| Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce |
It's time to register for golf tournament!
 The 17th Annual Chamber of Commerce Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, September 23rd, at the Swainsboro Golf Course. Team application forms are now available at the Chamber. Call 237-6426 or email us at
swainsborochambr@bellsouth.net to register.
Again this year, the event is being co-sponsored by the Chamber and the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities. The event is held each year to pay tribute to local industries. Last year 108 golfers participated.
This year's event will begin with lunch at 12 noon, followed by a four-man team select-shot golf tournament. The tournament will be followed by a social time and dinner. The Forest-Blade is sponsoring this year's lunch and dinner.
Industry representatives are invited to participate at "no charge," compliments of the Joint Development Authorities. For others who wish to participate in the golf tournament, the fee is $200 for a four-man team or $50 per individual. Tickets are also available for the meal only at $6.00.
Serving as this year's tournament committee chairman is Clay Hall. Other committee members are Heather Cook, Jill Collins, Angel Morris, Peyton Frye, Will Donaldson, DeAnna Moore, Wade Johnson, Doug Brown, Donna Brinson and Bill Rogers, Jr. |
|
Ohoopee Dunes presentation and hike is scheduled
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of State Wildlife Grants in Georgia, the Department of Natural Resources will host two special events of local interest.
A presentation on the Ohoopee Sand Dunes, which are located to the west of Swainsboro on the Little Ohoopee River, will be made by State Botanist Mincy Moffett and John Thrift, Southeastern Technical College Biology Instructor.
The presentation will be held Friday night, September 10th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Southeastern Technical College, Swainsboro Campus, and is free to the public.
On Saturday morning, September 11th, a hike will take place through the sand dunes. Dr, Moffett will show many of the rare plants that are located in the area. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. at the McLeod Bridge Road where it crosses the Little Ohoopee River. (Directions: Take U. S. 80 West from downtown Swainsboro. Go approximately 5 miles. Turn right on McLeod Bridge Road and travel until you see bridge).
Hikers are urged to wear comfortable clothes and bring their own water and snacks. |
Local group meets with FAA officials
"We realize we have a problem and it's our desire to serve both the Swainsboro community and the U.S. Air Force by mitigating a solution for all," stated Terry L. Biggo, Air Traffic Manager, Federal Aviation Administration.
Those important words were spoken to a local delegation of officials who traveled to meet with representatives of the FAA, Air Route Traffic Control, in Hampton, Georgia on Monday, August 30th. The local group traveled there to discuss concerns about the Shaw Air Force Base proposal to lower the Military Operations Airspace (MOA) to 500 feet above for a large portion of northern Emanuel County.
"We feel our meeting today was very successful," stated Ken Warnock, Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport Commission Chairman. "FAA officials were very receptive to our economic and environmental concerns."
Several ideas such as the creation of a new proposal that would raise the MOA floor to 5,000 ft, a direct communications link with air controllers and the implementation of a north/south corridor for flights into and out of Swainsboro were discussed. FAA officials assured the local group future negotiations with the Air Force would take place and that the community "would be at the table."
"We now realize that the current proposals are restrictive to the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport and to your local economy," added Biggio.
Following the meeting the local group toured the FAA facility, which is the largest in the world. They had the opportunity to talk directly with air controllers that work the Swainsboro Airport.
Also attending the meeting were Jerry N. Cadle, pilot and local attorney; Robert Barker, Swainsboro Airport Manager and owner of AirStar Operations, and Bill Rogers Jr., Chamber president. Staff members of Senator Johnny Isakson and Senator Saxby Chambliss attended the meeting also.
"We are very appreciative of Senators Isakson and Chambliss for their efforts to address our concerns. Without their direct intervention it is likely this meeting would not have taken place," added Rogers.
|
MOA meeting held on August 11th
A group of approximately 30 elected officials and interested citizens met with representatives of Shaw Air Force Base on Thursday afternoon, August 11th. Conducted in the President's conference room at East Georgia College, the meeting was held to discuss the proposed changes in the Military Operations Area (MOA) over Swainsboro. The Air Force is proposing an increase in the size of the MOA airspace and a lowering of the ceiling from 10,000 AGL to 500 AGL (500 feet above ground).
