August 2013 Momentum Magazine

Momentum August 2013

G R E AT E R R O M E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

The Young Professionals Edition *How 13 unique Romans are bringing innovation, creativity and life to the community

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID Rome, GA 30161

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COVERED Immediate Care 1825 Martha Berry Blvd.

Rome, GA 30165

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Momentum August 2013

G R E AT E R R O M E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

Table of Contents Published by:

Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce 1 Riverside Parkway Rome, Georgia 30161

In this Issue...

Momentum (USPS 395-030)

Young Professionals of Rome

Published monthly by the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, 1 Riverside Parkway, Rome, GA 30161.

Periodical Postage Paid - Rome, GA 30161. Subscription Rate $25 per year in U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MOMENTUM, 1 Riverside Parkway, Rome, GA 30161

All content by: Blake Buford Communications Coordinator For Advertising and Editorial Information: 706-291-7663

On the Cover:

Four of the thirteen young professionals profiled inside.

Keep reading to find out more about (left to right) Siri Selle, Matthew Ackley, Bridgett Montgomery and Ryan Simmons.

Community/Chamber Events................................. 4 Dr. Larkin Swartz.......................................................... 6 Siri Selle........................................................................... 7 Ali Freeman.................................................................... 8 Matthew Ackley........................................................... 9 Brad Doyle.................................................................. 10 Bridgett Montgomery............................................ 11 Tonya Davis................................................................ 12 Kaytlin Greenley....................................................... 13 Alma Roman.............................................................. 14 Ian Griffin/Neal Howard........................................ 15 Ryan Simmons.......................................................... 16 Melissa Free............................................................... 18 A Chamber Recap.................................................... 20 Advertiser’s Index/New Members..................... 21 Renewals.................................................................... 22 August 2013 3

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear Reader, Exciting things are happening in Rome and Floyd County!

2013 has been a great year and we are delighted to share our community with you. The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in providing this publication to introduce you to our membership, manufacturers, small businesses and community.

This issue features thirteen young professionals around Rome and a Chamber of Commerce recap. This edition also features this month’s New Members and Renewals. Don’t forget to take a look at the Community Calendar and experience the vibrancy of Rome and Floyd County for yourself. As the 2013 Chairman of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit the Chamber of Commerce located at 1 Riverside Parkway and meet the Chamber staff. You will find an incredible group that is truly committed to the future of Rome and Floyd County.

Sincerely, Doc Kibler State Mutual Insurance Company 2013 Chairman of the Board, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce

Community/Chamber Events

August 2013

13

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growing up, learning and dealing with change. These interactive parenting workshops are designed to give “in the moment” parenting guidelines and tips, whether you are parenting a newborn or a teenager.

Event Description: Join us for this Senior Fraud Protection Workshop urging Georgia families to be alert for scammers who may be targeting their senior loved ones.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Presents: Positive Parenting Classes Location: 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Home Instead Senior Care of Georgia Presents: Protecting Seniors from Fraud Location: Hummingbird Point Community Building 51 Cherokee Road, Cedartown, GA Event Description: Learn and explore your child’s unique ways of Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge Location: Rome City Auditorium Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Event Description: Join some of our local Rome celebrities for the annual Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge. This is a fund-raiser to benefit the Sexual Assault Center of NWGA.

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Chick-fil-A Summer Splash Party Location: 264 Shorter Ave Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Event Description: Summer Splash Party from 5-7pm. At 6pm if your group can fit the most people in a kiddy pool, your group will receive a nice prize!!

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Small Business Action Council “Highly Effective, Low-Cost Advertising” Location: Chamber Boardroom 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

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Business After Hours hosted by: Georgia Highlands College Foundation Location: Heritage Hall - 415 E 3rd ST 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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Operation Thank You Location: Chamber Boardroom 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

C h e c k t h e co m m u n i t y c a l e n d a r a t w w w. r o m e g a . co m fo r e v e n t d e t a i l s.

IMPACT the world

Where You RecoveR Affects hoW You RecoveR

Unity Christian School • 3 year olds through 12th grades • College Preparatory

At Kindred, we understand that when people are discharged from a traditional hospital, they often need continued care to recover completely. That’s where we come in.

