Bridges Magazine, Winter 2024

2024: Optimism on the RISE Rome Company Taps Global Market

HEADS UP ON HAPPENINGS Pickleball Takes Rome By Storm First Quarter 2024

AdventHealth Medical Group Neurosurgery at Rome At AdventHealth Medical Group Neurosurgery at Rome, our compassionate experts trained in advanced neurosurgical care give you access to innovative technology and treatments to help you heal from degenerative or age-related spinal conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis, trauma-related spinal and brain injuries, brain and spine tumors and more. Our dedicated care team is ready to work swiftly and collaboratively at every step, from diagnosis to rehab and recovery.

Your Neurosurgery Team

John A. Cowan Jr., MD, FAANS

Jason Harrison, MD, PhD, FAANS

AdventHealth Medical Group Neurosurgery at Rome 15 John Maddox Drive NW Rome, GA 30165

Alex Whitaker-Lea, MD

Learn More: GeorgiaNeuroExperts.com Schedule an Appointment: 706-368-8550

AS I SEE IT A

s Rome turns the calendar into 2024, I’m looking forward to a year during which Rome is shaping itself for the growth that we all know is coming.

We anticipate the long-awaited construction of the NOVA District development on West Third Street. While our development partners work on the mixed-use redevelopment, the city will be continuing to complete a SPLOST-funded streetscape along West Third Street and North Fifth Avenue. The project will help expand Rome’s signature downtown district across the Oostanaula River.

On the downtown side of the river, I am looking forward to great things! The city has taken over the operation of the Forum River

Center in an agreement with our Floyd County partners. We will also see law enforcement offices moved to Technology Parkway in the former Scott Logistics building. It’s a temporary move until a permanent home can be found and an arrangement that should pay dividends for years to come. Police-inspired renovations to the building should make the property more attractive for future users.

We’re also looking to define some essential redevelopment areas along the Martha Berry Highway entrance to the city from the north and the North Broad entrance from the northeast. At least one hotelier is interested in developing a new property in the North Broad district.

I anxiously await an early-year retreat with commissioners, including two new faces. The retreat will be an excellent opportunity to establish our city priorities and set the tone for a great year of cooperation to move the city forward.

In the meantime, enjoy the latest edition of BRIDGES magazine, including articles on our Downtown Development Director, Aundi Lesley, Hard Time Products, and Hydro Dynamics. This issue also looks at the growing sport of Pickleball, some of the special events coming to town, and a look at the 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax that will also play a big role in shaping our community’s future.

Sincerely,

Sammy Rich Rome City Manager 601 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706.236.4400 romega.us

bridgesmagazinerome.com

1

CONTENTS 1 As I See It Sammy Rich

20 Rome’s Hometown Bank

3 From the Editor Susan Moore Beyer

24 Ben McWhorter

4 Amenity and Event Highlights

26 What Your Splost Will Buy

10 North Rome Historic District

28 Pickleball

14 DDA Aundi Lesley

30 Advent Health Greenway

18 Hardtime Products

34 Doug Walker Receives Kaplan Award

28 18 36 Hydro Dynamics 38 New Mayor Takes Gavel 41

Forum River Center

42 Senate Review Chuck Hufstetler 44 Faces of Rome 46 City Directory

36 On the cover: Reflection of the Oostanaula River reveals a new day dawning in Rome. Prominently, the courthouse frames a new page for a new year.

Bridges Rome magazine is created, written, and published by Advertising Dynamics, Inc. in collaboration with the City of Rome. Bridges magazine reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, and/or space availability in determining the suitability of all materials submitted for publication. Reproduction of printed materials is prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. © 2024. All rights reserved.

Contact Advertising Dynamics, Inc. for comments, information, and advertising inquiries.

706.290.0202 or goodideas@adigeorgia.com

2

bridgesmagazinerome.com

FROM THE

EDITOR

A

s the new year takes hold, we can test our wit and wisdom prognosticating about the future. What’s going to be hot or not, what’s in or out, and who opens a new door in 2024.

It’s fun to predict, and if we are totally wrong in our “educated” guesses, maybe no one will remember. But then there’s bragging rights if we nail it. Here at Bridges, we dare to declare a few of our own.

• With the city taking over The Forum, expect more events that entertain and educate, increasing interest and revenue.

• After a decade of negotiating, we will finally see new residential multi-use properties on West 3rd Street breaking ground and springing up.

• Eco Greenway, in partnership with Advent Health, will be a popular recreational destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

• After years of waiting, the expansion of the runway at the Richard B. Russell Airport will be upgraded to 7,000 feet, welcoming aircraft such as the USAF Thunderbirds.

• We predict the construction, which began in 2016, at the intersection of Highways 140 and 53 will be completed—allowing easy access to surrounding counties and I-75.

• Newly named, the Rome Emperors will enjoy baseball success in the Advent Health Stadium as they represent our community in the South Atlantic League and the Atlanta Braves—who, incidentally, will win the world series.

That’s our take on 2024. What’s yours?

All the best,

Susan Moore Beyer Managing Editor Bridges Magazine susan@adigeorgia.com bridgesmagazinerome.com

104 East Sixth Avenue Rome, GA 30161 706.290.0202 3

AMENITY & EVENT

HIGHLIGHTS W

e have many new projects and recently completely projects for visitors and residents to enjoy; here are some highlights of what’s new and upcoming in Georgia’s Rome! The Forum River Center has officially reopened under the management of the Georgia’s Rome Tourism.

4

bridgesmagazinerome.com

The Forum Operations Manager, Jay Shell, has been busy booking events to bring people back to downtown to enjoy concerts, family events, live entertainment, and special expos.

Upcoming events include Bull Riding, Community Prayer Breakfast, and concerts! To prepare for all this fun, Jay and his staff have spent the last few months working on facility upgrades. The entire building has been refreshed with a new color scheme, fixtures, upgraded audio and visual, and signage. The facility is also available for booking private events and parties. Stay up-to-date on what’s coming and get in touch with our staff if you would like to host your celebration. bridgesmagazinerome.com

5

Another popular place in downtown Rome is the beautiful trail system and the greenway is growing! Paving for a trail extension from Mt. Berry Trailhead to AdventHealth Stadium Trailhead will be completed in early 2024 to create a continuous 13-mile loop around Rome’s rivers and Downtown Rome. Signage for the newly branded AdventHealth Redmond ECO Greenway will be installed soon to provide new trailhead maps and wayfinding signage throughout the system with the growing greenway!

Locals Celebrate Indian Culture

Local Cheer Team, Hot Shots, Hosts Cheer Competition A new amenity was just recently added to a portion of our greenway on the south end. The sport of disc golf has gained a lot of momentum in the US in the last few years and a brand-new course has just opened in Downtown Rome! The Kingfisher Disc Golf Course features 9-holes and is situated along the Kingfisher Trail on the AdventHealth Redmond ECO Greenway. The city worked in partnership with Prodigy Disc on the design of the course. The company is well known in the disc golf sporting community because they sell disc golf discs and host tournaments throughout the country. The course is free and is open to the public during daylight hours.

