A great day was experienced by all during the 14th Annual Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and Joint Development Authorities' Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament.

Held Thursday, September 25, 108 golfers and nine industries enjoyed the outing under bright sunshine and cool weather.

This marked another year of tremendous support for the tournament since its inception in 1994.

Following registration and lunch, Golf Committee Chairman Peyton Frye welcomed the golfers and industry participants.

Kongsberg Automotive(pictured above) took top honors for the day when Scott Webb, Chris Daring, George Todd and Scott Ashworth combined to post a remarkable 17- under to take the Championship Flight.

The Citizens Bank team of Milton Gray, Bill Simmons, Butch Parrish, and Maury Beasley took 1st Flight honors with a 10-under round.

Doug Brown, Todd Durden, Dennis Donahue, and Rocky Gokal with Advanced Metal Components took the 2nd Flight top spot with an 8-under score.

Chris Daring won the "longest drive in the fairway," while Peyton Frye took top honors for "closest to the pin."

Following the golf, door prizes were given away, along with prizes for the winning teams. The group then enjoyed barbecue and turkeys cooked by Von Johnson. The lunch and barbecue were sponsored by the Forest-Blade Publishing Company.

"We had great day today with exciting golf and beautiful weather. This tournament is one of our ways of thanking our local industries for their commitment to our county," stated Peyton Frye.

The Chamber golf committee also included Jill Collins, Heather Jones, Doug Brown, Ken Warnock Milton Gray, Angel Morris, Jim Willis, Donna Brinson, and Bill Rogers, Jr.

Officials representing the Chamber of Commerce, City of Swainsboro and Emanuel County Commission have had several meetings over the last two weeks to discuss options following the state technical board's decision to merge Swainsboro Technical College and Southeastern Technical College, which is located in Vidalia.

Earlier this month, the board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced 14 technical colleges across Georgia would merge into 7 institutions. Primarily, the decision would affect administrative jobs only, not instructional positions or programs.

A number of meetings on the proposed merger have been held at the Chamber, including a meeting on Monday, September 15th, with State Representative Butch Parrish, State Senator Jack Hill, and Swainsboro Technical College President Larry Calhoun.

Information gained in those local meetings revealed that Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia would serve as the host institution of the merger. This would result in administrative jobs being located on that campus. Swainsboro Technical College would serve as a "satellite" campus. The president's position would be located in Vidalia while a "campus provost" would serve as local leader in Swainsboro. There are a number of other issues to be resolved such as accreditation, college workforce plans, foundation matters and a future name for the combined institutions.

According to figures released by TCSG officials, the merger of the 14 institutions would result in savings of $3.5 million.

"We are not opposed to the state saving $3.5 million dollars, especially in these uncertain economic times," stated Chamber President Bill Rogers Jr. "However, we think the same savings can be accomplished without destroying the integrity of Swainsboro Technical College. We are concerned about the long-term effects this proposed merger might have on the college, the students and on our community."

Following another meeting on Friday morning, September19th, a letter was sent to TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson requesting a meeting to discuss the merger. Copies of the letter were also sent to each state board member. In that letter, local officials expressed their concerns to the Commissioner and requested an immediate meeting.

On Wednesday, September 24th, the group met with Commissioner Jackson in Atlanta He stated "no decision has been made on the selection of a host school; no president has been selected and no name chosen.

According to the Commissioner, the Technical College System is facing a 6% to 10% cut in its budget due to a decline in state revenues.

Jackson stated he knew the proposed mergers had come as a shock. "We would have preferred to take our time in enacting this proposal. We would have preferred to meet with local boards and local communities to explain our actions. However, the budget shortfall would not afford us this opportunity."

State Representative Butch Parrish and State Senator Jack Hill reminded the Commissioner of the tremendous support the System had received from the state legislature through the years. Rep. Parrish stated that he had not talked to a single legislator affected by these mergers who is happy about this proposal. "I think there are other ways we can save this money," he stated.

Senator Hill reminded the Commissioner of the tremendous support Swainsboro Technical College had received in the community through an initial bond referendum and the college's foundation. "Swainsboro doesn't deserve this. They've done everything we have asked them to do," he added.

Commissioner Jackson stated he had looked at a number of alternatives including "furloughs and layoffs," but this proposal seemed the best.

Jackson assured the group he would meet shortly with the combined boards of both institutions.

