Bridges - Rome Floyd County Chamber

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ARMUCHEE PHARMACY

FILMING IN ROME

THE WORLD OF MOTION PICTURES IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

THE EXCEPTIONAL SEVEN HONORING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

FIRST quarter 2021

WELCOME

Welcome to the First Quarter of the 2021 edition of Bridges magazine!

The Rome Floyd Chamber is ready and excited to meet the future opportunities and challenges ahead. Our goal is to advocate for business and quality of place with jobs and investments that attract, retain, and align talent.

We are fortunate to have members who are solidly committed. They are leaders who recognize the importance of the key tactics and strategies behind our commitment. A talented workforce is THE top-of-mind issue for nearly every business and industry in our county.

With strong leadership and a solid plan, we can achieve results that have a longterm positive impact on employers, employees, and our entire community.

Bridges serves as a catalyst for conversation about the people and businesses in Rome and Floyd County. We appreciate that you have taken time to read this publication.

We hope it will serve as a continued reminder for our citizens - resonating the voice of opportunity, growth, and endless possibility.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Krueger Jeanne Krueger President and CEO

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contents

Bridges magazine is created, written, and published by Advertising Dynamics, Inc. in collaboration with the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce. Bridges magazine reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity or space availability, and to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the Publisher. ©Copyright 2021 by ADI Georgia. All rights reserved.

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706.290.0202 or goodideas@adigeorgia.com

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A Note from the Chairperson

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Small Business of the Year Armuchee Pharmacy

26 A True Roman

Dr. Craig McDaniel

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Emerging Small Business of the Year

30 Rise and Thrive

Romega Digital

32 New Members

Cassandra C. Wheeler

10 River Recreation Getting On The Water

12 Take One Filming in Rome

16 The Exceptional Seven Honoring Young Professionals

22 Hardy Realty & Development Co. A Tradition of Trust for 96 Years

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Contact Advertising Dynamics, Inc. for information and advertising.

24 State Senate Summary Senator Chuck Hufstetler

36 Renewing Members 41 Networking Photos 42 The Rocky Mountain Project Cover Photo: Courtesy of Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism

1 Riverside Parkway Rome, GA 30161 706.291.7663 adigeorgia.com

There's no place like Rome.

Where high-quality brands are born and raised.

SummitHIllFoods.com

• Family-owned brands • Made in the USA! • Homemade flavor

• Premium ingredients

© 2021 Summit Hill Foods

chairperson of the rome floyd chamber of commerce for 2021

It is my honor to serve as the Chairperson of the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce for 2021. As we move forward in this year ahead, we leave a challenging and trying time behind.

We do so together — stronger and wiser.

Our mission is to champion businesses by promoting prosperity and growth in Rome and Floyd County. Our experienced chamber staff will continue to serve its 900+ membership along with our diverse and engaged board of directors.

Over the past year, we are happy to report new members representing several categories.

They include unique retail, financial services, construction, home services, health and wellness, and professional groups, just to name a few.

Strategically, we have planned a five-year initiative, Rise and Thrive 2025, designed to increase our workforce, attract talent, and strengthen quality of place. Today requires us to have a positive approach to action. It is our responsibility to maintain our focus on goals and objectives for the betterment of our members and the entire community.

Cassandra C. Wheeler Cassandra C. Wheeler Georgia Power Regional Director Northwest Region

It is our responsibility to maintain our focus on goals and objectives for the betterment of our members and the entire community.

- Cassandra C. Wheeler 4

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small business of the Year Austin Ratliff, owner and pharmacist, acquired the business from his father four years ago. Growing up in Rome, Austin finished high school at Model then attended Shorter University before going on to Auburn University to obtain his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2014.

Since acquiring the pharmacy, he has added techniques and technology. A website, an app, and online ordering allowed the pharmacy to automate helpful services. Before the Covid-19 vaccine was available, efficient and effective guidelines and borders were set in place so that everyone within their parameter would be as informed and safe as possible.

When the allocated vaccine was first received, Armuchee Pharmacy had devised a simple schedule that allowed customers to receive the Covid vaccine promptly. Thus far, the pharmacy has issued hundreds of inoculations.

Celebrating the Small Business of the Year is our way of honoring a member who has shown exemplary achievement in business. Nominees must be a for-profit entity and Chamber member with a business presence within Floyd County for at least five years, with 50 or fewer employees.

The 2021 Small Business of the Year is awarded to the Armuchee Pharmacy, which opened its doors in August 1994.

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Their mission is to provide efficient, patient-centered care for customers and contacts, and they remain dedicated to helping patients manage and understand needed prescriptions.

“Here at Armuchee Pharmacy, we have always been proud to serve the community by meeting its pharmaceutical needs, and we plan to continue to do so. Our staff has years of experience at Armuchee Pharmacy, knowing many customers personally. We are not a chain, but we can offer everything a big box pharmacy can,” says Austin. “All meds are prepared for customers to pick up at one time, and they don’t have to make return trips. The best surprise for new customers is when they learn about our free delivery service—not just to our neighborhoods, but throughout Floyd County. That means customers can stop waiting in drive-through pick-up windows to get prescriptions. We bring them directly to you.”

Austin is optimistic about the future, with new ideas on growing and expanding the digital footprint. They will continue to support school scholarships for Armuchee High School and the middle school’s sports activities.

Armuchee Pharmacy also plans to offer convenient preventative inoculations for pneumonia and shingles and other important services for customers, all designed to help boost a healthier, happier community.

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We have always been proud to serve the community by meeting its pharmaceutical needs, and we plan to continue to do so.

- Austin Ratliff adigeorgia.com

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emerging

Small Business of the Year Romega Digital We believe in measuring all aspects of the solutions we provide, ensuring the client receives the most impactful services, even for the smallest budgets.

- Braden Keith

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The importance of small business in our community cannot be underestimated. These businesses are led by those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a vision for the future. Romega Digital is one such business. It has been recognized as the Rome Floyd Chamber’s 2021 Emerging Small Business of the Year.

This award is designated for business members located in Floyd County, having fewer than 50 employees, a for-profit entity, and have opened or gained ownership of the business within the last five years.

Owner, Braden Keith, had previously operated a solopreneur project working with clients throughout the United States.

Despite that venture’s success, he wanted to have roots in his hometown and provide jobs for the community. He acquired the company that was previously known as SAI Digital in April 2017, and Romega Digital was born.

The company is one of the leaders of advanced technology in Northwest Georgia. They specialize in custom software development and digital marketing solutions, including website development, social media, and SEO. As a datadriven development firm, Keith says, “We believe in measuring all aspects of the solutions we provide, ensuring the client receives the most impactful services, even for the smallest budgets. We win when our customers win.”

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Romega Digital is active in the community offering development opportunities for youth and underserved through discounted or pro-bono work. They are also active in community outreach including, volunteering at the Elm Street Elementary’s Genius Hour Program, offering internships through GA Vocational Rehab and many other organizations.

As a company, Romega Digital is very active in chamber functions and networking opportunities. They are active in the Young Professionals Group, offering advisement on how technology impacts Rome and provides ideas on how technology can benefit small businesses. Keith has served as the chair for the Confluence board in 2019, a member of Leadership Rome 2019-2020, and was recognized in the inaugural class of the 2020 Exceptional 7 awards recognizing young professionals in our community.

Romega Digital is located at 710 E First Street in downtown Rome. For more information visit romegadigital.com or call 706.622.4545.

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Getting On The Water r i v e r R E C R E AT ION

Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard traffic on Rome’s rivers have increased exponentially over the last decade.

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“It’s been fun to watch the number of canoes, kayakers, and now paddle boarders that come in and out of town,” said Rome City Manager Sammy Rich. “I think it’s our job as a city to help expand that.”

Evidence of the popularity of paddle sports in Rome was evident in each of the last two Special-Purpose Local Option Sales Tax packages. The 2017 SPLOST includes $3,639,500 for Blueways projects to provide additional access to the water. The money is earmarked for soft launch sites, a riverside campground (which could be a paddle in only site), and a new community boathouse that would accommodate local rowing teams and the public.