Located on the northern part of the trail is a new geocache trail. Thanks to one of the largest geocaching events held in Rome every year, several new caches have been added to the Mt. Berry Trail portion of the AdventHealth Redmond ECO Greenway. If you park at the trailhead and walk towards the stadium, you will discover several caches.

Learn more about geocaching and how to find the caches at GoingCaching.com.

6

There’s more great news for parks in Rome and Floyd County. Voters recently approved the SPLOST proposal, giving $11,465,000 to park improvements in Rome and Floyd County. Several community parks will receive splash pads offering outdoor play areas with sprinklers and fountains for families to enjoy in warm months. Ridge Ferry Park will receive a new trail connection from the AdventHealth Redmond ECO Greenway in the park to connect to the Jackson Hill Trail System across Riverside Parkway. A boardwalk will be built utilizing the existing Burwell Creek underpass.

SPLOST also provides some fun upgrades for our rivers too! A new boat ramp will replace the old ramp at Ridge Ferry Park along with a new paddle-in campsite on the Oostanaula River offering camping, picnic pavilions, and restroom facilities.

In addition to Rome’s love for the outdoors, we have a love for all things racquets! Pickleball continues

Party Rooms Available for Private Events bridgesmagazinerome.com

Rome Tennis Center at Berry College to be very popular at the Downtown Rome Racquets Center. Tournaments are held year-round, and the center offers classes and active leagues. The Rome Tennis Center at Berry College continues to drive strong economic impact for the community. They recently received a USTA Grant to help the city resurface most the courts at the Rome Tennis Center.

The facility will soon host the return of the Georgia’s Rome Tennis Open, a women’s 60K professional tennis tournament and the Georgia Open, a professional wheelchair tennis tournament, both welcoming top players from around the world. A full

calendar of tournaments is already planned for 2024.

If you’re not busy outdoors enjoying all that Rome has to offer, then you might be indoors watching Rome on the screen, because Rome is a busy town for film! Rome was most notably featured on the popular Netflix show, Stranger Things. With Rome’s full resume of film and TV credits, film scouts are always visiting in consideration of future projects, especially as our entertainment industry continues to grow. To support this growth, the Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism just launched the new Film &

Aerial View of the Forum River Center and the Town Green bridgesmagazinerome.com

7

Entertainment Alliance, to serve as a direct liaison with the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment office (a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development).

We are excited to embrace the future of film and entertainment productions in all of Floyd County and look forward to working with our partners in the industry to expand on all that we have to offer as a camera-ready community. With everything that is going on in Rome, we look forward to watching the growth spur more activity, because growing is thriving.

For more information about events and venues in Rome, visit romegeorgia.org.

The Bellcase Family Enjoys the New Disc Golf Course

Fan Favorite Bull Riding In the Arena 8

bridgesmagazinerome.com

Mattresses Are Our Business.

Let us help you find your perfect sleep surface • Innerspring • Foam • Hybrid

Locally Owned and Manufactured 100 Capitoline Drive • Rome, GA 30165 • 706.584.7235 • heritagesleepconcepts.com Showroom Open to the Public Monday thru Saturday 10am - 4pm

cell

keithb@hardyrealty.com

bridgesmagazinerome.com

9

North Rome

HISTORIC DISTRICT Rome is seeking to designate much of North Rome as a new federally recognized historic district, with special attention to the African American heritage of the community. It could be the first such district in Georgia outside Atlanta.

L

ate in 2022, the National Park Service awarded a $30,000 Underrepresented Community Grant to the City of Rome for the African American Settlement and Civil Rights Survey in North Rome. The Rome-Floyd Planning office submitted the grant request, noting that significantly less than 10% of sites on the National Register represent minority communities.

The grant was awarded specifically to help identify and support prospective nominations to the National Register of Historic Places for communities rich in social and cultural diversity. The word ‘nominations’ was used in the plural form because the potential exists to have two distinct historic districts created, one on the east side of North Broad Street, the other on the west side, taking in the Blossom Hill section of North Rome.

10

Landmark Preservation Consulting of Savannah has been retained to conduct the North Rome community’s resource surveys. They will identify and designate the boundaries for the district(s). They will physically walk the neighborhoods, taking photos and gathering information,” said Julie Kyle Harris, the primary historic preservation planner in the Rome Floyd Planning office. “It is my hope that some of the people in the neighborhoods will come out and make contact with the consultants and provide first-hand stories, say, I remember when, or I’ve lived here for X number of years.” A couple of interns in the planning office will also participate in the surveys.

Earlier this year, the city landmarking committee voted to add both the Thankful Baptist Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church to a list of city landmarks. bridgesmagazinerome.com

The old Main High School campus, where African Americans were taught in Rome before integration, is located in the area off Washington Drive. It was individually included on the National Register in October of 2002. A portion of the campus now houses the Kelsey-Aycock-Burrell Center, which provides office space for several African American organizations.

The Five Points area near the Kingston Highway and North Broad Street intersection was once the hub for African American businesses in Rome. Elders in the African American community will remember George Smith’s Barber Shop, Bubber Duke’s Café, Graham Robinson’s Drug Store, Webb’s Café, and Dr. Benjamin Bryant’s Samaritan Hospital.

Many of the old businesses in that area fell prey to urban renewal and new highway work half a century ago. The only original building left standing sits at 1007 Broad Street and now houses the offices of attorneys William and Jessica Stoll. It once housed offices of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance.

Native Roman David Yoakley Mitchell, now executive director of the Atlanta Preservation Center, points out that the unique proximity of residential neighborhoods to the old industry in North Rome is a story that needs to be remembered and told.

“People (today) just don’t live in close proximity to where they work,” Mitchell said.

Brice Wood, the new planning director for Rome and Floyd County, points out that multiple buildings in the Blossom Hill community are among the oldest in Rome.

The old Fox Manufacturing facility took up a large amount of property on the east side of North Broad Street, spanning both the north and south sides of Callahan Street. Speaking of Callahan Street, what is now Stanley’s Cafeteria was built around 1901 specifically as a cafeteria to serve that community.

For many years, it was known as Williams Cafeteria.

(Continued on Page 13)

This building built in 1905 currenly houses law offices. bridgesmagazinerome.com

11

MAIN OFFICE 1609 Martha Berry Blvd.

Rome, GA 30165 706-291-4321

HARDY ON BROAD 440 Broad St. Rome, GA 30161 706-291-4321

CEDARTOWN 407 Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125 470-945-2700

High Demand Careers Begin Here!

CARTERSVILLE 101 W. Main St. Cartersville, GA 30120 470-945-2900

AVIATION MAINTENANCE

GNTC.edu 866-983-4682 12

GNTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an EOI.

bridgesmagazinerome.com

(Continued from Page 11 )

Further up North Broad, the old Dellinger textile mill provided a place to work for many people who lived in the Blossom Hill community and the community on the north side of North Avenue.

Many of the North Broad Street corridor buildings were constructed during the Works Progress Administration days, an infrastructure program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This old strip shopping center (on the west side of North Broad) could be eligible for grant money to save and restore it if included in a federally recognized historic district.