• Biblical Worldview • Fine Arts & Athletic Programs

Our nationwide network of transitional care hospitals is designed for medically complex patients who require continued care and extended recovery time.

Dual Accreditation www.acsi.org

Doctors, case managers, social workers and family members don’t stop caring simply because their loved one or patient has changed location. Neither do we.

www.sacs.org

2960 New Calhoun Hwy NE • Rome, GA www.unitychristianschool.org • (706) 292-0700

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go.

We specialize in: • ventilator weaning and management • complex wound care • short-term rehabilitation • dialysis • IV antibiotic therapy

Kindred Hospital Rome 304 Turner McCall Blvd Rome, Georgia 30165 706.378.6800 • 888.487.9519 fax GA TDD/TTY# 800.255.0135 www.kindredrome.com

Healthcare Companies in the World, Fortune Magazine Five Years in a Row • 2009 – 2013 © 2013 Kindred Healthcare Operating, Inc. CSR 168252-01, EOE

We Promise...

The Highest Quality Products & Services It’s Your Credit Union!

August 2013 5

Dr. Larkin Swartz

Proudest Moment ............................................

"My mentor Dr. Tom Morgan and I went on a mission trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. We were there with a large group of medical personnel and we were able to provide mobile healthcare for Haitians who had been devastated by the earthquake."

Day-to-Day

............................................

"I get to play with teeth every day, shape them, make smiles brighter and ultimately make people feel better. Being able to provide that extra little boost of confidence or solve whatever dental issue they may be facing is always rewarding."

People Would be Surprised to Know...

............................................

“I’ve had a few of my younger patients who sit in the chairs and say “you look like you’re in high school”, so they might be surprised to know I’m 29.”

Biggest Inspiration

............................................

“Dr. Craig Williams was an orthodontist I had in high school. He was the one who really got me into dentistry. One of my other biggest inspirations is Dr. Tom Morgan, who I traveled to Haiti with. I really connected with him and he ultimately gave me my first job.”

August 2013 6

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Larkin [lahr-kin] Swartz [sw-orts] noun 1.) An Irish Gaelic name passed down several generations.

Growing up in Decatur, a very young Dr. Swartz thought he might be a vet, or have a career in computers, but by age 14 he knew he wanted to work on teeth for a living.

Owner of

Larkin Swartz

Family Dentistry

Siri Gundersen Selle

If you’ve driven up or down Broad Street in the past seven years you’ve probably seen her artwork displayed in the windows of the Hawthorn Suites. Siri Gundersen Selle, mom of two, wife, artist, entrepreneur and the owner of Studio Siri and Hanging Around Rome, made her way here from Norway on a soccer scholarship from Shorter University. From teaching private art lessons at Shorter’s studio to now having two spaces to call her own, Ms. Selle is working to not only provide a creative hub spot for young adults, but for all Romans.

Owner of Studio Siri & Hanging Around Rome

Finding Her Career Path ...........................................................

“I was going to school for psychology and when I was 17 I did a project on surrealism and started drawing a lot. The more I would draw the more I started falling in love with art, but it was not until I was 20 that it really clicked.”

Motivation of an Artist ...........................................................

“I believe you can never be afraid to take risks. If you are following your dreams and working hard to achieve your passion, you feel a sense of completion. Like many professions there are hard times where you might think, ‘should I just give up and become...a masseuse?’ or whatever the alternate job might be, but just believing in yourself and doing your best is how you stay motivated.”

Art Recognition

...........................................................

“The Rome community has been very supportive of my art since I opened Studio Siri and I’m so thankful for that.

I’ve also been able to put my work in the Lowe’s hotel in Atlanta and in the Atlantis resort in Bahamas. I have also been fortunate enough to be the featured artist for the International Jazz Fest in Norway, and to have several sold out solo shows through the years.”

Looking Forward ...........................................................

“I’m so excited to own Hanging Around Rome. Combined with Studio Siri we also offer custom framing options.

This space can also act as a gallery for not just my art but for other local artist as well! I hope to continue to help students build their portfolios for potential art scholarships. We hope to continue doing all kind of art show events, birthday parties and story time activities. I ultimately would love for this to be the number one venue for art in Rome.”