The local delegation in attendance was there to voice concerns ranging from the potential impact on the county's economic development plans at the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport to concerns about the environment and quality of life.
Representing Shaw Air Force Base were Colonel Don Godier, vice commander of the 20th Fighter Wing; Colonel David Van Der Veer, commander of the 20th Fighter Operations group; Rob Sexton, community relations manger, 20th Fighter Wing; Lt. Colonel Clark Quinn, 20th Operations Support Squadron and Mr. Art Byres, Shaw Operations Group. Also present was Steve Brown, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration.
Bill Rogers, president of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the group and stated the community realized the importance of a strong military and the need for adequate training of personnel. He pointed toward the community's history of men and women who had served and made sacrifices during times of great national difficulties. Rogers added he hoped a point could be reached that served both the Air Force needs and those of the community.
Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport Authority Chairman Ken Warnock stated that the proposed changes would have significant impact on the operations of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Airport by delaying flights in and out of the airport. He stated the Airport Commission had received nearly $21 million in state and federal monies to make improvements at the airport. He added that a new $4 million dollar Instrument Landing System (ILS) was set to be installed with the next 4 to 6 weeks. "This too was paid for by state and federal monies. All of these improvements will be for naught if our ceiling is lowered to 500 feet above ground."
Mentioning specific times as a pilot, Warnock stated he had been required to wait for up to 45 minutes for the airspace to clear so that he could take off. "This takes away the ease of air travel. Lowering the ceiling to expand the airspace will only make matters worse," he added. "With over 270 acres of prime industrial sites located at the airport, any delays will only hamper our efforts to attract industry. Why would any company want to deal with these delays? It places us at a competitive disadvantage." He stated that there may well be over 160 local jobs directly affected by the decision.
Questions were raised concerning the impact on environmental issues such as the wood stork, a federally protected bird with nesting areas in northern Emanuel County; on the use of flares over timberlands, and why the Air Force couldn't move the Military Operations Area laterally so as not to affect this airport.
Cathy McDaniel, manager at Flat Creek Lodge, voiced concerns over their dairy operation and the impact lower flights would have on milk production and on their hunting quail and deer.
Colonel Van Deer stated the concerns had been heard by the Air Force at earlier public meetings and the public had been given the opportunity to send written comments on the proposed changes. He pointed to three public meetings held in Wadley, Millen and Augusta.
Art Byers stated the Air Force had followed the guidelines for the proposed changes and felt like the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport would be better served under the new proposal. He stated the FFA and the Air Force would determine a protocol for all of the airports falling within the MOA, taking into account these concerns.
Steve Brown, FFA, stated he heard the concerns of the community.
Local attorney and pilot Jerry Cadle asked why no public meeting was held in Swainsboro when it was the largest municipality affected by the proposed changes.
In reply, it was stated the Air Force had used a firm for the environmental impact studies and they had determined the best locations for the public meetings.
At the conclusion of the two-hour meeting, Byers stated the decision remained in the hands of the Federal Aviation Administration, who would give final determination. A decision will be made in the next several weeks, he added.
Among others in attendance were Representative Butch Parrish; State Senator Jack Hill; Jared Downs, Kathryn Murph Downs, and Chas Cannon, staff members with Senators Isakson and Chambliss; County Commissioner James Canady; former U.S. Senator David Gambrell; Joint Development Authority members Dr. Bobby Sasser, Will Donaldson, and Loy D. Cowart; City Administrator Al Lawson; George Lee, Administrative Assistant to Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle; Steve McWilliams, Georgia Forestry Association; Robert Barker, Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport operator, and a number of concerned citizens.
The local group will attempt to meet with Federal Aviation officials in the next week.
|
Barrow to speaker at Sept. 11th Ceremony
 Congressman John Barrow will be the keynote speaker at special ceremonies on the Square to commemorate the events of September 11th. Host by the local Lanier-Moore VFW Post #5745, the events is slated to begin at 3 p.m.
|
Senator Isakson visits Emanuel County
Nearly 70 people attended an early morning "Meet & Greet" coffee on Tuesday morning, August 24th, to welcome U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson to Swainsboro and Emanuel County.