Thankful Baptist Church Of course, not all of the historically significant sections and properties in North Rome are not necessarily of African American heritage. The old Forrestville community and Forrestville rail yard, now Norfolk Southern, was a forerunner of much of what is now considered North Rome.

This Historic Fire Station Now Serves As Offices

Esther Vaughn, retired principal at Main Elementary School, has lived on Gibbons Street in North Rome her entire life, except her college years.

“There is a lot of history up here, and it would be very good (to be told),” Vaughn said.

Building On Campusn Of Old Main High School bridgesmagazinerome.com

13

DDA AUNDI LESLEY S

inger/producer Marc Anthony is credited for coining the phrase, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s a phrase that Rome Downtown Development Director Aundi Lesley has probably thought about on several occasions over the past three years because Lesley says that she thinks she has the best job in Rome.

Lesley, originally from Dallas, Georgia, came to Rome from Carrollton in August of 2020 and can’t believe three years have passed. Lesley came to Rome with a Business Administration degree from the University of West Georgia and is nearing completing her Master’s in Public Administration from Jacksonville State University.

One of the things Lesley likes most about her job is that she can completely focus on all things downtown, helping to maintain the momentum of the central business district, which has been picking up steam for nearly three decades. “I find that people feel very strongly about what happens in our downtown, and I think that’s because people feel such a sense of ownership,” Lesley said. Downtown is 14

nostalgic. “They’ve grown up coming downtown and watched it evolve over the years.” Lesley is quick to add the sense of ownership and love people have for Downtown Rome is also one of the most challenging aspects of her job. People feel strongly about what happens here, which sometimes can be polarizing.

Often, what we do and the decisions we make are under a microscope. She uses the public concern over Rome’s Open Container ordinance as a recent example. Ultimately, that proved to be very positive without negative consequences,” Lesley said.

It might surprise, even shock, some to hear Lesley proclaim that she does not believe Rome has a parking problem. “We have plenty of parking inventory,” Lesley said. People have got to adjust to not being able to park directly in front of the store they want to run into or go up to the second or third level of any of the three major parking decks that serve downtown, on Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue, or Sixth Avenue. “We realize as development continues it could get to the point where we have (Continued on Page 16) bridgesmagazinerome.com

(Continued from Page 14)

legitimate parking problems, so we are constantly talking and thinking, and exploring options for the future.”

After three years on the job, Lesley said she believes downtown is ripe for a nice breakfast spot. Many people who live and work in the central business district cite the desire for a good breakfast eatery. A shop that serves breakfast and lunch, but not dinner, could be a good opportunity for an adventurous entrepreneur.

If there is one thing Lesley could wave a magic wand over, it might be the speed at which the government can get things done. She looks across the Oostanaula River to the River District, West Third Street, and North Fifth Avenue, which are prime examples. “We want to be good stewards of tax dollars and make the

best decisions for our citizens. However, sometimes that means things can be delayed,” Lesley said. “At some point it will come to fruition but often takes a little longer than we had hoped.”

Lesley is thankful for passionate volunteers who help keep Rome’s downtown a thriving community.

Events such as the First Friday concerts and the Fiddlin’ Fest bring thousands of people downtown but do take some effort to manage. “We could not make our large events happen without our volunteers,” Lesley said.

Anyone interested in helping the Downtown Development office with major events in the new year can visit the DDA webpage, www.downtownromega.us, to discover available volunteer opportunities.

A Walk Down Memory Lane...

As you walk down Broad Street, you may notice black and gold plaques near the entrances of historic buildings.

In partnership with the Rome Area Heritage Foundation, the Rome DDA created a Historic Plaque Program. The program recognizes the construction date of the building as well as its original use. The program celebrated the installation of the 45th and final plaque in June 2023. The plaques are a point of interest to Romans and visitors, showing the many lives of the buildings.

bridgesmagazinerome.com 16

15

DDA Members and the Rome Heritage Foundation Commemorate the Completion of the Historic Plaque Program.

16

bridgesmagazinerome.com

IF YOU’VE BEEN ON THE FENCE ABOUT BUYING A HOME...

RATES ARE COMING D O W N Contact your preferred lender to learn more about your buying power in the current real estate market!

611 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, GA 30165 · 706.291.0202

WWW.TOLESTEMPLE.COM bridgesmagazinerome.com

17

W

hen Harry Pierce sold his company Big Time Products, you knew he wouldn’t sit still in retirement. It wasn’t long before conversations with his brother-in-law and four-term Sheriff Tim Burkhalter and former Floyd County Prison Warden Jeff Chandler led to the creation of Hard Time Products. But don’t let the name fool you.

Hard Time Products, which began in a man cave on the farm, serving the corrections industry, has expanded to the healthcare industry, even colleges and universities nationwide.

The company is led by Pierce, who serves as CEO, while Chandler and Burkhalter serve as President and Vice-President of Sales, respectively. Other officers include Mike Burkhalter, Vice-President of Supply Chain; Chase Patterson, the Chief Operating Officer; and Daniel Dougan, the SVP of Sales.

Each leadership team member brings unique skills to the table, making the sum of the company so much more effective than the individual parties. Pierce is a successful entrepreneur with contacts all around the world. Chandler and Tim Burkhalter’s contacts in the corrections industry have enabled the company 18

to get into places that competitors’ sales personnel could never go, while Patterson and Mike Burkhalter know and understand the ins and outs of logistics and the supply chain as well as anyone in the country.

Dougan is a licensed pharmacist who was rising through the corporate pharmaceutical world but gave it up because he wanted to learn from his father-inlaw Pierce.

Did we mention that everyone is related except Chandler, who has become an adopted member of the greater Burkhalter family? Patterson said that as the company has grown to 27 employees, each person was the right person for the right job at the right time. “We didn’t hire anyone off of INDEED,” Patterson said.

“Tim and I had talked about doing a business for years,” Chandler said.” Harry had been sitting around for about two years (after selling Big Time Products), bored to death. He heard Tim and me talking, and he was surprised by that and said, Hey, you’re talking my language.”

bridgesmagazinerome.com

The company started during the global Covid pandemic to help corrections and detention facilities cope with supply chain issues for various products used in jails and prisons across the country. “We saw the biggest oceanic freight debacle in our lifetime, and we decided to open a supply business,” Chandler said.

Tim Burkhalter explained that while COVID was such a disaster for so many companies, it helped hasten Hard Time’s growth because, to start, one of the first big products they got involved with was gloves that had to be worn by corrections personnel.

Pierce had contacts with vendors overseas through his former company. Actually, he helped develop gloves that were custom-fit for customers.

Retired Sheriff Burkhalter and Chandler also said that during COVID-19, they were busy attending conferences and meetings in person, showing off products, and establishing relationships with future customers. At the same time, competitors sent checks for booth space but never showed up in person.

Hard Time sources its inventory from all over the world. “Towels, sheets, uniforms, shoes, everything it’s very competitive, and it’s all imported,” Pierce said. Most of the items are manufactured to specifications developed by Hard Time for its customers. Pierce said that kind of customer service has helped the company grow rapidly. Patterson also stressed that quality control is critical to the company’s success, which inspects all of its products before they go out to customers.