August 2013 7

Ali Freeman

Physician Liaison &

Community Outreach Manager Alabama born, Ali Freeman might not be a native Roman, but the time she has donated to this community certainly makes her one of our own.

Harbin Clinic

“I am primarily responsible for developing and implementing a marketing and sales plan to maintain and grow referrals for physician practices at Harbin Clinic. I interface with physicians to improve communication and understanding of the needs and expectations of referring physicians. A typical day often involves conducting visits to referring physician offices, developing referral plans for Harbin Clinic departments and planning educational sessions for new physicians to share information about their practices. Promoting Harbin Clinic, our physicians, employees and services is simple. The people of Harbin Clinic make it the strong organization it is, and I know how fortunate I am to spend my days working in a culture of excellence alongside people who are passionate about serving the communities of Northwest Georgia.”

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Day-to-Day ..................................................................

Proudest Moment ..................................................................

“Giving back is part of my personal philosophy. My professional accomplishments are very rewarding, but nothing beats investing in the community that has embraced me. I credit my drive to volunteer to my parents because of their examples of dedication to family, careers and the community where I was raised. I’m also really fortunate to have the unwavering support of my husband, John. He’s the most selfless and understanding person I know, and he inspires me daily to put others before myself.“ Ali currently serves as president of the Board of Directors for the Rome International Film Festival and the Rome Area History Museum. She’s also a member of Rome Rotary and the Junior Service League of Rome. Ali even put her dancing skills to the test for the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge, a fund-raiser for the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia.

People Would be Surprised to Know... ..................................................................

“I’m an avid fisherwoman. I spend a lot of my free time on the lake/river with my dad. I actually caught my first fish when I was two, that was the beginning of the multitude of fish I’ve caught over the years. Also, when I was living in New York and working in Public Relations/television production, Martha Stewart was one of my employers.”

August 2013 8

Matthew Ackley

Brugg Lifting Some might call a 23-year-old with a master’s degree and a full-time job an overachiever, but around these parts, we just call him successful. A Rome native, Model High graduate and a Shorter alumnus, Matthew Ackley is a great example of what drive and dedication can accomplish.

Day-to-Day ..................................................

“As the purchasing manager and an inventory controller at Brugg Lifting, I am in control of all incoming and outgoing purchasing. I actually started working at Brugg as a customer service representative. In 2011, I later moved to an administrative position and less than a year later I secured my current position.”

Proudest Moment ..................................................

“My proudest moment was getting my master’s degree in four and a half years in tandem with my bachelor’s degree,” said Mr. Ackley. “The first two years of school I was undecided, I knew I wanted to go into business so I took a few business classes. My advisor suggested accounting and my junior year at Shorter University they introduced the Master’s Degree Program. I pursued master’s classes as electives, used two of my summers to continue taking courses and the next thing you know I was finished.” Mr. Ackley graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Biggest Inspiration ................................................

“One of the largest inspirations in my life has been my godmother Colleen. She is an accountant who has her CPA and she’s overcome a lot of health issues. She’s always been there to push me, support me and give great advice.

Having someone in your life who believes in you and is always there in your corner is priceless.”

Purchasing Manager/ Inventory Control

In Five Years

................................................

“I’m always looking to move further up.

I hope to stay around Rome. I have considered going back and getting my CPA or I may just get my doctorate to hopefully become a business professor.”

August 2013 9

Brad Doyle

Director of Operations

TSB Loss Control

.............................................................................................................................

Growing up with a 328 acre lot as a ‘playground’ is probably every kid’s dream. By age 10, Brad Doyle had already realized what an awesome place his father built. TSB Loss Control is an emergency services training organization that provides comprehensive training for emergency response personnel and those responsible for managing, organizing and/or directing emergency response activities. They train workers in fire fighting, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, emergency medical services and much more. From a 10-year-old who helped build some of the tunnels to now being the Director of Operations, Mr. Doyle has literally grown up with this company.

Day-to-Day

..............................................