"There can be no winners or losers in this situation. We need to make this the best possible merger, so both communities will buy in. We must make sure that no community feels like they have been left out. If we fail, the merger will not work." The Commissioner stated he would seek input from Rep. Parrish, Senator Hill and the boards before a host campus is selected. A decision will be made before January. Attending the meeting in Atlanta were Milton Gray, Ken Warnock and Bill Rogers, Jr. representing the Chamber. Mayor Charles Schwabe and Commissioner Desse Davis represented the City and County.

The Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce has issued an invitation to members of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce to take advantage of a unique travel opportunity to China.

The Bulloch Chamber is tentatively putting together a 9-day travel excursion to China, planned for Spring 2009, for an incredible price of $1899. The tour includes airfare from New York to Beijing, on to Shanghai and back to New York, as well as four and five-star hotel accommodations, three full meals daily, entry fees for all the designated tourist attractions, an English-speaking guide, a business conference, and all taxes.

If you are interested in this rare travel opportunity, call the Swainsboro Chamber at 478-237-6426 for more information.

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced plans to hold a "fact-finding airspace meeting on Thursday, October 23rd, to solicit information on proposed changes to the Military Operations Area (MOA) in the vicinity of Millen, Ga." These changes would directly affect the Swainsboro and Louisville airports.

The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Augusta Regional Airport Conference Room at 1501 Aviation Way, Augusta, Georgia.

A representative from the United States Air Force will present a formal briefing on the proposed changes.

For more information, call the Chamber at 237-6426.

The quarterly meeting of the Classic South Travel Association was held at Flat Creek Lodge in Swainsboro. Twenty-five members, representing various travel organizations and destinations in the Augusta region, were hosted by Flat Creek Lodge and the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce. The event was held on Wednesday, September 23rd.

Following the meeting, the members were served lunch and given a tour of the facility.

"We were pleased to be able to host the Association's quarterly meeting," stated Bill Rogers, Jr., Chamber President. "Anytime we can have tourism folks come to Emanuel County, and see what we have to offer here, we believe it pays dividends."

Swainsboro's Downtown Square has been featured in the August 2008 edition of "Landscape Architect," a national magazine for commercial landscapers. A picture of the Swainsboro Square is featured on the "Table of Contents" page. Several other pictures of the Square and fountain are included with the story which covers seven pages. The story cites Orangeburg, South Carolina and Swainsboro as communities with a "new energy" in their downtown area.

Entitled "Projects Bring New Life to Southern Cities," the story is authored by Gregory Harris, assistant editor.

The story gives credit to Wood+Partners, Inc., a Hilton Head Island, S.C.-based landscape architectural firm, for bringing these two town centers back to life. The story covers the Square's history, new design and construction.

The magazine can be accessed at www.landscapeonline.com.

Shopping at home does have its advantages. Just ask Annie Mack, Randell Brown, Kay Nary, Shakain Smiley, Nell Alexander, Albert Mills, Clay Clark and Charles Hall, winners in the Chamber's Back-To- School Shop-At-Home Giveaway.

In the July-August-September radio campaign, the Chamber, along with Radio Jones's WXRS, WRJS, and WJAT, encouraged shoppers to shop with local merchants here in Swainsboro and Emanuel County. The Radio Jones Group matched the Chamber's advertising dollars with additional airtime. Also helping the cause were Wal-Mart, Blanchard Equipment Co., Burger King, Durden Banking Company and Southern Traditions, who gave away additional prizes.

The Georgia Academy of Economic Development will offer a spring 2009 Economic & Leadership Development Program.

Sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs, the Region 9 Academy will be held in Vidalia, Ga., at the Center for Economic Development.

The program calls for 5 one-day sessions in a 4 month period. Dates have not been announced but interested candidates should contact the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce or Jim Crowdis, Region 9 Representative, Department of Community Affairs, at 478-272-8700.

The program is ideal for chamber members, newly elected officials, economic developers, or those interested in learning more about how local government works.

This marks the eleventh year for the Academy. Some 267 candidates have completed the Academy course work.

If post-class surveys are any indication, members of this fall's Leadership Emanuel class are finding their time well spent.

After 5 classes, over 95% have responded they "agree" or "strongly agree" that the program is meeting its stated goals and objectives.

The classes on understanding leadership, Emanuel's socio-demographics, communicating effectively, and making group decisions have been held at East Georgia College, Twin City Elementary, Earl Varner 4-H Center, The Citizens Bank, and Swainsboro High School Media Center.