Wherever possible, Chandler said the company uses local facilities and vendors to help the Rome and Floyd County economy. Uniforms are screen printed locally, and the company has acquired the former Evans Construction facility off the Alabama Highway for its warehousing. The company has converted approximately 5,000 square feet of that warehouse space to USDA-approved space for storing commissary food items.

The USDA-approved space is important to the company’s latest venture, “The Call Store.” The company has software in jails and prisons across the region that allows inmates to special order goodies like chips and crackers, which are delivered to the institutions once a week.

Expanding beyond the corrections was an easy decision.

Hard Time is marketing items for use across the healthcare industry. It also partnered with the University of Georgia to offer custom food containers with the Bulldog’s logos, anything to impress a recruit!

The leadership team constantly looks for ways to expand services and make the company’s operation more efficient for its clients. Pierce, in particular, has had much success through the years due to this dedication to customer service.

From left to right: Tim Burkhalter, Chase Patterson, Harry Pierce, and Jeff Chandler bridgesmagazinerome.com

When you say the days of exemplary customer service are gone, you haven’t been to the Hard Time Products offices on Broad Street or the warehouse out the Alabama Highway.

19

Rome’s Hometown Bank

R

iver City Bank, located at the corner of West Third and Second Avenue, has become a landmark in downtown Rome. The bank was founded in May 2006 with a mission to deliver exceptional community banking services to residents of North Georgia. From the start, they have been committed to enhancing their customers’ financial well-being by providing competitive products and personalized solutions backed by class-leading customer service.

Today, River City Bank operates 2 full-service offices, one in Floyd County and the other in Union County, along with a Loan Production Office in Dawson County. Financial results over the last 3-4 years reflect steady growth and profitability; the Bank has grown by more than $100 million and created an earnings stream that will provide organic capital to continue that growth trend.

“I am proud of our team’s ability to grow and find success over the last few years particularly given the challenging macro-economic cycles we have operated through,” stated Jamie Tallent, President/CEO of River City Bank. “It starts with great employees. Our team of bankers are knowledgeable and passionate about matching our customers with the right 20

financial solutions while providing an excellent customer experience. We believe our employees are the greatest assets in our organization and I give them all the credit.”

As a locally owned bank, River City Bank leans on the community and the valuable input of its customers, always seeking ways to improve and learn from those they serve. Many of their team members call Rome and Floyd County home, raising families and engaging in our churches and schools right alongside the clients they serve. Those team members are empowered to leverage local decision-making authority to impact the lives of their neighbors both individually and in small businesses across Floyd County. They are committed to investing in our hometown with the goal of seeing Rome and Floyd County flourish. In 2023, River City Bank employees contributed over 1,500 volunteer hours supporting both local non-profit and civic organizations while investing in excess of $55,000 into the Rome community, providing support to over 40 local organizations.

“Both the banking industry and our country have weathered several economic instabilities over the last five years,” stated Tallent. “In addition to the bridgesmagazinerome.com

Serving the Community It is our privilege to meet the needs of families and businesses of Rome and Floyd County.

Java Joy at the Bank

Working with the Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries

We look forward to continuing to be your strong financial partner for years to come.

bridgesmagazinerome.com

SEC Game 2023

21

serve the families and businesses of Rome and Floyd County, offering sound advice and banking solutions to help them be successful and foster growth in our local area. We look forward to continuing our role as a corporate citizen, earning our community’s trust daily, while consistently being a dependable financial partner for many years to come.”

“Every member of our team is dedicated to helping you achieve financial success.”

Bauer Financial Inc., the nation’s premier bank rating firm, awarded a 5-star rating to River City Bank for the fifth consecutive year in 2023. This highest performance rating reports that River City Bank continues to excel in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality, and more. River City Bank was recently voted by the community as the 2023 Best Bank in the “Best of Rome” awards presented by the Rome News Tribune. They were also recognized for Best Mortgage Services, ranking among the top two Best Mortgage Lenders, and top three Best Bankers in Rome.

For more information about River City Bank, visit rivercity.bank or their local office at 228 North Second Avenue in downtown Rome.

Jamie Tallent, President & CEO

pandemic, we have seen a radical cycle of interest rates that have moved at an unprecedented velocity.

Through it all, our bankers exhibited incredible resiliency yet never lost focus on our goals and objectives. River City Bank has and always will be committed to our customers, our employees, our communities, and our shareholders. We have created a standard of excellence, and we consistently focus on creating a contagious corporate culture.”

River City Bank offers services for both personal and commercial clients including deposits, loans, credit cards, and mortgage loans. They also provide specialized services such as treasury management, government-guaranteed loans, and wealth management. When it comes to community banking, you can Expect More with River City Bank.

“Our commitment to the community is of utmost importance,” stated Tallent. “It is our privilege to 22

Matt Robbins, Chief Banking Officer bridgesmagazinerome.com

Thank you, Rome!

BEST BANK BEST BANKERS • BEST MORTGAGE SERVICES • BEST MORTGAGE LENDERS

Angie Beard Best Banker Winner

Rhonda Wallace Best Banker Runner-Up

David Mullinax Best Banker Third Place

Kathi Watson Best Mortgage Lender Winner

Terri Ainsworth Best Mortgage Lender Runner-Up

Located at River City Bank 228 North 2nd Avenue SW Rome, GA 30165 Rob Masters Best Financial Consultant, Winner

Kitty Barton Best Financial Consultant, Runner-Up

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. River City Bank and RCB Wealth Management are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using RCB Wealth Management and may also be employees of River City Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of River City Bank or RCB Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency

bridgesmagazinerome.com

Not Bank Guaranteed

Not Bank Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

23

“When you call, I answer all your Insurance needs.”

Ben McWhorter The trust your clients place in you and your company is the most essential aspect of business. Alfa Insurance – Ben McWhorter Agency opened in 2021, and each day, McWhorter and his staff work to earn that confidence and to serve to the best of their ability.

After starting his career nine years ago at a local independent agency, he found an appreciation for the industry and its impact on customers and their families. As his experience grew, he became a licensed agent to run his own agency. “As I sought the opportunity to open my own agency, one of the most important factors was the ability to remain in Rome to be near family,” stated McWhorter.

During this time, a mutual acquaintance introduced 24

him to the Regional Manager for Alfa Insurance.

After the meeting, McWhorter was offered the opportunity to represent them in the Rome and Floyd County areas. McWhorter says, “After meeting, I felt it would be a good match for me and my family.

We decided to move forward with me opening an agency from scratch. I was up for the challenge.

However, shortly after, I received a call that one of the agents here had submitted his resignation, and I was able to purchase their business and begin my career with Alfa.”

The original company that would become Alfa Insurance was founded in Alabama in 1946. The company soon expanded to Mississippi and Georgia and continues to grow throughout the country.