“At TSB Loss Control I handle everything from finances, to employee benefits to scheduling and making sure everything goes smoothly from the time the client walks in to the time they leave. It’s been amazing because I get to work with people I’ve known since I was a boy. To now be near the same age as the guys we hire is surreal.”

People Would be Surprised to know... ..............................................

“I’m considering a run for political office.”

Biggest Inspiration

..............................................

“My father Curtis had no high school or college education and he built this business from the ground up. He worked really hard to support his family and he was able to do it all successfully. I hope to be able to do the same for my family.”

August 2013 10

Curtis & Brad

Brad gets a boost

Scaling the wall

Bridgett Montgomery

Director of Sales & Marketing Born and raised in Rome, Bridgett Montgomery is the type of person you wish would greet you at every hotel you visit. Armed with a big smile and a welcoming presence, she originally found her career while working in hospitality during college.

Day-to-Day .......................................................

Originally working the front desk at Hawthorn Suites for two years, Bridgett was promoted to her job as director of sales and marketing. “The Hawthorn is such a unique building with exposed brick, pipe and ivy. We have such amazing employees and I love being able to come to work here every day. I get to interact with people and I thrive on meeting new individuals from different places. Working in hospitality you are always meeting new people and you hear so many interesting stories.”

Biggest Inspiration

.......................................................

“My biggest inspiration is my cousin Ashley Lee, she is a go-getter. She has always had the attitude of having a goal and going for it, she has always pushed herself to her limits to get what she wants. That’s how I want to live my life, just going for it and not being afraid of not succeeding.”

Proudest Moments .......................................................

“Outside of work, being the youth director at my church and a determined mother means so much to me. At the Hawthorn I was so honored to be the 2009 Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Employee of the Year and the first person to receive the Superstar of Service Award for Rome in 2011.”

The Past & the Future .......................................................

Hawthorn Suites

by Wyndham

Originally wanting to be a teacher, after graduating from Rome High School, she went to college and started working in hospitality to supplement her education costs. It was then that she realized how much she loved customer service. “I love this industry and I hope to stay in it. In the coming years I look forward to getting more and more experience and continuing to be outgoing and people-oriented.”

August 2013 11

Tonya Davis

Owner

BDD Consulting

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“You never know if you don’t try,” is a motto Tonya Davis has lived by for most of her life. Born in North Carolina, it was after earning her master’s degree in Family and Community Counseling and many years spent working in management positions for various small companies she realized that if she didn’t make the leap to starting her own business she would always regret it.

In the Beginning

.....................................................

“I started BDD in April of 2011. It started as a bookkeeping business and now includes such services as cash flow monitoring, budgeting, social media management and public relations. It has evolved much quicker than I ever planned for and I’m so grateful for that.”

Day-to-Day .....................................................

“Every day is different. We don’t look at any task as mundane or small. By taking on certain responsibilities for our clients they can focus on what they do best, rather than the things we can do best for them. We hope we are able to help relieve some of their stress, so that they can focus on what’s important: growing their company and spending time with their families. When we start working with a company we think of ourselves as a part of that company.”

People Would be Surprised to Know... .....................................................

“At one point, before BDD, I was feeling like I just needed a goal...something to work for. I entered the 2010 Roman Classic [a bodybuilding/fitness competition] and won first place in all three female fitness categories! To train so diligently and put my mind to something for 5+ months... it was amazing to know I could accomplish that. It showed me a lot about my focus and determination and whenever I’m in a tough situation I just think ‘c’mon girl, if you could do THAT then you can certainly do THIS’.”

In the Future .....................................................

“I would love for BDD to have another location near North Carolina so I could visit my family more. At BDD we strongly believe in volunteering and it’s a requirement when you work here. We hope for BDD to become synonymous with community involvement.”

August 2013 12

Kaytlin Greenley

Marketing/Business Development Assistant Coosa Valley Credit Union Having worked at Coosa Valley Credit Union for almost ten years, Kaytlin Greenley plans to keep climbing her way up the ladder until she gets to that CEO position.

Day-to-Day

.................................................

As the marketing and business development assistant Ms. Greenley said the flexibility to go and do so many things that she enjoys is what she loves about her job. “This job allows me to go out and network and learn about new businesses. Our company is about people helping people and being able to talk with potential new clients is awesome.”

