| Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce |
An Open Letter to the Chamber Members:
Dear Friends; The citizens of Emanuel County will go to the polls on March 15th, 2011, to vote to extend the county's one (1) percent local option sales tax for another six years. The passage of this referendum is very important for the long-term growth of our county. Included in the special purpose tax are expenditures to assist with the bonds at Emanuel Medical Center; road improvements across the county; water system improvements for the cities of Adrian, Garfield, Oak Park and Stillmore. In addition, the money generated from the tax will be used to pay for fire department equipment, recreational improvements, airport improvements, and assist with economic development. The funds generated by the tax are to be divided among Emanuel County and all qualified municipalities within Emanuel County. It is important to remember this sales tax is also paid by visitors to our community who make purchases while here, thus broadening the impact of the tax. In short, renewal of this tax will assist with a broad array of needs, affecting every Emanuel County citizen. Since the tax is a renewal of an existing tax and not a new tax, the Board of Directors of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously in their February 10th board meeting to support the passage of this important referendum. We urge all citizens to support the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax with a "yes" vote on March 15th Sincerely, Kenny Griffin, Board Chairman
Bill Rogers, Jr., President |
East Georgia College housing preview is set
A preview and open house will be held on Thursday, March 10th, from noon until 2 p.m. at East Georgia College. Although "Bobcat Villas," the new student apartments, will not be open until August, 2011, a preview or "mock up" of a unit is now available in the academic building on campus.
On Thursday, March 10th, the community is invited to visit the campus for a cookout and a tour of the facility. Even though it is not the actual apartment, you will be able to get an idea of where the college's 200 new residents will be living.
"The economic impact of student housing will be positive for all of us in the county. We encourage everyone to attend the open house and see all the great new things happening at East Georgia College," added Elizabeth Gilmer, Director of Development, Alumni Relations, & External Affairs. |
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FROG ride coming to Swainsboro
Residents can expect to see scooters of every description in Swainsboro on Friday afternoon, April 1st, and it won't be a joke! Some 100 riders and support personnel are expected to take part in Fools Ride Over Georgia (FROG). Coinciding with April Fools' Day, the group will ride from Kingsland to Helen, GA, in an attempt to set a world's record and raise money for the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes. The three-day event is slated to begin on the coast in Kingsland and travel to Swainsboro for the night. On Saturday, the group will travel through Dublin and Milledgeville on their way to Athens, GA. On Sunday the group will ride to Helen to culminate the event. The group will spend Friday night, April 1st, in Swainsboro hotels and enjoy local food establishments. For more information on the event call Mike Leathers at 770-914-1076 or visit their organization's website at foolsrideovergeorgia.com. |
Get your pictures in!  In an effort to document all Emanuel County has to offer for the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Camera Ready program, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring "Emanuel in Pictures" photo contest. The contest will take place four times during the year. At the end of each 3 month contest, a winning photograph will be selected and featured on the Chamber website. The winning photographer will receive $25.00. "We hope by conducting this contest, we can begin to build a large archive of photographs that could eventually lead to our county being selected for a motion picture or documentary. Film Companies look for a variety of interesting areas when preparing for an upcoming film and it makes sense to have photographic evidence of what Emanuel County has to offer," said Shanna Taylor, chamber assistant and photo contest chair. Schedule of the contest will be as follows: December through February, winter months; March through May, spring months; June through August, summer months; and September through November, fall months. Deadline for entering will be the last day of the last month within the season's contest. Photos should reflect the contest season you are entering as well as compliment and showcase the community. 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. Only 16 counties in Georgia have this honor to date. "As one of the few designated counties in Georgia, we hope to use this opportunity to show others what a beautiful and special place we live in. Although there is no guarantee we will be chosen by a film company, by documenting photographs through the photo contest participants we hope to improve our chances substantially," said Bill Rogers, Jr., chamber president. Our first "Emanuel in Pictures" will begin March 1, 2011 and will continue through Tuesday, May 31, 2011. Photos should follow the theme of spring time in Emanuel County. There is no limit on the number of pictures entered or the age of the photographer. 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 contact Shanna Taylor, 478-237-6426 or chamberassistant@bellsouth.net. |
Congratulations to winners!