Alfa and its independent agents represent the foundational principles of the company – Faith, Family, Community, and Integrity. The principles of the company are very important to Ben and his staff. “Our goal working with clients is to create a bridgesmagazinerome.com

relationship and not perform transactions. We work to provide the best possible policies to fill their needs and to be a source of information, so they know exactly what they are getting,” Ben said.

One aspect that makes Alfa stand out to its agents as well as its customers is the agents and claims teams are all Alfa employees. When a client experiences the need to file a claim, each agent has a dedicated team of adjusters. This allows the agent to create a bond and trust that their clients will be able to be served fairly and promptly.

While the majority of policies are written under the Alfa umbrella, the agency has the opportunity to work with multiple companies to ensure everyone can get the coverage they need. The company also offers life insurance, commercial insurance, pet insurance, and is currently onboarding health insurance for small groups. “There really isn’t anything we can’t cover. Our clients can rest easy knowing all of the auxiliary companies are fully

Brady Drummond Associate Agent bridgesmagazinerome.com

vetted by Alfa, and can expect the same quality service,” McWhorter stated.

Since opening the agency, McWhorter has been pleased with the growth of the company and the confidence entrusted by his clients. He has welcomed two Associate Agents, Brady Drummond, and Drew Estes. Both of which are working toward their full licensing.

In addition to Rome, the agency also serves the Armuchee, Lindale, Rockmart, Cedartown, Cartersville, Summerville, Calhoun, and Adairsville communities. Alfa Insurance – Ben McWhorter Agency is located in downtown Rome at 601 East First Street.

For more information visit alfainsurance.com/agents/benmcwhorter or call 706.234.8686.

Ben McWhorter Agent

Drew Estes Associate Agent 25

What Your

SPLOST $ WILL BUY V

oters in Rome once again helped carry a $110 million Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) to passage in November. The SPLOST package passed by large numbers in each city precinct, plus Cave Spring, but was not as successful in the unincorporated county precincts.

The Floyd County Police Department will be moving to a new headquarters at the former Glenwood School property off Old Dalton Road.

The SPLOST contains $2 million for a new training facility on the Glenwood campus and another $270,000 for a secure parking and evidence retention facility at Glenwood.

“The list of SPLOST projects is not just necessary, but vital to the growth of Rome,” said Bob Berry, chairman of the SPLOST Citizens Advisory committee. “We are all fortunate to live in a community that will tax itself to allow progress to continue.”

Improvements to the Floyd County Jail will receive $2.8 million, and the Floyd County Prison on Blacks Bluff Road will receive $1.9 million for security enhancements.

Projects related to Public Safety will receive the largest chunk of funds from the SPLOST, more than $38.4 million. The single largest project in the package includes $22.4 million for a new city of Rome police headquarters. As part of the most recent Local-Option Sales Tax agreement between Rome, Cave Spring, and Floyd County, the county is taking control of the existing law enforcement center on Fifth Avenue. It will convert that building for use by the Magistrate, Juvenile and Probate counts.

The Emergency 9-1-1 Center will also remain in the building.

26

The Rome-Floyd Fire Department is slated to receive $5.7 million for new equipment. Public Works and Transportation related projects will receive $32.8 million from the package. City and County paving and infrastructure improvements are targeted to receive $17.1 million. Another $1.8 million is earmarked to improve Three Mile Road, which will serve as the primary entrance to the new Floyd County Agriculture Center near Mount Berry Mall. Chulio Road will get $6 million for long overdue improvements to that corridor, which serves the southeastern corner of the community. Water and Sewer improvements will receive $13.5 million from the tax package. A new sewer line all the way out bridgesmagazinerome.com

from the eastern end of the by-pass to serve the new industrial site at Biddy Road will get $4.5 million.

Cave Spring residents will benefit from a $3 million earmark to upgrade the entire water distribution system. Residents in the southeast section of the county will be getting new water lines to the tune of $2.6 million.

Speaking of the industrial site at Biddy Road, the SPLOST package includes another $10 million for economic development purposes. Much of that money is anticipated to be used for additional land acquisition.

Quality of Life projects will receive $11.4 million.

Etowah Park’s improvements will cost $3.6 million, while Garden Lakes Park is slated to receive $2.5 million. A new boardwalk trail connecting Ridge Ferry Park underneath Riverside Parkway to Jackson Hill will receive $2 million. Alto Park will get $915,000, a new Oostanaula River paddle-in campsite will get $850,000, and Eagle Park in North Rome will get $500,000. The package includes $235,000 for upgrades at each of Wolfe Park in Lindale, Shag

bridgesmagazinerome.com

William Park in Shannon, Lock a& Dam Park on the Coosa River, and Thornton Park in Armuchee.

Finally, the package includes $3.7 million for what are referred to as infrastructure and technology enhancements. One of those projects, valued at $1.7 million, will add ten new T-Hangars at Richard B. Russell Airport. That will lead to immediate new revenue at the airport for years to come and help maintain the airport’s status as the leader for aviation in Northwest Georgia. Another $1 million is earmarked for recycling technology enhancements, $800,000 will help finance repairs to the historic Clocktower in Rome, and $200,000 is slated to help repair the old Cave Spring Elementary School roof.

Rome City Manager Sammy Rich anticipates the commission will conduct a retreat early in the new year to develop a consensus concerning priorities for early funding. He also said that talks with Floyd County officials are likely to take place to talk about the possibility of issuing bonds to jumpstart some of the projects once a consensus relative to priorities is reached.

27

PICKLEBALL T

he sport of pickleball continues to grow by leaps and bounds in Rome. According to USA Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America traces its origins to Washington state in the mid-1960s. U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard and a friend were looking for a different activity after a round of golf. They happened on a badminton net, but no racquets or shuttlecocks were available. In the spirit of adventure, the men improvised with a couple of ping pong paddles and a wiffle ball. It is rumored the name for the sport is from Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase down errant balls and then have to be chased down to retrieve them.

standardized height of 34 inches in the center of the court and 36 inches at either end.

Colt Gaston, manager of the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College, who also oversees the 22-court pickleball facility adjacent to Barron Stadium, said the goal for the downtown facility is to become the kind of tournament-style economic driver similar to the large tennis center. “We’re looking to host pro events of all levels,” Gaston said. As of now, eight major tournaments are also on the books for 2024.

Additionally, the indoor facility at the Rome Tennis Center will be lined off for pickleball for at least four

They were originally hoping to create a sport the whole family could enjoy. Today, pickleball has taken over the Downtown Racquets Center, with the conversion of the former tennis courts to pickleball courts. The complex also includes several “championship” courts in the middle of the complex.

The paddles have evolved into objects about twice the size of a ping pong paddle and a net set at a 28

bridgesmagazinerome.com

additional tournaments in the coming year. “Each tournament is estimated to bring between 250 and 400 people to Rome,” Gaston said.

Lisa Smith, the executive director of Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism, said she hopes to obtain between four and six pickleball rolls, portable courts, that can be laid out inside the Forum River Center. “That way, we can bring people downtown for large events and have an even greater economic impact,” Smith said. Matches could be televised without any weather interference.” Yes, pickleball is becoming so popular there is even a Pickleball Channel on the tube.