People Would be surprised to know... ................................................

“I’m originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but I lived in Jerusalem, Israel for four years before moving to Rome. I’ve also had quite a few positions at this company over the nearly ten years I’ve been here. I worked as a part-time teller, full-time teller, head teller assistant, member service representative, loan processor and now my current position.”

Proudest Moments .................................................

"Recently becoming the Chairwoman for the Board of Directors for the NWGA American Red Cross is amazing. I have been a volunteer with that organization since 2003 and it has always had a special place in my heart, and to now be able to help 'steer the boat' is a huge honor.

I'm also proud of all the other committees I've been able to work with, the Northwest Georgia Women's Expo, the Credit Union National Association Marketing/Business Development Conference Committee, Duck Derby and of course being the Chairwoman of Young Professionals of Rome with the Chamber."

August 2013 13

Alma Roman

Insurance Agent Alfa Insurance

.........................................................................................................................

From working as a part-time cashier to owning her own branch of Alfa Insurance in just three years, Alma Roman’s life is a great example of tossing fear and self-doubt aside and making the leap.

Finding Her Career Path .............................................................

“I was originally working customer service, mainly translating and interpreting. I was, for the most part, a stay-at-home mom, comfortable with my job and enjoying spending the extra time with my kids. In 2009, I saw an opening at an insurance agency looking for someone bilingual. I interviewed and was hired the same day. I was there for about a month when I started checking the Chamber’s jobs page on www.romega.com. I saw that Joel McCool, Alfa Insurance, was looking for a team member. One day I just showed up at his office and told him I was there for the position. I asked him to give me six months and teach me everything he could. He gave me a chance and started me as a secretary.

After six months, we looked at our numbers and they had exponentially grown. Joel eventually convinced me to enroll in the Alfa associate program. I passed my test on the first try and in 2012 I was an agent at Joel’s office. Just a few months later there was an Alfa agent ownership opportunity here in Rome. I didn’t think I was ready but I put myself out there and went for it. I interviewed with the district manager, and a few agonizing weeks later I was awarded the opportunity to have my own agency.”

Proudest Moment .............................................................

“This was a tough journey and I think it means so much because I had to work ten times harder than a normal agency owner candidate. Alfa’s Home Office requires that their agents earn a four year degree. I did not have a diploma, but I would not let that define me. My proudest moment and greatest achievement is when Alfa recognized that my strong work ethic and my ability to produce at a high level qualified me over other candidates that had resumes three times longer than mine.”

Biggest Inspirations .............................................................

“My parents are huge inspirations for me. I came from a very humble blue-collar family. They both did manual labor and they taught me that if you work your tail off you will get where you need to be. My mom raised a family of nine and taught me that you have to work for what you want. Joel McCool is another huge inspiration. He taught me everything I know about insurance and gave me all the tools I needed.

He never held me back and told me the sky is the limit.”

August 2013 14

V 3 Maga z ine

Ian Griffin & Neal Howard

...........................................................................................................................

When lifelong friends start a business together, there are several disastrous ways it can play out. Fortunately for Ian Griffin and Neal Howard, their collaboration resulted in V3 Magazine, a successful Northwest Georgia Reader that’s been showcasing Rome and Floyd County for seven years.

In the Beginning ...............................................................

Neal: We’re both Rome natives, and we’ve technically known

each other since we were five. We played YMCA basketball together, graduated from Rome High School together and have been friends now for over twenty years.

Ian: After high school we both left Rome with no real plans of returning, but we’d come back to visit and we saw the major strides Rome was making. Neal, a freelance writer at the time, eventually moved back and started talking with our mutual friend Anthony Barba about starting a magazine.

Neal: Anthony said that if someone started a magazine that he would back it and that’s where it started. I went home that night and drew the first issue by hand. I planned every story and every angle. At that point I had a lot of pent up creativity and it all sort of flowed out that night. The next day we started making phone calls and I suggested we pull Ian in to help with ads.

The Magazine ...............................................................

Neal: As we were working on a name Anthony suggested Veni

Vidi Vici [I came I saw I conquered] and it stuck. We originally changed the Veni to Vini for the sake of style but we got quite a few letters warning us about a “misspelling”. We eventually just changed it to V3 a few years ago.