County Manager, Jamie McCord, recognizes the importance of our rivers, “Recreation on our blueways is a favorite pasttime in our community, and increasing accessibility and enjoyment is the goal of the SPLOST projects.” The 2013 SPLOST package included $1.8 million funds to restore and stabilize Unity Point at the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers’ confluence to form the Coosa downtown. The city awarded a contract that is still in the design phase of that work; however, Rich said it would include a canoe/kayak, paddleboard launch. “I’m excited about growing water sports in general,” Rich said. “It’s been one of the missing links to a good outdoor vibe in our community.”

V’s neck where the fish were either netted, scooped up in baskets, or perhaps speared. It’s a part of Rome’s early history that folks who don’t get out on the rivers might never get to see or learn about.

Joe Cook, a longtime local river advocate with the Coosa River Basin Initiative, said the rivers’ increased use has been a great thing. “The Etowah is a pretty forgiving river. The more people that are out on our rivers, the more people are going to appreciate and take steps to protect them,” said Cook.

Darris Linginfelter, who moved to Rome years ago, gets out on the water on his paddleboard every chance he gets, which by the way, is not quite as often with a new baby at home.

He said the activity is easy to do by himself, which is part of the allure of paddleboarding. “You can paddle upstream and get a nice workout and then float back down and be back at your car,” said Darris.

Canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, fishing boats, and even an occasional jet ski can be found in The Etowah, Oostanaula, and Coosa rivers on a nearly daily basis most months of the year. Department of Natural Resources Cpl. Ben Cunningham says it’s almost unbelievable how much the rivers’ use has increased over the last decade. “It has increased a hundredfold,” Cunningham said.

“People are finally learning that it’s fun to float down the river,” Cunningham said. “On a regular day with normal water conditions, you can enjoy a three and a half-hour float which ends at downtown. From here you can disembark and enjoy all downtown Rome has to offer.” Cunningham’s reference is to what has probably become the most popular float, from Dixon Landing on the Etowah at the YMCA soccer park to the Piggy Green ramp at Heritage Park just past the confluence of the river. When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers generates power from the Allatoona Dam in Cartersville, the float can be shorter than three and half hours. On a hot August day, when the water is low, and the dam is not generating, it can be somewhat longer.

The paddle from Dixon Landing to downtown Rome also passes a couple of native American fish weirs, also called fish traps. They are large V-shaped rock formations constructed by natives to force fish to funnel into the adigeorgia.com

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Filming In Rome TAKE ONE

Who doesn’t like to sit down and watch a good movie? A romantic sit-com, a spellbinding mystery, a comedy or horror flick. Whatever the pick, we all have enjoyed being immersed in the action and entertained by the experience of what we know as Motion Pictures.

It’s our adventure into fantasy.

The Kingmakers, filming and extras

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their projects. Among some favorites are Remember the Titans – Jerry Bruckheimer Films/Disney (2000), Sweet Home Alabama, Touchstone Pictures, (2002) The Mule, (2018).

With stiff competition from all corners of the state, Rome has aggressively sought the film industry business. Attracting production managers to “take a look” around is an art unto itself, but with Lisa Smith, Executive Director of Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism and Ann Hortman, Camera Ready Liaison, Rome and Floyd County is ready to roll.

Lisa Smith and Ann Hortman

When Georgia opened its arms to the film industry, adventure came to us. The world of motion pictures is all around us, practically in our back yards. Whose back yards are up to production crews and how well they appreciate what they see will fit their scripts, the environment, and environs.

Back in the day, children of the Saturday matinee believed all westerns were shot on the plains, that Gene Kelly danced that well in the rain, and alien spacemen wore aluminum hats.

As the capabilities of movie-making evolved, theatergoers, television, cable, and Netflix subscribers demanded more.

Much, much more. They want their sharks to be sharks. They want their vampires to be really scary. Old Bela Lugosi hiding in shadows has become comedy.

They bring years of experience working with production managers and understanding wants and needs. Never knowing when a call will come for some specific place to “shoot” means they remain on call, ready to jump and go. Ann says if she gets a call for a neighborhood with all green doors, you have to know where that might be, or ready to paint.

Ann says that above all else, the appeal begins with relationships. “Knowing production crew managers who feel free to call you at any time means they are comfortable in trusting you to help direct them to what they are looking for.

I have had many calls asking for a specific location, and a day later, we are at the spot.”

Ann says that the glamour of movie-making does not often begin with the “Stars.” The reality is production managers make the early decisions–they know what the right background, scenery, environment, and accessibility has to be. Ann often spends countless hours driving scouts on the mission to find just the right location.

(Continued on page 14)

When the state of Georgia struck a bargain with filmmakers, the lure was beneficial tax credits. Movie making is an expensive gamble, and strict budgets demand scrutiny with dollars wisely spent. A film that wins at the box office wins big; nevertheless, financiers demand returns on their investments.

Floyd County and Rome have been the backdrop for many features. As far back as 1910, General Motors produced the first known documentary in the area. Kraft Foods commercials and others have been filmed at Berry College. Background shots, external scenery, continued to attract filmmakers sporadically over the years and students found it fun to be extras for the Double McGuffin (1979) filmed in part at Darlington School.

The Mosquito Coast (1986) followed.

Since 2000, approximately 50 or more television and filmography managers and crews have found Rome right for Barge used in filming The Kingmakers

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The Bob Moore Bridge, location for The Originals scene

Funeral scene, Need for Speed

The Kingmakers, filming and extras

(Continued from page 13)

One such find was the Bob Moore bridge, accessible only by walking. Shooting for The Originals (CW), they used the Rome fireboat to stabilize the cameras for a night scene— which called for the vampire to rip the heart from a victim and toss it into the water below. Upon rehearsing, several pig hearts were thrown into the river. Which, unknown to the crew, was luring the giant catfish that claim the waters there.

The camera crew was excited to see and film the extremely large catfish, and the catfish were happy with the meals. “The body double was just happy to get out of the water, filled with 100 pound plus hungry catfish,” laughed Lisa.

For some features, the scene might only be a drive-by. A yet-to-be-released Disney project was looking for a school stadium, and they chose Barron Stadium. By luck, Rome High had a home game, so they got more than they planned just passing by.

Lisa believes a great deal of Floyd County appeal comes from working here and finding Southern Hospitality at its best. “The Shrimp Boat generously allowed one production group to take over their kitchen. Summit Hill Foods, 14

formerly Southeastern Mills, let crews set up “base camp” in their back lot, as did Georgia Highlands for the Clint Eastwood production.”

“The filmmakers do not expect to get a free ride,” says Lisa.

“And they use local when they can. Antique stores are great for finding props. They rent equipment, use public safety and construction if need be. Buildings and homes used are always left in a better condition when a film crew finishes production.”

Ann explained that the people they work with might not be the faces we recognize on the screen, but they are the names found in the credits, the experts who make it all happen. “They make movies that become box office hits.

They are incredibly talented people, and we want them to get to know Rome and feel comfortable working here.

At the very end of a film, we really want to see the Georgia Peach logo. And a special Thank You to the people of Rome, Georgia. That is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

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The Rome-Floyd Chamber and Advertising Dynamics, Inc., are honored to recognize the second annual winners of the Exceptional 7 awards.

The awards are targeted to honor young professionals who excel in their fields and contribute to the community through volunteerism and advocacy.

Representing a diverse range of professions, these individuals are the future leaders of our community. We look forward to their successes and the impact they have both professionally and personally.

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Exceptional Young Professional of the year

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Amanda farrell

XAIVIER RINGER

Core values drive business and shape decisions. One of Amanda’s chief core values is being invested and involved in Rome and Floyd County. When she founded Farrell’s Frame and Design, she immediately joined the Chamber and began cultivating relationships throughout the community. She is a perennial supporter of community organizations. She adds, “While I cannot be a million places at once, our name can be. It is of the utmost importance to me that our community knows—without a doubt—that Farrell’s Amanda, “The Frame Lady,” is invested, she cares, and 100% supports what the community cares about.”

