| Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce |
Sills to kick off 2011 Leadership Class
Community banker and motivational speaker Derek Sills will be the keynote speaker for the 2011 Leadership Emanuel Class on Tuesday night, September 6th. The kickoff dinner will be held at the Sudie A. Fulford Learning Center on the campus of East Georgia College.
Sills' inspiring presentation has been made before many statewide organizations including the Georgia Bankers Association and the Georgia Association of Chamber Executives.
"Using his experiences as a high school coach and his familiarity with the late Coach Erk Russell, famous Georgia Southern head football coach who won several national championships, his motivational message will be a great kickoff for our leadership class," stated Bill Rogers Jr., Chamber President. "We are delighted he has agreed to speak."
Selected to attend are Neil Shah, Lois Clark, John Thrift, Angel Morris, Dennis Jones, Matt Henry, Beau Gunn, Tammy Wilkes, Dustin Vernon, Byrant Lewis, Jean Marie Cadle, Maria Daniels, Wanda Ellison, Jen Meadows, Rev. Eugene Davis, Lynn Brinson, Amy Carter, Greg Waters, Michelle Hutcheson, Tripp Fitzner, and Kenny Griffin. This marks the third leadership class initiative in four years sponsored by the chamber.
Derek Sills is a First Vice President and head of Financial Services for The Heritage Bank located in Hinesville, GainesvilleH. Sills has worked for The Heritage Bank since 1999.He has been a Top Producer for LPL Financial Services every year since 1999 and is currently part of the 2009 President's Circle and the 2005 Rising Star award winner.
He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in history and a minor in international studies. Sills is also a graduate of First University Consumer Banking School and currently holds a series 7, 66, life and variable life licenses.
Along with his banking duties, Derek has coached high school football as a community coach since 1993.He has served on the coaching staff at Metter, Tattnall and Swainsboro high schools.
Derek and his wife, Kim, have 2 children. |
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Show your support of our local industries
Here is a great way to show support of our local industries--be a corporate sponsor of the Chamber & Development Authorities' September Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament. You can choose to be a golf hole sponsor for $100 or you can give a door prize. 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. Checks must be received before September 25th. |
Welcome SHS Class of 1961
 The Swainsboro High School Class of 1961 will have their 50th reunion this weekend, Friday and Saturday, September 2nd and 3rd. According to Dr. Betty Brown, over 75 class members are expected in town for the events.
Congratulations to class members and welcome home! |
Chamber offers Social Media marketing opportunity
The Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce will offer an opportunity to learn more about Social Media and ways to market your business.
A special webinar," Social Media Strategy-Putting Rhyme and Reason Together" will be offered on Thursday, September, 22nd, at 12 noon. The one-hour learning session will be held at the chamber, a light lunch will be served.
"Using social media marketing to grow your business or organization isn't about technology. It's about the strategy and execution behind knowing what platform to use and to use it effectively. This session will explore the various platforms and how they are used. We will also discuss how to create a social media inventory and overall strategy to guide your marketing efforts," added Rebecca Jones, State Chamber Director of Member Services. The cost of the seminar is $25.00.
To register please call the chamber at 478-237-6426. |
"Move-In Day" quite a sight!
 What had East Georgia College President John Black, Swainsboro Mayor Charles Schwabe, East Georgia College Foundation members Nick Herrington, and Carol Youmans carrying boxes, furniture, clothes, and computers on a hot August day? It was "Move-In Day" at East Georgia College!
Some 200 students moved into East Georgia College campus housing on Friday, August 19th. The historic event marked the College's first foray into student housing. Car tags from all across Georgia could be seen including Cobb, Fulton, Liberty, Henry, Bibb, Elbert, Bulloch and Coweta counties. There were even a few out-of-state students registered from as far away as New York and New Jersey.
According to college officials, this year's enrollment was the largest ever at 3,808 as of August 22nd. This figure represents enrollment at both the Swainsboro Campus and at Statesboro. Over 76 Georgia counties are represented on the Swainsboro campus, along with six other states, and six foreign countries.
East Georgia College broke ground on the new 200 bed, state-of-the-art complex on August 12, 2010. Each apartment offers four private bedrooms, two baths and a furnished living room and kitchen. Residents will enjoy designer furniture, big screen LCD television, 24/7 security, mail service, utilities, and internet. The building also has a laundry area, study space, a computer lab, a balcony area, and an outdoor recreational area.
"We're very excited about campus housing at East Georgia College. It should have a major economic impact on our community," stated Bill Rogers Jr., Chamber President.
Nineteen companies and organizations set up tents and tables in an effort to make students aware of local products and services offered. |
Work Force Director Everson meets with local team
Melvin Everson, Executive Director, Governor's Office of Workforce Development, met with Chamber, City, County, Joint-Development Authorities and Southeastern Technical College officials on Tuesday, August 16th, to update the community on plans to develop more jobs in Georgia.
Director Everson praised Emanuel County for their participation as a "Work-Ready" county in Georgia. He told the group he was excited to assist Governor Deal in creating economic development throughout the state.
"The Georgia Work Ready mission is to transform Georgia's workforce into our number one competitive advantage to grow jobs in Georgia. We stand ready to synergize the education, economic development, agriculture, civic and local government communities with state government to produce a unified, comprehensive, inclusive and smart strategic vision to prepare Georgia and her citizens for a 21st century workforce."