Ian: Our ultimate goal was to have a monthly, high quality coffee table-esque project and we think we’ve accomplished that goal. You’d be Surprised to Know...

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Neal: Ian's allergic to tree nuts!

Ian: For a while I chased down the dream of being a

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SportsCenter anchor. I worked a lot of games, wrapped tons of cable but when I saw how much makeup they had to put on Bill Walton I realized I didn't really want to be on camera. I did however work behind the camera and Shaquille O' Neal fell on top of me. I'd also like to point out that old NBA player's knees are pretty gross.

Proudest Moments ...............................................................

Neal: Maintaining a business for seven years through

this grassroots effort with no major financial backing. Also being able to bring in students from local colleges and help springboard them into their careers is what I think makes us both the most proud.

August 2013 15

Director Ryan Simmons Creative Brand Red Studios .............................................................................................................................

Originally from Tennessee, this Berry alumnus found his love for videography after he graduated.

Using Berry as a resource, he worked out a deal that if they could loan him equipment, he would produce admission videos for them. One of his videos, Kicking it Around Berry, acquired over 20,000 views on YouTube, and a video he did as a test, Toy Trains, has over 1 million views! Now as the Owner and Creative Director of Brand Red Studios, and the Executive Director of the Rome International Film Festival Ryan Simmons has found himself working with companies from LEGO to Nickelodeon.

In the Beginning .....................................................

“When I first started my production company [in high school] it was called Fryan Squirrell, a collaborative idea with my teacher that blended our names.

Unfortunately, as I got out of school and started to work more corporate events and do business commercials I would tell them the company name and it just didn’t sound very professional. A couple of years ago I was reading about the science of colors, red in particular and how it stands out. With a goal of branding our clients red (helping them stand out) I decided on Brand Red Studios.”

People Would be Surprised to Know... .....................................................

“I know the lyrics to almost every Kenny Rogers song, (Lady and The Gambler are masterpieces)!”

Biggest Inspiration .....................................................

“My dad always had businesses on the side.

I think my entrepreneurial spirit came from him.

He taught me how to run a business.”

Proudest Moment .....................................................

August 2013 16

“I think I’m the most proud of just being where I am. Going from sleeping on my friend’s couch and editing videos in his bedroom, to now having this cool space, employees, and getting to travel all over the world has been amazing. I love the creative process and seeing something through from start to finish. Being able to create something that clients are excited to watch and share is what is so enjoyable to me.”

Are you looking

for a career opportunity?

Advance your career or find a better one! A Berry College MBA degree is your ticket to the fast track in this tough economy. It is a fact that MBA holders earn higher salaries. Many executive and senior management positions now require an MBA. • Networking: An MBA degree offers you access to a wide network of MBA students, alumni, faculty, business and community leaders. Our students come from a variety of fields, industries and backgrounds. Most are from the local area and are employed by companies such as Pirelli Tire, Mohawk, The HON Company, Shaw Industries, and Floyd Medical Center.

• Skills: The Berry MBA teaches Economics, Finance, Accounting, Management and Marketing. You will also learn about leadership, teamwork, ethics and communication.

• Flexible and Affordable: Take evening classes and finish in as few as five semesters. Tuition is competitive with other nearby programs.

Fall classes begin August 26.

Application deadline for fall semester is July 15.

Campbell School of Business www.berry.edu/mba | 706-238-5896

August 2013 17

Melissa Free

Human Resources A Rome native and a Berry graduate, it was a human resources internship with Redmond Regional Medical Center that helped Melissa Free to decide what she wanted to do after school. A position opened up at International Paper and now she’s found herself occupying the role of Human Resources Generalist for over two years.

Day-to-Day ................................................

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International Paper, Rome Mill employs around 450 people. That’s more than enough to keep the HR department busy. “I’m responsible for the day-to-day coordination and administration of the HR function under the general direction of the Human Resources Manager. My responsibilities typically include employment/staffing, training, various employee relations activities and projects with special emphasis on labor relations and contract administration.