Impactful leaders look at their communities and picture what could be. Then they get to work making that vision reality. That is the spirit that drives Xaivier in her work as an entrepreneur, artist, and community development facilitator. She believes in the power of art to create an opportunity for diverse voices to collaborate and speak.

Xaivier is widely recognized for her ability to harness the vision of local communities to enhance public spaces and to encourage a global mindset in young leaders. She studied in Santo Domingo in 2016 as a junior at Georgetown University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Government. In 2015, she founded Black Girl Free, an illustration movement to uplift women of color, humanize their experience, and encourage them to lead unapologetically free lives.

Farrell’s Frame and Design

Amanda brought her more than 15 years’ experience as a custom framer to Broad Street in 2015 with the vision of providing topquality preservation and conservation framing paired with artisticdriven design. The company has earned first and second place awards in Global Framing Competition, was hailed by the Chamber as an Emerging Business in 2020, and was named a Super Star of Service by the City of Rome in 2018. Farrell’s has topped their category in the Rome News-Tribune’s Best of Rome Awards for three years (2017, 2018, 2020) and finished as runner-up in 2019.

Amanda overcame the challenges of relocating to a new space and reestablishing the business in 2019, only to be greeted by the global pandemic. She and husband, Chris, soon faced a high-risk pregnancy with their first child. Now, with their beautiful daughter, Finlee, Amanda is committed to building a balanced life that includes strengthening her business and expanding her involvement locally.

Her goals for the next ten years include becoming a leader in the framing industry as she uses her talents to help others and contributing to the decision-making process that affects small businesses. Her core value of community involvement shows in her goal of winning the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award.

Rome Mural CoLab

She is the CEO of “The International Muralist,” a company that primarily uses mural art as a tool to empower communities and beautify their spaces. She has painted over 54 murals in 14 cities and three countries with the goal of beautifying dwelling spaces and creating lasting visual reminders of the power of women and youth.

In the summer of 2020, Xaivier co-founded Rome Mural CoLab and completed a 50’x18’ mural that beautifies the Martha Berry Highway corridor. Since March 2018, she has painted three strategic murals at South Broad and Cherokee Streets, at Maple and 19th Streets, and at Dr. Sylvia Washington’s office to enhance her hometown and honor its population.

Xaivier has claimed Rome as her home since 1994 and continues to invest her talents locally to improve the livelihood of the area’s citizens, especially young women and men of color. Professionally, she is developing an online shop and platform to offer art classes virtually. She continues to pursue international endeavors in order to learn from global communities while traveling with her son and using that knowledge to pursue domestic goals.

(Continued on page 18)

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STROM MULL

Floyd County District Attorney’s Office

Strom loves talking about her hometown—our very own Rome, Georgia. She says she is fortunate she now gets to talk about it for a living as she recruits students to attend Darlington School.

Leah is an attorney with a focus in criminal law. She is an Assistant District Attorney with the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office.

She is admitted to practice in all Superior Courts in the State of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Georgia. In her current role, she handles cases in all stages of criminal proceedings. She has been hailed as having exceptional courtroom demeanor and showing skill well beyond her years of experience.

In her three years as Darlington’s Assistant Director of Boarding Admission, she has traveled overseas and throughout the Southeast to recruit students, always being an Ambassador for Darlington, Rome, and Floyd County. After she graduated from Darlington, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Mississippi. She began her professional career as Marketing Director for Panera Bread in the Atlanta area. She then moved to serve as Marketing and Development Manager for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

In 2016, she became Manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year Campaign. During her two years there, she helped raise over $2.76 Million to help find a cure for blood cancer. She received the Team Member Award for having the most team members registered and fundraising for LLS. They saw a 20% growth in the Atlanta Chapter, and the Atlanta Woman of the Year winner went on to be the National Woman of the Year.

Outside of work, Strom is dedicated to the Rome-Floyd community.

She is involved with the Junior League of Rome and the Chamber’s Young Professionals, is a member of the TRED (Trails and Recreation for Economic Development) Board, and volunteers for DeSoto Theatre’s Evening on the Runway fundraiser. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church and the founder and president of a book club that has 30 members.

Of her future goals, Strom says she is looking forward to using her position at Darlington to attract new families to the Rome area. She describes Downtown as “a gem,” and there is little doubt she will keep sharing what a special place Rome is.

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LEAH MAYO

Darlington School

She won an individual award for Best Summation at a mock trial competition; was recognized for her excellence in litigation skills, ethics, and professionalism with the Walker P. Johnson, Jr. Award; and was selected as the Most Outstanding Senior of her law school class.

She graduated from Presbyterian College with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in 2015 and from Mercer University School of Law with a Juris Doctor in 2018. She was the founder and organizer of the firstever annual Women’s Leadership Conference at Presbyterian College.

She is a 2011 graduate of Darlington School.

In addition to her love of the courtroom, she enjoys social event planning, serving as the social chair for both her sorority and for her entire law school for two years. Among her favorite events were a “Thrift Shop” party where all decorations and attire supported a local nonprofit and a catered black-tie event featuring a five-piece band in a historic building where The Allman Brothers Band performed their first gig.

Locally, Leah serves on the board of the Rome Area Council for the Arts, helping with fundraising, social media, and event planning, including helping design raffle prizes for FireFly Fling that highlighted local artists, businesses, restaurants, farms, and attractions. She serves as a college mentor and mock trial coach at Pepperell High School.

She has been selected to participate in the Leadership Darlington class for 2021. adigeorgia.com

KRISTA LOVERING Ford, Gittings & Kane

Identifying a goal and developing a plan to meet it are crucial steps to success. That was certainly the case for Krista. When a sudden career change brought her to Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers, she quickly set a goal of becoming a Registered Jeweler. She started taking Gemology classes through the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America. She became a Certified Sales Associate in record time and received scholarships for further study. Many hours of classes, study, and tests later, she was awarded the title of Registered Jeweler, member of the American Gem Society, in July 2020.

Krista is passionate about what she does at Ford, Gittings & Kane and her community involvement. She has a huge heart for helping others. She is married to Brandon Lovering, and they have four children: AuBree, Ava, Brexton, and Brayden. Both AuBree and Ava are special needs children, which the Loverings describe as having “DIFFERENT abilities” rather than disabilities.

Born and raised in Rome, Krista’s love and passion for her hometown continues to grow and has driven her to volunteer with organizations and events including the Mission Is Possible Foundation, Hot Shots Shining Stars Cheer Team, Birthday Club, Heart of the Community, An Evening on the Runway, Kickback to the Community, and Relay for Life “Paint the Town Purple.” She has served on the DDA Outreach Committee and attends Downtown Coffee Break meetings.

Krista also presents the Rome Braves Player of the Month at State Mutual Stadium. She enjoys spending quality time making memories with her family and pursuing her love of cooking.

Krista plans to continue her education in Gemology. She is committed to serving her clients and community with the utmost knowledge and professionalism. She says everything in her life comes back to relationship-building: from family and community involvement to her work family and amazing clients who become friends.

(Continued on page 20)

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FORD KNIGHT

Floyd County Schools – Pepperell High School

Born in Atlanta on July 4, 1987, Ford moved to Rome when he was six months old. He attended Darlington School from Pre-K through 12th grade, graduating in 2005. He double-majored in Finance and Real Estate at the University of Georgia, where he graduated cum laude from the Terry College of Business in 2009. The new graduate moved back to Rome for three months to help open Knight’s Garage (The Garage). He returned to Atlanta in 2010 to work in commercial real estate with CBRE. For eight years, he managed real estate transactions for corporate accounts, including General Electric, NCR, ASC Security, and Regions Bank. In 2018, he returned to Rome to begin managing Knight’s Car Store.

