great success. Comments have been highly favorable on both the parade and the Expo. The parade was one of the largest ever, with over 80 entries and lasting over one hour.

Ticket sales at the Southeast Timber Expo were near 6,700 people when school participation was added in. Figures for parade attendance were estimated in similar range also.

Mentioned most frequently were the Lumber Jack Show, the aerobatic plane and the Civil War Reenactment Camp.

"Many folks need to be thanked for the time and energy devoted to this year's event. Without the help of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreation Department, OMI, the City and County, our festival would not have succeeded," stated Athen Walden and Clay Hall, chairpersons of the Festival.

Serving on the board of directors for the 2008 Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo were Athen Walden, Clay Hall, Carol Yeomans, George Elder, Doug Chassereau, Danny Palmer, Rodney Kellum, Milton Gray, Charles Schwabe, Mack Griffin, Al Lawson, John Black, Jack Bareford, Daisy Reeves, Charles Brewer, James Canady, Frank Denmark, Gloria Mason, Bobbie Daughtry, Johnny Payne, Larry Calhoun, Ken Warnock, Anthony Farris, Bob Losser, Bill Breedlove, Chris Griner, Caroline Harless, Adriance Galloway, Mary Smith, Sonny Stephens, Jolly Martin, Pam Akridge, and Bill Rogers Jr.

The board is already discussing plans for the 2009 Festival.

The Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce & the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Development Authorities are currently accepting applications for the position of "assistant." The full- time position is expected to be filled by July 1, 2008.

The position requires the ability to work closely with the chamber's membership, other organizations, city and county representatives and community visitors. The position requires the knowledge, skill and ability to perform basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Publisher. The job also requires the ability to learn other software programs related to chamber membership. The successful candidate must possess good verbal skills, written and organizational skills, time management abilities, positive social skills and be a detail-oriented self starter, able to multi-task and be reliable. The Chamber/Development Authorities offer highly competitive pay and a benefit package which includes annual leave, sick leave, and paid holidays. Applications are available at the Chamber or mail resume to 102 South Main Street, Swainsboro, Ga. 30401.

Dr. Daniel Massa, a nationally board-certified chiropractor, has opened his new practice in Swainsboro. Emanuel County Clinic is located in the Professional Building at 120 Jackson Street across from Georgia Power and Credit Guard.

Dr. Massa, a native of New Jersey, has lived in Kennesaw, GA for the past 20 years. Having attended Life University in Marietta, GA, he received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, completing with honors a four- year intensive postgraduate program of study in chiropractic. He is licensed in 5 states and has an additional certification with the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association in pediatric training.

On Friday May 30, a number of local chamber members and dignitaries welcomed him during ribbon-cutting ceremonies.