What I ultimately love about my job are the relationships I am able to build with people in this role. We are a resource for people, which has been especially true during this transition (Temple-Inland’s transition to International Paper). I have really enjoyed being able to help people through the change and help foster their growth in the company.”

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August 2013 18

People Would be Surprised to Know... ................................................

“I was voted ‘Most Likely to be on Saturday Night Live’ in high school. I guess I’ve not always been able to bring the witty/comical side of my personality to the job.”

Proudest Moment ................................................

“Graduating at the top of my class at Berry!

I worked very hard for my grades, but I also used my time in college to try and develop into a more well-rounded individual.”

Biggest Inspiration

................................................

“My mother Connie has always taught me the importance of work ethic and going the extra mile. She taught me that being a leader means keeping the drive to see others succeed.”

It fits her...

To a tee!

GREENE’S Jewelers,

inc.

328 BROAD ST. ROME, GA • 706-291-7236

www.callromehome.com cindy@callromehome.com

The Top of the Line Premier Used Car Dealership

(706) 291-1002

www.GreenesJewelers.com Locally Owned Since 1948

Photo by Cindy Kelley

Come see Jack Knight, Chris Whittle, and Ben Ball.

Rates as low as 2.99%!!

www.thecarstorerome.com

1321 Martha Berry Blvd NW August 2013 19

A Chamber Recap s.

Denise Mansfield cuts the ribbon for Flowers of Rome.

The shop is located at 868 Spider Webb Dr SE.

M

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.................................................................... loyd County Commissioner Irwin Bagwell congratulates Jim Reis on Stemco’s announcement of a $6 million expansion and the creation of 50 new jobs in Rome and Floyd County!

F

s. Maureen Marcus cuts the ribbon for Pilates on First. The studio is located at 323 E 1st Ave.

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hamber Chairman Doc Kibler (right) congratulates Tom Watters on Syntec Industries announcement of a $7.7 million expansion and the creation of 20 new jobs in Rome/Floyd County!

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ike Stover, Greater Rome Bank, wins a tablet at Business After Hours.

M teve White, Citizens First Bank, Jackson Abercrombie, Greater Rome Bank, and Johnny Rogers, Ben Hill Roofing, chat at Business After Hours hosted by Children’s Dental Center, P.C. in Rome.

S

August 2013 20

Did You Know?

Did you know the Armuchee Connector was made possible by the 2006 SPLOST? The connector, which crosses the Oostanaula River provides a route from Armuchee to Rome that helps alleviate traffic on Highway 27.

“The citizens of Rome and Floyd County have made a great investment in our community and proved that they are really ready for progress, and for progress to continue in our community,” said Rome Mayor Evie McNiece. “Being able to fund something locally through the SPLOST benefits the entire community.”

Advertiser’s Index page 2

Harbin Clinic

1825 Martha Berry Highway www.harbinclinic.com 706-295-5331

page 19

Greene’s Jewelers

Coosa Valley Credit Union

328 Broad Street www.greenesjewelers.com 706-291-7236

2010 Redmond Circle NW www.mycvcu.org 706-235-8551

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Southeastern Mills 333 Old Lindale Road www.semills.com 706-291-6528

Cindy Green, back cover Unity Christian School Berry College Campbell Toles Temple & Wright Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers 2960 New Calhoun Highway School of Business MBA 611 Turner McCall Blvd. www.callromehome.com 312 Broad Street www.unitychristianschool.org Program 706-409-1793 www.fgkjewelers.com

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706-292-0700

2277 Martha Berry Highway www.berry.edu/mba 706-238-5896

Kindred Hospital

304 Turner McCall Blvd SW www.kindredhealthcare.com

(706) 378-6800

706-291-8811

The Car Store

1321 Martha Berry Blvd NW www.thecarstorerome.com 706-291-1002

New Members - Welcome!