Agriculture is a growing industry locally and throughout the nation, and Emilia works hard to make sure her students are prepared to succeed in this exciting field. The sixth-year agriculture educator at Pepperell High School seeks to build relationships with students as she helps them connect the dots from the farm to the grocery store. Those are lessons Emilia is well-prepared to teach, having earned a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education and a Master’s in Agricultural Leadership from the University of Georgia. She and her husband, Cleve, co-own and operate Jackson Farms in Cave Spring.

The team he leads at Knight’s serves customers nationwide, providing excellent quality pre-owned vehicles and unmatched customer service. Knight’s has been voted Rome’s Best Used Car Dealership for four years in a row in the Rome News-Tribune’s Best of Rome Awards. He plans to continue the company’s legacy of excellence while working to expand the car business and exploring the opportunity to open another location. He is also very interested in helping provide affordable housing solutions in Rome.

Ford is a regular community volunteer. He is an active member of the Chamber’s Young Professionals program. He volunteers his time at Public Animal Welfare Services (P.A.W.S.) and the RomeFloyd Community Kitchen and is an active member of St. Peters Episcopal Church, where he serves on the breakfast committee. Both he and Knight’s Car Store are generous supporters of local nonprofit organizations.

Ford is part of the Leadership Darlington Class of 2018 and Eagle Scout Troop 113. He has been hailed by fellow Romans for his enthusiasm for his work, his willingness to participate in all facets of economic and social life in the community, and his generosity with both time and resources.

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EMILIA JACKSON

Knight’s Car Store and Knight’s Garage

Emilia is an advisor for Pepperell High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter and serves as Floyd County Young Farmer Advisor, working with adult community members with an interest in promoting agriculture in Floyd County. In 2019, she was voted Pepperell High’s Teacher of the Year by her colleagues and chosen as Floyd County High Schools Teacher of the Year for 2018-2019. She has led Pepperell’s FFA chapter to earn the organization’s top national recognition for 2019 and 2020.

She serves as Education Committee Chair for Floyd County Farm Bureau, on the Media and Communications Committee for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, and as a member of the Floyd County Cattlemen’s Association; she and Cleve are active in Cave Spring First Baptist’s Youth Ministry.

Emilia is committed to education beyond the classroom. Through the annual Pepperell Primary School Agriculture Awareness Day, she helps educate more than 140 first-grade students and teachers about agriculture topics through hands-on activities. She also led the Floyd County Legislative Farm Tour to introduce local and state officials to the county’s production agriculture and its economic impact. She hopes to combat the issue of fresh-food availability in the Lindale community by leading her students to create a community garden system. adigeorgia.com

Exceptional Young Professional of the year

2020 Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce

Exceptional Young Professional of the year

2020 Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce

A Tradition of Trust for 96 Years HARDY REALT Y & DE VELOPMENT CO.

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Members of the Hardy team share the understanding that influence is determined by putting the interest of clients and customers first.

- Jimmy Byars Founded over 95 years ago, Hardy Realty and Development Company is the largest and oldest locally owned real estate firm in Northwest Georgia.

The company was founded in 1925 by Wilson Moore Hardy, who was born in Rome in 1881.

Hardy attended Rome public schools before attending the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the storied UGA football team. Later he returned to Rome to manage the Herald Tribune, an early version of the Rome News Tribune.

Then, after serving as President of Citizens Bank, he founded the Hardy Trust Company.

For the past 28 years, Jimmy Byars has been Hardy’s chief executive officer and broker. Byars says the fundamentals of the business have primarily remained the same through the years because the company continues to recognize the importance of putting their clients first. “Members of the Hardy team share the understanding that influence is determined by putting the interest of clients and customers first,” says Byars. “That’s a fundamental part of our mission statement.”

extensive exposure to potential buyers on hundreds of real estate websites.

While the company’s wide reach on the internet is global, the employees and staff are committed to giving back locally.

“Since Hardy has always been a locally owned and operated business, the company has long recognized the importance of being involved in the community,” says Byars. “In addition to multiple relationships with other local businesses, we enjoy supporting many of the non-profit and charitable organizations in the region. We support the arts, education, and cultural activities because we know they all enhance our community and our lifestyle, presenting a more enticing place for all of us to live and work.”

In the early days of the company, you could contact Hardy by simply dialing four numbers: 4321. They can now be reached at 706-291-4321 and always have someone on call to answer any questions about residential and commercial sales or property management. Hardy’s home office is on Martha Berry Boulevard, with satellite offices on Broad Street in Rome and another on Main Street in downtown Cedartown.

For many years Hardy Realty was located downtown on Second Ave, and they primarily focused on Commercial and Property Management. But in the last 30-40 years, they have expanded to include a robust residential and commercial sales organization that is now one of the largest in Northwest Georgia. Hardy’s Property Management team currently manages over 1400 properties in the region. They also have over 50 residential and commercial agents in Rome and Cedartown who have helped the company become the sales volume leader in Floyd County over the past few years.

No other brokerage in the area offers greater local, national and international exposure of listings than Hardy. Through their affiliations, which include membership in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, their properties are given

Photo by Kelly Moore

To learn more about Hardy Realty and Development Company, visit their website at hardyrealty.com. adigeorgia.com

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State Senate

Summary

CHUCK HUFSTETLER Finance Chair The 2021 session of the Georgia General Assembly recently concluded.

Looking back at a couple of bills, the Surprise Billing became law on January 1st. (Otherwise known as the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act.) The act aims to stop surprise billing to patients who receive out of network care. Unexpected high medical bills are often the result of specialty procedures like emergency room, trauma surgery and anesthesiology preformed by out-of-network specialists.

I have received response from constituents that it has kept them from being economically devastated when they were out-of-network in an emergency situation.

The Marketplace Facilitator bill became effective on April 1st last year. This bill requires online sellers to remit sales tax to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Who would have known when it was passed last January that the economy would shut down in late March and online sales would go up tremendously? While an economist last year said it would ‘only bring in $80M annually,’ it actually generated $455M in the first eight months, and has continued to grow. It is looking like three-quarters of $1B on an annual basis.

We are now able to efficiently collect sales tax from businesses in foreign countries. Because of the implementations, we are actually up in revenue in the fiscal year that began last June—unlike many states that are struggling to pay their expenses. It also provides more revenue to our cities, counties and schools who statewide are receiving about three-quarters of that amount. (Representing three cents of the seven-cent sales tax.)

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District 52

Election bills are always a hot topic. The no excuses, no photo ID bill of 2005 was passed in Georgia by Republicans on a party line. Providing more security and/or limiting those who use this method of voting are the aim of many bills, but we have to be careful that we don’t have a knee jerk reaction and do it based on security and not voter suppression.

Georgia State Senate Republicans had the highest vote in any category at 54%, and many attribute our success to the above two mentioned bills and many other that dealt with health care.

Among other things, I am proposing a two-year study to look at economic competitiveness in Georgia. The last analysis was taken in 2010, and I believe the changes that were implemented then are part of the reason Georgia is the number one state to do business in for the last eight years.

As always, I want to say that it has been a great privilege to serve in the Georgia State Senate for the four counties I represent.

I look forward to a great session with real solutions for the State of Georgia in helping our citizens to be healthy, educated, productive citizens who have an environment that allows them the opportunities that they desire in this life.

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Dr. Craig McDaniel A TRUE ROMAN

Some say to be a true Roman, one has to be born ‘under the shadow of the clock,’ metaphorically speaking. Dr. Craig McDaniel is a striking example of that birthright.

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He attended Rome schools, graduating from West Rome High School in 1971. He worked at Plant Hammond and Georgia Kraft before attending Carson-Newman College in Jefferson, Tennessee, and received his BS in business management. He earned a Master’s degree from Georgia State University and his Doctorate from the University of Georgia in 2005.

Craig worked for a small manufacturing company while enrolled at Carson Newman. After graduating in 1976, he moved briefly to Martin, Tennessee, to explore a startup business in sports filming. When that path ended, he returned to Rome and began working with the Georgia Department of Labor in a position that required him to be on the campus of Coosa Valley Tech on a frequent basis.