Everson was here to discuss the program and to receive ideas, feedback, and comments. Among those attending the event were Mayor Charles Scwabe, Emanuel County Commissioner Desse Davis, City Administrator Al Lawson, Swainsboro Police Chief Randy Ellison, Swainsboro Fire Chief Mike Strobridge, Joint Development Authorities Vice Chairman Dr. Bobby Sasser, Chamber Board Chairman Kenny Griffin, Southeastern Technical College Provost Larry Calhoun, Southeast Technical College Executive Director of Economic Development and Community relations Johnny Payne, and Chamber President Bill Rogers Jr.
Earlier in the day, Director Everson spoke to the Swainsboro Exchange Club. |
Board adopts bylaw change
The Board of Directors of the Chamber voted unanimously to change the method in which board members are selected. During its August 11th meeting, the board adopted a revision to the organization's bylaws which now calls for a nominating committee to select directors. (Please see last month's newsletter for bylaw revision.)
Serving on the nominating committee are Board Chairman Kenny Griffin; Chairman-Elect Athen Walden, and Chamber President Bill Rogers. At large members named by Griffin were Desse Davis and Clay Hall.
Previously, the election process required two mailings be sent to the entire membership. The first mailing required the full membership list be mailed out to all members with the purpose of selecting up to eight nominees. A second mailing was then required asking members to vote on four names from the list of eight. |
Nominating Committee meets, nominees are named
The Nominating Committee of the Chamber has selected eight names for nomination to the Board of Directors of Swainsboro Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce. DeAnna Moore, Clay Hall, Daniel Massa, Mitchell Fagler, Jim Roberts, Dustin Vernon, Peyton Frye, and Wes Wilkes have been nominated for election.
Prior to September 15th, chamber members should receive an official ballot in the mail. Members will be asked to vote for four positions on the board. Also appearing on the ballot will be a place for write-in candidates. Ballots should be returned to the chamber no later than October 1, 2011 to be counted. |
Georgia Sports Arena opens with a bang!
Congratulations are in order for Danny Wayne and Karen Faircloth, family and staff, for a very successful opening of the Georgia Sports Arena. Evidenced by the huge crowds on Friday and Saturday night, their first major event, the Dixie Stampede IPRA Pro Rodeo, was a tremendous success.
With major events planned in the near future, the Georgia Sports Arena should become a very important economic draw for our community. |
A "Day of Thanks" is planned
 The veterans of Emanuel County will be hosting "A Day of Thanks-A Day to Remember" on September 10th.
This event is being held to say thank-you to the many first responders (law officers, firemen, & EMT's) and their families that serve Emanuel County on a daily basis. The event will be held at the Emanuel County Parks & Recreation Complex from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A picnic luncheon, with guest speakers, games & activities and a concert for the first responder and their families is scheduled.
The veterans' organization is inviting local businesses to sponsor this event. Those businesses making a contribution will have their names placed on a sponsorship board that will be displayed for all to see.
For more information call 478-331-0320 or 478-455-3264. Checks should be made payable to Swainsboro American Legion or Lanier-Moore VFW, 103 Oak Chapel Road, Kite, GA, 31049. |
Rentals still needed for students
Due to record enrollment at East Georgia College, demand for off-campus housing is very strong. If you have rental property and are interested in renting to students, please contact Elizabeth Gilmer, Director of Development, Alumni and External Affairs.
The college has a waiting list of students looking for apartments or houses. Call 289-2037 for more information. |
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It's time to register for golf tournament!
The 18th Annual Chamber of Commerce "Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament" will be held on Thursday, September 29th, 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 over 100 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 Jill Harvey. Other committee members are Heather Cook, Angel Morris, Peyton Frye, DeAnna Moore, Wade Johnson, Doug Brown, Donna Brinson and Bill Rogers, Jr.
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| August 2011 Chamber New Members |
MOJO's Wine & Spirits
Greg Bennett
546 South Main Street
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478-237-0012
R & F Marketing Arnold Finkelstein 610 East Main Street Swainsboro, GA 30401 478-237-2500 |
| August 2011 Chamber Member Renewals |
AgSouth Farm Credit
Anderson Homes
City of Twin City
David Emanuel Academy
Mill Pond Kayak, LLC
Poole, Harry G. IV
Southland Insurance Group |
Friday, September 2nd, 9:00am-12:00pm - Free Spinal Screening at Walgreens courtesy of The Emanuel County Clinic of Chiropractic, for more information call 478-237-0788 or 478-237-7246
Monday, September 5th - Chamber Closed in observance of Labor Day
Tuesday, September 6th, 9:30am - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting, Chamber building
Tuesday, September 6th, 6:00pm - Leadership Emanuel Kick-off, Sudie Fulford Learning Center
Thursday, September 8th, 12:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Regular board meeting, Chamber building
Saturday, September 10th, 12:00pm-4:00pm - "A Day of Thanks - A Day to Remember," Emanuel County Recreation Department
Saturday, September 10th, 6:00pm - 1st Feature Mud Bog and Dirt Track Racing, Swainsboro Raceway
Tuesday, September 13th, 6:00pm - Leadership Emanuel Class, Twin City Primary Media Center
Saturday, September 17th, 10:00am-2:00pm - First Ever Hispanic Festival of Emanuel County, Downtown Swainsboro
Tuesday, September 20th, 5:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities board meeting, Chamber building
Tuesday, September 20th, 6:00pm - Leadership Emanuel Class, Earl Varner 4-H Club Center
Thursday, September 22nd, 9:00am-12:00pm - East Georgia College Student Job Fair
Thursday, September 22nd, 12:00pm - "Social Media Strategy-Putting Rhyme and Reason Together" webinar, Chamber building
Tuesday, September 27th, 6:00pm - Leadership Emanuel Class, Citizens Bank Community Room
Thursday, September 29th - 18th Annual Chamber of Commerce "Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament" |
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