Ambassador Enterprises, Inc Mr. Larry James 486 Youngs Mill Rd Kingston, GA 30145 1(800) 272-4888

Car-Mart

Mr. Christopher Griffin 1401 Martha Berry Blvd. NW Rome, GA 30165 (706) 584-2040 www.car-mart.com

Amtran Medical Transport, Inc Mr. Doug Norton 14 Redmond Ct NW Rome, GA 30165 (706) 291-0043 www.amtraninc.com

Family Intervention Specialist, Inc Ms. Karen Tovey 3 Professional Court Rome, GA 30165 (770) 222-6622 www.fisinc.org

B&B Automotive

Mr. Rodrigo Barahona 1924 Redmond Cir NW Rome, GA 30165 (706) 314-9089 www.europeanautorepairromega.com

Lutheran Services of Georgia Ms. Tracie Ball 336 Broad St STE 200 Rome, GA 30165 (706) 584-2040 www.lsga.org

August 2013 21

New Members Continued O’Neill LLC

Mr. Michael O’Neill 504 Riverside Pkwy NE STE 115 Rome, GA 30161 (706) 509-9008 www.oneill.us.com

Rome Gladiators

Mr. Tony Hill 517 W 12 St NE Rome, GA 30165 (706) 676-1582 www.romegladiators.webs.com

Renewals 3 Rivers Photography 333 On Broad AAPCO Appliance Parts Aaron's Cleaning Company, LLC Advanced Sleep Concepts Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill Armstrong Relocation - Agent for United Van Lines Barnsley Gardens Bearings and Drives John J. Beninato, DDS, P.C. Berry College Child Development Center Berry College Elementary School Blackberry Mountain Studio, Inc. Blount Construction Brandon Burke State Farm Brown Cartage Company Cargle Brothers & Co., Inc. Carters Environmental Central Electrical Systems Century Travel Affiliates Children's Dental Center, P.C. in Rome Clay Service Co. Coosa Valley Cabinets Crews Chemicals, Inc. Curlee's Fish House & Oyster Bar D & J Manufacturing Company, Inc. Deaton Truck & Trailer Service DermaTran Health Solutions Duffey Southeast Construction Flowers of Rome Fox Systems, Inc. Fred Talley's Parkview Chapel G. Marc Wetherington, MD Gentiva Home Health Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Assoc., Inc. Georgia Secure Shred Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau

August 2013 22

H & R Block Rome Athletic Club Harbin Clinic LLC Rome Family & Cosmetic Hi-Tech Signs & Ad Specialties Dentistry Home Legend, LLC Rome Floyd County Community J Supply Company Soup Kitchen James H. Hudson, Jr., DMD, P.C. Rome Little Theatre, Inc. Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse Rome Radio Partners, LLC Koman's Rome Radiology Group, P.A. La Scala Mediterranean Bistro ServiceMaster by Twins Lawson Electric Co., Inc. Seven Hills Rotary Club Living & Giving ShuttleTran Airport Logical Systems, Inc. Transportation Services, Inc. LogiServe, Inc. SMI Direct March of Dimes, Northwest Division Smith & Wright McRae, Stegall, Peek, Harman, Smith Source Care Management & Manning, LLP Southern Bracing Systems Michael S. Jackson MD - Your Personal Physician Enterprises, LLC Miller Richards Heritage Chapel Funeral Home St. Mary's Catholic Church and Cremation Service Stay Lodge Miller Richards Oaknoll Chapel Funeral Home Steak 'n Shake and Cremation Service Stephens' Music Company, Inc. Mills and Associates Strain & Rutledge Miss Rome Scholarship Pageant Sugar Candy Emporium National Copier Exchange Swift & Finch Network Day Service Center, Inc. Sylvan Learning Center of Rome Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Syntec Industries NS Korp.

Tangles Image Center, Inc. PAGE Foundation, Inc. The Honorable Katie Dempsey Panera Bread The Kroger Company Parnick Jennings Sr's Good Shepherd The Stitchery Funeral Home United Hospice Peach State Labs, Inc. V3 Publications, LLC Pirelli Tire North America V3 Visual Concepts LLC Pro-Performance Verizon Wireless Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc. Vision Rehabilitation Randstad Work Solutions Services of Georgia Redmond Family Care-West Rome Wilson Plumbing Rhinehart Equipment Co. Women's Information RIFF - Rome International Film Festival Network, Inc. Right at Home of NWGA Roman Trading LLC Rome Area Council for the Arts

August 2013 23

Forever Begins Here

312 Broad Street, Downtown Rome www.fgkjewelers.com