When a short-term job at the school became available, he took it. That short term job ended up lasting thirty-four years. He served as president of the college, now Georgia Northwestern Technical College from 1998 to 2013. The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia named him President Emeritus after his retirement.

In his last year in higher education, Dr. McDaniel served as Assistant Commissioner of the International Center for TCSG. This opportunity came about when GNTC and two other Georgia technical colleges formed a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal University. A skills shortage of workers for Saudi Aramco, the oil and gas conglomerate, led officials from King Faisal University to technical colleges located in Rome, Athens, and Atlanta. The colleges’ reputation of being able to listen and respond to the needs of business and industry resulted in other calls from Dubai, Kenya, China, Ireland, and other countries. After a year of international travel and seeing some successes in expanding the reach of the Technical College System of Georgia, Craig retired from higher education in June of 2014.

Craig served on the Board of Directors of Redmond Regional Medical Center from 1999 to 2017 and chaired the board for three years. He also chaired the Rome Floyd Citizens for Better Education SPLOST committee in 2001, chosen to be the chair of the Rome Floyd 20/20 Steering Committee in 2008. As a former member of United Way, he chaired the successful 2013 campaign. Craig is a graduate of Leadership Rome, a recipient of the Virginia D. Hamilton Special Achievement Award, the Wesley F. Johnson Award of Merit, and a 2008 recipient of the Heart of the Community Award.

He was approached in 2015 to run as a candidate for Rome City Commission. After deliberation, he agreed to do so, receiving the most votes cast for a candidate. In 2021 Dr. Craig McDaniel was named Mayor of Rome, a designation of confidence bestowed by his fellow commissioners and applauded by the many people aware of his capabilities and integrity.

He believes that although we have some problems to overcome, they are not insurmountable. He believes Rome has strong potential for business and growth and ready to seize good opportunities.

“Ours is a destination location to put down roots, both business-wise and personally. Our quality of life is attractive, and seniors are happy to retire here. And, after college, it’s good to see young adults are finding their way back. I have visited or worked within 36 states and visited eight countries.

I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

A call from Toles Temple and Wright Real Estate later in 2014 presented him with a new opportunity with real estate sales. Challenging himself to $2.5 million in listings his first year, he surpassed his goal and reached $25 million, mostly in commercial business. Utilizing his contacts from the college, he has become a successful agent in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Chattooga and Bartow counties.

Craig has been sought for his leadership qualities and has often been called upon to serve on many boards and committees of importance to our community. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce and as Chair of the Rome Floyd Development Authority in 2003. He was President of the Rome Rotary Club in 2009-2010.

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TM

Rise and Thrive

A New Five-Year Strategic Initiative

Designed to grow jobs, attract workforce and strengthen quality of place.

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NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES

OUTCOMES

3-GOAL PLAN

1. Competition for jobs & capital investment

1. Grow Jobs and Investment

1. A resilient, robust economy with population and income growth

2. Uncertain workforce sustainability

2. Attract, Retain, and Align Talent

2. Businesses can find the talent they want and need

3. Need for an environment supportive of business

3. Advocate for Business and Quality of Place

3. A business-friendly community with a thriving quality of place

Change is here. More change is on the way. During the past year, COVID-19 and its effects challenged businesses, families, communities, and economies across Georgia and the world – and Rome and Floyd County were no exception. But now, with the national distribution of vaccines underway, there is strong reason to look to a bright future.

For decades, recognizing that change is a constant, Chamber leaders have chosen to proactively drive positive economic and community change. The faces of the volunteer leaders and staff of the Rome Floyd Chamber have changed over time, but the virtues have endured: initiative, growth, and resiliency.

During the last 15 years, through three Partners in Prosperity economic development initiatives, the Rome Floyd Chamber has helped create and retain nearly 6,000 jobs and attract $1.15 billion in capital investment. The Chamber has been a critical agent for positive change in Rome Floyd County, and Chamber leaders and staff have much to be proud of.

There have been many accomplishments, but challenges remain, and the leaders of Rome and Floyd County are coming

Cassandra Wheeler Rise & Thrive 2025 Co-Chair Regional Director, Georgia Power

together to take on these challenges with a well-thought-out plan of action that will drive growth in our workforce, attract capital investment in existing businesses, and advocate for business and quality of place. With the support and assistance of nearly 100 private and public sector leaders, we have developed and named our new five-year Initiative, Rise & Thrive 2025. This Initiative includes three primary goals that will deliver positive outcomes to our community.

Rise & Thrive 2025 incorporates a change and transition in the Chamber’s new business recruitment role – from leading to supporting the Rome Floyd Development Authority.

This change empowers the Chamber to “double down” on its role in supporting existing business expansions, a role for which the Chamber is very well-known and highly regarded.

Additionally, the Chamber will strengthen its role in workforce and quality of place development – both of which support business expansion as well as business recruitment.

The Chamber Board and Campaign Leadership Council are convinced Rise & Thrive 2025 is the right approach at the right time for our community. We invite you to join us!

Kenna Stock Rise & Thrive 2025 Co-Chair Chief Executive Officer, Harbin Clinic

We welcome all leaders in our community to consider becoming a part of this important effort, whether as an investor or a volunteer.

To learn more, please contact Jeanne Krueger, President & CEO, Rome Floyd Chamber at jkrueger@romega.com adigeorgia.com

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chamber of commerce

members

All Around Roofing Services, Inc. 1009 N Tennessee St STE B Cartersville, GA 30120-2595 (770) 382-3588 allaroundroofingandgutters.com

Delgado Law Firm LLC 405 W 3rd St SW Rome, GA 30165-2804 (770) 815-7597 delgadolaw.law

Amerus Financial Group 7 W 5th Ave Rome, GA 30161-3001 (404) 803-4724 amerusfinancial.com

DRP Hospitality 6 Concourse Pkwy STE 150 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328-6180 (706) 936-4888

Ana’s Rotolo’s Deli & Catering Co. 315 Broad St Rome, GA 30161-3005 (706) 528-4139 Batteries+Bulbs 503 Turner McCall Blvd NE Rome, GA 30165-5629 (706) 295-0005 batteriesplus.com Bluem 217 N 5th Ave SW Rome, GA 30165-2835 (706) 237-7065 bluemrome.com Business Water Solutions 1500 Veterans Memorial Hwy NE Rome, GA 30161-1970 (205) 826-2477 bwsholdings.com Cheeky Baby 306 Broad St Rome, GA 30161-3006 (706) 388-2099 cheekybabyboutique.com Comprehensive Cleaning LLC 186 Terhune Rd SE Rome, GA 30161-9460 (706) 290-4160 www.compcleanllc.com

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Eggs Up Grill Rome 1467 Turner McCall Blvd Rome, GA 30165 (762) 900-3447 eggsupgrill.com Elmo Carter Construction Co., Inc. 130 Industrial Ave Cedartown, GA 30125-7423 (770) 748-3764 Elwood Staffing 203 Turner McCall Blvd NW Rome, GA 30165-2545 (706) 842-2266 elwoodstaffing.com Floyd Against Drugs 4 Government Plaza STE 117 Rome, GA 30161-2803 (706) 224-2227 floydagainstdrugs.com

Haven Support Services 512 Riverside Parkway, STE 701 Rome, GA 30161 (706) 237-0534 Hey Mr. Fix-It 18 Old Airport Rd Rome, GA 30165 (706) 728-7238 heymrfixit.com Java Joy Rome, GA 30161-3042 (706) 769-9333 John Henry’s Grill 233 Broad St Rome, GA 30161-3002 (706) 237-6326 johnhenrysgrill.com Kindred at Home 504 Riverside Pkwy NE STE 500 Rome, GA 30161-2904 (706) 235-1841 gentiva.com Law Office of Jeffrey B. Kelly, PC 107 E 5th Ave STE A Rome, GA 30161-1725 (706) 295-0030 kellycanhelp.com

Frootful Expressions 1 Professional Ct SW Rome, GA 30165-2844 (706) 204-6399

Lazarus Tribe Wellness 305 Redmond Road Rome, GA 30165 (706) 237-6488 lazarustribewellness.com

Georgia Overstock Products LLC 1937 Shorter Ave SW Rome, Georgia 30165-2100 (706) 512-4172 georgiaoverstockproducts.com

Manco Logistics Corp.