On the recreational side, Gaston is working to schedule various programs to introduce more people to the sport. Many one-on-one classes are being scheduled to build the number of folks enjoying the sport.

Billy Thornton, the ‘Grandfather of Tennis’ in Rome, admits that he has gotten hooked on pickleball. He was fortunate enough to get in on the ground floor of the pickleball movement years ago when a man came into the rec center and asked former director Richard Garland if there were any pickleball courts in Rome.

Garland responded that a portable net and some paddles had recently been purchased. The visitor, Bob Hood, now known locally as Pickleball Bob asked Garland if he could borrow them. Thornton came out of a recreation board meeting and was introduced to Hood, and the two started a friendship that has helped spur the sport in Rome and Floyd County.

Thornton said he has been amazed at how the sport

bridgesmagazinerome.com

has taken off. “People of all ages can play,” Thornton said. “I think the best thing about pickleball is that people who have never been an athlete can play.”

Over the past Labor Day weekend, at one point, all 22 courts at the Downtown Racquets Center were in use, and there was a waiting line for people to play. That translates to more than 80 people on those courts at one time since most matches played are doubles. “Seldom do I ever see a singles match,” Thornton said.

Alex Torok has been hired as the Director of Pickleball for the downtown facility. Torok came to Rome from Northern Virginia. Isabel Potter, Leanne Mann, and Trevor Hendrix are all instructors and part of the staff that deals specifically with pickleball.

In 2023, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association certified pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the third straight year.

29

Advent Health GREENWAY

O

ne of the foundation principles of AdventHealth Redmond is a whole-person approach to help people take their health – and life into their own hands. This encouraging a philosophy of optimum health is embodied in the CREATION Life concept. CREATION Life stands for Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook, and Nutrition.

The company is honored to partner with RomeFloyd County TRED to bring this program to the community after recently being granted naming rights for the ECO Greenway system. AdventHealth Redmond has committed to various enhancements throughout the trail system in multiple phases.

The phases include physical and environmental enhancements, programmatic enhancements, and marketing and community support.

(Continued on Page 32) 30

bridgesmagazinerome.com

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to partner with the City of Rome and TRED to not only name the trail system but to provide additional opportunities and enhancements that will lead to a healthier community, enhance peoples’ quality of life and even improve the economy.”

ISAAC SENDROS

PRESIDENT AND CEO ADVENTHEALTH REDMOND

bridgesmagazinerome.com

31

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENTS The first phase of enhancements will begin in early 2024 by creating an Urban food forest at Kingfisher Trail, north of the Bob Moore Bridge. This innovative concept aligns with AdventHealth’s Community Health Needs Plan and will provide the South Rome community with a supplemental healthy food source.

For example, the forest will feature blueberry bushes, mulberry trees, plums, pears, and apples.

In 2026, the second phase is tentatively scheduled at the Mount Berry Trailhead. Visitors will enjoy a new covered pavilion and children’s play area conveniently located adjacent to the trailhead parking area. This enhancement will allow families to spend time outdoors and connect with friends.

PROGRAMMATIC ENHANCEMENTS The dedication of AdventHealth Redmond is demonstrated once again as its professionals work to inform citizens through valuable interpersonal opportunities with the natural beauty of the ECO Greenway as the backdrop. One such program is Walk with a Doc, which is open to the public.

Coordinated with TRED, these guided events will cover topics of interest to the community regarding health, wellness, and quality of life. Another proposed event is a Feel Whole Stroll, geared toward survivors of health conditions to celebrate their recovery.

Also, Exercise Training will be provided by a rehab therapist or sports medicine as they demonstrate the use of the exercise equipment at Ridge Ferry Park. This equipment was installed by The Heart of the Community Foundation, which has long been associated with the AdventHealth ECO Greenway.

MARKETING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT In an exerted effort to increase the use of the trail and share the benefits available to our citizens and community, AdventHealth will create a series of testimonial videos. Tales from the Trail will feature trail users sharing their favorite parts of the trail, what events they enjoy, and the impact of the trail system on their lifestyle. AdventHealth will also serve as a premier sponsor for the TRED event and conduct monthly trail clean-up sessions with Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful.

(Continued on Page 40) 32

bridgesmagazinerome.com

KG343 $159.99

Includes Rechargeable Battery

Kress

Over 50 Years in Business

Sold in Over 12 European Countries

HEATHER’S OUTDOOR POWER 706.291.7830 90 E. CALLAHAN STREET ROME, GA heathersoutdoorpower.com Financing Available

bridgesmagazinerome.com

33

Doug Walker Receives

KAPLAN AWARD have been held in the indoor facility to the volume of high-caliber junior competitions, USTA league play, and intercollegiate championships. “I have appreciated how the Rome Tennis Center (RTC) is often featured in the news section of the Rome News Tribune. I think media coverage has helped spread the message that the RTC is an economic development driver for the community,” Walker said.

“Since opening in late summer 2016, the RTC has helped generate more than $40 million in directly trackable revenue, easily surpassing the capital expenses related to the facility’s construction.”

T

he United States Tennis Association Georgia Chapter honored City of Rome Public Information Officer, Doug Walker, with its statewide Marc Kaplan Media Excellence Award for 2023. Walker also received the award in 2019.

The 2019 Kaplan Award was presented to Doug Walker specifically for his coverage of Georgia’s Rome Open International Wheelchair tournament, which spotlights the incredible talents of athletes who have undergone debilitating injuries but have refused to allow physical challenges from competing at the highest level of their sport.

The 2023 Kaplan Award is being presented in Atlanta on February 10.

The Kaplan Award is presented to the individual or organization who has made significant contributions to the sport of tennis through media promotion and coverage of events and people involved in tennis.

“I am honored to have even been nominated for this award by the leadership of the Coosa Valley Tennis Association,” Walker said. “The fact that this nomination was for continuing support of the support across numerous events makes it very special. Rome is blessed to have had the foresight to develop a large tournament complex that has brought so many events to Rome. I have enjoyed helping tell the story behind many of these athletes.”

Walker’s photographs cover various events, from men’s and women’s professional tournaments that 34

bridgesmagazinerome.com

bridgesmagazinerome.com

35

HYDRO DYNAMICS AWARD WINNING GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY

R

ome-based Hydro Dynamics Inc. (HDI) was honored by the Georgia Department of Economic Development earlier this year for continuing to add international customers. The company’s ShockWave Power Reactor captures energy through a process known as cavitation. It is used for everything from making beer to expanding the amount of methane gas from cow manure.

“It’s safe to say that we’re not doing anything we thought we would be doing,” said founder Kelly Hudson. The company’s first customer was Rome Cleaners. “Our goal, starting out, was to sell a steam producer that was combustion-less heating to the dry-cleaning industry to make steam so that they didn’t have to have a boiler operator.”

Years ago, cavitation was a dirty word because of the forces; it would tear up props on a boat motor, and people would talk about problems with pumps that wore out from cavitation. “That was probably one of the hardest hurdles we had to overcome. The advantage we’ve had over other manufacturers was 36

that our device has a lifetime warranty,” said Hudson.