On Thursday night, Feb. 3rd, the Richard L. Brown Room at East Georgia College was the scene of the 57th Annual Banquet of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce. Nearly 170 people were in attendance to join in celebrating the previous chamber year and to name award winners.
Named the "2010 Small Business of Year," Swainsboro Raceway was cited for its economic impact on the community and its ability to draw huge crowds to the half-mile dirt track. Accepting the award were Paul and Deborah Purvis, owners of Swainsboro Raceway.
American Steel was named as the Chamber's "Large Business of the Year." Ken Feldman, owner, gave a history of the company and listed the challenges faced when the company first moved to Swainsboro. The company now has over 60 employees.
Dr. John Black was recognized as the "2010 Person of Year" for the many changes that have taken place at East Georgia College during his tenure as president. Athletics, housing and student achievement were credited to his leadership.
STAR students and teachers were also recognized at the banquet. Representing Swainsboro High School was Buckley Lenay Screws and her teacher, Mr. Barry Golden. Michael Ryan Bridges represented Emanuel County Institute along with his teacher, Mr. Richard Rogers. Nikki Dye Brianna was named STAR Student at David Emanuel Academy along with her teacher, Mrs. Cindy Brett.
Buckley Screw was named county winner and will represent the county in region competition.
Special recognition went to this year's sponsors who included Blanchard Equipment Company and Southern Tradition Floral & Gifts. Jerry N. Cadle, P.C. was recognized for sponsorship of the STAR Teacher and Student program. |
Have a business idea?
If you are a student, faculty member, or a local entrepreneur with an innovative idea then FAST PITCH is for you!
This new program is being offered to Southeast Georgia rural area and is designed to identify promising local entrepreneurs to help start new ventures and grow existing ones to improve and impact the local economy.
The concept allows for entrepreneurs to make a 3-minute pitch of their venture and be assessed as to the viability of the venture by local community leaders, academia, and investors. Prizes will be awarded to the best pitches.
Applications are simple and must be sent in immediately as the deadline is March 1 for applications. Pitch competition is scheduled for March 31st, 2011, at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah, GA. The FAST PITCH competition will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The program is being sponsored in part by Georgia Southern University, The Creative Coast, SBDC, and other noteworthy organizations. For more information contact Jake Hodesh at 912-447-8457. |
"Lunch and Learn Series" is a success
Twenty-four people attended the second session of the "Lunch & Learn" series held at the Sudie A. Fulford Community Learning Center at East Georgia College. The event was held Thursday, February 24th, and is part of the Chamber's ongoing activities to stimulate the local economy through recognition of senior citizens.
Debra Donaldson Scott, Financial Services Professional, Capstone Financial Partners, presented a program on "Six Steps to Financial Success."
The group enjoyed a light lunch and toured the facility following the meeting. |
A job well done!
Emanuel Medical Center Foundation members are due special kudos and thanks. The local group raised over $33,000 by hosting a special night of auction, food and fun on Thursday night, February, 10th. All proceeds from the "Have-a-Heart for Your Hospital" event went to benefit Emanuel Medical Center.
Congratulations on a fun night and a good cause. |
Eggs & Issues is held
Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Emanuel County Farm Bureau, held an "Eggs & Issues" breakfast on Saturday morning, February 19th, at Emanuel Medical Center.
Over 70 people were in attendance to hearRepresentative Butch Parrish and State Senator Jack Hill present a brief overview of the legislative session to date which has dealt with a number of issues including funding of Hope scholarships, budget matters, transportation, and water.
Senator Hill specifically mentioned the latest census report and the impact it would have on the state. Figures indicate that Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. "We will need to redistrict to add a congressional representative."
Representative Butch Parrish stated that state sales tax receipts have improved recently, but budget matters will still dictate the direction the state must take. |
Pine Tree Festival events on website!
Planning for the 2011 Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber EXPO is in full swing. The board of directors is meeting several times a month preparing for the two week event. A complete list of events is now on the organization's website, pinetreefestival.org.
The site gives the very latest information on this year's upcoming event, including the schedule of events, announcements, vendor information, sponsorship information and photos from previous festivals. |
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Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black to speak at PTF
Georgia's new Commissioner of Agriculture will be the featured speaker at this year's Pine Tree Festival Forestry Field Day.