512 Riverside Pkwy NE Rome, GA 30161-2911 (706) 223-3046 mancolog.com

Hard Time Products, LLC 324 Broad St Rome, GA 30161 706-413-4187

Maxair Mechanical 814 Livingston Ct SE Marietta, GA 30067-8940 (770) 956-1200 maxairinc.com adigeorgia.com

McAlister’s Deli 1429 Turner McCall Blvd Rome, GA 30161 (706) 252-8350 mcalistersdeli.com Newby Farm & Vineyard 602 Billy Pyle Rd SW Unit D Rome, GA 30165-5803 (404) 547-0294 newbyvineyard.com

Olea Olive Oils & Wine 424 Broad St Rome, GA 30161 (770) 402-3909 Packaging Products Corp., Rome Division 2 Superior Dr SE Rome, GA 30161-9571 (706) 234-0100 packagingproductscorp.com PAM Studios LLC 3500 Lenox Rd. NE Suite 1500 Atlanta, GA 30326 (470) 298-1391 www.pam-studios.com Panda Express 1421 Turner McCall Blvd SE Rome, GA 30161 (706) 622-3770 www.pandaexpress.com Pinnacle Developmental Services 12 Nest Dr NW Rome, GA 30165-6066 (770) 324-7190 pinnacledevelopme.com Plaza Transport 19 Superior Dr SE Rome, GA 30161-3848 (706) 290-3518 Realty One Group Insight 242 N 5th Ave SW Rome, GA 30165-2851 (706) 528-1000 roginsight.com Relentless Chiropractic 2016 Redmond Circle NW Rome, GA 30165 (586) 850-2297 relentlessgeorgia.com

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RidgeBerry Property Management Co. 525 E 2nd Ave Rome, GA 30161-3249 (706) 237-6210 ridgeberry.com Rise N Shine Organic Farm 4307 Roland Hayes PKWY SW Calhoun, GA 30701 (706) 676-8345 risenshinefarm.com Rome Healthplan Advisors 512 Riverside Parkway Suite 705 Rome, GA 30161-3042 (706) 622-2584 romehealthplanadvisors.com Rome Mural CoLab Rome, GA 30165 (706) 263-8296 romemuralcolab.com Scout & Zoe’s Premium Pet Products 832 Winding Way Anderson, IN 46011-1627 (317) 457-7722 scoutandzoes.com SkyTop Lodge, LLC 20 Chateau Dr SE Rome, GA 30161 (706) 291-2447 staystudio6.com Smith Construction 144 W Main St Kingston, GA 30145-3015 (706) 232-1299 smithbuildsit.com SmithWorks Rome, GA 30161-3042 (334) 332-5208 Sunflour Community Bakery 500 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165-2879 (706) 290-3636 SunSprings Solutions, LLC 1430 Radio Springs Rd SW Rome, GA 30165 (912) 996-0540 sunspringssolutions.com Sweet Pickles Café 434 Broad St Rome, GA 30161-3008 (706) 237-6906 facebook.com/sweetpicklesrome

Texas Roadhouse 1403 Turner McCall Blvd SE Rome, GA 30161 (706) 784-7350 texasroadhouse.com The Finishing Touch Salon 1306 Maple Ave SW Rome, GA 30161-6485 (706) 234-3519 The Pool Store 13 John Davenport Dr NW Rome, GA 30165-2535 (706) 291-0875 thepoolstoreofrome.com Thumbprint Productions 211 N 4th Ave SW Rome, GA 30165 (615) 330-4445 thumbpp.com U Public Relations 18 N Pheasant Run SE Rome, GA 30161-6839 (706) 936-9815 upublicrelations.com Underhill CPA 3405 Martha Berry Hwy NW Rome, GA 30165-8652 (706) 314-9411 Urgent Team - Rome 1314 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, GA 30161-3042 (706) 728-3240 urgentteam.net Vertical Communications 1000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy STE 300 Roswell, GA 30076-2587 (678) 892-8023 vertical.com Village Theatres Inc 2820 Martha Berry Hwy NE Rome, GA 30165-7743 (706) 235-2200 romemovies.com Wayne Davis Concrete Co. 10 Wayne Davis Drive Tallapoosa, GA 30176 (770) 574-2326 waynedavisconcrete.com

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Real Estate on Lake Weiss Let Cherokee County's top sales producer help you find the home or property you have been dreaming of.

Call Cathy 678-986-6103 cathygriffeth@gmail.com www.cathygriffeth.com

Realtor Hall of Fame 2020

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MAIN OFFICE 3495 Alabama Highway 9 Cedar Bluff, AL 35959 Office: (256) 557-6555

BRANCH OFFICE 1140 Chesnut Bypass Centre, AL 35960 Office: (256) 927-2381

Top Producer 10 Years

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chamber of commerce

100 Black Men of Rome-NWGA, Inc. 103.1 Radio M | WROM 1st Franklin Financial Corporation 2Work Staffing 98.7 Rome News Talk | WRGA 99.5 The Jock | WGJK - AM A & L Shielding Inc. A Night to Remember Foundation, Inc. A+ Driving Services of Georgia Action Ministries - Rome Active Pest Control ADAMS Management Services Corporation ADF Welding & Medical, Inc. Advance Rehab & Consulting, Inc. Advanced Steel Technology Advanced Tax Solutions Ag Pro Companies Agan Plumbing Company AirMedCare Network Alarm Systems, Inc. Alfa Insurance - Mark Swanson Agency Allen Murphy Appliance Ctr., Inc. Alliant Health Plans, Inc. Allied Food Service Allstate - Coffey Agencies Inc. Alto Computers Alton Holman Heritage Arts, Inc. American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia Ameris Bank Amtran Medical Transport, Inc. Anniston Metal Co. Antigua Mexican Restaurant Appraisal Associates of Rome-Harry Brock Aramark - Berry College Armis Advisers, LLC Armuchee Pharmacy ATCO Fire Protection, Inc. Atlanta Postal Credit Union Automax Rent-A-Car, Inc. Aventine Bagby Transfer Company Ball Metal Beverage Container Barnsley Resort Baymont Inn BDS Landscape Bella Roma Grill Benchmark Physical Therapy Beninato, John J., DDS, P.C. Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. Berry College Bestway Construction Company Beverage South of Rome Formerly North Georgia Distributing Big Time Products, LLC Blood Assurance, Inc.

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renewing members

Blossman Gas and Appliance Blount Construction Blue Fin Sushi and Grill Restaurant Bowen & Associates CPA’s Brand RED Brandon Burke State Farm Branson Machinery, LLC Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC Brent Scarbrough & Company Inc. Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis, LLP Brookdale Rome Brown Cartage Company Bussey’s Flowers, Gifts & Decor C & R Compliance, LLC Caldwell Printing Co. Cameron Motorsports, Inc. Car-Mart Carney Family Dental Carroll EMC Carter’s Environmental Carver & Carver Plumbing, Inc. CCL Commercial Warehousing and Logistics Central Electrical Systems Century Travel Affiliates Cevian Design Lab Charles Williams R.E.I.C. Chicken Salad Chick Chili’s Bar & Grill Christian Church at Rome Chulio Hills Health & Rehab Center City Electric Supply City of Rome Clay Service Co. Collins Auto Clean-Up Comfort Suites Commercial Fluid Power Communities In Schools of Rome-Floyd County, Inc. Compassionate Paws, Inc. Computer 911 Repair, LLC Cook’s Pest Control, Inc. Cooper Medical Coosa Country Club Coosa Medical Group Coosa River Basin Initiative, Inc. Coosa Steel Corp.