“As long as we have been in business, we have never had a claim on our product - never!”

Hydro Dynamics has been able to market its products across six of the seven continents over the past 20 years, with Antarctica as the lone holdout.

“We’ve had several large customers that have taken us to different places,” said Chief Science Officer Doug Mancosky. “They are multi-national companies, so as they purchase our product and bring it to more and more of their facilities, it naturally follows that it opens up other countries and industries.”

The application to the brewery and distillery industry was developed almost a decade ago.

“No matter whether you’re running high or low production, every day you use it, it will save you money,” Mancosky said. “In the case of beer technology, specifically when you’re looking at hops savings, every time you use the technology, you’re going to use fewer hops, you’re going to yield more beer, and so in that process, you’re going to make bridgesmagazinerome.com

more money, so there is a strong, compelling payback for the brewery.” And people drink beer everywhere, even in Antarctica.

Mancosky doubles as the CEO of HDI subsidiary XtractMor, which deals primarily with the beverage industry. “In fact, in many cases, we’ll offer a very inexpensive or free trial to customers because we know if we get it to the brewery if we have a chance to show what the technology can do, that we have a high likelihood of getting a sale in the end,” Mancosky. The beverage industry accounts for between 50 and 60% of sales for Hydro Dynamics.

Hudson and Mancosky say the Georgia Department of Economic Development has been very supportive of Hydro Dynamics. The department provides trade representatives who help companies like HDI investigate new markets and develop new customers.

The company has benefited from this service, which is offered at no charge.

The company also works in the biogas industry, predominantly using its ShockWave Power Reactor to treat cow manure, extracting more biomethane for energy production. Agri-business firms, from small individual farmers in Europe to larger cooperative companies in the U.S., put in a large anaerobic digester, essentially a giant tank where manure is held for as many as 30 days, allowing bacteria to produce methane. “With our technology, we can take and radically increase the amount of methane that is produced out of a given amount of biogas solids as much as a 10-20% increase, so we’ve installed several of those across the country recently, a couple in Colorado and one in Indiana,” said Mancosky.

In Europe, tax policy incentivizes smaller facilities, which makes the marketing aspect a little tougher.

The U.S. market has become more efficient and appealing because the U.S. has a greater number of large facilities owned by the same company or co-op.

The biogas industry now accounts for close to 20% of HDI sales.

The Hydro Dynamics plant in West Rome is primarily a point of assembly operation. The company has grown from two employees when Hudson started in 1991 to about ten today, most of them in engineering. It is supported by several suppliers like Georgia Machine Works, a steel supplier, and Rome Electric, which provides motors and drives. HDI uses a variety of sales representatives in the U.S. and abroad.

“I never envisioned anything like this until we hired visionary engineers like Doug (Mancosky), Dan Armstead, and Derek Parker, true engineers that understood what was happening and the potential,” Hudson said. The uses of the technology seem boundless, depending on the imagination of the HDI team.

Founder Kelly Hudson and Chief Science Officer Doug Mancosky bridgesmagazinerome.com

37

NEW MAYOR TAKES GAVEL The swearing-in ceremony for the new Mayor of Rome took place on Monday, January 8. Craig McDaniel, commissioner Ward 3 since 2016, accepted the oath of office. This will be his second tenure as mayor, appointed by a majority vote of fellow commissioners.

Dr. Craig McDaniel is a native Roman. He received his Bachelor of Science in business management from Carson-Newman College and his doctorate from the University of Georgia. Before taking a seat on the city commission, McDaniel served as President of Coosa Valley Technical College, now known as Georgia Northwestern.

Judge Jack Niedrach officiates swearing in of Dr. Craig McDaniel.

38

bridgesmagazinerome.com

After 125 years the Legacy continues.

Whether you are an individual or a business of any size, we have the experience and level of service you need to enjoy the confidence that your legal concerns are being competently handled. Our team of lawyers provides clients with exceptional personal attention and strength of representation. We are a general practice firm prepared to champion your rights in whatever legal concern you may have for years to come.

Banking Law, Collections, Commercial & Civil Litigation, Corporate Law, Criminal Defense, Criminal & Civil Appeals, Family Law, Employment Law, Estate & Probate Appeals, Litigation, Local Government, Personal Injury, Real Estate, Workers’ Compensation, Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning

ROME

CEDARTOWN

111 Bridgepoint Plaza STE 300 Rome, GA 30161 706.291.6223

223 South College Street Cedartown, GA 30125 770.749.6723

www.msp-lawfirm.com

A Tradition of Service - Serving Rome and Northwest Georgia since 1899 bridgesmagazinerome.com

39

(Continued from Page 32)

Many studies have highlighted the benefits of spending time outdoors. Based on data from PRA (ParkRx) benefits of nature and outdoor activities include: PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS • Exercising in natural environments has greater physical and mental health benefits than exercising indoors.

• Access to nature lowers rates of obesity and depression.

• Spending more time outside leads to increased physical activity.

• Increased outdoor play in preschools leads to a decreased risk of obesity.

Decrease in Diabetes • Higher residential greenness appears to be associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes.

• Children engaging in green exercise have shown to have a lower blood pressure than when engaging in standard exercise.

Cardiovascular Health • Increased neighborhood greenness is associated with improved cardiovascular health and a decreased risk of stroke.

• Individuals living in areas with the greatest amount of greenspace have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Improved Sleep • Time outdoors is associated with improved sleep.

• Exposure to neighborhood greenness is also associated with improved sleep quality.

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS • Less time spent outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher depression and anxiety.

• People with depression who walk in nature have an improved mood.

• The prevalence of depression decreased in neighborhoods with vegetation cover and bird abundance.

• Higher levels of greenspace are associated with low levels of depression.

Decreased Stress and Anxiety • Time in nature significantly reduces anxiety and stress in children.

• Nature can significantly reduce cortisol levels.

• Neighborhood characteristics such as vegetation cover and afternoon bird abundance were positively associated with a lower prevalence of anxiety and stress.

• Exercising in natural environments relieves stress better than exercising indoors.

Improved ADHD Symptoms • Time in nature has been shown to significantly reduce ADHD symptoms.

• Natural schoolyards have been shown to decrease behavioral problems.

• Children with ADHD concentrate better after walking in a park than in another setting.

Increased Focus and RestorativeProperties • Exercising in natural environments restores attentional levels better than exercising indoors.

• Recess in a natural environment has been shown to improve restorativeness and tests of cognitive performance.

Increased Sense of Well-being, Self-concept and Resiliency, Less Rumination • Marginalized students with emotional and social difficulties who participated in an outdoor education program had significantly greater improvements in self-concept than a control group.

• The availability of quality neighbored greenspace is associated with a greater sense of well-being in adults and children.

• Exposure to nature has been associated with decreased activity of the “rumination center’ in our brain and improved affect.

(Continued on Page 48)

40

bridgesmagazinerome.com

FORUM RIVER CENTER

L

ocated in the heart of downtown, The Forum opened its doors in 1993, paid for as an item in the 1988 SPLOST. It was constructed to seat 3116 for sports events, and up to 3,932 for concerts and entertainment events.