Last year, Forestry Field Day was added to the Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber EXPO list of events. Over 100 people attended the inaugural event which was held for area landowners and timber growers. The 2011 Forestry Field Day will be held Thursday afternoon, May 5th, at the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreation Complex beginning at 1 p.m.
Exhibits will be set up on a circular path just off the walking trail at Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreational Complex on McLeod Bridge Road. The exhibits will feature educational demonstrations and discussions ranging from "fire control burning" to "pond management."
"We're very excited about our second Forestry Field Day and the huge response we had last year. Again this year we are getting a lot of interest from forest-related entities," stated Russ Yeomans, co-chairman of the event.
Following Forestry Field Day, at 6 p.m., the Georgia Forestry Association and Southeast Timber EXPO Barbecue Dinner will be held. Georgia's new Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black, will be the featured speaker for the evening. Tickets for the barbecue dinner are $15. Call the Chamber, 478-237-6426, to reserve your seat. |
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February 2011
New Members |
Goody's
Rebecca Derriso
501 South Main Street
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478-237-7859 |
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February 2011
Chamber Member Renewals |
Advanced Metal Components
Altamaha Electric Membership Corporation
Auto Parts & Supply (NAPA)
Badcock Home Furniture & More
Bass Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, Inc.
BB&T
Bowen, Cricket
Brown, Dr. Betty Y.
Buckley, James W. & Associates
CH2M HILL
Chemetron Fire Protection Systems
Coleman House Inn/Catered Creations
CPR Fitness
Crop Production Services
Custom Furniture
Diamond Propane Services, INC.
District Attorney, Middle Judicial Circuit
Domino's Pizza
DQ Grill & Chill
Durden Banking Company
East Georgia Healthcare Center
El Valle Mexican Restaurant
Emanuel County Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS)
Emanuel Medical Center
Emanuel Tractor Sales, Inc.
Farmers Furniture
Gambrell Photography
Georgia Equipment Company
Georgia Power Company
Gribbin, David
H&R Block
Heritage Healthcare of Swainsboro
Hill, Senator Jack
Indoor Temperature Control
L & M Farms
Lamb, Linda
LFG Company, Inc.
McRae Veterinary Clinic
Millcreek Foundation
Nordson Corporation
Northland Cable Television
Ogeechee Behavioral Health Services
Ogeechee Steel
Parrish, Larry "Butch"
The Peddler
Pilot Club of Emanuel County
Pine Ridge Properties
Purchasing Alliance Solutions
Purvis, Thomas, CPA
Rayonier Wood Products, LLC
Reeves Construction Company
Reeves, Judge Bobby
Rentown
Rick Glass Company
Robins Federal Credit Union
Rogers, Jr., Bill
The Sanitary Market
Sheila's Jewelry & Gifts
Shepherd, Gary & McWhorter
Shop-Rite Pharmacy
Smith, Mark, DMD
Smith, Sam & Margaret
Spivey, Carlton & Edenfield
Swainsboro Ford
Swainsboro Presbyterian Apartments
Swainsboro Ready Mix
Tankersley, Carl
Terwilliger, Toni
Twin City Drug Company
United Hospice
Wilson's Pharmacy
Wise Internet Solutions
Wofford, Chuck
Yard Masters Lawn & Garden
Youmans, P.O. Jr., CPA
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Tuesday, March 1st - "Emanuel in Pictures" photo contest begins
Tuesday, March 8th, 9:30am - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting, Chamber building
Wednesday, March 9th, 8:45am - Goody's Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 501 South Main Street, Swainsboro, GA
Thursday, March 10th, 12:00 noon - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Regular Board Meeting, Chamber building
Thursday, March 10th, 12:00noon-2:00pm - East Georgia College housing preview, EGC academic building
Sunday, March 13th, 2:00pm-4:00pm - Emanuel County Historic Society Open House
Tuesday, March 15th, 5:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities meeting, Chamber building
Thursday, March 31st, 9:00am-2:00pm - The FAST PITCH competition, the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah, GA
Friday, April 1st - Fools Ride Over Georgia (FROG) coming to Swainsboro
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