Coosa Valley Communications, Inc. Coosa Valley Fair Association Coosa Valley Financial Group, Inc. Coosa Valley Fraternal Order of Police Cornerstone Concrete Development, LLC Cornerstone Financial & Insurance Group Cornerstone Insurance Solutions Courtyard by Marriott Rome Riverwalk

Covenant Care Adoptions NWGA Cox, Byington, Twyman & Johnson, LLP Crown Consulting Group LLC CSC Sales, Inc Darlington School Deaton Truck & Tire Service, Inc Dempsey Auction Company Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC Developing Independence, Growth & Security - DIGS, Inc. Do Good Boutique Doug’s Deli Downtown LLC Duffey Southeast Construction Duffy’s Deli Dwarf House Chick-Fil-A Classics Eagle Christian Tours, LLC East Rome Animal Clinic Easter Electrical Construction Co. Eastland Court Apartments Elliott Electric Employer Support of Guard & Reserve End Slavery Georgia Equipment Outlet Etowah Employment Etowah Landing Care and Rehabilitation The Rome Center Evans Construction Co. Everett Construction Exchange Club Family Resource Center F & P Georgia Farmers Insurance - Alma Roman Agency Farrell’s Frame and Design Fifth Avenue Health Care First Baptist Church of Lindale First Baptist Church of Rome First Choice Home Services First United Methodist Church Fisher Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Five Star Food Service Floyd County Board of Education Floyd County Family & Children Services Floyd County Farm Bureau Floyd County Health Department Floyd County Republican Party Floyd HomeCare Floyd Medical Center FLOYD Primary Care Network Floyd-Horne Land Surveying Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers Forum River Center Foss Manufacturing Fox Systems, Inc. FP Pigments Furniture Medic G. Marc Wetherington, MD

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Georgia Department of Labor Vocational Rehab Program GAMA - Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association, Inc. Garden Lakes Baptist Church Garner & Glover Co. General Electric Company General Shale Brick Georgia Auto Brokers Georgia Highlands College Georgia Machine Works, Inc. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Georgia Pacific Georgia Power Georgia Power Northwest Federal Credit Union Georgia School for the Deaf Giggity’s Sports Bar Glass Doctor Global Impact International Restoration Rome GMC Value-Mart Inc. Goodwill of North Georgia Greater Community Bank Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau Greene’s Jewelers, Inc. Gustav Wolf, USA H & H Lawn Care Habitat for Humanity - Coosa Valley Hanging Around Rome by Studio Siri Harbin Clinic LLC Harbor House Hardy Realty & Development Harvest Moon Cafe Haven Health Clinic for Women Hawthorn Suites, Ltd. Haynes & Moore, LLC HDA Architects, Inc. Henderson & Sons Funeral Home South Chapel Heritage Automotive Group Heritage Sleep Concepts LLC Hexalinks High Voltage Prints Higher Ground Hight Knox Properties, LLC Hight, Charles and Lee Hillis Outdoor Specialists Inc. Historic DeSoto Theatre Hitchcock Heating & Air Inc. Hi-Tech Signs & Ad Specialties Hodge Consulting Services, LLC Hodge, Cheryl Riner, Artist Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Holston Gases Inc. Home Depot Home Instead Senior Care Homescapes Landscaping Company

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Homestar Financial Corporation HomeTeam Inspection Service Honda & Suzuki of Rome Honeymoon Bakery Horizon Advisors LLC Hospitality House for Women, Inc. Howse, Rice & Brown, CPAs, PC Hunt & Associates Appraisal Services Husser & Cromartie, LLC Hype, Inc. Inspiritus (formerly Lutheran Services of Georgia) International Paper In-Touch Computer Services InventureIT J & J Candles J Supply Company JBM Office Solutions JEM MFG, LLC Jerusalem Grill Jim’s Tire & Service Center Jowers-Sklar Insurance Junior Service League of Rome Kawasaki of Rome KB Aerial Imaging and Video Production Keller Williams Realty Kellogg Company Kelly Services Kiwanis Club of Rome KMW, CPA LLC Knight’s Car Store Knight’s Garage Knight’s Jewelers Koman’s La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant La Scala Mediterranean Bistro Lamar Advertising Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant Lawson Electric Co., Inc. Lieberman Family Chiropractic Life Church of Rome, Inc. LifeMade Products LLC (formerly Lifoam

Industries, LLC)

Lindale Machine & Tool, Inc. Liverett Fabricating Co. Living & Giving Living Proof Recovery Logical Systems, Inc. Longhorn Steakhouse Long’s Construction Lovejoy Baptist Church Lowe’s Distribution Center Lumina Coffee Company Lynn’s Uniforms M.L. King Commission

Marglen Industries, Inc. Martha’s Skillet Restaurant Martin Marietta Materials Martin’s Real Estate & Development Co. Mary Sib Banks MAT HD, LLC Mather Mechanical Services Inc. Mathis Trailers and Equipment Sales Matt Medley Agency Inc McClain-Sealock Post 136 American Legion Lindale McDonald’s - East Rome McRae, Smith, Peek, Harman & Monroe, LLP Meadow Lane Apartments Mel & Mimi, Inc. Melissa Eldridge State Farm Insurance Agency Mercy Care Rome, Inc. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Merry Maids Metropolitan United Methodist Church Mike’s Lawncare Co. LLC Miller & Martin, PLLC Modern Woodmen of America Moe’s Southwest Grill Mohawk Industries Montessori School of Rome Morgan & Hunt Oil Company Motivation Unlimited Mount Berry Mall Muller, Richard L., Jr., DDS, PC Multi-Craft Construction Services, LLC N.L. Smithworks, Inc. National Alliance on Mental Illness of Rome National Copier Exchange Neopost Alternative Mailing, Inc. Network Day Service Center, Inc. New Horizons Treatment Center, LLC NextStep Care Nichols, Cauley, & Associates, LLC NIFAST Corporation Noon Optimist Club of Rome North Broad Youth Center North Georgia Equipment Company Northwest Georgia Clinical Campus, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Northwest Georgia Periodontics Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Northwest Health District NW Georgia Living NW Georgia Weddings NWGA Council Boy Scouts of America Oak Hill Church of Christ

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chamber of commerce

Oglethorpe Power Corporation One Community United Open Door Children’s Home OTR Wheel Engineering Outback Steakhouse Over The Moon Antiques Owen Security Solutions Owens Financial Group, Inc. Packaging Products Corp., Rome Division PAGE Paper Recovery of Georgia Parker FiberNet, LLC Parnick Jennings Sr’s Good Shepherd Funeral Home Party Time Beverages Peachtree Planning - East Rome Pelican’s SnoBalls Perfect Dress of Rome Pirelli Tire North America Plainville Brick Company Polyventive Solutions Group - Functional Materials, LLC Powell Discount Auto Parts Inc. Premier Imaging Medical Systems Inc. Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics PrimeCare Nursing Services, Inc. Pro Systems Clean Care Professional Freedom Tax Service, Inc. Professional Screening & Information DBA PSI Background Screening Profile Custom Extrusions Provino’s Italian Restaurant Pruitt Health Pruitt Health - Home Health of Rome Publix Super Markets, Inc. Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc. Purdy Electric Company Inc. Q102.3 | WQTU Qualified Staffing R.H. Ledbetter Properties, Inc. Ranger Consulting Inc. Rayburn Electric Company Ready or Not, Inc. Redmond Medical Group Redmond Regional Medical Center Redmond Urgent Care Regions Bank Reinhardt University Renaissance Marquis Rhinehart Equipment Co. Ridge & Valley Storytelling Guild, Inc. RIFF - Rome International Film Festival Right at Home of NWGA River City Antique Mall River City Bank

renewing members

Riverside Chevrolet-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Riverside Gourmet Riverside Toyota Rix, Alicia Mize, DMD, PC RJ Young Company RL Jennings & Associates, PC Roberson’s Auto Collision Co., Inc. Rolan Business Machine Co., Inc. Roman Chemical Corporation Rome 4 x 4 Rome Area Council for the Arts Rome Area History Center Rome Axe Throwing Rome Center for Pediatric Dentistry Rome City Schools Board of Education Rome Cleaners Rome Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Rome Electric Motor Works, Inc. Rome Equipment Rental Rome Floyd Cancer Initiative Rome Floyd County Development Authority Rome GI & The Rome Endoscopy Center Rome Health & Rehabilitation Center Rome Liquor and Tobacco Rome Little Theatre, Inc. Rome Mechanical, LLC Rome Memorial Park Rome News-Tribune Rome Radiology Group, P.A. Rome Rotary Club Rome Shakespeare Festival Rome Symphony Orchestra, Inc. Rome Toastmasters Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children & Youth Rome-Floyd County Community Soup Kitchen, Inc Romega Digital Rood Logistics Rosemark, Inc. Rummel Stampings, Inc. Rush, Kyle, DMD, PC S.I. Storey Lumber Co. SA Recycling Safe Lock & Key Co Inc Sam’s Club #6509 Sara Hightower Regional Library Schroeder’s New Deli-Downtown Security Finance Service Loan Rome ServiceMaster by Twins Seven Hills Fellowship ShawHankins, LLC Sheffield Office Products Sherwin-Williams Co.