The management of the forum was assumed by the city of Rome on January 1, 2024, along with the surrounding property of Town Green and the Pedestrian Bridge.

Renamed the Forum River Center, the newly renovated venue touts comfortable accommodations for just about any event imaginable. From shows to expos, corporate celebrations, conventions, wedding receptions, bull riding or reunions, the Forum River Center does not disappoint patrons and guests and will continue to enhance Rome assets.

bridgesmagazinerome.com

41

SENATE REVIEW

CHUCK

HUFSTETLER FINANCE CHAIR, GEORGIA STATE SENATE

H

aving finished a special session to redraw the Georgia House, Georgia Senate, and Congressional maps there has been no rest for the legislators. Our regular session began January 8. It is the earliest in the year a session can start as it begins by law on the second Monday of the year. The maps have since been approved.

This year will be a lively one. We will be accelerating a tax cut that is being exhibited. The original rate of 6% has been reduced to 5.75%. It was scheduled to go to 5.49% on January 1st, but legislation supported by the Governor, House, and Senate will reduce that to 5.39% retroactive to January 1st.

The Lt. Governor and leadership asked me to introduce legislation on property tax assessments. I was reminded of when I was a County Commissioner from 1999 to 2006, we enacted ‘a homeowner’s freeze’ on Floyd County taxes. The proposal is for a cap that will allow an increase of no more that a 3% a year and do away with many silly notices and incorrect statements on the bill. This could prevent massive tax increases in future years and should have been done long ago.

The tax credit committee I chaired off-season is finishing up its work. We propose legislation to allow transparency regarding who gets tax breaks. One such tax break, the now famous film tax credit has created jobs in Georgia, but has appeared costly by some. North Carolina has taken an approach of virtually eliminating these breaks and giving everyone a tax cut. Their rate was higher than Georgia’s, going to 3.99% on January 1 with plans to go to 3.2%. North Carolina is our number one competitor for business in the south, and it is thriving. We must remain competitive. But the good news is industry is booming in our area and will accelerate in the next few years.

puts those in the 100% to 138% income level on private insurance, with the Federal Government paying 90% of the cost through its Medicaid program.

Another issue will be the CON (Certificate of Need), which prohibits building health facilities without approval.

South Carolina recently eliminated their CON; other states, such as Texas, eliminated it years ago. I am a proponent of the free market, but it requires a level playing field-which we don’t have. We seek ways to level the playing field and get the government less involved in these decisions.

You may also see tradeoffs between the groups wanting Medicaid and those wanting a CON. These and many other issues make for a robust session.

Be assured I will represent our great district in the best ways that I can. I will work to continue to reduce taxes and government. Among other things, continue to have our teachers received the highest average pay in the south - from Texas to Virginia. A healthy educated work force is the number one need in our state.

And, as always thank you for allowing me to represent you.

State Senate Committee Memberships: Appropriations, Ex-Officio Finance, Chairman Health and Human Services, Member Rules, Member

Healthcare issues will be also be on the agenda. Under discussion will be the Arkansas Medicaid waiver that 42

bridgesmagazinerome.com

Your One-Stop Shop For Insurance Ben McWhorter

601 E 1st St. Rome, GA 30161-3143 (706) 234-8686 BMcWhorter@alfains.com

bridgesmagazinerome.com

43

FACES FACES FACES FACES FACES

44

bridgesmagazinerome.com

FACES FACES FACES FACES OF ROME

bridgesmagazinerome.com

45

FIND What You Are Looking For C I T Y

D I R E C T O R Y

New to Rome? Or need city services? We are here to assist the citizens of Rome.

This City Directory conveniently lists our department contact numbers.

46

bridgesmagazinerome.com

CITY OF ROME Building Inspection...............................................................706-236-4480 Business Systems Analyst.....................................................706-236-4446 Cemetery Department..........................................................706-236-4534 City Clerk’s Office................................................................. 706-236-4461 Community Development......................................................706-236-4460 Downtown Development Authority.........................................706-236-4520 Engineering Services............................................................ 706-378-3846 Finance...............................................................................706-236-4420 Fire Department, Non-emergency..........................................706-236-4500 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)................................... 706-802-6703 Human Resources & Risk Management...................................706-236-4450 Information Technology.........................................................706-236-4445 Municipal Court.................................................................... 706-238-5150 Planning & Zoning.................................................................706-236-5025 Police, Non-emergency........................................................... 706-238-5111 Public Works Division............................................................706-236-4466 Purchasing........................................................................... 706-236-4410 Solid Waste Collections.........................................................706-236-4580 Stonebridge Golf..................................................................706-236-5046 Streets & Drainage Department.............................................706-236-4585 Tourism............................................................................... 706-295-5576 Transit.................................................................................706-236-4523 Transportation Planning........................................................706-236-5025 Urban Forestry.....................................................................706-236-4585 Walker Mountain Landfill......................................................... 706-291-4512 Water & Sewer Division.........................................................706-236-4440

C IT Y DI R ECTO RY

DEPARTMENTS

Water Billing.........................................................................706-236-4440 bridgesmagazinerome.com

47

(Continued from Page 40)

TRAILHEAD LOCATIONS AL HWY MORI ’S ME N A R TE VE

6 INTERSTATE 27

Advent Health lvd Stadium sB ve Bra

N

Chieftains Museum

Av e

N

E

Redmond Rd

MARTHA BERRY HWY

5 1

Jackson Hill Trails

ST AT E

Ave A

53

Rome Labyrinth

TE R

e Av

IVER LA R

AU TAN

h 5t

er Av e

Do g woo dD riv e

Ridge Ferry Park

OOS

N

2 et

re St

ROAD

Mi

lne rB

d

ve tA 1s

3

e Av

E

ET OW AH

R IVER

n

2n

South Rome

RIVER/CREEK PARK/GREENSPACE

all

McC

e th t n tric e s e i tw s D Beiver R

lvd

o Br

er Turn

ad

ve hA

4

TRAIL 5t

Robert Redden Footbridge Myrtle Hill Cemetery

293 RSTATE INTE

LEGEND

e ag rit k He Par

COO SA RI VE R

IN

Di Riv st er ric t

Riverv iew Park

PARKING

BIKE STATION

RESTROOM

RESTURAUNT

DOG PARK

RV PARKING

PICNIC TABLES

BOAT DOCK

en

Sh o rt

Blossom Hill Trails

RIVERSIDE PKWY

Post Office

G

l

GREENWAY

48

bridgesmagazinerome.com

Our central location in the Southeast combined with our unrivaled southern hospitality makes Georgia’s Rome the perfect spot for your next meeting, convention, wedding or event.

From small gatherings to groups of 4,000 we have you covered!

• Riverfront ballroom, meeting rooms and arena • Enjoy the vibrant and historic Downtown Rome District • Beautiful downtown hotel properties are located adjacent to the center • Walk to dining, shopping and hotels • Complimentary evening downtown transportation service offered Thursday to Saturday •

Book Your Event Today!

706-291-5281 l ForumRiverCenter.com