Twenty-four people were selected to take the course, which began on September 2nd.

According to Beth Sipper, MSN, RN, the first graduates of the collaborative nursing program between East Georgia College and Darton College have all passed their state boards. Additionally, the eleven new RN's have obtained employment.

"We are extremely proud of our new nurses and are pleased to be a part of this innovative program with Darton College," stated Dr. John Black, EGC President.

"East Georgia College continues to offer a quality education at a fair price with a personal touch. Our goal is to remain on the cutting edge with academic programs needed for today's workforce."

The following letter has been sent to the members of the United States Congress:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, commends both chambers of Congress for working with the Administration to construct a bipartisan financial rescue package. The proposal, providing up to $700 billion, will provide liquidity and stability to the U.S. financial markets.

The Chamber believes the legislation contains the necessary elements to successfully remove the uncertainty and stem the turmoil that has plagued fiancial markets in recent weeks. Uncertainty and turmoil have lowered equity prices, eroded individual saving, bound up credit markets and threatened the U.S. economy and jobs.

The proposal, providing up to $700 bullion, is large enough to work; it provides the flexibility to be implemented quickly and maintains the oversight needed to protect taxpayers. This legislationwill also ensure that homeowners facing foreclosure will be direct beneficiaries of government actions and taxpayer expenditures to stabilize financial markets.

Main Street and Wall Street are inextricably linked. This proposal addresses the needs of both and will not only begin the process of righting the financial markets, but help to return the economy to robust growth, which will create jobs across America.

A time will come very soon when the neew Congress and Administration will thoroughly and thoughtfully examine the developments that led to the current economic crisis and enact reforms to ensure that it does not happen again. The Chamber urges Congress to pass this legislation, remove the uncertainty, and get the U.S. economy moving forward once again.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
Congressional & Public Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
20062-2000

Four new representatives for the Emanuel County area were chosen on Saturday evening, September 13, 2008. The annual Miss Emanuel County & Miss Southeast Georgia pageants were held in Swainsboro at the City auditorium. This year's pageant was sponsored by the newly formed M3G Group.

Carla Penney of Vienna, Georgia won the title of Southeast Georgia's Outstanding Teen. Joining her is Annelise Kitching of Statesboro who won the Outstanding Teen talent award and the title of Emanuel County's Outstanding Teen. Jessica Moore of Swainsboro was awarded 1st runner-up.

Raven Hall of Swainsboro is the new Miss Emanuel County. She also received the evening wear and talent awards in the Emanuel County competition. Tiffini Rowland of Midville was 1st runner-up and swimsuit winner. Whitney Bush of Swainsboro was 2nd runner-up. Jessica Best of Vidalia received the interview award.

The new Miss Southeast Georgia and winner of the talent award in her division is Carly Floyd of Vidalia. First runner-up was Laura Stone of Waynesboro. Evening gown, interview and 2nd runner-up all went to Amanda Erwin of Dewy Rose, Georgia. Lakea Burrison of Glennville won swimsuit.

Additional awards presented during the evening went to Carly Floyd, Bob Ritchie Photogenic award; Macey Samples of Evans, People's Choice award; Brittany McRae of LaGrange, Congeniality award.

All four winners will go on to compete on the state level. The Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia's Outstanding Pageants will be held in Columbus, Georgia in June 2009.

Members of the M3G Group are Donna Brinson, Michael Womack, Johnna Ware, DeAnna Moore, Shelli Smith, Vanessa Wilkes, Heather Johnson, Anna Gambrell, Alicia Baird, Abby Fields, Carmen Fagler, Shanna Taylor, Tammy Hughes, Michelle Daley, and Amy Carter.

For more information on booking these young women to attend, speak, or perform at your next event, please contact Donna Brinson at 478-494-2571.

Lisa Dailey has become the new owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio & Salon. Lisa and her husband, Kelvin, assume ownership on Tuesday, September 30, 2008. Susan and Tyson Stephens, former owners, decided to sell the business because of job and family commitments. The Stephens' have three grandchildren that they want to spend as much time with as possible. Mrs. Stephens says that as manager, Lisa has been the "heart and soul" of our business. She has the best customer service skills of anyone around and is a true "Merle Girl." We are excited that Lisa and Kelvin will become the new owners and ask that the community support them as they have supported us for the past four years.

Beginning September 30 th new hours for Merle Norman will be Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.