Shorter University Silver Pest Services Sisson Hydraulics Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center Sledge Tech LLC Smoothie King South 93.5 | WSRM South Rome Redevelopment Corporation SouthEastern Pathology, P.C. Southern Bracing Systems Southern Company Gas Southern Engineering & Surveying, Inc. Southern Home Care - ResCare HomeCare Spriggs Construction Co. SRI Auto Brokers Inc. St. Mary’s Catholic Church St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Staples Store #1123 Starr-Mathews Insurance Agency State Mutual Insurance Stella Blu Stonebridge Golf Course Studio 6 Skytop Subway - East Subway - West Suhner Manufacturing, Inc. Summit Hill Foods (Formerly Southeastern Mills)

Sunbelt Credit Sunrise Towing Service Surya Rugs Suzuki Sweet P’s at the Palladium sweetFrog premium frozen yogurt Swift & Finch Sylvan Learning Center of Rome Synovus Syntec Industries Tallatoona CAP, Inc. Talley Insurance Services, Inc. TENDO technologies LLC Teresa Lumsden, State Farm Insurance & Financial Services Terry Simmons Insurance Agency Thankful Baptist Church The Avenue Wealth Management Group/ Raymond James The Big Mattress Outlet The Bistro 208 The Bratcher Firm, LLC The Canoe House The Church at Northside

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chamber of commerce The Community Foundation for Greater Rome The Competitive Edge The Fairbanks Company The Free Clinic of Rome The Griffin The Guest House Apartments The HON Company The Honorable Katie Dempsey The Kroger Store The Lewis Chemical Company The Lodge The Rebel | WRBF - 104.9FM The Riverpoint Apartments The Salvation Army The Season Events The Spires at Berry College The Stitchery The Stone Law Group - Trial Lawyers, LLC The Three Rivers Singers, Inc. The Village at Maplewood Thermal Seal Duct

THF, Inc. Three Rivers Specialty Co. TLC Consulting Toles, Temple & Wright Tondee’s Furniture & Co. Transitions Hospice Care of Georgia TRAVEL BY JON AND JO’EL Trees Unlimited Trinity United Methodist Church Truist Unique Interiors of Rome United Community Bank United Health Care United States Postal Service United Way Unity Christian School US Med Clinic V3 Collective Vargo Orthodontics Visiting Nurse Health System, Inc. VTI of Georgia, Inc. Walker Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc.

renewing members

Ware Mechanical, Inc. Warehouse Beverage Center Watters & Associates Landscape West Express Inc West Rome Animal Clinic West Rome Baptist Church Whatley-Kinney Veterinary Clinic Whistle Britches Whittington, Jones & Rudert, CPAs, LLC Will Wood Investments William L. Edwards Dentistry William S. Davies Shelter, Inc. Williams Communications, Inc. Wings Over North Georgia WinShape Foundation Winthrop Court Wire Tech Ltd Wofford Wood Flooring Woodford Clothing Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet

Networking

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The Rocky Mountain Project One of Floyd County’s favorite recreational sites also happens to be on the largest economic development projects in the area. Aside from its beautiful white sand beach, campgrounds, and some of the best lake fishing in Northwest Georgia, the Rocky Mountain project in the Texas Valley can produce more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity when Georgia’s grid needs it the most.

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The Rocky Mountain pumped-storage Hydroelectric Plant was originally a development of Georgia Power. Construction started in 1977, but Georgia Power scrapped the plant in the late 1970s. Oglethorpe Power finished the project with a loan guarantee of more than $900 million from the Rural Electrification Administration. The hydroelectric plant was commissioned in 1995. Upgrades to increase the capacity of the plant were undertaken in 2011 and 2016. The most recent upgrades required an investment of close to $60 million.

Oglethorpe has a 75% stake in the plant, while Georgia Power retained 25% ownership. Oglethorpe paid more than $3.22 million in property taxes to Floyd County in February 2020 for its portion of the plant’s ownership.

A trio of massive turbines provides what is known as peaking power during the hottest hours of summer and the coldest hours of winter. Water from the reservoir atop the mountain is flushed through turbines to provide electricity when the grid needs it the most. The pumped-storage system allows the plant to respond to the electric grid’s needs within about three minutes. During off-peak periods, the turbines are reversed to pump the water back to the top of the mountain for use the next time it’s needed.

While Oglethorpe Power directs the project and production of electricity, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources manages the recreational opportunities that abound at the sprawling grounds in the Big Texas Valley northwest of Rome.

Archery hunting for deer, turkey, and small game is open during the specific seasons, and waterfowl hunts are allowed with firearms.

camper trailer to the lake on weekends. “We come out here so he can rest instead of working himself silly,” Gail said. “We can fish. There’s plenty of room between campers, so you feel safe (during the recent COVD-19 restrictions).” “It’s very quiet, and the people are friendly,” John Henderson chipped in.

Kathy Williams and her husband George Williams bring their kayaks and bicycles to the lake with the family and said they enjoy the whole weekend camping experience at the sprawling complex. “It’s quiet, peaceful, and beautiful,” said Cheryl Johnson, Cedartown. Like the Williams, they do a little bit of everything from hiking to biking, kayaking, and fishing.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited anywhere in the park, which contributes to the family-friendly atmosphere. The project is also a favorite for birders because it is home to two bald eagle nests, one overlooking Antioch Lake and the other overlooking Heath. It is not unusual to see eagles feasting on crappie, bass, or bluegill from the lakes during the breeding period from late October through April.

Later in the season, usually from May through the end of July or a little longer, osprey also nest and raise young on the lake. The osprey is also expert anglers who are virtually 100% dependent on the lakes’ fish to raise their young.

Hakala, whose office will be responsible for the recreational area’s management, said he hopes that many people who discovered Rocky Mountain for this first time this year will become frequent visitors in the future.

Two lakes, Antioch and Heath, offer boating and fishing.

Boats can be operated with motors but can only be run at idle speed, which does not create a wake. Heath is managed for trophy-size fish and is only open to fishing the first ten days of the month. Together the lakes span across more than 550 acres.

DNR Fisheries Biologist Jim Hakala said the big three are bass, bream and crappie. In Antioch, bass must be at least 14 inches long to keep. Heath Lake is known as a slot lake. Bass must be between 14 and 20 inches long to keep. Anything more or less must be released back into the lake. Matt Callahan, Ringgold, fishes Heath as often as he can get away from his day job as a pipefitter. “I’ve caught quite a few decent fish out of there,” Matt said. “I like to crappie fish.” The lakes at Rocky Mountain are a favorite of the Reel Krazy Kayak Fishing Club, which regularly holds tournaments at the lakes.

A large campground, 36 campsites, is virtually full of recreational vehicles just about every weekend and much of the weekdays during the summer months. The white sand beach is typically crowded during the heat of the summer.

John and Gail Henderson, from Calhoun, love to bring their 44

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