A $5,000 grant has been awarded to the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce by the University of Georgia's Fanning Institute. The grant will enable the Chamber to offer the Institute's renowned leadership program this fall. This marks the second grant awarded to the local chamber by Fanning Institute.

The program, entitled "2009 Leadership Emanuel," will consist of ten topics offered on Tuesday nights from September 1 through November 3. 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," stated Milton Gray, Board Chairman of the Chamber. "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 20-24 applicants for maximum discussion and input.

Applications for the class are currently available at the Chamber. A deadline of Thursday, July 15, has been set for receiving applications. 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 1st, with a kickoff meal and overview of the program.

Topics are as follows:

Tuesday, September 8--"Understanding Leadership: How does it work? Tuesday, September 15-- "Emanuel County Socio- Demographics, a Quick Study of Emanuel's Statistical Data" Tuesday, September 22-- "Communicating Effectively" Tuesday, September 29--"Making Group Decisions" Tuesday, October 6--"Building Communities through Collaboration" Tuesday, October 13--"Leading Community Change" Tuesday, October 20--"Understanding Local Governments" Tuesday, October 27--"A Community Leader's Role in Economic Development" Tuesday, November 3--"Wrap-Up and Graduation"

In addition to the Chamber, members of the collaborating 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 "2008 Leadership Emanuel" are Elizabeth W. Gilmer, Desse Davis, Erma Jenkins, Kenny Griffin, Ken Warnock, Mark Crosby, Wade Johnson, Bobbie Collins, Andy Riley, 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.

In an effort to take advantage of growing interest in the Ohoopee Sand Dunes area, Chamber President Bill Rogers Jr. and State Representative Butch Parrish recently met with officials of the Department of Natural Resources to discuss long-term plans for the Dunes as a tourism destination.

Several statewide publications have recently highlighted the dune system, including an Atlanta Journal & Constitution article which cited the area as one of the "top-ten spots" to see in Georgia.

Led by Dr. Jon Ambrose and. J. Mincy Moffett, of the Nongame Conservation Section, DNR department officials met in Swainsboro on April 30th to give an update on the three tracts of land currently under DNR management. The three tracts of land are located on the western side of Emanuel County following the north-south direction of the Little Ohoopee River. The three tracts cover some 2,500 acres. A fourth tract, owned by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, comprises an additional 192 acres and is managed by DNR.

According to officials, the river sand dunes systems reach their greatest extent in Georgia. The dunes are large oval structures believed to have been formed by wind deposits some 20,000 years ago. Dr. Moffett stated the area was full of rare species of plants, animals, and sensitive habitats. Following the presentation, a tour of the three tracts was made by the group.

In concluding the meeting, the local delegation urged DNR officials to consider a site easily accessible for tourists, which would enlighten and educate the public on the uniqueness of the area. The site would require low maintenance and might include an interpreted walking trail with informational kiosks. Other ideas were also discussed such as the development of a "blueway" or canoe trail along the Little Ohoopee River.

DNR officials are expected to meet and review the ideas, with a follow-up meeting expected within several months.

A renowned Emanuel County business and landmark is celebrating an important occasion. Emanuel's oldest restaurant, McKinney's Pond, is celebrating their 70th year of continued operation this June. We congratulate Mutt Kennedy and staff on this milestone.

For those who are unaware of local history, the 200- acre spring-fed, limestone bottom, cypress pond and surrounding area is site of the oldest man-made structure known in Emanuel County. The dam, located within easy walking distance of the restaurant, was there when settlers first arrived in this area.

Specialists with the State of Georgia have estimated the age of the moss-covered trees on the dam to be well over 300 years old. Tradition has it that beavers first built the dam, then Lower Creek Indians reinforced the dam, bringing in mud and dirt to strengthen it.

Named after a prominent early settler, a Mr. McKinney, the lake and site have been in the possession of the Garbutt family and its descendants for over 150 years. Through the years it has been the site of a restaurant, grist mill, swimming pool fed by an artesian well, dance hall and cottages. Only the restaurant remains in operation today, which is famous for its seafood and steaks.

(History of McKinney's Pond from Emanuel Memories, 1776-1976.)

Events like the Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo don't just happen; they take dedication, commitment, and a great eye for detail. This year's festival was an unqualified success evidenced by early numbers that indicate over 10,000 folks attended this year's events. This was a dramatic increase over last year. Early numbers also indicate the festival was a huge economic boost for our city and county with filled hotel rooms, restaurants, and increased expenditures by visitors.

While it is dangerous to start naming names, credit must go to several key groups.

First and foremost, credit needs to go to this year's PTF/STE Foundation Committee members. This group's planning activities began immediately following last year's festival. As the year progressed, more and more meetings were held, usually one a week. This group gave of their time voluntarily and deserves accolades of the highest order. Their vision was to enhance this year's festival and improve it over last year. Success was achieved by events ranging from the BMX Bicycle Stunt Show to the first-ever loggers' rodeo. Events were chosen and planned for every age group which ultimately led to the success of the festival. In efforts to keep the celebration of the pine tree industry at the forefront, the group offered the first certified classes for area foresters and landowners. Over 200 folks attended this year's Georgia Forestry Association dinner held on Thursday night. In other firsts, the Foundation awarded over $3,000 to state FFA Forestry Field Day winners and in scholarships given to Swainsboro Technical College's Forestry Program.