The Senator shared his thoughts on the economy, taxes, and other national issues before touring East Georgia College.
Prior to a joint noon meeting of Rotary-Exchange-Kiwanis Clubs, Senator Isakson met with a local delegation of citizens and elected officials to discuss the Air Force's proposed changes to the Bulldog Military Operations Airspace (MOA), which includes the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport.
In that meeting, Senator Isakson stated he understood the concerns expressed locally and wanted to work to address those concerns. He informed the group that with the aid of Senator Saxby Chambliss a meeting with Federal Aviation Administration officials is being arranged to discuss the community's issues with the proposed changes. The meeting is expected to take place in the next 10 days at FAA Eastern Service Center Headquarters in Hampton, Georgia. |
If you haven't seen the cover of this month's Georgia Forestry Today magazine, you need to take a look. Local photographer Wanda Thompson took top honors in the Georgia Forestry Foundation photography contest. There were three areas in which photos could be entered: habitat, wildlife, and family. The Foundation used the contest to generate images of Georgia's forests and wildlife they support. According to the magazine, the photos tell "the story of the beauty and benefits of Georgia woodlands."
Thompson's photograph was taken at Geo. L. Smith State Park, near Twin City, and shows the natural beauty of the cypress pond. She took top honors in the Habitat Division.
|
Farmers Market is a big hit!
Local farm-fresh tomatoes, melons, milk, butter, homemade breads and rolls, steaks, soaps, and much more-you'll find it all at the Downtown Farmers Market. Held every Friday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m., the market is located on Roger Shaw Street.
Look for the signs and thanks for supporting our local farmers and growers!!!!
|
Augusta Symphony Orchestra to perform
The Augusta Symphony Orchestra will be performing at East Georgia College's Gambrell Auditorium on Thursday, September 23rd at 11 a.m. and at 7 p.m. Both concerts are free to the public.
The orchestra is under the direction of Maestro Shizuo Z. Kuwahara. |
|
|
|
|
|
Be a corporate sponsor of tournament
Need some great PR for your business or organization? Now is your chance. Be a corporate sponsor of the Chamber & Development Authorities' September "Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament."
You can choose to be a hole sponsor for $100 or give a door prize. Last year, over 108 golfers participated.
Call the Chamber at 237-6426 for more information or mail your check to Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, 102 South Main Street, Swainsboro, Ga. 30401. |
| August 2010 Chamber Member Renewals |
Best Western Bradford Inn
Shepherd, Gary, & McWhorter |
| August 2010 Chamber
New Members |
Thursday, September 2nd, 5:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities Meeting, Chamber Building
Monday, September 6th - Chamber Closed in observance of Labor Day
Tuesday, September 7th, 9:30am - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting, Chamber Building
Thursday, September 9th, 12:00 noon - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Regular Board Meeting, Chamber Building
Friday, September 10th, 12:00 noon - Chamber Classic Golf Tournament Meeting, Chamber Building
Friday, September 10th, 7:00pm-8:30pm - Ohoopee Sand Dunes Presentation made by State Botanist Mincy Moffett and John Thrift, Southeastern Technical College auditorium, Swainsboro campus
Saturday, September 11th, 8:30am - Hike through the sand dunes hosted by The Department of Natural Resources, McLeod Bridge Road where it crosses the Little Ohoopee River
Saturday, September 11th, 3:00 pm - September 11th Ceremony with keynote speaker Congressman John Barrow, Downtown Square
Monday, September 20th, 7:00 pm - Emanuel County Commissioners Meeting, Commissioners Chambers
Tuesday, September 21st, 5:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities Meeting, Chamber Building
Thursday, September 23rd, 12:00 noon - 17th Annual Chamber of Commerce Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament, Swainsboro Golf & Country Club
Thursday, September 23rd, 11:00am & 7:00pm - The Augusta Symphony Orchestra to perform, East Georgia College's Gambrell Auditorium |
|