This year's committee members are Athen Walden, Russ Yeomans, George Elder, John Allen Bailey, Jack Bareford, John Black, Larry Calhoun, James Canady, Doug Chassereau, Jill Collins, Heather Cook, Mark Crosby, Bobbie Daughtry, Frank Denmark, Anthony Farris, Butch Frye, Tim Goodman, Mack Griffin, Darren Griner, Milton Gray, Rodney Kellum, Al Lawson, Jolly Martin, Johnny Payne, Daisy Reeves, Charles Schwabe, Mary Smith, Richard Thornton, Ken Warnock and Ronnie Womack.

While the planning was most important, monies for such an endeavor can never be overlooked. Special recognition needs to go to this year's corporate sponsors. Some sixty-eight businesses, industries, and individuals stepped forward to assure the success of the festival. Without them, an event of this magnitude does not happen.

Special recognition of the City of Swainsboro, Emanuel County Commissioners, OMI, and Swainsboro/Emanuel County Parks & Recreation must also be made. Mayor Charles Schwabe, City Administrator Al Lawson, County Commissioners, County Administrator Ezra Price, Randy Scarboro, Ronnie Womack and the Parks & Recreation crew were tremendous in their assistance.

On the state level, we would be amiss if we didn't pay tribute to the help received from the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Forestry Association, and the Warnell School of Forestry at the University of Georgia.

Finally, we need to thank our vendors, local exhibitors, and the many people who attended this year's festival. Your interest in seeing this festival grow is most important to our efforts.

The pine tree is a valuable resource with unlimited potential for our state and nation. We are fortunate to sit at the heart of the "wood-basket" of the Southeastern United States. We look forward to the 2010 Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo as we recognize this valuable commodity. -----Bill Rogers, Jr.

The 2nd annual "Wine Tasting & Tidbits Event" is planned for Thursday, June 4, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Beaver Creek Plantation according to Tanya Lane, Beaver Creek Hospitality Manager.

"It's a great chance to enjoy Chef Lazar's food in a very relaxing atmosphere surrounded by friends. We also have live entertainment that is sure to please. There's something for everyone."

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased through their website at www.beavercreekplantation.com or at the Chamber of Commerce, Merle Norman, Spivey State Bank or Durden Bank in Twin City.

For more information call 478-763-2920.

Michelle Lank, an Early Childhood Care and Education student at Swainsboro Technical College, has been named state winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).

The announcement came during a banquet at the end of the 38th annual GOAL competition held Thursday, May 21st, at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta.

After competing locally and regionally, a panel of judges from state government, business, and industry sectors interview the semifinalists, and considered their educational accomplishments, leadership qualities, community involvement and future aspirations.

For the next year, Lank will travel the state representing the Technical College System of Georgia at conferences and events as well as meetings with the governor, legislators and other state leaders.

As the "GOAL Student of the Year," she was presented with the keys to a new 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.

Our congratulations go out to Michelle and to Swainsboro Technical College.

In our last newsletter, we reported Flat Creek's Aztec Cheddar Cheese had been selected as the 2009 Grand Prize Winner of the third annual Flavor of Georgia food products contest. Flat Creek Owner Caroline Harless accepted the award from Governor Sonny Perdue at Georgia Ag Day, held March 17th, at Georgia Freight Depot in downtown Atlanta.

Now we have more good news! Flat Creek Lodge was honored this month by a visit from Governor Perdue, his wife Mary and several family members.

While visiting the Lodge, the Governor had a great time hunting wild turkey and fishing with his twin granddaughters. The expedition was filmed as part of the O'Neil Outside television show with O'Neil Williams. The episode will air in July.

A five-star event honoring five local Miss Georgia preliminary title holders is scheduled for Thursday, June 11th at East Georgia College. The show beginning at 6:30 PM will feature Miss East Georgia College, Whitney Bush; Miss Emanuel County, Raven Hall; Miss Southeast Georgia, Carly Floyd; Emanuel County's Outstanding Teen, Annelise Kitching; and Southeast Georgia's Outstanding Teen, Carla Penney. Each young lady will perform talent and model wardrobe they have selected for the upcoming Miss Georgia Pageant to be held June 20-27 in Columbus, GA. Following the stage performances, a reception will follow in the rotunda outside of the auditorium. Queens will be available for photos and autographs. The event is free and open to the public. This event is sponsored by the Miss Emanuel County/Miss Southeast Georgia Pageant and the Miss East Georgia College Pageant.

The Business & Housing Expo is a one-stop shop for small business owners, entrepreneurs, home buyers, renters, realtors, bankers and local governments to reieve the latest information on state and federal financing and technical assistance tools.

The Business & Housing Expo will be held Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 from 9:00am to 5:00pm in six locations throughout the state.

South GA Locations (6/12): Albany, Hinesville, & Warner Robins North GA Locations (6/13): Athens, Atlanta, & Calhoun

For more information contact the Chamber at 478/237- 6426